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?

- WILSON LEE FLORES

Here's a list of refreshing, lighthearted 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.