Healthy Living

50 Easy Things You Can Do to Be Healthier and Happier in 2024

written by JOSIE SANTI & BETH GILLETTE
Source: mbiye_k
Source: mbiye_k

As much as we want to head into each new year with excitement and motivation, it’s not always that easy. While it can seem like new beginnings and fresh starts for some of us, New Year’s resolutions may also set us up for disappointment. There’s so much pressure to reach lofty goals like “exercise every day” and “lose 10 pounds.” Far-off or difficult goals can make the start of 2024 feel like a burden instead of a blessing. Plus, it’s easy to lose motivation when you’re focused on a number on the scale or a specific guideline to follow. 

Instead of heading into the new year with far-off goals that will only disappoint you, there are many small steps you can take to be your healthiest and happiest self this year (that you’ll actually be able to keep). We’re running through 50 (yes, 50!) concrete steps you can take to boost endorphins and keep your health on track. And while some are focused on nutrition and exercise, there are so many other ways to improve your wellness. After all, you could eat a perfectly clean diet and exercise every day, but if you’re not taking care of yourself in other ways, you can’t be truly healthy. Here are 50 things you can do right now to be healthier and happier this year (that have absolutely nothing to do with eating less sugar or burning calories, BTW):

1. Say “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry”

2. Make your bed every morning

3. Unfollow or mute every account that doesn’t make you feel inspired 

4. On days you don’t feel like exercising, try one of these workouts

5. Clean out your closet

6. Schedule all your doctor’s appointments for the year

7. Download a meditation app like Headspace or Calm

8. Sit in child’s pose when you get stressed

9. Buy yourself flowers

10. Call a friend or coworker instead of texting

11. Eat the rainbow by trying a variety of fruits and vegetables 

12. Go stargazing and get fresh air

13. Drink a glass of water before and after every meal

14. Start a cookbook club

15. Add adaptogens to your latte

16. Go on more hot girl walks

17. Delete the news apps on your phone

18. Sneak leafy greens into sauces, dips, and dressings

19. Go to bed five minutes earlier every night until you’re waking up without an alarm clock

20. Become a morning workout person

21. Prioritize sexual wellness by downloading an app like Coral or treating yourself to a new vibrator

22. Declutter the playlists, pictures, apps, and notes on your phone

23. Improve your relationship with food by eating with self-love instead of self-criticism 

24. Personalize your supplement routine

25. Read a book that’s good for your health

26. Prioritize your friendships

27. Come up with an intention, theme, or affirmation for the year

28. Ditch outdated food rules

29. Instead of FOMO, talk yourself into JOMO (joy of missing out)

30. Measure your health in ways that have nothing to do with weight

31. Sign up for virtual events or online courses

32. Eat seasonal produce

33. Prep healthy snacks to have on hand at all times

34. Schedule multiple one-minute breaks into your workday to take deep breaths or walk around

35. Leave your laptop out of the bedroom

36. DIY a plant-based alternative to whatever food you’re craving

37. Make a list of your top 10 sources of stress, and then identify solutions for each of them

38. Try a workout class you’ve never done before

39. Get sunlight first thing in the morning

40. Add something nutritious to your diet every day

41. Stretch your body while watching TV

42. Time batch your emails

43. Add spices and herbs to every meal

44. Gratitude journal every day 

45. Instead of eating less calories, add more nutrients

46. Chop and roast veggies to prepare for the week 

47. Text compliments to loved ones

48. Turn on a playlist and dance around the kitchen while cooking

49. Take a probiotic

50.  Sit up straight and improve your posture