Another day, another year around the sun and all the voices asking what you are going to resolve to do with this next year. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a resolution is “a promise to yourself to do or to not do something”. These promises we make to ourselves in January of each year often consist of promises to change. We make commitments to change the way we look, the way we act, the way we spend our time and often the ways in which we eat and move our bodies.
I am no different in having made these promises to myself, declaring the ways in which I will make substantial habit changes and then finding it difficult to uphold for a couple of months, let alone a year. So, this year I thought I would take a different approach- rather than resolve to make a big ‘change’, I’ve decided to focus on 7 lifestyle habits.
Our everyday habits play a major role in our health; the food we eat, the products we use, the amount we rest, how we spend our money and the way we spend our time. If we narrow down all the ‘things we do’ to simple tasks and focus on them one at a time, we can make significant impacts to improve our health, support our communities and make strides toward preserving our planet.
Having a list of 7 habits may seem more difficult than that one resolution, until you see this list and consider the reasons why focusing on the simple lifestyle habits to employ everyday could have the greatest impact of all. AND we have a full year (or more!) to continue to work on building lifestyle habits which are Best for You!
Consider tackling this list one at a time. Maybe there are a few you already have mastered, or other ideas you would add; the idea is to start with the basics and take the time needed to build a habit which you no longer think too much about. We know one of the greatest motivations for change is either a personal experience or having a sense of accountability to either yourself or others. With this in mind, please read on to consider the “why” you would want to consider focusing on daily lifestyle habits to make a big impact.
The why starts with studies which have found increases in certain cancers at younger ages, higher rates of autoimmune conditions, and more people experiencing fertility challenges—trends researchers are actively studying.
Our environment and the products we use are increasingly being studied for their potential impacts on our health, and we are only going to continue to learn more about how our daily choices can change our overall health and wellbeing.
One ground breaking study in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, launched in 1994 (30 years ago!!) by The Silent Spring Institute to evaluate the higher incidence of breast cancer in Cape Cod than the statewide rate from a 1993 study, found an association between longer residence on Cape Cod and increased breast cancer risk, after accounting for known risk factors. This research launched further extensive studies into household exposures. Since this time, The Silent Spring has contributed to identifying over 900 chemicals that show biological activity linked to breast cancer development.
These few studies noted here are just the tip of the iceberg. And rather than overwhelm, we can start by taking small steps to become informed about how our daily activities can drive change to create better outcomes today and for future generations. These solutions may feel ‘hard’ not because we don’t know what to do, because they aren’t always convenient. Well that my friends how we can work together to make choices that when demanded in mass will change our standards for everyday living.
As we head into another new year, consider resolutions and self-promises designed to make long lasting impacts on your health and for your family. Let’s start small – with no purchase required…just thoughtful decisions for you and yours.
One change at a time, one focus area a month, could change your entire life. Your body is your gift, let’s treat it with kindness.
1. Spend time with friends and family
Relationships are strongly linked to longevity and overall wellbeing. While you may be in the presence of others often, consider taking active steps to be present in others presence. Put down the devices, make eye contact and lead with curiosity.
A 2023 study by the World Economic Forum and Mercer states “The latest discovery from what is believed to be the longest study into human happiness suggests that the secret of a long and healthy life lies in forging and maintaining good, close relationships with other people.”
2. Drink Clean Water
Working from home and missing that water cooler? Forgetting to take a break to fill up your fancy water bottle? Make it a priority to drink an adequate amount for your body and lifestyle – learn how to determine “adequate” here.
Your body needs water to support liver and kidney function and keep our skin looking young and healthy.
*Want to ensure you are drinking clean water? Check out the EWG’s Tap Water Database
3. Focus on Sleep
A dark room away from devices and interruptions will go a long way. When possible, find your natural rhythm and/or establish a routine which allows your body and mind to achieve rest. Without sleep we cannot survive, so do yourself a favor and put thought into how you rest.
4. Eat whole, fresh foods
Recent research published in The Lancet has highlighted associations between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes.
I know, I know – whole foods may not feel as convenient as the many quick options made available to us.
The great news? The number of companies focused on finding new ways to use better ingredients to provide easier options. Reading labels or sticking fresh whole food options will be the best path to change.
Altering the way we eat is not about perfection, it is about progress! So how do you begin?
· Start with 1 day a week or 1 meal a day. Evaluate what you are eating to determine if it is “ultra-processed” and where possible make alternate food decisions.
· Search for a local farm and/or CSA (Community Sourced Agriculture) program which is transparent in their use of pesticides and farming practices.
5. Move your body
Set small achievable goals. Try not to commit to something which takes a large amount of time, will make you so sore you never want to try again, or makes you feel uncomfortable. Walking, yardwork, stretching in front of the TV and dancing in your closet…it all counts!
The World Health Organization details how physical activity and daily movement supports both our mental and physical health.
6. Meet the sun
Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and overall health. The Cleveland Clinic shares guidance on how much time in the sun is beneficial.
Get out in the sun and find out how soaking up some rays can have positive effects on mood.
7. Start to Swap your everyday products; Less toxic and more sustainable.
Become an informed consumer to contribute to better health and a better earth. As mentioned above, the environmental exposures may be a significant contributor to many chronic diseases.
Making individual changes, product by product, and demanding better options is one way you can support your health, the planet and making a bigger change.
At Good Better Bestwe can support you in this journey and provide tools to Start the Swap. Reach out to schedule a Discovery Call. We are here to support your journey to establishing daily lifestyle habits which are less toxic and more sustainable.
Our mission at Good Better Best is rooted in the belief that small, thoughtful choices can lead to meaningful change—choices that are Good for the Planet, Better for our Communities, and Best for You. My goal in sharing this information is not to prescribe or diagnose, but to help simplify complex topics and offer practical ideas that people can realistically apply in their everyday lives. I believe meaningful change doesn’t come from perfection, but from curiosity, intention and small steps taken over time.
I am not a scientist or medical professional, and I do not claim to be an expert in these fields. I am someone who cares deeply about health, sustainability, and everyday choices that shape our lives. This article is based on personal research, ongoing learning, conversations with experts, and a growing body of publicly available studies that explore how lifestyle habits and environmental factors may influence wellbeing.