The start of a new year is the perfect time to refocus on your health and wellbeing. After the indulgences of the holiday season, January offers an opportunity to restart healthy habits and make wellness a priority. If you're looking for inspiration on how to boost your physical and mental health this year, here are 10 ideas to kickstart your wellness journey in 2025:

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and boost overall wellbeing. Commit to meditating for just 5-10 minutes per day to start reaping the mental health benefits. Use a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm if you're new to the practice.

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Find an activity you enjoy, whether that's walking, running, cycling, dancing, or strength training. Exercise doesn't have to feel like a chore - the key is making it an enjoyable part of your daily routine.

Focus on filling your plate with whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Limit packaged snacks and sugary drinks. Aim to eat a rainbow of colorful produce to maximize antioxidants and nutrients. Most importantly, practice intuitive eating by listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues.

Looking for a unique wellness activity that's sure to put a smile on your face? Try a puppy yoga and bubbly class! Puppysphere offers special yoga classes where you get to practice poses and enjoy playtime with adorable puppies, then toast to your health with a glass of champagne after. Cuddling cute pups and stretching your stress away - what's better than that? Yoga and pet therapy have been shown to lower cortisol levels and inspire joy.

Find your tickets on Puppysphere’s website -  here ! 

Getting enough restful sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Drinking enough water is essential for every bodily function. Start your day with a big glass of H2O and carry a reusable water bottle with you to sip throughout the day. Jazz it up with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or mint for a refreshing twist. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily.

Don't neglect preventative care! Schedule your annual physical, dental cleanings, eye exam and any follow-up appointments you've been putting off. Routine screenings and check-ups are important for catching any potential health issues early. Don't forget to see a dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening too.

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your health. Find relaxation practices that help calm your nervous system and relieve tension. That might be deep breathing exercises, yoga, taking baths, getting outdoors in nature, journaling, or talking to a therapist. Schedule time to unwind and recharge every day, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes.

Loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! Prioritize spending time with friends and loved ones. Join a club, take a class, or volunteer to meet new people with similar interests. Fostering social connections and a sense of community is vital for mental wellbeing and can even boost longevity.

Coming up with a wellness-themed word of the year can help guide your choices and behaviors to align with your health goals. Choose a word that resonates with how you want to feel. Maybe it's "nourish", "vitality", "resilience", "balance" or "thrive". Let your wellness word steer you towards self-care and healthy living all year long. Write it down and put it somewhere you'll see it daily as a reminder.

Ultimately, prioritizing wellness is all about developing healthy habits that make you feel your best physically, mentally and emotionally. It doesn't mean you have to make drastic changes all at once. Focus on progress over perfection and implement small, sustainable shifts over time. By following these tips and making your health a priority, you'll set yourself up for your happiest, healthiest year yet in 2025!