Tullamore woman shares ten New Year’s resolutions to improve mental health

As people prepare to welcome the New Year, mental health charity Turn2Me, led by Tullamore woman and CEO Fiona O'Malley, is encouraging the public to rethink traditional resolutions and instead focus on small, realistic changes that support mental wellbeing.

Rather than setting extreme or perfection-driven goals, Turn2Me says sustainable habits rooted in self-compassion can make a meaningful difference to mental health throughout the year.

According to Fiona realistic resolutions are more likely to stick and far less likely to damage self-esteem.

Turn2Me has outlined 10 realistic New Year’s resolutions that can help improve mental health in a manageable and compassionate way:

1. Spend More Time in Nature

Make time to be outdoors regularly, whether it’s a short walk in a park, along the coast, or simply sitting outside. “Nature has a calming effect on the nervous system,” said O’Malley. “Even brief moments outdoors can help reduce stress and improve mood.”

2. Create Moments of Calm in Your Day

Build small pauses into your routine, such as taking a few deep breaths, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or stepping away from screens. “Mental health improves when we allow ourselves moments of stillness,” O’Malley said. “You don’t need hours of mindfulness, just intentional breaks.”

3. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy

This could mean saying no more often, limiting over-commitment, or reducing time with people or situations that drain you. “Healthy boundaries are an act of self-respect, not selfishness,” O’Malley said.

4. Reduce Self-Criticism

Notice when your inner voice becomes harsh and practise speaking to yourself with kindness instead. Consciously speak kindly about yourself. “How we talk to ourselves matters,” said O’Malley. “Compassionate self-talk can significantly reduce anxiety and low mood.”

5. Stay Connected, Even in Small Ways

Aim to check in with a friend, family member, or colleague regularly, even a short message counts. “Human connection is vital for mental wellbeing,” O’Malley noted. “We are a social species, tribal in nature. You don’t need constant socialising; meaningful contact is what matters.”

6. Move Your Body Gently and Consistently

Choose movement you enjoy, such as walking, stretching, running, weights, dancing or a weekly gym session to release endorphins, the natural ‘happy’ hormone.

7. Limit Comparison With Others

Reduce time spent comparing your life, body, or achievements to others, particularly on social media. Remind yourself that what we see on social media is curated and heavily edited, not a real depiction of a person’s reality.

8. Ask for Help When You Need It

Make a commitment to reach out for support sooner rather than struggling in silence.

9. Accept That Progress Isn’t Linear

Allow space for setbacks without seeing them as failures. “Healing and growth don’t happen in straight lines,” O’Malley stated. “One difficult day does not erase progress.”

10. Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on small actions within your control each day.

Turn2Me provides free online counselling, support groups, and mental health resources to people across Ireland, all available on Turn2Me.ie