7 New Year's Resolutions for a Healthier You in 2026

The start of a new year is a time to think about changes you want to make, whether you want to eliminate some bad habits or implement new, healthy ones. 

Our team at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, led by Charles Stone, MD, hopes your New Year’s resolutions include making changes that promote improved health and wellness. 

To help you in that process, we’re recommending seven attainable, effective resolutions.

1. Start every day with a stretch 

Stretching right away in the morning wakes up your body, improves circulation, and dissolves mental and physical tension. 

Before you even get out of bed, start by flexing and relaxing your lower limbs. Then bend your knees and lift your legs into the air. With your legs still elevated, move your feet up and down, then side to side. 

In a sitting position, move your neck back and forth and then roll your shoulders. Finally, move your wrists up and down and repeatedly open and close your hands. Consider yourself ready to start the day.

For more advanced stretching, with your doctor's approval, consider learning quick yoga routines (e.g., sun salutation) to help you greet the morning or reduce stress throughout the day.

2. Apply sunscreen every morning 

No matter what season it is, the sun’s harmful rays can damage your skin and put you at risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. Each morning after washing your face, apply a small amount of sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to your entire face, along with your neck, ears, and any balding spots on your head. 

3. Lower your intake of sodium

While making a complete overhaul to your eating habits can seem like the way to go, it’s often not sustainable. 

However, one small change you can make is cutting back on sodium. The average American eats around 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but the recommended amount is only 1,500 milligrams. 

Most of your sodium intake likely comes from processed foods, not from table salt. Limiting sodium can have an incredible domino effect on your overall health, reducing your risk for heart disease, kidney complications, high blood pressure, and stroke.

4. Boost your intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts

As you limit sodium, look to increase the amount of powerhouse foods you eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. 

These foods in particular are high in nutrients that give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. Your immune function, digestion, energy levels, cravings for unhealthy foods, and mental clarity will all see improvements with proper intake of these food groups. 

Always check your portion sizes since too much of any good thing can create problems.

5. Keep yourself hydrated

Your body is primarily made of water, and it needs a continuous supply of water to survive and function properly. Water lubricates your joints, eliminates waste and toxins, and regulates your body’s temperature. 

Start each morning with a glass of water and drink a full glass with every meal. You may also want to consider skipping an extra cup of coffee or a can of soda and replacing it with water. 

If you still struggle to drink enough water, consider carrying a reusable water bottle and incorporating hydrating foods like melons and berries into your nutrition plan. 

6. Move your body daily 

Going to the gym more or doing longer, more intense workouts often make it onto resolution lists. However, this can also be overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead, make it a priority to move your body for about 10-15 minutes every single day. 

Maybe some days you do something highly active, like running or weight lifting, but other days it’s yoga, going for a walk, or having a dance party. Keeping it simple and changing it up can help make this resolution more exciting and achievable.

7. See our team regularly 

Part of keeping your body healthy and preventing diseases is seeing our team for regular wellness and preventive care. We screen you for chronic diseases and assess your risk of certain illnesses, recommending lifestyle changes and treatment plans as needed.

To schedule a wellness visit or to learn about any of our other health services, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.