At the beginning of January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Risk Less. Do More. public education campaign and Heart & Soul Magazine hosted a special virtual event, “Thrive & Shine: Tips for a Happy & Healthy New Year.” The event featured a powerful panel of experts and influencers who shared practical strategies for prioritizing your health, from balanced nutrition and regular exercise to mental health support.
If you missed the webinar, don’t worry! Here are some tips the panelists shared to help you achieve your 2025 health goals.
How to Thrive and Shine in 2025
Dr. Stonewall, MD, Family Medicine Resident Physician at Northwestern Medicine
- Make Realistic Goals. Make SMART goals (specific, measurable, obtainable, and realistic, and time-bound). This framework can make goals more attainable and prevent them from being overwhelming, which often happens to people with their New Year’s resolutions.
- Customize Your Goals. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. A lot of people have busy schedules, so consider a home workout – things that require your own body weight like squats, push-ups or yoga. Also consider apps. In 2025, there is an app for everything – yoga, home workouts, meditation, etc. Doing something that works for you is better than doing nothing.
- Incorporate Movement During Your Daily Tasks. Take calls while walking in place. Stay off your phone at least an hour before you go to sleep. No matter what, stay consistent.
Dr. Chef Huda, Celebrity Chef
- Eat a Balanced Diet. Give yourself grace and be patient with yourself. Consuming a healthier diet doesn’t mean you should feel like you’re giving up everything, instead focus on increasing your healthy intake. Try taking some of your usual dishes and incorporating veggies, whole grains, and leaner proteins where you can. Choose things that are simple and easy for you to do. You don’t want to feel like you gave up breathing, but you’re including more nutrients, more vitamins and more fresh greens into your daily diet.
- Tips to a Healthy Lifestyle. Stay hydrated, incorporate more veggies and whole grains, read your labels, practice portion control, and ask your doctor about your health needs. Your health plan might offer resources to help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Griggs, Community Medicine Physician and 100 Black Men of America Health and Wellness Chair
- Mental Health is as Important as Physical Health. When your mind isn’t right, your body isn’t right. Prioritize getting your mind right and your mental health.
- It’s Okay to Not be Fine. Take a moment to sit with your mind and body and notice signs of coping mechanisms – there could be something wrong there. That’s when you want to check in with yourself and a loved one. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak, you’re just human.
Dr. Caine, MD, President of the National Medical Association
- Age Plays a Role. If you’re immune system is weakened, it makes you more vulnerable to respiratory viruses. Babies under six months and those 65+ years and older are the most vulnerable.
- Get Good Sleep, a Balanced Diet, and Exercise. You need a balanced diet to ensure a healthy immune system. You also need good sleep. Poor sleep cuts down on the production of antibodies, the protective proteins that help fight off infections. Lastly, exercise. Your mental health is related to your physical health, and you want to maintain a healthy weight.
For More Tips, Watch the Full Webinar
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