A new year often brings a renewed commitment to personal well-being, and for many, caring for mental health is among the most meaningful resolutions to carry into 2026.

Several Geauga County mental health leaders shared the simple, yet impactful habits they rely on to stay balanced, resilient and connected.

Tracy Jordan, crisis response director for Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, oversees county crisis programs including the LOSS Team, Crisis Response Team, Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, overdose follow-up efforts and collaborations between law enforcement and behavioral health providers.

“My main focus is making sure individuals and families experiencing a crisis receive quick, compassionate support and are connected with the right mental health or substance use resources,” Jordan said. “I work closely with our schools, first responders and community partners to strengthen crisis preparedness and support overall wellness across Geauga County.”

Jordan said she keeps her goals simple and realistic.

“I’ve learned that trying to change everything all at once isn’t sustainable. Small steps really do stick,” she said.

She also sets aside “non-negotiable” time for herself.

“Even 15 minutes a day to walk, breathe, read or unplug helps keep me grounded especially in the work we do,” Jordan said. “I love paint-by-number projects, and yes, I still twirl my baton. You have to take care of yourself in ways that bring you joy.”

Staying connected is another priority.

“I try to reach out to at least one person each week,” Jordan said. “Staying connected truly makes a difference for mental health.”

Jordan also practices gratitude.

“Ending each day with one thing I’m grateful for helps me keep perspective,” she said. “These resolutions work for me because they help maintain balance, strengthen boundaries and build resilience, things everyone in helping professions needs to protect.

“As we move into the new year, I want people to know that taking care of your mental health doesn’t require big or dramatic changes,” she added. “Small, consistent habits make the biggest impact. Checking in on each other, reaching out when you need support and taking care of your emotional well-being all help build a stronger, healthier community. And most importantly, if something feels like a crisis to you, call 988. You never have to go through it.”

Angi Daugherty, executive director of Family Pride of Northeast Ohio, has led the community-based mental health agency since 2012, supporting individuals and families in Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties.

“At the heart of my work is a simple belief — people do best when they feel heard, supported and respected,” Daugherty said. “I am passionate about supporting our dedicated staff so they feel valued and empowered to provide high-quality, person-centered care. At the same time, I remain committed to strengthening our partnerships within the community and ensuring that every individual and family we serve feels seen, supported and respected.”

While Daugherty does not necessarily believe in traditional New Year’s resolutions, she strongly values balance.

“I do firmly believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy life balance, regardless of age,” she said. “In order for someone to be a healthier human, it is important to do things to positively impact the whole person and that includes mental health.”

One change she has made is limiting screen time.

“Like many people, I once found myself spending precious downtime doom scrolling on social media — before bed, first thing in the morning or while waiting in line. Over time, I noticed my stress and anxiety levels increasing,” Daugherty said. “Making a conscious effort to limit screen time, especially in the morning and before bed, has made a meaningful difference. I now end my evenings reading a book, which gives my eyes a break from screens, engages my mind in a healthier way, and helps prepare my body for better rest and sleep.”

Daugherty also prioritizes connection.

“Research consistently shows that social connection plays a vital role in our overall health. It can slow biological aging, reduce mortality risk and improve life satisfaction,” she said. “In keeping with my commitment to limiting screen time, my family has a no screens at the table rule and I’ve extended that practice to work lunches, as well as dinner with family and friends. Meaningful, face-to-face interactions help to keep us connected, grounded and healthier as human beings.”

Self-care and professional support also play a role in overall well-being, Daugherty said.

“We all have a limited capacity to manage life’s challenges and stressors and when that ‘bucket’ becomes too full, we often find we have little left to give to others,” she said. “To truly support those around us, we first have to care for ourselves.”

Daugherty believes everyone deserves a safe space where they can release their stress, frustrations and fears without judgment or repercussions.

“In 2025, I made a conscious decision to practice what I so often preach by prioritizing my own self-care and finding that safe space for myself through working with a therapist,” she said. “In just a few months, I noticed my anxiety decrease, my relationships strengthen and a renewed commitment to caring for my own well-being, so that I can continue showing up fully for the people and community I serve.”

Staying active and practicing mindfulness round out her routine.

“Whether it’s working out or taking a short walk outdoors and taking time to breathe in fresh air and experience the season around me, staying active helps lift my mood, improve my sleep and make life’s challenges feel more manageable,” she said.

She added that even brief pauses for mindfulness can shift her day.

“Sometimes, it’s just pausing, taking a deep breath and noticing how I feel in the moment. I check in with my thoughts, release any tension in my shoulders and take in what’s around me,” Daugherty said. “These small pauses remind me that I’m present and grounded, making a big difference in how I handle stress and the next challenges of the day.”

Daugherty also often reflects on the past year, “the wins, the lessons and everything in between,” making the new year feel like a fresh start and blank slate upon which to set intentional, sustainable goals.

Andrea Gutka, CEO of WomenSafe — which provides free emergency shelter and resources to survivors of domestic violence — said reflection guides her approach.

“Every year, I try to remind myself to listen more and talk less,” Gutka said. “I guess it’s a work in progress, as life should be, because I still talk a lot, but trying to open those ears just as much.”

Michelle Bertman, Catholic Charities director for Geauga and Lake counties, said balance is key.

“We provide case management services through our early childhood mental health programming, case management for self-sufficiency and support for rent and utilities through our emergency assistance program,” Bertman said, adding CC provides counseling for clients 5 and older.

She said allowing herself grace helps her support staff and those they serve.

Angela North, executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness Geauga County, said her work centers on education, partnerships and access to resources.

“My work focuses on expanding access to community education, programs that positively impact those affected by mental illness, building strong community partnerships and ensuring that individuals and families affected by mental health conditions know they are not alone and that help is available,” North said. “NAMI Geauga County exists to offer hope, connection and understanding and I am honored to be part of that mission.”

She prioritizes time for herself, ongoing learning and maintaining healthy boundaries, she said.

These include reading a book or watching a documentary, creating a healthy work-personal life balance and staying physically active with her two dogs, Persy and Alfie.

She also often reflects on what is good in her life, even during times of challenge, to help her remain grounded.

“Growth is essential in mental health work. I find these resolutions to be effective because they are realistic, flexible and aligned with my values, making them easier to maintain throughout the year rather than only in January,” North said. “I’ve to learn this the hard way. I set my resolutions in this manner to reduce feelings of guilt when I don’t maintain them throughout the year.”

Jordan said she looks forward to expanding crisis response services and strengthening partnerships

“We have excellent collaboration with schools, first responders and behavioral health providers and 2026 brings opportunities to expand training, prevention and early intervention efforts,” she said.

Jordan is also looking forward to enhancing the support they offer to overdose survivors and their families, continuing to improve school crisis planning and doing even more to support the wellness of first responders.

In January, the sheriff’s office and Geauga Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services will be partnering to host a training for pastoral leaders on crisis response titled, “When Crisis Strikes: Responding with Care, Calm and Connection.”

Daugherty is excited to travel with loved ones and to continue making a difference in the community through her work at Family Pride.

“And honestly, I’m hopeful because more people are talking about mental health than ever before,” she said. “That’s huge. “This year, I want to help create spaces where people feel supported and connected and remind everyone that small steps, like practicing mindfulness or reaching out to a friend, can make a big difference. For me, 2026 is all about resilience, connection and prioritizing mental health right alongside physical health.”

Gutka said leading WomenSafe continues to inspire her.

“Working for WomenSafe and with generous donors continually restores my faith in humanity,” she said. “We have a lot of unsung heroes that just want to do the right thing without the fanfare or the photo op and it humbles me."

“Hopefully, we all can just take an extra moment that is just for you, without guilt or resentment,” she added. “Even if it’s just the long way home because it’s a beautiful day and we just want the rays of sunshine to bounce off our face just a little bit longer while we finish listening to our favorite song.”

Bertman said she is looking forward to continuing the work CC does with its community partners and supporters.

“We are very grateful to have such a committed community who supports the behavioral health needs of Geauga County,” she said.

North is excited to continue getting to know Geauga County — she moved into the area last spring — and expand mental health awareness while reducing stigma.

She hopes to increase participation in NAMI programs, deepen partnerships and focus on education and leadership development for young adults.

“I am excited to be a part of the amplification of the voices of all those affected by mental illness and especially hopeful about the increasing openness around mental health conversations and the community’s willingness to engage in education, prevention and advocacy efforts,” she said.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, North said, adding support is available year-round.

“Progress happens when we stay connected, informed and compassionate,” she said. “I am grateful to be part of a community that continues to move mental health forward together.”

CREDIT