Healthy tips to start your New Year

With the new year comes the perfect chance to refresh your mind, replenish your energy, and rethink your priorities. For many of us, the start of a new year feels like a clean slate—an ideal time to focus on self-care and healthier habits.

The Longest Table has teamed up with Laura, a Senior Exercise Physiologist at The Hospital Research Foundation Group's Brain X Body Fitness Studio, to share practical and achievable tips to help you feel your best and stay on track throughout the year.

Prioritise sleep

Why it matters: Quality sleep is the cornerstone of good health. It allows your body to recover, sharpens mental clarity, and strengthens your immune system. Aiming for 7–9 hours per night can reduce stress, boost energy levels, and set the tone for a more productive day.

Tip to try: Establish a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. Creating this habit helps regulate your body’s natural clock, improving sleep quality over time. Consider winding down with calming activities like reading or gentle stretching to prepare for a restful night.

Move your feet

Why it matters: Long periods of sitting can impact your health, contributing to issues such as heart disease, back pain, and sluggish circulation. Adding small bursts of movement to your day helps improve your overall health and keeps your body feeling strong and agile.

Tip to try: Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move every hour. Use these breaks to refill your water bottle, take a brisk 5-minute walk, or do some light stretching. These simple actions can reinvigorate your body and improve focus throughout the day.

Prioritise Balance and Coordination

Why it matters: Maintaining balance and coordination is crucial for staying steady on your feet, especially as you get older. It reduces the risk of falls and helps you remain independent and confident in your daily activities.

Tip to try: Incorporate balance exercises into your routine, like standing on one foot for 20–30 seconds at a time. To make it more fun, try using a balance board or doing heel-to-toe walks. These simple exercises can strengthen your core, improve stability, and boost hip strength over time.