A new year is on the horizon so you know what that means ... you're about to be hit over the head with "New Year, New You" slogans from every business. we know what you're thinking though, you're reading one of those articles now on the Otter Co-op website so what gives here!?

Yes we want you to achieve all of your personal and health goals in 2025, we want you to feel better about yourself than you ever have, but we're also going to tell you it's ok to still enjoy chocolate from time to time ... you don't have to be at the gym at 5am 7-days a week, you can still ave a relaxing day on the couch every now and then. We're excited to share 24 tips to help you get your year off to a healthy start, while still enjoying a few things just for you! 

START YOUR 2025 OFF RIGHT!

• Do you like to start your day with caffeine? Try switching it up and start with a glass of water. Otter tip! Add a straw to your water bottle or glass. You might end up tricking yourself into sipping more water throughout the day!
  
  
• Take time away from your phone/iPad, especially while you're in bed. This goes for morning and night. We've spoken to many people who have started plugging in their phone in a separate room at night to avoid the temptation. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, invest in a separate clock. When you give yourself time away from your phone & social media, you’re more relaxed and in a better mind-set going to bed.
  
  
• Visit an Otter Co-op Pharmacist for vitamins to help keep your body healthy, especially during these dark, grey months.
  
  
• This one will get mixed reviews we're sure, but cleaning is therapeutic. You might feel overwhelmed at first wondering where to start. You might feel too tired tonight to clean so you'll start tomorrow but we're to help! Start with something small, one section of your home. Pick out a podcast to listen to and get started. Before you know it, your place is sparkly clean!
  
  
• Don't forget to pamper yourself. You work hard, you deserve a treat. You deserve to feel good. It's easy to get caught up with everything going on. Make sure you treat yourself every now and then.
  
  
• Breathe. We often forget to take a moment and simply breathe. Make time to step away from work during the day to take a breathe. 
  
  
• Meal planning is key. Start your week with a meal plan that includes lots of protein. By pre-planning your meals, you're more likely to eat proper meals during the week that will fill you up, and have some leftovers you can take to work the next day which will stop those quick fast food meals. If you're looking for recipes, visit FOOD.crs for some great ideas.
  
  
• Make more time to spend with friends. The more you're moving, laughing and loving life, the better you'll feel. Yes it's tough to get off the couch when you have plans, but once you do, you'll have fun, we promise.
  
  
• Commit to being more active — yes this is the gym part you knew we were eventually going to get to. But spending time at the gym not only helps you feel better, but it keeps your body and mind healthy. It gets you out of the house regularly too. 
  
  
• Sports & activities are key! Join a team, join a recreational league, you'll make new friends and you'll have an appointment at least once a week to be active, compete and feel good about yourself. You might even learn something new!
  
  
• Learn to play an instrument. Music heals and can soothe the soul. Try learning a new instrument and not only will it give you something to enjoy, but you never know what it could turn into!
  
  
• Take a cooking class. If you get inspired to cook, you'll eat better and feel better. You might even make some new friends.
  
  
• Plan a vacation. Once again, having something to look forward to can make the grey January, February months a bit more tolerable. 
  
  
• Work more positive, affirmative language into your daily vocabulary. The more you compliment and see the good, the better your mind set will be.
  
  
• Drink more water. Stop and drink water. The benefits for your body will blow your mind!
  
  
• Advance your education. If there is something you want out of your job or life, go get it! Start with taking a night course, or online course to improve your education and skill set. You could get that promotion you've always wanted.
  
  
• Reset your financial goals for the year. Start a new savings account and drop a little bit here and there. At the end of the year, see what you've got and enjoy it!
  
  
• Ok, we know this is a tough one for some people, but get a pet. Pets are proven to relieve stress. If you get a dog, it forces you out for walks, going to dog parks where you and your pup can make new friends. 
  
  
• Do something that scares you. Take a risk, try something new and out of your comfort zone. 
  
  
• Work/life balance. Is so important. Make sure you're shutting work brain off every now and then. It's good for you.
  
  
• Go to a concert. Blow off some steam singing at the top of your lungs to your favourite artist. 
  
  
• Cut bad habits. Smoking, chewing your nails. Whatever bad habit you have, make this the year it stops!
  
  
• Keep a clean space around you. Clean desk, clean home, clean kitchen. Yeah it's easier said than done, but a clean space around you relaxes your brain. Takes the stress off. 
  
  
• Always have something to look forward to. We've mentioned a few ideas above but this one needs to be reemphasized, treat yourself, give yourself something to work towards and look forward to.

Let us know what you're doing to kick off 2025 with a healthier start! Share your accomplishments with us on social media too! Find us on Facebook and Instagram @ottercoop. You can do this!