Making mental health a priority in 2026

(CNN) – As we start the new year, experts are urging people to renew their focus on mental health.

You take care of your body when you’re sick, but are you caring for your mind in times of stress? “We live in very perilous times with lots of stressors around us,” says Doctor Selma Tanovic, a psychiatrist at El Camino health.

Dr. Tanovic also says that your mind is just as important as your body, and the two are more connected than you might think. “Taking care of your body, of your physical body, it can also help taking care of your mind,” Tanovic explains. That means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough good quality sleep.

The doctor goes on to say, “People who have been exposed to chronic stress not only can develop mental health conditions, but they can also develop different, physical conditions such as high, high blood pressure, heart conditions, and other metabolic abnormalities.”

Staying socially connected can also give your mental health a boost. Dr. Tanovic says we’re social beings, and we need others.

Hobbies are another tool for keeping your mind healthy. They can help our brains process stress, especially those with repetitive motions. Activities like knitting or crocheting are great examples.

Knowing when to rest is also important. Listen to your body. We live a busy world, but Dr. Tanovic says it’s okay set your own pace, “It’s okay to stop, and it’s okay to take a break, and it’s okay to go slowly at times when it’s needed.”

Finally, recognize when you need help and don’t wait to see a doctor or call a crisis line. You can get help any day, at any time, from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Text and online chat options are also available. “What is important to know is that there is no shame,” says Dr. Tanovic.