“New Year, New You” Part 4

By K. Ross

Let me just start by saying “CONGRATULATIONS,” we made it through January! I hope everyone had an amazing start to 2025 and stuck to your resolutions and goals. How did you do? I had a few cheat days, but overall, it was a success! I also hope that some you found my “New Year, New You” blogs helpful and maybe a little inspirational! As Part 4 concludes this health and wellness series, I would like to take this time to focus on “YOU.” Even though January maybe be over, it doesn’t mean we need stop our focus on health and wellness. Here are things to keep in mind as we navigate through February and the remainder of 2025!

I recently read an article that I think goes well with our “New Year, New You” series. It was all about “self-care” and how the simplest of things can help with our everyday life. I will share with you some of my favorites, not only because they are easy, but it shows how little things can help in BIG way!

Step 1: Make Small Goals – setting a small, achievable goal can do wonders. I don’t know about you, but when I made a “to-do” list and I scratch off each item…WOW. This feeling is quite satisfying! Start with a small list, then move up from there, but always keep in mind…make them achievable.

Step 2: Get Outside! (Hint: you can add this to your “to-do” list!) I know this sounds crazy right now, given its winter and that we’ve been experiencing frigid temperatures lately. The cold won’t last forever, so take 5 minutes or take 20 minutes…get outside. Take a walk around the neighborhood, take your pet out, or just find a create way to be outside for a little bit. Fresh air will give you a new perspective on the rest of the day!

Step 3: Start a Hobby. One of my resolutions this year was to start reading more, so why not make reading my “new” hobby. To help me get more interested in reading, I joined a local book club. Not only is this motivation to help me finish a book, but it gets me out of the house and it gets me to interact with people with similar interests. If you need help finding a club, just search book clubs in your area on Facebook. There is such a variety to choose from. As I am crime/mystery lover, I found a club that focuses on that time of genre. I’m so excited to see what our book choice is for February!

Step 4: Reduce Stress. We all wish for this! I know this one sounds “unachievable,” but I going to tell why I this is one of my favorites. No matter what stage of life we are in, we all have one thing in common…STRESS. So, here is a little trick I found that I have added to my daily list. Drum roll please…BREATHING. Just Google or YouTube “breathing Practices” and find one you like. Now, take 5 minutes a day and just “breath!” Exhale that stress away!!

All of my favorites have one thing in common, they can be added to my “set small goals/to-do” list. It’s goes without saying, but we all know that that when we set goals, we not only perform better, but we also feel better. When setting our goals remember your ABCs, Achievable, Believable, and Committed. So, let’s make our “goal setting” an everyday habit and crush 2025!!