New Year’s Resolutions for Teens
As the countdown to midnight drew near, 16-year-old Maya sat on her bed, thinking about the past year. 2024 had been a whirlwind of school challenges, friendship drama, and moments of growth. But now, with the new year just hours away, Maya felt a sense of excitement and possibility. It was time for change—time to make some resolutions that would help her be a better version of herself.
She pulled out her journal and began writing.
1. Focus on Mental Health
Maya had always been good at pretending everything was fine, even when it wasn’t. She had spent the past year juggling school stress, friendship ups and downs, and family expectations. She often felt overwhelmed but didn’t know how to ask for help.
“This year,” she wrote, “I will focus on my mental health. I’ll take breaks when I need them, practice self-care, and talk to someone when I’m struggling.”
Maya had learned in 2024 that bottling up her feelings didn’t help—it only made things worse. She had watched a close friend suffer in silence and vowed never to do the same. By seeking support when she needed it, Maya knew she would be able to handle life’s ups and downs better.
2. Set Realistic Academic Goals
Last year, Maya had set a goal of getting straight A’s. She quickly realized that while having high standards for herself was important, putting so much pressure on herself led to burnout. She stressed over every assignment, and when she didn’t meet her own expectations, she felt defeated.
In 2025, Maya decided to set more realistic academic goals. She wrote: “I will stay organized, create a study schedule, and prioritize my assignments. It’s not about perfection—it’s about doing my best and improving.”
She also promised herself she would ask for help when needed—whether it was from a teacher, tutor, or classmate. Maya knew that asking for help was a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Take Time for Friends and Family
The past year had been filled with distractions—school, social media, and her part-time job had all taken up her time. Although she had a great group of friends, Maya often found herself scrolling through her phone instead of truly connecting with them. She didn’t want to look back and regret not making more memories with the people who mattered most.
“This year,” Maya wrote, “I will be more present. I will put down my phone, make plans with friends, and spend quality time with my family.”
She realized that the time spent laughing with friends, hanging out with her younger siblings, and having deep conversations with her parents was more valuable than any digital distraction.
4. Stay Active and Healthy
Maya had always been active in sports, but last year she had let it slide. Between school and work, exercise had become something she only did when it was convenient, and she often felt drained and sluggish. Maya wanted to feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic in 2025.
“I will commit to staying active this year,” she wrote. “I’ll try new activities, whether it’s running, yoga, or just taking walks outside. I’ll focus on how I feel, not just how I look.”
Maya knew that taking care of her body wasn’t just about physical appearance—it was about feeling good from the inside out. She also decided to eat more balanced meals, focusing on nourishing her body, rather than skipping meals or relying on junk food.
5. Limit Screen Time
Social media had a huge impact on Maya’s mental health in 2024. While it had allowed her to connect with friends and stay updated on trends, it also led to feelings of comparison and anxiety. She found herself scrolling mindlessly late into the night, only to regret it the next morning.
“This year,” she wrote, “I will limit my screen time. I’ll set boundaries for when I use my phone and make time for hobbies that don’t involve a screen.”
Maya knew she had to find a balance. By setting specific times to check her phone and choosing to spend more time doing things like reading, drawing, or volunteering, she hoped to feel more in control and less affected by the pressures of social media.
6. Be Kinder to Myself
One of the most important lessons Maya learned in 2024 was the value of self-compassion. She was often her own harshest critic, punishing herself for every mistake. But through reflection and conversations with her friends, she realized that she deserved the same kindness she gave to others.
“This year, I will be kinder to myself. I will embrace my flaws and celebrate my successes, big and small.”
Instead of berating herself for not being perfect, Maya promised to practice positive self-talk and recognize her achievements. Whether it was acing a test or simply getting through a tough day, she would learn to appreciate her own efforts.
7. Give Back to the Community
In 2024, Maya had done a few small acts of kindness, like helping her neighbor with groceries or volunteering at the local food bank. She wanted to do more in 2025.
“I will give back to my community,” Maya wrote, “whether it’s volunteering my time, donating items I no longer need, or just being a positive influence on others.”
Maya believed that small acts of kindness could create a ripple effect and make a difference. She hoped that by dedicating some of her time to causes she cared about, she could help make the world a little brighter.
8. Learn Something New
Lastly, Maya decided that 2025 would be the year she expanded her horizons and embraced learning outside of the classroom. There was so much she wanted to try—whether it was learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or diving into photography.
“This year, I will try something new. I will push myself outside my comfort zone and discover new interests.”
Maya knew that life was about more than just academics and social life. It was also about exploration and growth. By challenging herself to try new things, she would not only learn new skills but also boost her confidence.
As the clock struck midnight, Maya closed her journal with a smile. She felt ready for the new year, knowing that her resolutions weren’t about achieving perfection—they were about progress. She wasn’t expecting 2025 to be without challenges, but she was determined to face them with strength, positivity, and a clear vision of who she wanted to be.
New Year’s resolutions for teens? They weren’t about changing who you were—they were about becoming the best version of yourself. And Maya was excited to begin that journey.