The Central Shenandoah Health District is providing easy to do activities to stick with your New Year's Resolutions. These tips will help you create a healthy lifestyle without going on extreme diets or having to join a gym and workout for hours every day. Let’s start with the first step.

Get moving! In Virginia, nearly 30% of adults are obese; increasing physical activity is beneficial for everyone! You can walk more frequently, use the stairs instead of taking the elevator, take up yoga, or find some other activity you enjoy that allows you to spend some time each week (150 minutes). Once you discover something you like, doing it will become easy and fun!

Eat healthy food. You can start by filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Replace soft drinks with water and reduce the intake of sugar, junk food, and alcoholic beverages. The healthier options you make will have a positive impact on your overall health and wellness.

Manage your stress. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Use meditation apps or talk to your friends to relieve stress and feel rejuvenated.

These simple lifestyle changes are lifelong commitments to creating a healthier you. Take baby steps now, and come summertime, you will feel like a brand-new person. What will your resolution for 2026 be?