Wellness

Establish Healthy Habits

Your resolve may have faded over the course of the busy year prior, especially during the holidays, but now is the time to start fresh. Make a list of goals for your health and well-being.

1. Rethink what you eat, with a focus on whole foods (page 18).

2. Reevaluate your exercise routine: Look at what’s working and what isn’t. Schedule sessions with a trainer; sign up for skiing lessons; register for a race in the spring and start training now.

3. Practice mindfulness and meditation: Start with five minutes of deep breathing upon waking and again at the end of the day, using a meaningful word or image as a prompt.

4. Make time for a social life: People who engage with others live longer, happier lives. Take a cooking class with a friend, volunteer at a local museum, or join a running group.

HOME

Review Your Financial Plan for the Year

Prioritize this now, before other distractions set in.

• Schedule an annual-review meeting with your financial planner, if you have one.
• Evaluate short- and long-term savings goals, and determine if you’re setting aside enough each month to achieve them.
• Establish, or review, savings (ideally via direct deposit) and expense-tracking systems.
• Order your free annual credit reports and/or sign up for credit monitoring through your bank or credit card provider.
• Review home, car, and medical insurance policies and needs.
• Reassess your investment portfolio.
• Consider increasing 401(k) and retirement plan contributions.