Make your New Year’s resolutions stick
Tips and advice to get to a happier, healthier you in 2025
Published on 17th December 2024
The new year has now arrived, bringing the perfect chance to reflect, reset, and embrace a fresh start. It’s the ideal time to set meaningful resolutions for the year ahead.
From getting fit to eating well, studies show that we in the UK will likely try to be healthier this January.
The science behind making resolutions stick goes beyond a mere declaration, and it’s so easy to drop a resolution or two as the realities of life get in the way.
To help you make 2025 the year you keep your resolutions, this article explores some practical strategies and shows how Simplyhealth can support you in achieving lasting health goals for this year and beyond.
Fitness and exercise
Statista and YouGov data consistently reveal that ‘getting fit’ and ‘losing weight’ are the most popular New Year's resolutions. While sounding simple, these resolutions are extremely broad and might overwhelm you about where to start or what progress looks like.
One effective strategy for sticking to your resolutions is to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your long-term goal is to lose weight, you could set short-term goals like joining a gym and committing to going twice a week this month, then gradually increasing to three times a week next month.
No gym membership? You could cycle to work once a week, incorporate longer walks into your routine, or even create a fitness schedule for yourself by using YouTube videos or free training apps, like Nike Training (Android, iOS)
Simplyhealth member rewards
From discounted gym membership and fitness trackers to money off spa breaks and experience days, there’s something for everyone.
Wearable tech can be a great tool for staying motivated and accountable, as your watch will provide gentle reminders to get up and move after being inactive for a while.
Seeing how much activity you’ve done over a week can feel amazing, and you can challenge yourself to increase every week.
Health, diet, and alcohol
According to YouGov "40% of resolutions are health-related." If yours are, too, smaller goals throughout the year will help you stick to your plan.
You could find a healthy eating buddy to help you stay consistent at home or work. Framing resolutions in a positive light can also make them easier to maintain.
So, if you want to eat healthier, add more vegetables and pulses to your meals rather than focusing on what you can’t have.
If you want to drink less alcohol, why not try introducing hangover-free days, where you know you’ll get to enjoy a morning with a clear head!
Why quit smoking?
According to NHS England, you’ll begin to feel better in just a few days as your lung function begins to improve e.g. being less out of breath at the top of the stairs.
Within just 3-9 months your lung function will increase by 10%, and after a year, the risk of heart disease is halved compared to someone who is still smoking.
Quit smoking
The benefits of quitting are enormous. If you’re ready to make 2025 the year you break free from smoking, here are some top tips to get started:
Start by ensuring you’re truly ready to make the change.
Write down all the positive ways your life will change when you quit, and look at it if you’re having a wobble.
Can you go cold turkey, or do you need a plan that takes a few months?
Find your support network, whether that’s from friends, a therapist, or even with a free NHS quit smoking app (Android, iOS)
Counselling and advice 24/7
Health plan members can access a range of support, including counselling and an advice support line whenever you need it
Self-improvement: a happier you
Resolutions focused on self-improvement, like saving money or progressing in your career, closely follow health-related ones. Go you!
Behavioural science tells us that clear goals are ten times more likely to be achieved, so if you need help to make sense of things and determine what actions you need to take, talking about your objectives with a counsellor can be helpful.
With a Simplyhealth Plan, you can access counselling and advice covering everything from career decisions to financial management and navigating life changes like separation and loss.
Tips from behavioural science for resolutions that stick
Make it meaningful – resolutions are most effective when they align with your personal values and what truly matters to you. Whether it's wellbeing, longevity, or personal growth, connecting resolutions to what you deeply care about increases your chance of success.
Build your support network – taking part in fitness classes or group health challenges creates a sense of community, offering encouragement and making your journey more enjoyable.
Celebrate small wins – recognising your progress keeps you motivated. It's not just about the end goal but enjoying the journey.
Understand your triggers - using positive reinforcement and identifying factors that might cause setbacks are crucial steps in your progress.
Reviewed by Bryony Rhodes-Wort
Bryony (Bree) has been a Clinical Product Executive at Simplyhealth for 3 years and is a qualified Hypnotherapist and a Level 4 Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.
Bree has a passion for mental wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion, as well as ensuring that everyone can access the health services they need regardless of their financial situation. She is also a Mental Health First Aider and leads a Neurodiversity Colleague Support Group at Simplyhealth.
Written by Imogen Comrie
Imogen Comrie is a freelance writer and campaign designer based in the UK. She studied copywriting and strategy at Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm before specialising in B2B communications. She has extensive experience in social media and devising multi-channel campaigns.
You can connect with Imogen via LinkedIn.
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