We know that with the new year, there can be added pressure to set goals, especially on health and wellness. It can be incredibly overwhelming if you are new to prioritising your health. We wanted to break it down for you and share 10 gentle ways to kickstart your health goals. Small changes to habits can make a huge difference, and remember, consistency is key.
 1. Set small, achievable goals
Start small, set yourself goals you know you can achieve. Maybe aim to do something for 2 weeks or a month. You don’t have to set a goal for a whole year, it can be daunting.
2. Consistency is keyÂ
It’s important to set goals that you know you can continue to achieve and can work on. Small, consistent actions, repeated over a period have the power to create results. Â
3. Daily stretching routineÂ
Think about creating a stretching routine. This could be first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. Have a few stretches you enjoying doing, put some relaxing music on and stretch your body.
4. Move your body
Get your body moving! You don’t have to run a marathon to move your body, maybe you go for a 10 minute walk, or go swimming or play tennis with a friend! Find a way to move your body that you enjoy.Â
5. Strength building exercises
Incorporating strength building exercises into your routine can help build muscle, increase flexibility, enhance overall strength, and improve bone health.
6. Find a support system
Share your goals with family and friends. They can help encourage you. You may even find a buddy who shares the same goals with you and you can hold each other accountable.
7. Prioritise sleepÂ
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. While we sleep, our body is busy repairing itself. Getting a good night’s sleep can boost your energy levels, improve mood, and help you make healthier choices.Â
8. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and decreased concentration. Make sure you are staying hydrated through the day. Have a water bottle on your desk that you can sip on throughout the day.
9. Eat a balanced diet
Eat a mixture of foods! Make sure you are eating all the major food groups, protein, fibre, grains, fruit & vegetables. A variety of food from each food group helps with a balanced diet. Remember to enjoy treats too! Everything in moderation.
10. Be patient and kind to yourselfÂ
It takes time to create a habit. In fact, studies suggest it can take anywhere from 18-254 days to form a habit depending on the task. So be patient with yourself, habits take time to form and get used to. Make sure you are kind to yourself and praise yourself when you achieve your goals.
Now that you have some actionable ideas, it’s time to put them into practice.
Remember that small, consistent steps are the foundation of change. Set realistic goals, celebrate your progress and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Progress isn’t linear, but with consistency you can move closer to achieve your health and wellness goals.
Why not book an appointment with one of our specialist physiotherapists for a personalised fitness plan or get an assessment for mobility and flexibility.
Understanding your body and any injuries you may have that can hinder your goals is important. Start your goals off on the right foot.
Pure Physiotherapy can support you with any musculoskeletal concerns you may have. Our clinics located throughout the UK are here to help.