7 Healthy Habits to Start in the New Year for a Healthier You

Each January, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions. Though everyone’s goals vary, nearly a quarter (22%) say they want to improve their physical health. Selecting a resolution is a key first step, but building healthy habits is what makes it last. 

At Beverly Hills Medical Institute, our family medicine physician, Shaghayegh “Sherri” Tavassoli, DO, loves helping patients with health-related resolutions. Read on for her seven top tips for staying on track. 

Habits for a healthier new year

Implementing these practices can build a strong foundation for your health and support lasting progress.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration supports energy, digestion, and skin health, yet research shows nearly half of Americans (47%) drink less water than the daily recommended amount. If you feel fine, this may not seem like an issue, but it may increase your risk of health problems, such as kidney stones and dehydration, over time.

You don’t need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, but prioritizing water over other beverages can help you meet your needs. Carrying a water bottle at all times is an easy way to stay on track. 

Add more whole foods to your plate

After a long day at work, it’s tempting to pop a frozen dinner into the microwave. While there’s nothing wrong with this occasionally, pre-packaged meals rarely contain the balanced nutrition your body needs to thrive. They’re often loaded with sodium and other ultra-processed additives.

Your meals should include a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite treats, but cooking at home a few times a week can help you establish healthier eating habits. 

Move your body daily

Regular exercise is a proven way to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can also boost your mood and make it easier to sleep, but finding time isn’t always easy. 

Try to set aside at least 30 minutes five days a week for movement. Even if you don’t enjoy weightlifting or high-intensity workouts such as running, lower-impact activities like walking, cycling, or stretching can offer lasting benefits. 

Prioritize sleep

A good night’s sleep is key to feeling your best. It improves focus, boosts mood, and supports immunity, reducing your risk of illness. 

If you have a tendency to toss and turn, establish a bedtime routine. Change into your pajamas, turn down the lights, and get cozy at the same time each night. Keep electronics, such as smartphones and computers, out of your bedroom, and set the thermostat to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which studies show is optimal for sleep. 

Manage stress before it becomes overwhelming

Stress is inevitable. There’s too much going on and not enough time. But it doesn’t have to affect your health. Small, daily habits can help ease tension and lower your risk of health problems such as high blood pressure and anxiety.

Whenever you feel stressed, take a step back. A quick meditation or deep-breathing exercise can center you, calm your nervous system, and help your heart rate slow down.

Schedule routine preventive care

Many chronic health issues (e.g., high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and cancer) develop slowly over months or years. The process is so gradual that you might not realize anything is wrong until you have symptoms or a checkup reveals the issue. 

You can’t prevent every illness, but an annual physical exam and lab work can alert you early, when these issues are easiest to treat. Schedule checkups even if you feel fine. Prompt detection is essential for a long, healthy life.

Strengthen social connections

Humans are social creatures. Spending time with loved ones can lift you up when you’re feeling down or just break up the monotony of the week.

If you’re an introvert, putting yourself out there can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Attending a community event once a month or calling a friend you haven’t heard from in a while can help you feel less isolated and strengthen your social skills. 

We can help you build (and stick to) healthy habits

Now that the new year is here, it’s time to put your resolutions into action. You don’t have to be perfect, but establishing even one or two of these habits can make it easier to stay on track and reap the rewards. 

Contact us today to get started. Call our office in Beverly Hills, California, serving the greater Los Angeles area, or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available.