Every January, everyone starts talking about fresh starts and better habits. New Year’s resolutions often revolve around getting healthy, with a whopping 66% of Britons choosing to improve their physical health as their New Year’s resolution. For lots of people that means splurging on a gym membership and signing up for a fitness app. But while keeping fit is a key part of all that, it’s often the only part of the picture that gets considered.
Before throwing yourself into yet another intense fitness regime, maybe take a step back and have a closer look at your health in general.
A really effective health resolution, rather than just the usual “hit the gym all the time”, is about taking a closer look at the basics that you’ve maybe been putting off and building a stronger foundation for the rest of your health. Sure, get to the gym, by all means, but make sure to consider the bigger picture, too.
Your Eyes
If you work at a computer for long periods, fitness is often perceived as a must-do to preserve health in a sedentary lifestyle. But your eye health can also be affected. Regular eye tests help identify changes early, whether that is a shift in your prescription or signs of digital eye strain. Visiting an optician is not just about checking how well you can see, but about making sure your eyes are properly supported for the way you live and work today.
Besides, if your glasses are outdated, uncomfortable, or no longer suited to screen-heavy days, upgrading can make a noticeable difference. Modern lenses can reduce glare, improve clarity, and support long hours of focused work.
Your Hearing
For most Britons, hearing checks only happen once there is a clear problem. By that point, some level of hearing damage has often already occurred.
Managing hearing health earlier can make a real difference. Regular checks help identify issues before they affect your overall quality of life. This matters at any age, not just later life.
Hearing health is particularly important for people choosing fitness-focused resolutions to improve underlying health concerns. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, which many aim to manage through exercise and lifestyle changes, have been linked to an increased risk of hearing problems.
Blood Tests & Medical Check-Ups
Fitness resolutions are often sparked by concerns about weight gain. In some cases, weight fluctuations are linked to underlying health issues that go unnoticed without medical investigation.
Hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, and metabolic changes can all influence how your body stores fat, uses energy, and responds to diet. Without understanding these factors, it can feel frustrating when traditional fitness approaches do not deliver the expected results.
Mental health also plays a role in how we eat and care for ourselves. Stress, anxiety, and undiagnosed neurodivergent conditions can affect appetite, impulse control, and awareness of hunger cues. Exploring these possibilities with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and reduce self-blame.
While there is no denying that pursuing fitness goals can be beneficial for your health, it’s important to understand that a fitness routine alone can’t solve other health issues that tend to be overlooked. If you’ve taken a health resolution this year, make sure to think of your wellbeing as a whole, rather than tying it up to a gym membership.
