ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida is a few days away from getting a fresh start as the new year approaches.

As a new year creeps in, many people are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions and setting goals to thrive in 2025.

According to a Pew Research Center survey released in January 2024, around 30% of respondents reported making at least one New Year's resolution.

Of that 30%, 79% of respondents say their resolutions concern health or dieting. The second most popular resolution category was money-related, with 61% of respondents reporting they had a resolution about financial health.

In Apopka, Ariell Adams said for the new year, mental health is at the top of her list, and her New Year’s resolutions are two simple things.

“It is a spiritual connection and to continue showing up for me,” she said.

On Thursday, Adams sat down with psychotherapist Cherlette McCullough who said at the beginning of the year, it’s always vital to conduct self-checks.

“It’s important, too, when we talk about resolutions around physical health, and we’re talking about exercising, I think it’s really good to make those small goals,” said McCullough.

McCullough said a number of her clients, including Adams, are talking about what they want to do differently in 2025.

“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five Americans experience mental health challenges around depression, around anxiety,” said McCullough. “When we talk about meeting our goals, we want them to be sustainable and we want them to be realistic.”

For Adams, her self-care includes waking up and doing her hair and makeup every single day. 

“My resolution is for me: I’m showing up for myself, showing up for my business,” said Adams, who is a makeup artist.

McCullough said that starting the year off strong meant making one’s mental health a priority.

“I think when we think about New Year’s resolutions, we think about things that we want to move away from,” said McCullough.

She said this also includes things people want more of, in order to be the best versions of themselves.

For Adams, makeup boosts confidence for her and her clients. She also likes taking 12 minutes to herself every day.

Next year, she said she wants to start small by going on walks every day. She says she’s working to get the most out of life. 

“For me, it’s dibbing and dabbing in a lot of things that shows interest to me," Adams said. "I love makeup, I love making people feel good."