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Setting Goals for a Healthy New Year: Make Your Health a Priority in 2025

posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2024

As we ring in 2025, many of us are reflecting on how we can live healthier, happier lives. Setting achievable wellness goals is a fantastic way to prioritize your health, but it’s common to start strong and lose momentum as the weeks go by. Fortunately, we—Darlene DeWitt, a registered dietician, and Jason Trierweiler, the Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Athletic Enhancement at Spencer Hospital—are here to guide you in creating sustainable habits and achieving your goals.

Reframing Your Mindset: Focus on the Positive

Darlene: One of the biggest challenges we see is the tendency to focus on the “shoulds”—what you think you should do or stop doing. This approach can make you feel restricted and unmotivated. Instead, think about what you truly want to achieve and focus on the positives.

For example, if you want to eat healthier, consider saying, “I want to add more fruits and vegetables to my meals,” instead of focusing on what you need to eliminate. Shifting to a positive mindset can make your goals feel more empowering and achievable.

Jason: The same applies to fitness. Don’t stress over what you can’t do yet. Focus on what you can start doing today. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, a beginner workout video, or stretching before bed, these small actions build momentum. Remember, consistency matters more than perfection.

Building Habits That Stick

Darlene: Small, manageable steps are key to building lasting habits. Break your goals into daily or weekly actions and make them part of your routine. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, try planning your meals on Sundays and prepping vegetables right after grocery shopping. Celebrating small victories along the way helps maintain motivation.

Jason: When it comes to fitness, creating habits is crucial. Here are some tips to get started:

Start with realistic goals: Begin with simple, achievable steps like walking for 15 minutes a day or trying a new fitness class.
Schedule your workouts: Treat exercise like an important appointment. Add it to your calendar to make it a priority.
Mix it up: Incorporate a variety of activities—strength training, cardio, flexibility exercises—to keep things interesting and work different muscle groups.
Listen to your body: It’s okay to start slow and progress at your own pace. Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your activities as needed.

Resources to Kickstart Your Goals

Darlene: Spencer Hospital offers plenty of resources to help you get started. Visit our Health and Wellness blog at SpencerHospital.org for tips, recipes, and more. You’ll find a delicious dill pickle dip recipe—a healthier option for your New Year’s Eve party—and festive mocktail ideas to celebrate without alcohol.

Jason: For those looking to enhance their fitness, our Athletic Enhancement & Adult Fitness Center provides a welcoming environment for everyone. We offer state-of-the-art equipment, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists, and unique perks like 24/7 access, private changing rooms, and medical supervision options for those who need it.

Achieve Fitness Goals with Jason’s Expert Tips

Jason: Here are a few additional strategies to make exercise a regular part of your life:

Find a workout buddy: Exercising with a friend can make your workouts more enjoyable and hold you accountable.
Set milestones: Break your larger goals into smaller milestones, like increasing your walk duration by five minutes each week.
Incorporate movement into daily life: Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away, or do bodyweight exercises during TV commercials.
Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress with non-food rewards, like new workout gear or a relaxing massage.

Take the First Step

Jason: Joining Spencer Hospital’s Athletic Enhancement program is easy. Call us at (712) 264-6633 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation, discuss your goals, and find the best membership plan for you. After completing a Health Assessment & Membership Agreement, you’ll receive your keycard and can start your fitness journey right away.

Make 2025 Your Healthiest Year Yet

Darlene: This year, take the challenge to make your health a priority. Whether it’s through small daily actions, exploring healthy recipes, or joining a supportive fitness program, every step counts.

Jason: And remember, even small steps like taking a daily walk or stretching can make a big difference. Let Spencer Hospital help you achieve your wellness goals—you’ve got this!