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5 New Year’s Resolutions Your Doctor Wishes You’d Make
January 01, 2026
Every January, millions of people make the same New Year’s resolutions — lose weight, exercise more, drink more water, maybe finally start meditating. But according to doctors, many of the resolutions that actually improve your health don’t make it onto most lists at all.
“It’s great when people want to focus on diet or exercise, but there are other goals that can make an enormous difference in long-term health,” says Mehak Gandhi, MD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “And they’re often much more realistic, and effective, than the traditional resolutions we hear every year.”
Here are five doctor-approved resolutions worth making this year.
1. Schedule your preventive care (and actually go)
Maybe you cancel one appointment, vowing to reschedule, or maybe you never make one at all. But preventative care is one of the strongest tools for catching problems before they become serious.
“These visits let us identify risks early, whether it’s high cholesterol, diabetes or something more serious,” says Dr. Gandhi. “It’s quick, simple and one of the best investments you can make in your future health.”
It’s easy to put these visits off, especially if you’re scared of catching something.
“We often hear that people have been delaying coming in because they have a health concern they’re scared to face,” Dr. Gandhi notes. “But the reality is, if there is something wrong, coming in sooner will allow us to help you when it’s most treatable.”
Make it easy on yourself: schedule everything now and add reminders to your phone.
> Related: End-of-Year Health Checklist: Are You Up to Date?
2. Start taking your sleep seriously
It might sound simple, but sleep is easy to neglect. And according to Dr. Gandhi, it’s also one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
“So many conditions improve when sleep improves,” says Dr. Gandhi. “Heart health, metabolism, mood, immune function. They’re all affected by how well and how consistently you sleep.”
Try to incorporate screen free time at least 30 minutes before bedtime to allow your brain to unwind and reduce impact on sleep from light exposure. Bonus points if you can keep a consistent bedtime and wake time – even on weekends.
3. Learn your numbers
No, we don’t mean numbers on a scale. Your New Year’s resolutions might be to eat healthier or get fit, but have you resolved to learn the numbers that more accurately reflect your health?
“Understanding your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar gives you real insight into your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” Dr. Gandhi says. “Those numbers tell a story, and knowing them helps you take action.”
If it’s been more than a year, make this the year you check in. Work with your provider to set goals based on data, not guesswork.
> Related: 3 Health Numbers Everyone Should Know
4. Get moving
Adding some exercise to your day doesn’t take a gym membership or a lifestyle overhaul. It can be as simple as just moving more.
“Small increases in daily movement add up to big health benefits, especially for heart health and metabolic health,” says Dr. Gandhi. “A few 10-minute walks throughout the day can be just as effective as a traditional workout.”
Start with something realistic: a short walk after meals, taking the stairs when you can or stretching before bed. Anything you can do consistently.
> Related: What to Do When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Helping You Lose Weight
5. Make time for your emotional health, too
Mental health often gets left off resolution lists, but it’s essential to your overall wellness.
“Stress management, connection and support are just as important as diet and exercise,” says Dr. Gandhi. “People underestimate how much mental health influences physical health.”
Try one small practice this year — journaling, therapy, boundaries at work, reconnecting with friends — and see how it impacts the rest of your life.
“The best resolutions are the ones that help you build long-term habits,” says Dr. Gandhi. “Preventive care, sleep, movement and emotional wellness create a strong foundation that supports every other goal.”
So this year, skip the pressure to reinvent yourself. Focus on New Year’s resolutions that are simple, sustainable and truly impactful.