As we enter 2026, there’s no better time to focus on mental health goals. Coleman Health Services helps individuals navigate the challenges of mental health, providing the support you need to build lasting, healthy habits. By setting intentional mental health habits that promote healing, you can take meaningful steps toward overall wellness this year. Whether it’s establishing daily self-care practices or committing to long-term therapy, Coleman Health Services has countless stories of helping individuals move forward in their healing journey.
Importance of Setting Mental Health Goals
Mental health challenges are common in the United States, with nearly one in four U.S. adults experiencing a mental health condition each year. Outside of that, many more may face stress, anxiety, or emotional distress that impact their daily lives. With conditions ranging from mood disorders to anxiety and behavioral health struggles or addiction, many people encounter challenges that don’t just impact their emotional well‑being, but also their overall quality of life.
Prioritizing your mental well‑being by setting intentional mental health goals gives you a plan for growth and self‑care. Just as you might set goals for physical fitness, mental health goals help you build positive habits, creating meaningful change over time. Whether your goals are about daily routines, coping skills, or ongoing support like therapy, setting and working toward them can help you strengthen your resilience in 2026 and beyond.
Short-Term Mental Health Goals
When it comes to mental health, change doesn’t have to be big to be impactful. Small, attainable goals are often the most effective starting point. These short-term goals help build confidence, create structure, and provide quick wins that reinforce motivation. Check out Coleman’s ideas for mental health goals that will fit into your everyday life in 2026.
Make Your Bed Every Day
It might seem silly, but making your bed every morning can have a powerful ripple effect on the rest of your day. In The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg describes bed making as a keystone habit, which is a small, manageable behavior that can trigger other positive routines throughout the day. He explains that the simple act of making your bed has the potential to make you more productive and disciplined throughout the day. For individuals who are setting mental health goals for 2026, this is a great place to start. Daily bed making could be one small win that leads to bigger wins in the coming months.
Practice Daily Movement
Did you know that exercise can help ease depression by releasing endorphins and taking your mind off negative thoughts? Not only that, but regular exercise will most likely improve your confidence, give you more social interaction, and cultivate healthy coping skills – all wins if you want healthy mental health habits!
Remember to start small. If you’re not regularly active, begin 10-15 minutes of movement daily. Find a time that regularly works for you and go for a walk, spend time stretching, or follow along with a YouTube video. As time passes, you can build on this habit and extend the timeframe.
Start Your Day Outside – For Just a Minute
Before you step into the chaos of your day, step outside for a few minutes. Grab your coffee, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the sunlight on your face. Then, let the day begin!
This habit of spending a moment outside each morning supports your mental health by increasing serotonin levels, regulating your sleep-wake cycle, and improving mood and focus. Even simple exposure to nature and outdoor light can help reduce stress and set a positive tone for your day. So commit today to the mental health goal of starting your days outside, no matter the weather!
Long-Term Mental Health Goals
While short-term goals help you build momentum, long-term mental health goals focus on sustained growth and lasting wellness. These are the goals worth working toward over time. They allow you to create meaningful changes in your life, strengthen resilience, and maintain emotional balance even during stressful periods. Setting therapy goals and other ongoing mental health practices ensure that the progress you make is continued into 2026 and beyond.
Start or Continue Therapy
Making therapy a long-term priority is one of the most impactful therapy goals you can set for 2026. Therapy from a trusted provider delivers ongoing support, skill-building, and a safe space to explore challenges over time. Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or continuing work you’ve already begun, consistency can help alleviate your struggles.
For individuals and families in Ohio, Coleman Health Services offers accessible, compassionate mental health services that focus on the whole person — making therapy a realistic, sustainable goal for 2026 and beyond.
Build a Support System
A strong support system is an essential element of enduring mental wellness. Surrounding yourself with trusted friends, family, or peer networks provides encouragement, practical help, and a sense of connection that alleviates the difficult dynamics of life. Practice regularly reaching out, sharing your experiences, and leaning on others when needed to strengthen these positive mental health habits. Over time, cultivating and maintaining supportive relationships can improve coping skills, reduce feelings of isolation, and make other mental health goals more effective and sustainable.
Develop Healthy Coping Skills
Think of coping skills as a personal mental health toolbox — a set of strategies you can reach for whenever life gets challenging. Tools might include deep breathing, journaling, mindfulness exercises, listening to music, or talking with a trusted friend or therapist. By practicing these skills regularly, you strengthen your ability to access the right “tool” in the moment, making it easier to navigate tough situations and maintain emotional balance. Developing this toolbox is a long-term mental health habit that builds resilience and empowers you to handle life’s ups and downs.
Prioritize Yourself This Year. Schedule Your Mental Health Assessment Today!
Your well-being matters. Schedule a mental health assessment with Coleman Health Services today, or call our 24/7 hotline for immediate support. Whether you’re ready to make an appointment or just need someone to talk to, we are here to help.