10 New Year’s Resolutions that Don’t Have To Do with Weight Loss
The health and diet industry has taken over the month of January and turned it into a time when Americans focus on unachievable weight loss, unsustainable dieting, and over-the-top gym routines. Gym memberships rise by 30% in the month of January annually and sales of diet and weight loss supplements increase by 20-40% during this time. But often many people find themselves doing things so drastic that they tend not to stick. How many times have you tried a new meal plan only to lose steam in the first few weeks or start a gym membership to only go a few times before it becomes a waste of money (I know I have!) Then you inevitably feel like a failure, get down on yourself, and your mental health suffers.
Instead of trying the crazy diets, gym schedules, and supplements that lead us in an endless loop of seeking to fulfill a nebulous need, let’s focus on ways to improve our mental health in 2025. Here are New Year’s Resolutions that will have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being:
Learning to say “No” and set better boundaries at work, home, or with family. “No.” is a complete sentence!
Less mindless scrolling, and more time spent with your family, friends, or pets.
Get outside even if just for 10 minutes a day. Feel the sun, hear the rain, listen to the quiet of the snow.
Trying a new hobby (even if you’re bad at it!).
Reducing or eliminating problematic substances (cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol, etc).
Plan date nights every month for you and your significant other. Bonus challenge: if you have children, try not talking about them on your date! Talk about yourselves, your relationship, sex, life, work, dreams, or ambitions instead!
Spending less time on social media. Try to spend 5 minutes less a day for a week and see what happens!
Journaling more often, maybe daily or weekly. It doesn’t have to be beautiful prose. Just the act of reflection or gratitude can significantly improve your mental health.
Add joyful movement to your routine. Think dancing, sports, or playing on the trampoline with your children. One activity that makes you smile.
Finally finding a therapist! You may have been putting this one off but the new year is a great time to start seeing a therapist and begin using your insurance benefits.
Hopefully, these give you some ideas to get started. While you may hear others talk about weight loss or the “miracle” supplement to get them the best body possible, it means nothing if our mental health suffers for it. Try something new and see where it takes you in 2025!
References
https://insightsinmarketing.com/new-year-new-trends-how-consumer-attitudes-are-shaping-health-and-wellness-revenues/
