As the new year is upon us, it’s a great time to think about how we can set ourselves up for success in 2025. Starting fresh doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and small, consistent changes can have a lasting impact. Here are some healthy tips to guide you towards a more balanced, healthful, and vibrant new year:
1. Consult an Expert
Before making any major changes to your wellness routine, it’s essential to check in with your healthcare provider. Whether you prefer to see a doctor of Western, osteopathic, naturopathic, or alternative medicine, these practitioners are all trained to assess whether you have any lifestyle or physical issues, or nutritional insufficiencies that could be holding you back from your health goals.
Getting a clear picture of your health will allow you to make informed decisions about what lifestyle changes or supplements may be beneficial to support your well-being in 2025. Whether you’re low in vitamins D, B12, iron, or magnesium, or hoping to bring balance to mood, sleep, or insulin sensitivity, supplementing appropriately can give your body the tools it needs to thrive.
2. Set Realistic, Attainable Goals
The start of a new year is often marked by resolutions, but setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to frustration. Instead of setting lofty objectives that may feel overwhelming, focus on small, realistic steps that bring you closer to your long-term goals. Maybe you’ve heard the term “habit stacking”, which is exactly this; adding one small healthy habit (or eliminating an unhealthy one) at a time until it feels routine, before adding another.
For instance, rather than trying to “eliminate stress” altogether, commit to incorporating mindfulness or meditation practices into your daily routine. This allows you to manage stress in a practical, achievable way and avoids the disappointment that can come from setting unattainable expectations.
For more specific strategies on attainable goals, read our article here. For more information on stress and how to combat it, try this article.
3. Find Fitness that Fits Your Lifestyle
Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym. Some people overwhelm themselves with an intense new year’s resolution workout routine, and then burn out quickly.
To make fitness sustainable, find activities that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Incorporate more movement into your daily routine by taking the stairs, going for a short walk, or doing light household chores. You could also plan activities with friends and family that center around movement rather than meals. This way, you’ll be more likely to stick with your fitness routine throughout the year.
If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of foundational strength and regular exercise for longevity, read our article here.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is often seen as a luxury, but it’s truly a necessity for maintaining good mental health [1]. Carving out time for activities that nourish your mind and spirit can make all the difference. And “self care” is not synonymous with spa days or long, hot baths. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk, practicing meditation, carving out time for your favorite hobby, or simply sitting down to relax and do nothing, make self-care a priority in 2025. Your mental and emotional well-being are just as important as your physical health.
To read more about the benefits of rest, read here.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
As you embark on your new year’s resolutions, remember to be kind to yourself. Setbacks are a natural part of the process, and it’s okay to adjust your goals along the way. Acknowledge that not every day will go as planned, and allow yourself the grace to recalibrate when necessary. This compassionate mindset will help keep you motivated and prevent feelings of discouragement.
6. Make Everyday Eating Healthier
Healthy eating is not just for weight management. Whole foods, a balanced diet, and a full spectrum of nutrients are all stepping stones on the road to longevity [2]. If you know you need to make a change, focus on small, sustainable steps to improve your eating habits. If you’d like to read more about eating for longevity, try our articles on the DASH diet for heart health, the Nordic Diet for cognitive health, and the low glycemic index diet for insulin and glucose balance.
Of course, changing the way you eat can benefit your body composition if that is your goal. Aside from choosing nutritious ingredients, remember to be mindful of portion sizes—using smaller plates and sharing high-calorie foods can help you avoid overeating. Try healthier cooking methods, like grilling instead of frying, and incorporate more whole grains into your meals. Other simple tricks include drinking water before meals, eating when you’re hungry rather than ravenous, and stopping when you feel full. These small adjustments can lead to lasting changes and support healthy weight management throughout the year [3].
Start the Year Right
In 2025, set yourself up for success by making mindful choices, listening to your body, and seeking guidance from your healthcare provider. By focusing on achievable goals, fitness that fits, and a balanced approach to self-care and nutrition, you’ll lay the foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling year.
If you’re concerned or even curious about your current nutritional state, consider working with your provider to find which high-quality supplements could support your wellness journey. Taking proactive steps to fill in any gaps in your nutrition could be the key to starting the year feeling your best and we are here to help.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10447-019-09382-w
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joim.13728
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/food-choices-for-weight-loss-what-dietary-strategies-would-people-use/9B764C4F3DCEE6BC0A9BAC38EFA9D7C4