The new year often encourages us to add more—more goals, more responsibilities, more expectations. But mental health sometimes improves not by what we take on, but by what we choose to release.
As we move into this year, it’s worth asking: What mental health habits are we ready to leave behind?
One of the most damaging habits many people carry is guilt—especially guilt for resting, setting boundaries, or saying no. We’ve been conditioned to equate productivity with worth, but burnout is not a badge of honor. Letting go of guilt allows us to rest without justification and honor our humanity.
Another habit to release is constant comparison. Social media makes it easy to measure our lives against curated highlights, creating unnecessary pressure and self-doubt. This year, consider unfollowing accounts that leave you feeling less-than and seeking out spaces that inspire honesty, growth, and authenticity.
We can also leave behind the belief that we must handle everything alone. Struggling in silence often feels safer, but it deepens isolation. Asking for help—whether from a trusted friend, a therapist, or a community resource—is not weakness. It’s self-respect.
Toxic positivity is another habit worth releasing. While optimism can be helpful, denying pain or forcing gratitude in moments of struggle can invalidate real emotions. Mental health improves when we allow ourselves to feel the full range of human experience—joy, sadness, anger, grief, and hope.
Many people also carry the habit of over-explaining their boundaries. This year, practice trusting that “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t owe everyone access to your time, energy, or emotional labor.
Letting go can feel uncomfortable at first. Old habits often exist because they once helped us survive. But survival and thriving are not the same. Growth sometimes requires releasing patterns that no longer align with who you are becoming.
As you step into the year ahead, reflect not only on what you want to build—but also on what you’re ready to put down. Mental wellness isn’t about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about carrying less.
Living Waters Inc
Living Waters Inc serves as an essential bridge, connecting faith-based communities with both public and private sectors. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to nurturing and developing our most valuable asset: the people.
Our core values—Integrity, Purpose-Led, Future-Focused, and One Team—guide our mission. Committed to promoting mental wellness, we provide monthly content designed to support and encourage everyone’s mental health. Join us at #livingwatersinc for resources and insights on mental wellness and community collaboration.