Informative

EPHS’ New Year’s Resolutions For 2025!

Serena Braglia and Makayla Cruz

December 19, 2024

2024 has been chaotic for most, so here’s why you should think about creating a New Year’s resolution! As you may know, a New Year’s resolution is a goal or promise that people make for themselves to improve each year. The biggest reason why New Year’s resolutions are so popular is that most people think of them as a blank slate, or a fresh start, that could help them change their life. Many take this opportunity to help themselves, and if this promise is upheld, it would make people feel like a better version of themselves. To ensure your successful resolutions this year, we sent out an anonymous survey to a group of fellow EPHS students, receiving responses from 23 students about their New Year’s resolutions. Here are the most common results:

1. Exercising

People exercising their bodies and their endurance. Trying to better themselves and their health.

Exercising daily has a wide range of significant health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased energy levels, and the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases. It is suggested to exercise at least 30 minutes to an hour a day. Many people choose this for their New Year’s resolutions because it can improve their mood and overall health! But… sticking to a workout routine can be difficult. Lots of people get unmotivated to go to the gym or even get out of bed. This is crucial because it acts as the driving force to consistently engage in physical activity. Setting goals, rewarding yourself with a treat or favorite meal, or finding a workout buddy can help with staying motivated. The most important thing is to choose something that you want to do and make sure you are having fun!

2. Eating Healthier

A plate of food perfectly portioned for your meals and daily nutrition. This plate would help you eat perfectly.

A new year marks a fresh start, providing an opportunity to make positive changes in your lifestyle. That’s why many people choose to eat healthier for a New Year’s resolution. Many people find a diet they like and stick to it. But for some… change is hard, and switching your routine can be difficult for many people. When making dietary changes, you should start small. One tip for eating healthier is to make time for breakfast. Not eating breakfast can decrease energy levels, increase your risk of a heart attack, and may even contribute to a higher risk of developing chronic conditions. “There are numerous studies showing that people who skip breakfast have an increased risk for heart disease and many other ailments,” Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says. Another tip is to “try not to let more than five hours go by without eating. Waiting too long can zap energy and can lead to overeating later,” Dan Brennan said. Overall, adding this as your resolution can have positive outcomes!

3. Sleeping Well

A person sleeping soundlessly in their bed. Getting a good night’s rest within 7-8 hours.

While simply losing 1-2 hours of sleep isn’t a big deal from time to time, losing this amount almost every day could significantly affect your risk of getting various health and mental health issues such as depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and much more. This will also show in your physical appearance and mood by making you constantly agitated and giving you heavy eye bags. Also, lack of sleep can cause a higher chance of injury in adults, teens, and even children. This is why many people decide to make this their New Year’s resolution—because getting an overall good night’s rest is so important. It gives you better health, happiness, and decreases stress levels. So instead of putting yourself under the constant stress of sleep deprivation, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Why So Many “Give Up” On Their Resolutions:

Around every New Year, 80% to 94% of people let go of or quit their resolutions. It is hard to stick to a resolution because people often set unrealistic goals that are too broad, or they may not be fully prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with their goals, leading to discouragement and lack of follow-through. Although it is hard to create a good plan to stick to, many people are successful and follow through with their resolutions.

Lots of people don’t know where to start, so here are some tips so YOU can have a fresh start this New Year! First, you should stick to only one goal so you are not overwhelmed. Second, it is best to plan for your goal. Think through how you want to accomplish your resolution and how long it will take. Lastly, you should ask people for help, whether it’s a friend to go to the gym with or a parent to help with healthier eating habits. Whether you choose to exercise, focus on school, or get more sleep, always do what YOU want! Happy New Year!

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