Make 2025 Come Alive

FROM SHUSHING YOUR INNER CRITIC TO DRINKING MORE MINDFULLY, THESE ACHIEVABLE RESOLUTIONS WILL GIVE YOU A BOOST THROUGH THE NEW YEAR.

- Ella Walker

WE OFTEN use January as a means of punishing ourselves for having too much fun in December. But rather than dedicating it to deprivation ('No booze, no sugar, no carbs...') and setting a load of impossible targets ('Will run 10km every single day,") why not make January feel hopeful rather than bleak?

One way to do that is to set yourself some genuinely achievable resolutions, that will help you feel healthier and perkier all year. We asked health experts for their top pledges that we'd all benefit from...

TAKE IT SLOWLY

"The new year always feels like the perfect time to reinvent yourself, until your body reminds you it's not built for overnight miracles," says Mehmet Gem, The Hip Physio.

"Jumping in too quickly can lead to overtraining or injury, derailing your progress before you even get started.

"Instead, approach exercise with a gradual, structured plan. Begin with low-impact activities, allowing your body to adapt and strengthen over time. Consistency, not intensity, is the key to sustainable results."

SILENCE YOUR NASTY INNER CRITIC

"A lack of confidence and self-belief can really affect our mental health and wellbeing. If we don't have a kind voice in our head, we inadvertently put ourselves down, which can progress into depression or anxiety," says Dr Sophie Ward, head of department for Psychology at Arden University.

Try to seven sleep "To help silence your inner critic, try something new once a month that pushes you out of your comfort zone. When you take on new challenges, even if they feel intimidating, you slowly teach yourself that you are capable of handling things you once thought you never would be able to.

"Each success outside your comfort zone will not only build your confidence, but will teach you new things that you can apply to your personal or professional life."

SET YOURSELF A MONTHLY SLEEP CHALLENGE