Every year, the new year marks the start of another chapter in your life story. We often ponder new goals for the year and how we can better ourselves through meaningful changes.

You have likely heard about friends and family focusing on health and fitness. Others consider financial changes, such as saving more money. But improving your mental health is just as important.

A Forbes Health survey of 1,000 adults found more than one-third plan to focus on their mental health in 2024. While this is a slight decrease from 2023, mental health remains front-of-mind for many respondents.

This year’s poll saw 55% of respondents connect mental health to physical health. It makes sense and research supports that idea.

Studies find physical activity benefits your mental health, specifically by boosting self-esteem, improving sleep and reducing anxiety and depression.

It helps us break free from self-imposed limitations and prove to ourselves that we’re strong.

Exercise’s impact on mental health also comes down to brain chemistry. Physical activity increases the number of happy neurotransmitters in our brain, including endorphins and dopamine. That helps better regulate our emotions and manage stress.

An important factor in successful New Year resolutions, of course, is how long they last. Forbes Health says goal-setters usually call it quits between February and April.

Experts say linking goals to your values and making plans to overcome obstacles can help you stick with it.

And whether it’s picking up archery, trying a dance class or learning to meditate, choose something that piques your interest.