With the New Year approaching, many of us are thinking about ways we can improve our lives in 2025. According to a poll conducted by Pew Research Center, across all age groups, a sizable majority of those who made resolutions this year say their goals focus on health, exercise, or diet. Overall, 79% say their resolutions concern health.

Here are some ways you can resolve to make your life happier and healthier:

• Unplug more often. Research shows that people who take time to turn off devices and unplug during their downtime are more resilient to the ravages of stress, says Inc. Use that time to walk in nature, exercise, or pursue a hobby.
• Put more sunshine into your life. Getting enough daylight at work can significantly improve your sleep, overall productivity, and quality of life, according to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Sunshine can reduce stress and contribute to overall well-being. Add subtle lighting, more green plants, and other natural elements to your office and workspace to feel happier and more motivated during the day.
• Take naps. A recent study found that daytime napping could slow the rate at which the brain shrinks as we age. Researchers found that brain volume between people who napped regularly and those who didn't was equivalent to 2.6 to 6.4 years of aging, according to Sky News. Senior author Victoria Garfield, Ph.D., from University College of London (UCL), said that "our findings suggest that for some, short daytime naps may be part of the puzzle that could preserve the health of the brain as we get older." Studies have indicated that a 20-to-30-minute nap can enhance productivity, boost alertness, and improve overall performance.
• Practice forgiveness. Research reveals that emphasizing forgiveness, even in the workplace, can be beneficial. It can enhance overall well-being and productivity. One study found that among workers who practiced forgiveness, there were fewer sick days and fewer mental and physical health issues.
• Cultivate a gratitude practice. Find ways to express gratitude. A two-minute daily practice over a month's time can significantly shift your attitude to one of optimism. This, in turn, boosts intelligence, creative, and energy levels. Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D., a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, acknowledges that it can be challenging to practice gratitude when we are under extreme stress or going through difficult times. When she experiences these roadblocks, she practices "The Three Things Exercise."

"No matter how bad things are going, we can all find three things to be grateful for," she explains. "List them in a journal or tell them to a friend. They can be super tiny things such as 'I am glad the sun is out today,' or 'I'm glad I can take a walk,' or 'I am grateful for the clean water I have to drink.'"

Review these three things first thing in the morning and reflect upon the impact these small recognitions of gratitude have on your mood and behavior.

"Gratitude can help us make a simple switch in our brains to look for the positives in life and break up the negative self-talk and cascade of negative thoughts that lead to feelings and behaviors that don't serve us," she says.

Embrace these strategies to set yourself up for a happier, healthier, and more productive 2025.