Make 2025 Come Alive

WE OFTEN use January as a means of punishing ourselves for having too much fun in December. But rather than dedicating it to deprivation ('No booze, no sugar, no carbs...') and setting a load of impossible targets ('Will run 10km every single day,") why not make January feel hopeful rather than bleak?
One way to do that is to set yourself some genuinely achievable resolutions, that will help you feel healthier and perkier all year. We asked health experts for their top pledges that we'd all benefit from...
TAKE IT SLOWLY
"The new year always feels like the perfect time to reinvent yourself, until your body reminds you it's not built for overnight miracles," says Mehmet Gem, The Hip Physio.
"Jumping in too quickly can lead to overtraining or injury, derailing your progress before you even get started.
"Instead, approach exercise with a gradual, structured plan. Begin with low-impact activities, allowing your body to adapt and strengthen over time. Consistency, not intensity, is the key to sustainable results."
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583575389/1735797056/articles/3apvdz10Cq6mp5D7TVYw7a/2181740028.jpg]
SILENCE YOUR NASTY INNER CRITIC
"A lack of confidence and self-belief can really affect our mental health and wellbeing. If we don't have a kind voice in our head, we inadvertently put ourselves down, which can progress into depression or anxiety," says Dr Sophie Ward, head of department for Psychology at Arden University.
Try to seven sleep "To help silence your inner critic, try something new once a month that pushes you out of your comfort zone. When you take on new challenges, even if they feel intimidating, you slowly teach yourself that you are capable of handling things you once thought you never would be able to.
"Each success outside your comfort zone will not only build your confidence, but will teach you new things that you can apply to your personal or professional life."
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583575389/1735797056/articles/3apvdz10Cq6mp5D7TVYw7a/2248783082.jpg]
SET YOURSELF A MONTHLY SLEEP CHALLENGE
"Sleep is crucial for recovery, mood and cognitive function. Poor sleep can lead to many health implications, including weakened immune function and increased stress levels. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep [per night] to rejuvenate your body and mind," says Dr Vijay Nayar, GP at Healthium Clinic.
"Start a monthly sleep challenge in which you experiment with different bedtime routines to find what works best for you.
"Create a 'sleep sanctuary' by arranging a cosy space filled with soft pillows, dim lighting and calming scents like lavender."
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583575389/1735797056/articles/3apvdz10Cq6mp5D7TVYw7a/3000031127.jpg]
COMMIT TO EXERCISE YOU ACTUALLY LIKE DOING
"The common mistake we see is that people tend to have short bursts of enthusiasm and action, then it gently fizzles out after a few weeks," says personal trainer Gary Lockwood, CEO of 24/7 Fitness.
"First, it's not enthusiasm why people are in shape - enthusiasm comes and goes - it's discipline that drags you off your sofa.
"Second, people tend to create routines that are impossible to follow longer term, like too much time in the gym, which is difficult for scheduling, or low calorie consumption and not fuelling their workouts, so they feel terrible and then avoid the gym.
"Third, they tend to pick activities they find torturous. Find the things you like to do and stick to them!"
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583575389/1735797056/articles/3apvdz10Cq6mp5D7TVYw7a/7033754557.jpg]
REIMAGINE DRY JANUARY
"Reframe your thoughts about what you're gaining, rather than what you're losing - instead of telling yourself you're 'giving up' alcohol for January, try telling yourself you're giving yourself 31 hangover free mornings and an opportunity to enjoy experimenting with a new alcohol-free cocktail each weekend," says ...