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Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, is from Tullamore.<\/p>\n
\n Published:
\n Wed 31 Dec 2025, 2:00 PM\n <\/p>\n
As people prepare to welcome the new year, mental health charity Turn2Me, led by Tullamore woman and CEO Fiona O’Malley, is encouraging the public to rethink traditional resolutions and instead focus on small, realistic changes that support mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Rather than setting extreme or perfection-driven goals, Turn2Me say sustainable habits rooted in self-compassion can make a meaningful difference to mental health throughout the year.<\/p>\n
According to Fiona, realistic resolutions are more likely to stick and far less likely to damage self-esteem.<\/p>\n
Turn2Me has outlined 10 realistic new year resolutions that can help improve mental health in a manageable and compassionate way:<\/p>\n
1. Spend More Time in Nature<\/p>\n
Make time to be outdoors regularly, whether it\u2019s a short walk in a park, along the coast, or simply sitting outside. \u201cNature has a calming effect on the nervous system,\u201d said O\u2019Malley. \u201cEven brief moments outdoors can help reduce stress and improve mood.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Create Moments of Calm in Your Day<\/p>\n
Build small pauses into your routine, such as taking a few deep breaths, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or stepping away from screens. \u201cMental health improves when we allow ourselves moments of stillness,\u201d O\u2019Malley said. \u201cYou don\u2019t need hours of mindfulness, just intentional breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy<\/p>\n
This could mean saying no more often, limiting over-commitment, or reducing time with people or situations that drain you. \u201cHealthy boundaries are an act of self-respect, not selfishness,\u201d O\u2019Malley said.<\/p>\n
4. Reduce Self-Criticism<\/p>\n
Notice when your inner voice becomes harsh and practise speaking to yourself with kindness instead. Consciously speak kindly about yourself. \u201cHow we talk to ourselves matters,\u201d said O\u2019Malley. \u201cCompassionate self-talk can significantly reduce anxiety and low mood.\u201d<\/p>\n
5. Stay Connected, Even in Small Ways<\/p>\n
Aim to check in with a friend, family member, or colleague regularly, even a short message counts. \u201cHuman connection is vital for mental wellbeing,\u201d O\u2019Malley noted. \u201cWe are a social species, tribal in nature. You don\u2019t need constant socialising; meaningful contact is what matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
6. Move Your Body Gently and Consistently<\/p>\n
Choose movement you enjoy, such as walking, stretching, running, weights, dancing or a weekly gym session to release endorphins, the natural \u2018happy\u2019 hormone.<\/p>\n
7. Limit Comparison With Others<\/p>\n
Reduce time spent comparing your life, body, or achievements to others, particularly on social media. Remind yourself that what we see on social media is curated and heavily edited, not a real depiction of a person\u2019s reality.<\/p>\n
8. Ask for Help When You Need It<\/p>\n
Make a commitment to reach out for support sooner rather than struggling in silence.<\/p>\n
9. Accept That Progress Isn\u2019t Linear<\/p>\n
Allow space for setbacks without seeing them as failures. \u201cHealing and growth don\u2019t happen in straight lines,\u201d O\u2019Malley stated. \u201cOne difficult day does not erase progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
10. Focus on What You Can Control<\/p>\n
Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on small actions within your control each day.<\/p>\n