Caring For Your Body in 2025 Embracing Intentionality and Non-Negotiables for Better Health

As the year ends, it’s a good time to reflect on your health and the progress you’ve made over the past 12 months. If things didn’t go as planned, don’t lament. Instead, focus on your goals and what you’re willing to do to achieve them in the coming year.

We are all works in progress. Our bodies are constantly changing and staying attuned to these changes is essential. While it may be tempting to wish you felt, looked, or acted as you did five or ten years ago, the reality is that aging is inevitable. Each moment brings you into a new phase of life and taking care of your body becomes even more critical.

As we welcome 2025, here are some essential steps to care for the body you inhabit:

1. Take Responsibility for Your Body

You may not be as tall, fit, or attractive as you’d like, but this is the body you’ve been given—and you can’t trade it in for a new model. Embrace its quirks and peculiarities and treat it with the care it deserves.

2. Know Your Numbers

Stay informed about your key health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and kidney function. This is especially important if you have a family history of certain conditions. While genetics may load the gun, your lifestyle is what pulls the trigger.

3. Understand Your Family History

Knowing your family’s health history doesn’t mean you’re destined to inherit their ailments, but it equips you with the knowledge to make better choices. Remember, knowledge is power.

4. Prioritize Non-Negotiable Lifestyles

a. Sleep

Good sleep is foundational to longevity. Restorative sleep, which includes deep sleep and REM (dreaming) cycles, is when your body heals and your brain consolidates memories. Practicing good sleep hygiene—consistent bedtime, limiting screen time, and creating a comfortable sleep environment—is non-negotiable.

b. Nutrition

What you eat plays a significant role in your immediate and long-term health. Diets high in sugar, preservatives, and additives can be detrimental. The typical American diet—rich in white bread, pasta, rice, and other refined carbohydrates—can exacerbate conditions like diabetes, especially if you have a family history.
Aim for a diet of fresh or frozen foods free from pesticides, preservatives, and additives. Cooking your meals allows you to control what you’re putting into your body. Avoid sugary sodas, juices, and artificial sweeteners—this is another non-negotiable.

c. Exercise

Incorporate at least 150 minutes of exercise into your weekly routine. Physical activity boosts your physical and mental health, making it an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.

d. Hydration

Drink plenty of water—but avoid water from plastic bottles to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

5. Embrace Intentionality

Taking care of your health requires effort and intentionality. Stepping away from convenience foods, preparing your own meals, and building healthy routines may take time, but the rewards are immense.

As we step into 2025, let’s commit to making health a priority. By embracing these non-negotiables, you can set the foundation for a healthier, happier year ahead.