Expert shares how to stay mentally healthy while working on New Year’s resolutions

MONROEVILLE, Pa. — New year, new me; it’s a timeless mantra used to kick off the start of a new year.

Many U.S. adults mark the occasion by setting goals like reading more books or hitting the gym to exercise. Channel 11 News checked in with a clinical expert who shared tips on how to stay on track in 2025.

According to recent data, a significant portion of adults, particularly those from Gen Z and Millennial generations, are actively focusing on setting New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. Roughly two-thirds of these younger demographics are expected to spend time today planning their goals for the new year.

“We want to think of a New Year’s resolution as a check-in, rather than those strict mandates,” said Dr. Channing Moreland, the founder of Moreland Counseling and Consulting Group.

Moreland said the best way to stay on track is to first understand that you may fail.

“My recommendation is to acknowledge that when you are making changes in your life failure may come with that and that’s ok,” Moreland, said.

Moreland also suggested identifying a support team to help hold you accountable and to talk with you about your journey.

“Seeking support is helpful as we are navigating a new year: seeking therapy, seeking advice from our loved ones,” she, said.

For those unfamiliar with therapy, Moreland suggested starting by asking your insurance company or even seeing if your job offers any services.

“You can flip over your insurance card and contact the numbers on the back of your insurance card or use your employee assistance program and there are a lot of resources by dialing 2-1-1,” Moreland said.

Recent data shows most adults will set goals to be more financially stable, and physically healthier, but Moreland urges you to also take care of your mental health.

“It is thoughts, feelings, and then behavior, so if we can get our thoughts under control, it can serve us well,” she explained.

Moreland suggests always giving yourself grace.

“Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace. Life is hard, we have challenges, and we will not always show up as our best selves and incorporate that as we make our plans as you determine what your goals are,” Moreland said.

To contact Dr. Moreland visit: https://www.mccg.info/

List of other mental health resources:

ULifeline – Phone: +1 (800) 273-8255: ULifeline is for college students seeking mental health wellness, tips for helping friends in crisis and developing good wellness habits. Immediate help can also be obtained by texting “START’ to 741741.
To Write Love on Her Arms: To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit movement that provides hope and help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. The organization can help locate local resources. Immediate help can be obtained by texting “TWLOHA” to 741741.
Anxiety Resource Center: The center provides educational materials, a newsletter and a blog.
Social Anxiety Association: The association promotes the understanding and treatment of social anxiety disorder and provides resources, including links to support groups and information on how to find health professionals and treatment options.
Beyond OCD: Beyond OCD offers suggestions and resources to help cope with and conquer obsessive-compulsive disorder, and offers tools to find local support groups.
American College Health Association: The association provides resources such as helplines, brochures and external links for seeking help.
The Jed Foundation: The foundation provides online resources to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college students.