Beyond the Scale: 5 New Year's Resolutions for Better Health

Human beings have made (and broken) New Year’s resolutions at least since the time of ancient Babylonians. Our first resolutions were promises made to pagan gods, who’d revoke their favor if you failed to comply. That was a heavy motivator for success.

As resolutions evolved to a secular practice, they became focused on self-improvement. That’s an easy cliff to fall off of: While about 45% of women and men in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, only about 8% achieve them. 

This year seems different. In addition to the “old” resolutions of losing weight and exercising more, younger resolvers add newer overall health goals that include:

• Improve finances
• Spend more time outdoors
• Boost mental health 

Charles Ripp, MD, Fran Gorman, DNP, and our medical experts at Gorman Medical, PC resolve to help you achieve your physical and mental health goals this year. You can enlist our support at our Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek, Colorado, offices. 

What are five resolutions you can make for better health this year? Following are our favorite tips.

1. Spend more time outdoors

This new millennial and Gen Z favorite is good for all ages. Here in Colorado, our winters may be harsh, but they’re beautiful. Outdoor air is cleaner than indoor air, and more invigorating, too. Benefits of walking, socializing, or simply sitting outdoors include:

• Boosts your immune system
• Increases your vitamin D levels
• Enhances cognitive function
• Improves heart health
• Promotes better sleep
• Reduces stress
• Supports mental health
• Tricks you into moving more

Yes, spending time outdoors almost guarantees that you add more movement into your life. Although you can get great benefits simply by sitting under a tree, chances are you had to walk somewhere to get to that tree. And looking at the beautiful nature around you will stimulate you to walk somewhere else, too.

If you’re not near a park or mountain trail, walk around the block each morning. That can give you benefits as well. 

2. Get adventurous with food

One way to increase the number of whole foods you consume is to try new dishes from cuisines around the world, particularly Asia and the Mediterranean. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is notorious for being deficient in nutrients and high in toxins.

Traditional diets tend to emphasize fresh vegetables, whole grains, spices, and plenty of healthy protein. Buy or borrow from the library illustrated recipe books that inspire you to eat healthier (and more delectably).

Turning to other cultures for new tastes and dishes can help you cut out sugar and alcohol, find healthier sources of fats, and add more nuts, seeds, and legumes into your diet. 

3. Take stress seriously

If you’re in a constant fight-or-flight state from the daily pressures of life — or just a glance at the day’s headlines — you’re not doing your mental or physical health any good. Chronic stress can do everything from disrupt your sleep to make it harder to achieve your goals.

Find new ways to make life feel lighter and more joyful. That may include learning how to meditate, trying a variety of breathing techniques, spending time in prayer, or simply taking “nature baths” (see tip No. 1) either alone or with friends.

Another way to mitigate stress is to use exercise as a counterforce. When you exert your body, through cardiovascular exercise or resistance training, you release endorphins and other feel-good hormones that alleviate stress.

4. See yourself as a whole

When you focus on a singular goal, you miss the fact that it’s related to all of your other goals, too. In fact, if you think of your goals as a package, you may find it easier to achieve them.

For instance, improving your financial situation will lead to less stress. Less stress leads to better sleep. Better sleep gives you more energy. When you feel more energetic, you’re more likely to exercise. You also think better and can make better decisions.

5. Expand your support system

A “support system” is just a fancy way of saying friends, family, like-minded folks, and professionals who care about your well-being. The Babylonians were better at keeping resolutions because they knew they had their gods’ eyes on them. 

You can increase your chances of resolution success by telling your biggest supporters about your goals and asking for their help. Teaming up with another friend or relative who shares your goals is a great way to increase your chance of success. 

Of course, your support can extend beyond your immediate family and friend circle. We at Gorman Medical are also your supporters. We help you lose weight, exercise more, and care for your mental health with medically supervised programs. 

Resolve to call our nearest office or use the online booking form today to get help with your mental health and physical health goals for 2026.