Beyond the Scale: 5 Heart-Healthy Resolutions for the New Year

Only about a third of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and of those, about 13% have stopped trying by the end of the month. But if you’re aiming to make some heart-healthy changes, we have some suggestions. 

Although weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, our providers at Pinnacle Healthcare System suggest thinking beyond the number on the scale. There’s more to heart health than your weight. Here are five resolutions you may want to consider for 2026. 

Focus on adding nutrition

When you think of a healthy diet, do you immediately start thinking of all the things you can’t have? You may find it more useful to think about what you can add to your diet, rather than what you need to take away.  

For example, instead of planning to cut out bread, add a serving of green vegetables to your dinner each evening. And rather than thinking about skipping dessert every night, make having a piece of fruit after dinner part of your routine. 

A heart-healthy diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, so finding ways to incorporate them into your day-to-day routine is a key step in improving your heart health. Plus, you may find that you naturally want less of the foods that aren’t so healthy. 

You might set a goal of consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day as your resolution, or putting fish or seafood on your menu once a week. 

Set a sleep-related goal

Sleep is crucial for overall good health, and it’s especially important when it comes to heart health and other chronic illnesses. Almost 40% of American adults don’t get a sufficient amount of sleep each night. 

Insufficient sleep is associated with increased illness, weight gain, a higher risk of chronic health conditions, more stress, lower attention, and a greater risk of automobile accidents. Both the amount and the quality of your sleep matters when it comes to your health. 

Making some small changes to your routine could help you sleep more and better. Consider these: 

• Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day
• Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine
• Using your bedroom only for sleep and sex
• Keeping the temperature cooler in your bedroom
• Avoiding caffeine in the afternoons and evenings
• Getting regular exercise
• Turning off screens and electronics 30 minutes before bedtime

Making better sleep your New Year’s resolution could have a surprising positive effect on your mood and your health.

Choose one stress-busting activity

Chronic stress is bad for your heart and your mood, relationships, and health in general. It’s also incredibly common and can feel intractable. How can you lower stress when you have to meet your obligations? You can’t magically improve traffic during your commute or stop paying your bills. 

You might not have the power to change the things that stress you out, but you can change how you react to them. Choosing to pursue one activity that’s associated with lower stress could be helpful. Here are some stress-reducing suggestions: 

• Breathing exercises
• A class like yoga, mediation, or tai chi
• Regularly scheduling time to pursue a hobby
• Scheduling specific time to spend with loved ones or friends
• Spending time outside

Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to stress reduction. Your resolution could be to spend 30 minutes a week doing something that’s enjoyable and benefits your heart health. 

Resolve to find movement you enjoy

Do you dread exercise? Does the idea of going to the gym make you groan? Too often, our patients approach exercise as a chore or even a punishment, and that makes it harder to do. 

Finding physical activity that you enjoy can change how you feel about it. You’re moving whether you add taking a walk with a friend or loved one part of your routine, join a gym with a pool so you can swim, or spend time in your garden each day. 

Finding an activity that you enjoy doing is more than half the battle when it comes to exercise. If you can’t imagine looking forward to your workout, try some different activities.  

Partner with your provider

Think of your provider at Pinnacle Healthcare System as your partner when it comes to your heart health. We work with you to help you establish healthy habits and to keep your heart as strong as possible. 

Schedule and attend your appointments, take your medications as prescribed, and perhaps most importantly, ask questions. 

If you’re considering how to improve your heart health this year, schedule an appointment and let us offer you suggestions based on your health and your circumstances. We have offices in Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, Florida.