The start of the year is traditionally a time when we review and set goals and targets. The most common resolutions include doing more exercise, losing weight, saving more money and working towards career goals. While there are benefits to all these objectives, perhaps the most worthwhile resolution you can make is improving your mental health. As studies show that stress levels are rising and more people are living with a mental illness, it’s never been more important to look after your mind. Parenting is notoriously tough, especially in an age when most juggle taking care of kids with work and other commitments. In this guide, we’ll discuss some effective self-help tips to help you protect your mental health in 2026.
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Make time for exercise
Many people start the year with ambitions to exercise more. Being active is brilliant for your body, especially after the indulgence of the festive period, but it’s also amazing for your mind. Exercise can help you control and manage your emotions, boost your mood, increase your energy levels and reduce stress. It also provides a natural high due to the release of endorphins, known as happy hormones.
If you’re not an active person, winter is a tough time to get started, but there are ways to make exercise fun and manageable. Try group sessions, use sports and active hobbies to catch up with friends or meet new people, vary activities and look for indoor pursuits you can enjoy if you’re not keen to get cold and wet. You can also stream workouts to do at home, use fitness apps or invest in some new or second-hand workout equipment for your living room or home gym. Counting steps is another excellent way to get fitter. If you’re wearing a tracker, it will motivate you to work towards targets and be more active.
If time is an issue, which is common among parents, there are solutions. You could try child-friendly exercise classes or fit workouts or hobbies around childcare commitments. Take it in turns with your partner, accept babysitting offers or look for sessions you can do at home or at a local fitness centre while your kids are at nursery or school. It’s also an excellent idea to use your spare time to get fit together as a family. Embrace chilly winter walks, family bike rides and fun-filled, indoor activities like bowling, indoor football, tennis, badminton, swimming and trampolining.
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Seek professional advice
Most of us are more reluctant to seek professional advice if we have mental rather than physical health symptoms. Although we have come a long way in terms of talking about mental health openly, there’s still a stigma attached to speaking about mental illness and reaching out. If you notice warning signs, it’s important to get help. See your doctor, explore services like therapy and counselling and talk to people you trust.
Stress and burnout are among the most common mental health illnesses among parents. Data from the Mental Health Foundation suggests that almost 70% of women and 60% of men with mental health issues are parents. Busy schedules, work-related pressure, financial worries, poor health and other commitments, such as caring for older relatives, can all contribute to high levels of stress. Severe, persistent and prolonged bouts of stress can cause burnout. Symptoms include insomnia, exhaustion, mood swings, low self-esteem, becoming withdrawn and isolated and struggling to find joy in things you usually enjoy.
If you detect changes in your mental health, it’s crucial to get help. Services like therapy for burnout and medication and talking therapies to help you deal with stress and anxiety can make a big difference. Self-help tools and methods can help with minor symptoms, but if your symptoms develop or last for a long time, more intensive treatments and therapies may be needed. If you ignore warning signs, there’s a risk your condition will deteriorate.
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Manage your schedule
Managing your time is one of the most difficult challenges for modern parents. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that over 75% of mums in the UK work, with rates even higher among dads. Spinning plates is part and parcel of being a parent today, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Having too much to do is a common cause of stress and anxiety.
If you find it hard to manage your schedule, it’s beneficial to be proactive in finding solutions. Try to manage your social diary in the same way as your work calendar. Block out times to catch up with friends, go to exercise classes, enjoy your hobbies and get some downtime. Learn to say no. It’s impossible to be in two places at once or to be the best worker, partner or parent if you’re exhausted constantly. Prioritise what matters most in terms of your time commitments. It’s also helpful to embrace smarter ways of working to boost efficiency. Use technology and tools, ask your employer about flexible working arrangements and get into a consistent work routine that plays to your strengths.
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Understand what makes you happy
It sounds simple, but when was the last time you did something that made you feel truly happy or content? Often, when you have kids, you go all-out to make sure they’re happy, but you don’t have the time or energy to think about yourself. It’s critical to make time and give yourself the space and freedom to do things that bring you joy and contentment. This could be as simple as a half-hour yoga class once a week, a coffee with a friend at the weekend or a solo walk when it’s peaceful. We all need time to step back, recharge our batteries, have fun, rest and reset. Make it your mission to think about what you love doing and what makes you feel better.
The start of a new year encourages many of us to set goals and think about resolutions. If you’re eager to look after yourself and be happy and healthy in 2026, why not make your mental health your focus? Simple steps can help you protect your mind and reduce risks. Examples include making time for regular exercise, seeking help if you notice symptoms or changes in your mood, mindset or mental well-being, managing your schedule effectively and understanding what makes you happy.