7 Tips for a Healthy Start to the New Year
Here at Oakfield, we often see how small changes can make a big difference in your health and well-being. The new year is the perfect time to reset and adopt simple, sustainable habits that keep you feeling great. We are sharing with you easy tips to help you kickstart a healthier 2025 from each member of the team at Oakfield:
Angus’ Tip – Hit 10,000 Steps a Day
Walking is one of the best (and simplest) ways to stay active. Aim for 10,000 steps a day to keep your joints moving, your heart healthy, and your stress levels low. A brisk walk outdoors can also do wonders for your mood, especially if you sneak in a little sunshine.
Emma’s Tip – Think Small for Big Wins
Forget the daunting resolutions! Instead, set manageable lifestyle goals, and be sure to make them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). For instance, if you want to run a marathon, start with smaller sub-goals like running a mile without stopping. Small wins build momentum, keeping you motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
Nancy’s Tip – Balance While Brushing Your Teeth
Here’s a fun challenge: stand on one leg while you brush your teeth. Alternate legs every 30 seconds. It’s a sneaky way to work on your balance, strengthen your ankles, and engage your core. Bonus points if you can keep your posture tall and steady! (Just be mindful of that toothpaste splatter—no one said balance was glamorous.)
Cesar’s Tip – Boost Your Protein Intake
Adding 20–30% more protein to your diet can have a big impact on your energy levels and muscle recovery. Think lean meats, eggs, beans, or even a quality protein shake. Protein helps rebuild tissues and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, making it easier to resist unhealthy snacks.
Rory’s Tip – Strong Things Don’t Break
This is a quote from Westside Barbell and something I regularly remind my patients. Resistance training not only enhances the growth and strength of muscles but also the entire skeletal structure. If you want 2025 to be the year you become the strongest version of yourself, build yourself a gym routine which works around your schedule. Using Emma’s guidance above in relation to SMART goals set yourself reasonable targets for the frequency and volume of exercise. Beginners can aim for 1-3 sessions p/w, session duration <1hr including mobility work and dynamic stretches followed by 5-6 exercises.
Elizabeth’s Tip – Practice Gratitude
Health isn’t just physical; mental well-being is just as important. Take a moment each day to notice and appreciate the good things in your life. Whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a kind word, or a beautiful sunrise, focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset and reduce stress.
Alice’s Tip – Prioritise Your Gut Health
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that play a vital role in digestion, immunity, and even your mood. A healthy gut can help improve energy levels, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being. Try to increase your plant intake, aiming for 30 different plants a week can make a big difference in the diversity of your gut microbiome.
Remember, the key to long-lasting health is consistency. These small, achievable changes can have a cumulative effect, leaving you feeling more balanced, energized, and ready to take on the year. We will leave you going into the new year with the following quote from Martin Luther King,
“You don’t have to see the full staircase, just take the first step.”
Cheers to a healthy and happy 2025!
