20 Wellness Gurus Reveal Their Personal Resolutions

Introduction: Inspiration from Wellness Leaders

Each new year presents an opportunity for growth, reflection, and transformation. While many of us grapple with sticking to our resolutions, experts in the fields of health, nutrition, psychology, and fitness use this time to set realistic goals that enrich their lives and the lives of others. Below, 20 influential wellness gurus share their personal resolutions and insight—ranging from cultivating self-compassion to embracing play, expanding creativity, and building deeper connections. These resolutions offer inspiration and actionable strategies for anyone seeking to live their healthiest, most fulfilling year yet.

Lori Powell
Food Director, Prevention

• Prioritize daily play and creativity.
• Extend a helping hand to others routinely.
• Celebrate food and friendship—make meals a communal experience.
• Integrate daily yoga for mind-body wellness.
• Listen more actively and speak more thoughtfully.
• Practice mindful breathing throughout the day.

Lori recommends finding joy both in small moments and in sharing life with others. Daily rituals like yoga and breathing not only ground her but fuel deeper connections.

Tasneem Bhatia, MD
Founder, Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine

• Begin each morning with 30 minutes of quiet reflection.
• Increase quality family time by sharing experiences and adventures.
• Balance commitment to professional practice and patient care with personal growth.

Dr. Taz highlights the value of morning mindfulness, which fosters resilience for the day’s challenges. By focusing intentionally on both her career and cherished relationships, she models how to nurture all spheres of life.

Steve Nissen, MD
Department Chair, Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic

• Commit to daily, moderate-intensity exercise for overall health.
• Emphasize small, sustainable activity goals over drastic changes.
• Focus on exercise benefits: weight control, mood, cardiovascular health, and even Alzheimer’s prevention.

Dr. Nissen stresses the transformative power of just 15 minutes of exercise per day, which extends lifespan and enhances well-being in profound ways.

Sara Gottfried, MD
Author and Hormone Balance Expert

• Limit work-related emails and technology at night to improve sleep.
• Replace screen time with reading for pleasure and self-improvement.
• Prioritize restorative sleep and relaxation techniques.

By establishing healthy digital boundaries and making time for reading, Dr. Gottfried improves her sleep and promotes regenerative rest.

Valerie Waters
Celebrity Trainer

• Practice gratitude and positivity daily.
• Encourage clients and herself to identify small, daily victories.
• Balance ambition with self-compassion.

Valerie believes that celebrating everyday achievements builds self-esteem and long-term motivation far more than focusing solely on distant goals.

Frank Lipman, MD
Founder, Eleven Eleven Wellness Center

• Embrace the present moment through mindfulness.
• Engage in daily meditation and periods of stillness.
• Release attachment to outcomes to enjoy life more freely.

Dr. Lipman’s resolution centers on cultivating a resilient inner calm by keeping focus on the present and letting go of perfectionism.

Keri Glassman, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Author

• Cook more meals at home—explore new cuisines and ingredients.
• Make mealtimes an act of self-care and connection.
• Be mindful of eating habits and savoring each bite.

Keri’s approach illustrates how nourishing meals can foster both physical and emotional wellness, especially when shared with others.

Arthur Agatston, MD
Preventive Cardiologist, Creator of the South Beach Diet

• Prioritize sleep by going to bed earlier and maintaining a consistent schedule.
• Recognize rest as foundational for all other healthy habits.
• Reduce late-night stimulation and encourage wind-down routines.

For Dr. Agatston, enough sleep unlocks energy, focus, and resilience—the building blocks for long-term health.

Bob Greene
Exercise Physiologist, Health Author

• Integrate strength training and flexibility into daily activity.
• Make movement enjoyable and sustainable so it becomes a way of life.
• Encourage others to adopt consistent, rewarding fitness routines.

Bob’s resolution underscores the importance of mixing up workouts to keep them engaging and impactful all year long.

David Katz, MD
Director, Yale University Prevention Research Center

• Foster compassion for self and others; be generous with kindness.
• Practice forgiveness to improve mental and physical health.
• Approach challenges with curiosity rather than judgment.

Dr. Katz connects compassion and forgiveness to well-being, citing research that links positive emotions to longevity and disease prevention.

Joy Bauer, MS, RD
Nutritionist, TV Personality

• Make healthy eating simpler through weekly meal planning.
• Embrace food as pleasure, not punishment—enjoy treats in moderation.
• Lead by example in cultivating balanced family nutrition.

The secret to Joy’s stick-to-it-iveness is preparing delicious yet nourishing meals the whole family loves.

Jonny Bowden, PhD
Nutritionist and Author

• Experiment with new ways to boost vitality, including varied foods and wellness routines.
• Emphasize adaptability rather than rigidity in health practices.
• Inspire others to find enjoyment in the journey, not just the destination.

Jonny’s playful, experimental mindset ensures wellness doesn’t become a chore, but a continuous adventure.

Debbie Mandel
Stress Management Specialist

• Laugh daily and savor life’s simple joys.
• Let go of unnecessary stress and cultivate a sense of humor about challenges.
• Share happiness to lift others’ spirits as well.

Debbie’s focus on laughter and lightness makes stress less overwhelming and happiness more accessible.

Jeffrey Bland, PhD
Founder, Institute for Functional Medicine

• Prioritize ongoing learning and intellectual growth.
• Cultivate curiosity about new health research and techniques.

By making lifelong learning a resolution, Dr. Bland encourages others to remain open to change, understanding, and innovation in wellness.

Jillian Michaels
Fitness Trainer and Author

• Encourage self-acceptance and positive self-talk in both herself and clients.
• Set realistic, enjoyable goals that challenge but don’t overwhelm.
• Celebrate milestones, big and small, on the path to better health.

Jillian’s approach helps build lasting confidence and intrinsic motivation, driving sustainable results for herself and her audience.

Chris Freytag
Fitness Expert and Author

• Slow down and embrace mindfulness in both work and family life.
• Make time to unplug from technology for deeper face-to-face connections.
• Encourage children and adults alike to savor live experiences instead of constant multitasking.

Chris demonstrates that presence and intentionality lead to richer relationships and reduced overwhelm.

JJ Virgin, PhD
Nutritionist, Author, and Fitness Expert

• Use gratitude as a tool for daily happiness and resilience.
• Shift focus from what’s missing to what matters most.
• Mentor others by modeling positive mindset shifts.

JJ’s gratitude practices transform challenges into opportunities and promote a more optimistic outlook.

Janis Jibrin, MS, RD
Nutritionist and Health Writer

• Replace late-night snacking with evening walks or hobbies.
• Encourage accountability by sharing goals with friends or support networks.
• Adjust habits to fit her current lifestyle, instead of waiting for the “perfect” time.

Janis demonstrates how even small substitutions can add up to big changes, especially with support from others.

Lisa Drayer, MA, RD
Nutritionist, Author

• Protect personal time for self-care, including book reading and meditation.
• Establish boundaries to reduce burnout and increase joy.
• Nurture creativity both inside and outside the kitchen.

Lisa’s resolution is to prioritize self-preservation, knowing it helps her better assist others.

Christiane Northrup, MD
Women’s Health Expert, Author

• Cultivate spiritual wellness through daily reflection and intention setting.
• Let go of guilt and embrace joy in life’s everyday pleasures.
• Support and empower others on their own journeys.

Dr. Northrup believes true health grows from self-love and finding meaning each day, not from rigid routines.

Quick Table: Top Wellness Habits for the New Year

Strategies That Make Resolutions Stick

• Start Small: Sustainable habit changes grow from simple, achievable steps—like walking or meditating for just 10 minutes a day.
• Plan Ahead: Schedule actions into your routine for better follow-through (e.g., meal prep, gratitude journaling).
• Find Support: Share your goals with family or friends to stay accountable, motivated, and inspired.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Allow for setbacks. Focus on progress, not perfection.
• Adjust as Needed: Flexibility ensures that if circumstances change, your resolutions remain realistic and attainable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most common theme among wellness expert resolutions?

Most focus on balanced self-care: mindful reflection, daily movement, quality sleep, gratitude, and building supportive relationships.

How can someone begin a new wellness habit without feeling overwhelmed?

Start with one small, specific action—like a daily walk or gratitude note. Consistency creates mastery and confidence for bigger goals.

Do experts recommend focusing on physical or mental health first?

Experts emphasize the value of an integrated approach: nurturing body and mind together produces greater benefits than prioritizing one exclusively.

How long does it really take for a new habit to form?

While popular advice references “21 days,” most evidence suggests it takes at least two to three months for a new routine to become automatic—so be patient and gentle with yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Resolutions rooted in gratitude, joy, self-acceptance, and community pave the way for sustainable wellbeing.
• Experts recommend manageable, specific goals over sweeping, all-or-nothing changes.
• Both self-care and giving back amplify health and happiness.