SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 2025 (HealthDay News) — As we welcome the new year, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains a timeless pursuit. While fundamental advice such as getting ample sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutrient-rich foods continues to hold true, consistently implementing these practices can be challenging. To assist in navigating this journey, UCLA Health experts offer seven insightful tips aimed at enhancing well-being for 2025.
1. Keep Doing the Good-for-You Things You Already Do
Dr. David B. Reuben, a geriatrician, emphasizes that the best practices for health in 2025 are not markedly different from previous years. He notes, ‘Most of what people can do to have a healthy 2025 is not much different than what they could do to have a healthy 2024: exercise; don’t smoke; drink alcohol in moderation, if at all; stay engaged; and keep your mind stimulated.’ He encourages individuals to ‘be decent in every interaction and seek optimism every day,’ as this can lead to meaningful experiences.
2. Honor and Nurture Your Feet
According to Dr. Lawrence Taw, director of the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, foot care often goes overlooked. He suggests, ‘Give yourself a foot massage… It’s a simple, easy thing that anyone can do – very low cost, low investment and high yield.’ By utilizing a golf ball or a roller to massage the feet, individuals can engage in a relaxing practice that can be beneficial for overall wellness.
3. Integrate Your Health Goals
Dr. Valentina Ogaryan highlights the connection between body, spirit, and mind. ‘For the body, it’s best to eat whole foods and incorporate some type of physical activity on a routine basis,’ she states. Furthermore, she mentions the importance of ‘social support and unplugging from social media,’ to better manage thoughts and connect with one’s spirit through meaningful interactions.
4. Prioritize Stress Management
Dr. Marissa Vasquez emphasizes that managing stress is vital for a healthy 2025. She advises, ‘Individuals should focus on managing stress through mindfulness practices, quality sleep, and strong social connections which can significantly enhance mental health and resilience.’ This includes adopting strategies for injury prevention and balanced nutrition.
5. Savor, and Strive For, Mindful Rest
Diana Winston, director of UCLA Mindful, encourages individuals to make time for rest. ‘Practice gratitude… Even brief moments recalling things that you are grateful for can shift your day from resentment and overwhelm to a sense of peace and appreciation,’ she notes. She also suggests the acronym STOP: Stop, take a breath, observe how you are feeling, and proceed with awareness and calm.
6. Monitor Your Energy Levels
Dr. Elizabeth Ko advises individuals to regularly check in with their energy levels. ‘How charged are you? Do you start the day at 100%? What depletes you and what energizes you?’ By being mindful of their energy, individuals can make informed decisions about their daily activities.
7. Move and Connect
Dr. Jesse Mills highlights the importance of physical activity and connection. ‘Put down your iPad, stand up and move,’ he urges, advocating for incremental improvements in movement. Moreover, he encourages finding purposeful activities outside of work, such as volunteering or learning a new skill.
As we embark on this new year, these expert recommendations from UCLA Health provide a roadmap to achieving better health and wellness in 2025.
SOURCE: UCLA Health press release.
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