As we step into a brand new year, many of us take the opportunity to reset, refresh and refocus on what truly matters – our health and wellbeing. With people in the UK living longer than ever before[i], adopting sustainable everyday habits has never been more important for staying active, independent and energised as we age.

Winter can offer the perfect moment to introduce small, achievable habits that support long-term wellbeing. Here are some gentle, winter-friendly habits to help you begin the new year by nurturing both your body and your mind:

Start the Year by Moving in Ways That Feel Good

Cold weather and shorter days can naturally make us less active but a little movement each day can go a long way. Regular activity helps maintain balance, strength and mobility – key ingredients for staying confident and independent.[ii]You don’t need to brave the cold or take on anything strenuous. Gentle indoor stretching, simple mobility exercises, chair yoga or even dancing in your living room can help keep your joints moving.[iii]

Pairing strength, balance and flexibility work – even in small bursts – can help support joints, support muscle strength and keep you feeling active on your feet this winter.iii

Look After Your Mind and Mood

Movement isn’t just good for your body – it’s one of the easiest ways to support your emotional wellbeing. Physical activity naturally boosts endorphins, helping to maintain wellbeing and support sleep.[iv][v]

Staying connected with others can be equally valuable.[vi] January can feel isolating for many people so meeting a friend for a gentle walk, joining a community activity or trying a welcoming Move it or Lose it class may help create a sense of belonging and structure. Social interaction often makes healthy habits more enjoyable and easier to maintain.

Nourish Your Body Through the Winter

Simple meals such as porridge topped with berries, hearty soups filled with colourful vegetables or dishes enriched with ginger and turmeric can provide comfort as well as nutritional support. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet offers the fuel your body needs, particularly when you are establishing new habits at the start of the year.

Support Your Joints from Within

Alongside staying active and eating well, some people choose to add a supplement for extra joint support during the winter months when you are less active outdoors.

GOPO® Joint Health contains specially cultivated, naturally sourced rose-hip (Rosa canina) with a uniquely high level of GOPO®, a galactolipid discovered over 30 years ago in Denmark.

GOPO® Joint Health is also rich in Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen function, needed by the body for the normal function of bones and cartilage.

Rose-hip contributes to healthy and flexible joints. This may contribute a valuable role in the maintenance of joints and joint tissues.

GOPO® Joint Health is available at Boots, Amazon, Holland & Barrett and independent chemists and retailers nationwide. Visit www.gopo.co.uk for further information.

Small Habits That Add Up

New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be big or overwhelming. In fact, the most effective habits are the ones that feel manageable.

By embracing a little daily movement, nourishing meals, meaningful connections and supportive joint care, you’re laying strong foundations for a healthier, more active year ahead.

*Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones. Rose hip helps maintain healthy and flexible joints. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

[i] Centre for Ageing Better. 2023. State of Ageing 2023. Available at: https://ageing-better.org.uk/our-ageing-population-state-ageing-2023-4.

[ii] How to improve your strength and flexibility. 2022. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/how-to-improve-strength-flexibility/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20benefits%20of,reduce%20your%20chances%20of%20falling.

[iii] Does Yoga Help With Mobility? 2025. Pliability. Available at: https://pliability.com/stories/does-yoga-help-with-mobility#:~:text=Yoga%27s%20Role%20in%20Enhancing%20Range,enhancing%20your%20overall%20bodily%20awareness

[iv] Be active for your mental health. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/be-active-for-your-mental-health/.

[v] Midland Health. 2024. How can I get a better night’s sleep during the winter? Available at: https://midlandhealth.co.uk/2024/10/22/how-can-i-get-a-better-nights-sleep-during-the-winter/#:~:text=As%20winter%20approaches%2C%20the%20longer,quality%20during%20the%20winter%20months.

[vi] Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. 2019. National Institute on Aging. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks#:~:text=Health%20effects%20of%20social%20isolation,Alzheimer%27s%20disease%2C%20and%20even%20death.