A new year is here! It’s a time when no matter who you are, where you are from, or how old you are, you can’t help but reflect on your life. It’s also a very natural and healthy practice to consider how you might want to approach the year ahead and see where your life might lead. Many are drawn to the attraction of a new year and the opportunities and transformations that may lie ahead. The phrase “New Year, New Me” has become a cliché, often used to express the desire for change. However, a more impactful way to articulate this sentiment could be “a fresh start.” A fresh “start” emphasizes the recognition and declaration of the commitment and effort to get going! To “START!”
Change is only present when something happens, right? If you want to change your clothes, change lanes, change the furniture, or even change jobs you must “do,” something to make it happen. The same is true within us. If we want to see a transformation within our minds, bodies or environments, we must first start with the ACTION, knowing that is the only pathway to true change. While thoughts, intentions and even planning are wonderful for creating a foundation of change, the real process will not begin until the first actionable step is taken. Research consistently shows that taking actionable steps toward goals which can be measured by their level of success, leads to significant improvements in various aspects of life, including mental health, physical wellness, and overall happiness.
A study published in Health Psychology indicates that individuals who engage in regular physical activity report higher levels of well-being and lower levels of anxiety and depression. This correlation underscores the importance of taking proactive steps toward health and wellness as a means of enhancing one’s quality of life. The individuals can’t just think about how to lower their anxiety and depression, they must act, for some this is through physical activity. Others who are hoping to work on pain management have found relief in yoga and dance, again, from movement, and action, not just wanting the pain to go away. They had to START something to get a different result.
When considering a change or transformation, you might consider what the investment and return will be in your life, few can rival the returns offered by prioritizing health and wellness. For example, engaging in activities that promote physical fitness yields benefits that extend far beyond immediate physical improvements. These activities foster resilience against stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve emotional stability. The return on your investment can lead to substantial long-term benefits. Those hoping to increase their mental health and emotional support may want to seek out a therapist this year, making their relationships stronger, work-life more manageable and growing a deeper sense of self-worth. This is an investment of time and money, but the return on investment can be life-changing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every dollar spent on mental health support yields a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.
When you look at the year ahead, what actions would help you to feel successful in how you want to live your life? If you could have taken different steps last year, what would they have been? For those looking to take decisive action toward improving their health this January, the Wellness Center offers an ideal opportunity. Starting January 6th, a variety of classes will be available designed to cater to different interests and fitness levels in Newport, Barton and Troy. Whether you are interested in high-intensity workouts or calming yoga sessions, there is something for everyone. All you must do is take the action to show up and then with consistency, the return on investment will be paramount. The Wellness Center has been offering fresh starts to people in our community for what is about to be 43 years, because at The Wellness Center they know that taking the first steps towards a new life can be hard. They help solve this with providing structured guidance from experienced instructors and creating a special community that fosters a sense of belonging among participants who share similar goals. This communal environment can enhance motivation and accountability—two critical factors in sustaining long-term lifestyle changes or helping anyone with a fresh start.
If you are ready for a fresh start this New Year, remember that transformation comes through action—not just intention. By investing your time into health and wellness initiatives like those offered at The Wellness Center, perhaps through your employer or even by taking your own steps, you are making one of the highest quality investments possible. The returns on such investments are profound: improved physical health, enhanced mental clarity, increased happiness levels, and ultimately a richer quality of life await those who choose to act. Creating a healthier, happier and more enriching community for us all to thrive in this year. May you all have a happy new year and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.