“This year will be different!”
How many times have you said that to yourself this month?
January gives us permission to start over—to dream about the resolve we’ll have to make changes for a healthier, more balanced life. This desire for renewal may be one reason January is recognized as Mental Wellness Month.
What Is Mental Wellness?
Mental wellness reflects the integrated, holistic connection between our mind and body. These two work together, constantly signaling wellness—or the need for care. Positive attitudes, growth mindsets, and the ability to enjoy the journey of life all contribute to mental wellness. When we are mentally well, we are more resilient, life feels purposeful, and the challenges we choose—or that come our way—are easier to navigate.
Change Is Natural
The old saying, “The only constant in life is change,” quietly echoes in our daily lives. Change happens naturally as we watch children (and ourselves) grow older or turn the page on a new calendar year. When we intentionally choose change, we are simply increasing the pace of something that is already happening.
Choosing to move toward greater mental wellness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or become another challenge. Meaningful change can happen through small, intentional steps:
Positivity: Adopt a positive perspective toward a current challenge in your life.
Explore: Spend time in nature and allow your mind to slow down and reset.
Connect: Share time with others—over coffee or conversation—to strengthen healthy relationships.
Spirituality: Engage in practices that encourage spiritual growth and connection with God.
Experiment: Try new ways to manage one daily demand that keeps you feeling stuck.
Look: Notice and appreciate the small joys that often go overlooked.
Listen to Your Body: Learn to recognize signals of stress or imbalance and respond with healthy practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or rest.
As this month comes to an end, remember—it is never too late to begin caring for your mental wellness. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. We are here to walk with you.
Contributed by
Deborah McNary, MA, LPC
If you feel you need additional support on your path to mental wellness, consider counseling. We currently have openings at Restoring Hope Counseling & Consulting, PLLC and would be honored to support you.
Get started here:
https://www.restoringhopedfw.com/contact
In 2026—be well.