Your Guide To Setting—And Crushing—A New Year’s Resolution

This time of year, your mental to-do list is usually pretty long. From remembering to buy an ugly sweater for the upcoming office party, to considering what side dish to make for the family gathering, to figuring out a gift for the in-laws, there’s simply a whole lot to juggle inside your head during the holiday season. Perhaps the most important thing to put your finger on, however, doesn’t have much to do with parties or presents: It’s your New Year’s resolution. 

If contemplating how you’d like to learn, grow, or support your health and well-being in the new year feels straight-up overwhelming amidst all the piles of wrapping paper and fir tree-scented candles, know that you’re not alone in needing to ease into whatever goals you set for yourself in 2024. In fact, according to a recent survey commissioned by The Vitamin Shoppe and Ancient Nutrition, 40 percent of Americans prefer to take a gradual approach to New Year’s resolutions. More people than not also prefer to set long-term goals over short-term ones because they feel less stressful and more achievable than short-term ones. 

Try These Resolutions On For Size

If you don’t know where to start with setting a resolution, consider a few different options. According to the survey, some of the most popular (and achievable) options include drinking more water and taking daily vitamins and supplements. 

Other areas of interest include weight management, hair and nail health, strength and fitness, hormonal health, and immune health. (From innovative protein blends for massive muscle gains to herbal remedies that promote healthy hormonal function, you’ll find a supportive supplement for each of these health areas at The Vitamin Shoppe.)

Whatever you choose, keep in mind that how you frame your resolution can make the difference between major success and falling flat. “I always recommend that resolutions be specific, measurable, and achievable, such as aiming to get eight hours of sleep per night or taking collagen each day to improve skin, joint, and gut health,” notes doctor of natural medicine Dr. Josh Axe, D.C., D.N.M., C.N.S., co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. “Wellness is a lifelong journey, and resolutions and goals can be helpful reminders and incentives along the way.”

Staying (Mostly) On-Track

Of course, that whole journey spiel speaks to one tricky but important truth: Improving your health or growing in any way isn’t a cut-and-dry linear process. Curveballs, hiccups, and complete falls of the bandwagon are to be expected! Take inspiration from the survey respondents, more than half of whom said they’d just “start their goals over” if they got off-track come the New Year. 

The majority of respondents also noted that they’d lean on friends and family, and even check in with their healthcare provider, for support if they were struggling with their resolution. So take advantage of the social support when the time comes to pack up the holiday lights and level up your life.

“The New Year can be an ideal time to set resolutions and goals, because it’s a chance for a fresh start and a clean slate,” says Axe. “Lots of people are setting goals at this time, so you can feel supported and part of something bigger than just yourself.”

For extra motivation and guidance when the eggnog fog wears off, check out these small but meaningful health goals to strive for, this sound advice for rebounding after breaking a New Year’s resolution, and these resolution mistakes that sabotage sustainable weight loss.

In the meantime, use these tips to manage holiday stress and squeeze in a few of these quick workouts in between all those holiday parties.