Choose to be healthy this 2025
With every brand new year, I vow to take better care of myself. I pledge to eat better, exercise often, ingest less sugar, and drink lots of water. More often than not, admittedly, I fail.
To give up, however, is not an option.
A new year ritual of mine is getting in touch with my friends who are doctors or practitioners of natural medicine, hoping to be inspired by them to kick-start the year on a healthy note.
This time I messaged Dr. Christine Gonzalez, an educator, author, researcher, and a doctor of naturopathic medicine with a PhD in Health and Human Services and a PhD in Environmental Sciences. She is training doctors in Indonesia and Malaysia to prevent and control cancer.
I first met Dr. Gonzalez when my Manang Vicky was battling cancer. Her gentle and calm demeanor was my source of comfort during that sad and harrowing time. Since then we’ve remained friends, and her presence in my life has enriched me so.
As the year turned, Dr. Gonzalez wrote an enlightening piece. It was so well put together even if most of what was written are things we already know but tend to forget in the busyness of our daily lives.
Pointers
What was penned serves as a reminder for us to slow down and to prioritize what matters most—our health and wellness in all aspects of our lives.
Here are Dr. Gonzalez’s pointers to help make informed choices that can lead to a healthier you in 2025.
Embrace a holistic approach to health, the kind that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, which are all essential for us to thrive in this new era.
Explore plant-based nutrition and/or incorporate plant-based meals in your diet to reap their health benefits.
Subscribe to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Doing so not only supports optimal health but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
“As we adopt these dietary practices, we become part of a larger health movement, where communities can see a significant decrease in diet-related diseases, creating a ripple effect of health throughout society,” stressed Gonzalez.
Set health, wellness-centered goals. Goal-setting is a crucial first step in our journey toward a healthier lifestyle. This holds true regardless of the goal, be it improving our diet, enhancing our physical fitness, or cultivating better mental wellness.
Establishing clear and achievable goals can motivate us and provide direction. It is essential, she said, to assess our current health status and identify areas for improvement. “By taking a comprehensive look at our health, we can Set specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals that align with our aspirations for 2025.”
Movement can be seamlessly integrated into our daily routine, offering immediate benefits and making it accessible for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Dr. Gonzalez prescribed incorporating active breaks during our workday. This can significantly boost productivity and focus, whether it’s a quick walk around the office or a few stretching exercises at our desk.
Avoid stress
Do not stress. Stress is a natural response that the body experiences when faced with challenges or demands. While it can serve a protective function, alerting us to potential dangers and motivating us to take action, chronic stress can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes.
Dr. Gonzalez pointed out that it is crucial to understand the distinction between acute stress, which can be beneficial in certain situations, and chronic stress, which persists over time. This knowledge empowers us to take control of our overall health.
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep is crucial for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
While we sleep, the body undergoes vital processes like muscle repair, memory consolidation, and hormone regulation.
Lack of sleep can lead to a host of issues, including weakened immune function, increased stress levels, and a greater risk of chronic diseases.
Good sleep patterns can better regulate our emotions and maintain a stable mental state.
Dr. Gonzalez believes in celebrating our victories on our road to wellness.
“Each small step we take toward a healthier lifestyle can lead to significant changes over time.”
She emphasized that as we celebrate our achievements, we too must identify the areas that need improvement. Doing so empowers us to take proactive steps and enables us to take control of our health journey.
“Health and wellness are lifelong pursuits,” she said, so in the process, let’s be kind to ourselves as we make 2025 our healthiest year ever!
Doctor’s prescription
Detox from: unhealthy diet and lifestyle; processed foods—introduce whole foods; sugar; digital; emotional; alcohol; bad habits—breaking unhealthy routines and establishing positive habits.
You may reach Dr. Gonzalez at wellnessinstituteinc.com.
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