As we enter a new year, it’s the perfect time to incorporate some healthy changes you would like to implement into your life in order to make this year better than the one before.
Whether it’s to begin exercising more, to eat a healthier diet, or to start a new hobby, new years resolutions are the perfect way to change your life for the better and improve both your physical and mental health.
What are New Year’s resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions are commitments you make to yourself at the start of the year, aiming to either begin a positive habit that enhances your health and well-being or to stop a negative behaviour that affects your overall wellness.
Research conducted by Statista reveals that the most popular New Year’s resolutions include:
- To exercise more (48%)
- To save more money (48%)
- To eat healthier (45%)
- To lose weight (36%)
- To spend more time with family and friends (33%)
Other popular New Year’s resolutions include; to reduce stress on the job, to improve performance on the job, to cut down on alcohol, and to spend less time on social media.
New Year’s resolutions that benefit your overall wellbeing
Setting realistic goals that are going to benefit your physical and mental wellbeing is a good place to start when it comes to new years resolutions. Setting and achieving goals in itself can benefit your mental health as it gives you a sense of achievement.
It’s important that your resolutions are always based around your personal goals and needs, but here are some ideas to help you get the ball rolling for 2025.
Prioritise sleep
Getting enough sleep is just as important as eating, drinking, and breathing – we are not able to function without it. A healthy adult usually needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. If you feel as though you are not getting enough sleep, beginning to prioritise your sleep is a beneficial New Years resolution to have.
To improve your sleep quality, consider reducing screen time before bed, limiting caffeine intake, and creating a calming, comfortable bedroom environment.
Eat a healthy diet
Improving your diet is a particularly popular New Years resolution. Eating healthy and nutritional foods can contribute towards improving both your physical and mental wellbeing. A healthy diet includes a variety of foods from the following groups:
- Fruits and vegetables: Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
- Whole grains: Choose whole grains like whole-grain bread and pasta, or brown rice. Whole grains contain fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
- Dairy: Include some dairy products (or dairy-free alternatives) within your diet.
- Protein: Eat plenty of meat, eggs, fish, pulses, or beans for protein. Most adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight per day.
- Carbohydrates: Base your meals on high fibre carbohydrates like potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta.
- Healthy fats: Use unsaturated oils and spreads, but only in small amounts.
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a simple yet effective way to improve your mental wellbeing. By acknowledging the positive aspects of your life, you shift your focus away from negativity.
Gratitude exercises, like writing down three things you’re thankful for or taking a few moments to reflect, can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of contentment. This habit fosters a more positive mindset, therefore improving your mental health.
Increase physical exercise
Regular exercise is essential for your body and mind. Whether it’s a quick walk, a workout at the gym, or a yoga session at home, regular physical activity can boost your mood, improve your sleep, and give you more energy throughout the day. Exercise also reduces anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins.
It doesn’t have to be intense – just find something that you enjoy and make it a consistent part of your routine. Over time, the benefits will show in both your physical and mental health.
Take care of yourself
Self-care is about making time for yourself – physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s easy to get caught up in life, but setting aside time for rest and relaxation is essential for maintaining balance.
Taking care of yourself can be as simple as enjoying a quiet moment with a book, taking a long bath, or taking a moment to think. It’s also about setting boundaries and saying no when you need to protect your energy. Prioritising self-care helps you recharge your batteries, avoiding feelings of burnout.
Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions
The key to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is staying motivated and being kind to yourself. It’s natural to face challenges, but instead of striving for perfection, focus on consistency. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
Break it down into smaller steps: Big changes can feel daunting, so start with small, manageable goals. For example, if you want to exercise more, start with 15 minutes a day and gradually increase it. Small, achievable targets will help you stay on track.
Track your progress: It’s motivating to see how far you’ve come. Keep a journal, use an app, or even mark off each day on a calendar. Seeing your progress will help you feel more accomplished and keep you focused on your goal.
Be kind to yourself: Try to avoid feeling discouraged and don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a day or make a mistake. Progress is not always linear – what’s important is getting back on track and continuing forward.
Celebrate small victories: Every milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a week of consistency or hitting a target, reward yourself for your effort. Recognising these little wins will keep you motivated and help you stay focused on the bigger picture.
Remember, it’s all about the journey. Every step you take towards your resolutions brings you closer to a healthier and happier you.
Your New Year’s resolutions should be about creating positive, lasting changes. By setting realistic goals, being compassionate towards yourself, and staying committed, you’ll be on track to make 2025 your best year yet!