How to leap and soar into 2025
As the year unfolds, why not break free from the usual annual “lose weight” or “save money” resolutions? Here’s a list of refreshing, light-hearted yet meaningful resolutions to inspire a more vibrant and flourishing life this new year:
1. Prioritize quality sleep. Target seven to eight hours of sleep daily. Traditional Chinese medicine advises sleeping before 10 p.m.—or at least before midnight our late mom advised—to let the body repair and recharge. Night owls, take note: Netflix can wait.
2. Digital detox after dark. Reduce screen time, especially at night two hours before sleep. Social media will still be there tomorrow—unlike those eyebags and fatigue we could avoid.
3. Say ‘Cheers’ to less alcohol. Skip the booze! Cancer specialist Dr. Mu Feng recently shared at the “Pandesal Forum” that alcohol increases cancer risks. Why toast to that?
4. Exercise three times a week. My paternal cousin top cardiologist Dr. Dy Bun Yok said cardio-vascular exercise at least three times a week, even for half an hour, is good for your heart. Also, start resistance training. As my excellent gym coach, UP master's student Arsham Amooshandeh (he’s on Instagram and accepts online coaching), reminded me: Muscles of men and women age 40 and up fade with age if we don’t work them out. Lift some weights, walk briskly, or just dance like nobody’s watching!
5. Take the stairs. Forget elevators and escalators—embrace stairs as your mini fitness gym. Remember, “Use it or lose it!” Aim for at least 8,000 steps a day; 10,000 is great, but science says 8,000 still counts.
6. Channel your inner monk. Learn Tai-Chi, Qigong, yoga, or meditation. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez swears by daily Qigong and also occasional acupuncture to maintain beauty and calm. I might try Kung Fu—if I can find a master who doesn’t laugh at my first kick.
7. Plant a garden. Turn your balcony or any unused space into a vegetable or flower haven. Green thumbs or not, it’s therapeutic and rewarding—plus fresh tomatoes and calamansi always taste better when you grow them.
8. Join a cause. Volunteer for a cause close to your heart, like Greenpeace, Haribon, Tzu-Chi or Habitat for Humanity. Whether it’s tree-planting, coastal cleanups, constructing homes or supporting local farmers, find something that lets you give back while making friends.
9. Embrace the arts. Take up poetry, fiction writing, painting, theater or calligraphy. It’s never too late to explore your creative side. Attend a workshop or just start doodling—it could lead to your masterpiece!
10. Learn to say "No." Set boundaries. You don’t need to attend every event or accept every task. Saying “no” can be a powerful act of self-care. Also, choose friends wisely.
11. Host monthly dinners for kin or friends. Reconnect with loved ones through themed dinners. From Mediterranean nights to Filipino fiesta fare, good food and laughter are always worth the effort.
12. Travel off the beaten path. Explore new destinations. How about the Silk Road in Central Asia, Colombia’s Gabriel Garcia Marquez magical realism hotspots, or Brazil, Hungary’s charming cities, or the highlands of Tibet and Nepal? Travel broadens horizons—and appetites.
13. Read and reflect. Enjoy at least one book a month (or week, if ambitious). Better yet, join or start a book club. Reading opens doors to wisdom and adventure, no passport required!
14. Cook something new. Learn a new dish each month. Who knows? You might just discover your signature recipe. Michelin stars optional.
15. Immerse in nature. Hike mountains like Mount Makiling, dip in natural therapeutic hotsprings pools like my Hemingway Eco Resort or W Resort (message me for discounts). Nature heals, so let it work its magic.
16. Learn a musical instrument. Always wanted to play the piano or strum a guitar? Start now —your neighbors might even forgive the noise if you serenade them eventually.
17. Learn a new language. Mandarin, Spanish, or even German—learning languages sharpens the mind and opens doors to cultures. As the late Elizabeth Gokongwei said when in her advanced age studying at Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University, you’re never too old to study. Bonus: it impresses during travels or in business deals!
18. Write daily in journal or diary. Journaling clears the mind and preserves memories. Whether you pen down random musings or detailed reflections or even sketches, it’s like therapy—but cheaper.
19. Appreciate the little things. Walk barefoot on grass, watch a sunset, drive to the nearest beach or simply enjoy a quiet cup of brewed coffee. Life’s beauty often lies in the small moments.
20. Celebrate progress, not perfection. Remember, resolutions aren’t about flawless execution. Celebrate each small win, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you slip. Life’s a journey, not a sprint.
So, which of these resolutions will you try? Start small, stay consistent, and make this new year truly flourish.
