Making changes can feel scary, but you are not alone. Read on to find out how you can enjoy a healthy 2025.
Make 2025 the year you quit smoking
You will notice the benefits of giving up smoking almost straight away. It’s never too late to quit – there is support every step of the way. Find out how you can start your journey to a smoke-free life on the Better Health website, where you will also find information what happens to your body within hours of giving up.
You don’t have to go far to find stop smoking support. Hertfordshire County Council and Essex Wellbeing Service both have local support services to help you quit.
There’s more information on our website too. Take a look at the Stopping Smoking page.
Feeling good in your mind as well as body
Living a healthier life is about mind and body. If you are feeling low, you can get in touch with:
NHS Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies, which offers confidential talking therapy and practical support for people experiencing a wide range of mental health problems.
If you live in Essex, you can also get in touch with Essex Wellbeing Service, which can help if you or someone you know if experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Our website has more information about the support available throughout the year if you are experiencing mental health problems.
Manage your weight
Keeping to a healthy weight will reduce your chances of developing some health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Carrying excess weight can also increase your blood pressure which increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
A healthy weight also means you are more likely to have more energy and feel good physically and mentally.
There is support to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Visit our Weight Management pages to find out your Body Mass Index, and get advice on how to move more and stay healthy.
The NHS website has some easy tips to help you lose weight.
Check your blood pressure
Checking your blood pressure could save your life and you can get a check for free at a pharmacy – with no need for an appointment.
High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack and stroke and conditions such as kidney disease and heart failure. It’s important to get your blood pressure checked if you are over 40 years old and haven’t had it done for more than six months. You may not see any symptoms of high blood pressure – many people don’t even know they have it.
Read more about the impact of high blood pressure and what you can do to reduce it on our High Blood Pressure page.
Get moving
If there’s one thing that can boost our mood it’s a little bit of exercise.
Exercising doesn’t mean you have to join the gym or pump iron. There are different ways you can be active that will help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of developing major illnesses like cancer, stroke and diabetes. Exercising can also relieve stress.
There is lots of advice and suggestions on our webpage, Exercise Well. Other organisations are also happy to help:
- Watford Football Club runs a series of Shape Up courses across Hertfordshire.
- Moving More is a one stop shop for Hertfordshire residents to find out about different opportunities to get physically active nearby or even at home.
- Active Essex is a similar activity finder for residents of Essex
- Find a Healthy Hub near you, which offers free health and wellbeing support
- Hertfordshire health walks are a free programme to help you get out and about and also meet new people.
- West Essex Ramblers arrange walks at various locations on different days and different types of walks, so there is lots to choose from.
Cut back on alcohol
You may be joining millions of others who are taking part in Dry January. It’s a great start and if you decide to stop drinking alcohol that will bring lots of health and wellbeing benefits.
You may choose to reduce how much you drink rather than stop altogether. That will also make you feel better and improve your health.
Drinking too much can damage your liver and increase your risk of cancer – the extra calories in alcohol also lead to weight gain.
Take a look at our information about how to drink less, including information about drugs and alcohol support services. The NHS website also has some helpful tips on cutting down.