The key steps to take if you wish to live healthier, vary from person to person, but in my opinion these are 3 of the most important things to understand. So here’s 3 empowering, doable strategies that will help you feeling your best self.

1. Do it together

Ever notice how everything feels more fun (and achievable) when you’ve got your friends cheering you on? That’s because we’re wired to thrive in connection with others. Feeling close to and valued by your loved ones is a major motivation booster when it comes to living healthier.

A Danish study found Type 2 Diabetes patients made sustainable progress when they had supportive communities—like exercise groups or peer support networks. Even if diabetes isn’t your challenge, the lesson is universal: Surround yourself people who cheer you on.

Whether it’s a walk with a friend, swapping recipe-ideas with family, or asking your partner to check in on you, these connections keep you going.

2. Understand your personal circumstances

We don’t all start our health journey from the same place. Our health is tied to the limits of our past experiences, political environment, genetics and personal life. Maybe your job has you glued to a desk, your neighbourhood isn’t ideal for running marathons, or you have 5 kids.  It’s important to understand your own situation and the challenges that come with it.

Understanding your own circumstance helps you avoid beating yourself up over things you can’t control. Focus instead on working with what you’ve got and the things you can control. As much as possible: create the environment around you that supports health. If you know you will eat the candy from the snack drawer: don’t have a snack drawer. Kids have crazy energy? Make physical activity a group event. Dance parties in the living room, family hikes, or even “clean-up races” turn chores into calorie-burners and bonding moments.

3. Set clear, realistic and positive goals

The secret sauce to sticking with your health journey lies in setting goals that you want to achieve, not just ones you think you should.

Research tells us that positive, intrinsic goals (like “I want to feel more energised”) are more effective than negative, external ones (like “I don’t want to gain weight”). When you enjoy what you’re doing—whether it’s dancing your heart out in Zumba or mastering a healthy smoothie recipe—you’re way more likely to stick with it.

Set goals that make you excited, and start with smaller, achievable goals. When you reach those goals, celebrate, and set new goals.

Hopefully any or all of these three help you continue (or start) 2025 in a healthy way! Happy Healthy new year <3