The start of the New Year is a time for reflection and setting goals for the future. New Year's resolutions can be a great way to clean up your diet, incorporate exercise into your day, and create consistent habits in your life — especially after weeks of splurging on sweet treats and struggling to get on a workout routine that works with your busy schedule. In order to be successful with your resolutions this year, it’s important to recognize the need for a strong support system. Good friends, family, and even urgent care can be great resources for you to stay on track throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know before creating your resolutions. What are some good New Year's resolutions? It’s never a bad time to refocus on your health and commit to healthy living, and many people use the New Year as a fresh start for their health journey. For most people, this looks like going to the gym more regularly, cleaning up their eating habits, or finally getting in for that annual checkup. Any step you can take toward improving your physical health is worth the effort. Another great resolution is to focus on your mental health. The past several years have been difficult for a lot of people, and it's important to prioritize your mental well-being. This can mean taking time for yourself to relax and unwind, dedicating 30 minutes a day to reading, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Taking care of your mental health can improve your overall happiness and quality of life. How do you get started on a New Year’s resolution? The best way to kick off your resolution is to simply dive in. Set specific, achievable goals for yourself. This can be anything from going on your first run to learning a new skill to coming up with a grocery list that includes healthy food. It's important to be realistic and make sure your goals are attainable, but that doesn't mean you can't challenge yourself. Setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused, and achieving them can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. How to have a healthy New Year The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your goals. While it can be tempting to make drastic changes and set lofty resolutions, it's important to approach your health goals in a sustainable and realistic way. Here are a few tips for having a healthy new year: Start by setting small, achievable goals. Trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle at once can be overwhelming and difficult to maintain. Instead, start with small changes, such as drinking more water or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. As you achieve these goals, you can gradually build up to more challenging ones. Make exercise a regular part of your routine. Exercise is important for both physical and mental health, and it doesn't have to be intense or time-consuming to be effective. Find an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, running, swimming, or dancing, and make it a regular part of your routine. Prioritize sleep. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for good health, but many people don't get enough. Make sure you're getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and try to create a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your body clock. Take care of your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being. This can mean practicing mindfulness, seeking support from friends and family, or talking to a therapist if needed. Don't forget to enjoy yourself. Healthy living doesn't have to be all work and no play. Make sure to include activities and treats that you enjoy, such as indulging in a favorite food or spending time with friends. Balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. What is the most popular New Year's resolution? Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions with the goal of improving their health. While there are countless possibilities for resolutions, some common themes tend to emerge each year. Here are some of the most popular New Year's resolutions: Losing weight and getting in shape Many people resolve to lose weight and improve their physical health in the new year. This can mean joining a gym, starting a new exercise routine, or simply making healthier food choices. Eating better and adopting a healthier diet Along with losing weight, many people also resolve to improve their diet in the new year. This can mean cutting back on processed foods and sugar, eating more fruits and vegetables, or trying out new, healthy recipes. Quitting a bad habit Whether it's smoking, a poor diet, or procrastination, many people resolve to quit a bad habit in the new year. Breaking a habit can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and improve your overall health and well-being. How many New Year resolutions do you need to be healthy? The number of resolutions you need to be healthy depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Some people may only need one or two resolutions to improve their health, while others may need to focus on several different areas. It's important to remember that health is a holistic concept, and it's not just about physical fitness or eating well. Mental, emotional, and financial health are also important, and your resolutions should take these aspects into account. Ultimately, the most important thing is to set goals that are realistic and achievable and to focus on making sustainable, long-term changes to improve your overall health and well-being. If you’re looking to focus on your physical and mental health in the coming year, consider visiting CareNow®. Our qualified medical providers can help you come up with tangible goals for the year ahead that will help you feel your best. We also make it easy for you to be seen by offering a Web Check-In® feature that lets you wait from anywhere! Plus, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the utmost care at CareNow®. We’ve been recognized by the Urgent Care Association (UCA) as an Accredited Urgent Care Center. Find a CareNow® Near You