Whether you like to make annual resolutions or not, the New Year is an opportunity to kick off 2026 with purpose. Starting something new or changing an old habit can be challenging, especially when it comes to health and wellness, but there are tips you can follow to reach your goals.
1. Make a Plan
Write a list of your health and wellness goals for 2026 and make a plan for how you will reach them. Just jotting down your goals and referencing them regularly can motivate you to keep working toward them throughout the year. Pick a start date, look for resources to support you, and consider challenges you may face.
2. Pick Things You Enjoy
If you want to focus on moving more in the new year, pick activities you enjoy doing and you can make time for. The likelihood of making new routines last increases significantly by selecting something that fits into your schedule and you look forward to doing. A long drive to the gym may start to become less likely to happen the busier your day gets.
Do you have a goal to reduce screentime, make time for yourself, or connect with others? Then this may be the perfect opportunity to try out a hobby that you’ve always been interested in. Research shows that having hobbies may help you live a longer, healthier life.
3. Start Small
According to the National Institutes of Health, one reason new year’s resolutions are abandoned is because people set unrealistic goals, get frustrated and give up. Resolutions of all types need to include small goals that are definable and reachable — think baby steps instead of giant leaps.
4. Stay Motivated
There’s nothing more motivating than seeing the progress you’ve already made toward your goal. Whether using a mobile app or a written journal, keep track of your progress and each accomplishment or milestone.
5. Get Support
Sutter Health Plan members have a variety of interactive tools, programs and resources designed to support health and wellness goals, available at no cost share. The Health Coaching program offers one-on-one support by phone with a dedicated health coach. Together, you’ll uncover barriers, set achievable goals and build healthier habits, whether it’s maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress or quitting tobacco. Call 866-961-8513 to enroll or learn more.
Members also have access to digital wellness tools visiting sutterhealthplan.org/members/health-wellness. You can visit the site for personal health assessment and tailored action plan modules; a library of webinars, nutrition and health tip sheets; and recommendations based on guidelines set by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Radiology, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and California Department of Public Health.
Start planning positive changes today to reach your health and wellness goals in the future.