New Year’s resolutions can feel daunting. Fresh off a holiday high, it’s easy to declare we’ll cut out sugar, run a marathon, or start training at the gym. When January 1 finally rolls around, those promises suddenly feel a little more real, and a lot harder.

That’s why when it comes to your health, it’s important to remember that small, easy changes can really add up. Below is an extensive list of very simple resolutions you can make that can have a significant impact on you and those around you:

1. Schedule Annual Wellness Visits with your primary care provider, dentist, and optometrist.
2. Stay up to date on vaccinations against COVID-19, RSV, and the flu.
3. Take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators to get some extra steps.
4. Park farther away than you normally would.
5. Schedule time to turn off electronic devices and be with your thoughts.
6. Limit screen time before bed and read a book or magazine instead.
7. Make it a priority to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
8. Make your bed every morning.
9. Increase outdoor time to get more vitamin D. But don’t forget the sunscreen.
10. Make mealtime phone-free time.
11. If you don’t usually cook at home, try it at least once a week.
12. Pack a lunch with healthy foods.
13. Prepare some simple, yet nutritious items for yourself during the week.
14. Don’t over-fill your plate. Start with smaller portions and add more if still hungry.
15. Try going meatless at least once a week. And, try eating more lean poultry or pork versus beef.
16. Give yourself a cutoff time for snacking. Drink water instead.
17. Think about your fat intake and reduce it when you can.
18. Think about your salt intake and reduce it when you can.
19. Add a serving of fruits or vegetables to every meal.
20. Try to drink one glass of water every hour during the day.
21. If you can’t buy fresh vegetables, get frozen.
22. Have one night where the whole family eats dinner together.
23. Try flossing more.
24. Find a day each month to volunteer.
25. Wash your hands, take a multivitamin, get your flu shots, and take other precautions to keep from catching seasonal illnesses.
26. Make an appointment with your doctor and dentist.
27. Plan for holiday, birthday, or anniversary gift giving by looking out for sales.
28. Put things away when you’re through with them to avoid cluttering your space.
29. Get rid of things you never use.
30. Experiment with rearrange your furniture to give your living space a new look.
31. Try to give more honest compliments.
32. Call a loved one and ask them about their day.
33. Focus on controlling what you can.
34. At the end of each day, write down three good things that happened that day. Try to have three different things each day. This helps you practice gratefulness and look for the good in your life.

We’ve Got You

We are so often our toughest critics. Whether you’re looking to make big changes in 2024, or just want to keep your health on track, AltaMed has you covered. We have bilingual health care professionals in your neighborhood. In fact, many of our doctors live in the communities they serve. We’re dedicated to helping individuals and families get the right care they need to grow healthy.

Call AltaMed at (888) 499-9303 to get started.