When was your last checkup? If you can’t remember, it’s time to get one on the calendar. Think of your annual physical like a tune-up for your body — it’s not about waiting until something feels wrong, but about staying ahead of potential issues and understanding your baseline health.

Your provider can review your vitals, discuss any concerns, and make sure you’re up to date on age-appropriate screenings.

Lab work is like a window into what’s happening inside your body before symptoms ever appear. Key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid function, and vitamin levels tell a story that can guide your wellness decisions for the year ahead.

Many people are surprised to discover deficiencies (hello, vitamin D in winter!) or imbalances they had no idea existed. Knowledge is power, and knowing your numbers helps you make informed choices about nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle habits.

As we head into cold and flu season, having the right supplements on hand can make a real difference. But not all supplements are created equal — professional-grade options are tested for purity and potency, meaning you’re actually getting what the label promises.

Consider essentials like:

• Vitamin D — especially important in winter months
• Probiotics — for gut health and immunity
• Elderberry — for immune support
• Magnesium — for sleep and stress

If you’re not sure where to start, a quick conversation with your healthcare provider or health coach can point you in the right direction.

Here’s the truth about exercise: the best workout is the one you’ll actually do. Forget forcing yourself into activities you dread. Instead, experiment with movement that feels good to you.

The trend of “cozy cardio” has taken off for good reason — low-impact workouts in comfortable settings (think: a living room dance session or a gentle yoga flow) remove barriers and make movement more accessible. Research also shows that isometric exercises like wall sits and planks can help reduce blood pressure.

The key is consistency, not intensity.

Food is foundational. What you eat impacts your energy, your mood, your immune system, and your ability to handle stress. As you prepare for the new year, consider how you can add more whole foods to your plate — not through deprivation, but through addition.

Try these simple swaps:

• Add a handful of leafy greens to your morning smoothie
• Swap an afternoon snack for fresh fruit and nuts
• Aim for around 28 grams of fiber daily to support gut health

Goals without guidance often fizzle out by February. That’s where coaching comes in. Working with a health or life coach helps you identify what you really want, uncover obstacles, and create an actionable plan with built-in accountability.

Whether you want to improve your sleep, manage stress, lose weight, or simply feel more balanced, a coach takes a holistic view of your life — something that’s hard to get in a 15-minute appointment.

Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Yet so many of us treat it as optional, squeezing it around everything else. This year, consider making sleep a non-negotiable part of your wellness routine.

A few simple shifts can help:

• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime (it disrupts deep sleep)
• Create a wind-down routine that signals to your body it’s time to rest
• Limit screen time in the hour before bed
• Try massaging your feet before sleep to promote relaxation

Here’s something research confirms: loneliness and social isolation are genuine health risks, while meaningful connection supports both mental and physical wellbeing. Yet our devices often pull us away from the people right in front of us.

This season, consider setting some boundaries around news and social media. Use that reclaimed time to be present with loved ones, pursue a hobby, or simply sit in stillness.

Gratitude practices — even just writing down three things you’re thankful for each day — have been shown to improve both mental and physical health.

Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many people find that integrative approaches — like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or naturopathic medicine — complement conventional care and address root causes rather than just symptoms.

If you’ve been curious about holistic options, the end of the year is a great time to explore. Having the freedom to choose licensed providers who align with your values and approach to wellness is empowering.

Dental health is more connected to overall health than most people realize — gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Regular cleanings every six months prevent more than cavities; they protect your whole body.

Similarly, vision checkups can catch early signs of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

The end of the year is a natural time to evaluate whether your current healthcare setup is serving you well. Are you paying for something you rarely use? Do you feel supported, or do you dread every interaction?

If you’re self-employed, between jobs, or simply frustrated with rising costs and shrinking options, know that alternatives exist. A health-conscious community that combines everyday wellness resources with voluntary Medical Cost Sharing for unexpected medical needs might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Finally, take some time to dream a little. What does your healthiest year look like? Not in terms of numbers on a scale or miles logged, but in how you want to feel. Energized? Calm? Strong? Present?

Write it down. Be specific. Then work backward to identify the habits and support systems that will help you get there. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone — whether it’s coaching, a fitness community, or a friend who shares your goals, support makes all the difference.