Choosing Intentionality: A Mental Health Practice for the Year Ahead

Word of the year for 2026 written by one of our therapists, Natalie Smith, AMFT.

As this new year begins, many of us reflect on where we’ve been and how we want to move forward. This year, I’m choosing to anchor myself in one guiding word: intentionality.

In therapy, growth is often a central focus—building insight, resilience, and self-awareness. But growth alone isn’t the end goal. What truly matters is how we integrate that growth into our daily lives. After a year of meaningful personal development, I’m turning my attention to living with greater intention in the small, everyday moments that shape our mental and emotional well-being.

Intentionality is about being more thoughtful with our time and more mindful of our habits. From a mental health perspective, this means noticing where our energy goes and whether our routines support or drain us. In a culture that prioritizes productivity and constant movement, choosing to slow down can be a powerful act of self-care. Slowing down allows space for regulation, reflection, and nervous system balance—key components of emotional health.

Living intentionally also means being present in our bodies and our environments. Spending time outdoors, for example, can be deeply grounding. Research continues to show the mental health benefits of nature, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased clarity. Allowing ourselves to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world can be a simple yet effective mindfulness practice.

Intentionality invites openness—to new experiences, new places, and new perspectives. In psychotherapy, openness is essential for change. When we allow curiosity to guide us, we create opportunities for growth that feel expansive rather than overwhelming.

Perhaps most importantly, intentional living means being fully present in our relationships. Being with loved ones without distraction—listening, engaging, and connecting—strengthens emotional bonds and supports relational health. Presence is often one of the most healing gifts we can offer ourselves and others.

Intentionality is not about doing more or striving for perfection. It’s about aligning our choices with our values and creating space for joy, connection, and meaning. As a mental health practice, intentional living helps us move through life with greater awareness, compassion, and balance—one moment at a time.