Reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the new year is an important part of focusing on better mental health overall. According to Brienna Landsness, Advanced Practice Social Worker at Phoenix Behavioral Health Services in Green Bay and Two Rivers, reviewing the past year and then focusing on setting realistic, achievable goals can make a huge difference for improving your mental health.
“Write a list of things you are proud you accomplished in 2025 and then build upon this for your goals for 2026,” says Brienna. “Finding self-acceptance and learning who you are doesn’t happen overnight. For example, you may have done a better job of ignoring your inner critic over the past year but realize you still need to work on self-compassion and mindfulness in 2026. Perhaps this is the year you decide to focus on journaling or meditation to help foster motivation and progress in that area.”
Brienna also notes that as you create goals for 2026 build those goals around small, clear, actionable steps and habits, rather than complicated resolutions which are usually overwhelming and are forgotten by the third week in January.
Need a few ideas for goals in 2026? Brienna has provided a few goals that her patients have mentioned to her.
- Practice gratitude daily by focusing on the good things in your life rather than the negative.
- Take a break or reduce the amount of time you spend on social media.
- Practice self-care. This helps avoid burnout and to spend time relaxing while doing some of your favorite things. Schedule it on your calendar if you must.
- Make an appointment with a mental health therapist who can help you see challenges in your life and to discover barriers that might be preventing you from reaching your goals.
Therapy appointments are available at the Two Rivers and Green Bay offices now. Call 920-657-1780 or go to www.phoenixbhc.com/contact-us/