Reena Vokoun, Founder and CEO of Passion Fit, is an…
The New Year is in full swing. And while some people may enjoy making traditional New Year’s resolutions, others may not. Regardless of where you stand, I want to challenge you to look at 2025 with a fresh set of eyes. How can you focus on making positive changes in your life to help you be your best self in the long term and well beyond the New Year?
It all starts with looking inward and figuring out where you are now, where you want to be, and what steps you need to take to get there. By focusing on your health and wellbeing in a holistic way, you can strengthen your mind, body and spirit, which will help you to go after your goals and dreams. So let’s explore your mental, physical and emotional health so you can do just that!
Mental Health

Most changes start in the mind, therefore, strengthening your mental health is a great place to begin. Practicing mindfulness can take you out of the daily grind and allow you to feel a sense of calmness, centeredness, and clarity. It helps with stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. There are many forms of mindfulness you can choose from, including meditation, breathwork, yoga, sound baths, being in nature, listening to calming music, and more. No matter which mindfulness activity you choose, focus on activities you truly enjoy, and try to practice for at least five minutes per day during a time that works in your schedule. Consistency is key. Also, focus on staying in the present moment, not judging yourself, and simply being self-aware. The more you practice, the easier and more intuitive it will become, and your mental health will get stronger and stronger. You’ll have a positive mindset and will feel capable and powerful!
Physical Health

Being strong physically is also important for helping you reach your goals. You want to have energy and stamina to be able to put in the work and take action. You also want to protect your immune system so you can stay healthy while engaging in your pursuits. Focus on getting a combination of cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility work through walking, running, swimming, dancing, lifting weights, yoga, pilates, boot camp, high-intensity interval training, and more. Pick activities you enjoy and that will allow you to stay motivated to move your body on a daily basis. Also, remember that the foods you eat will impact how you feel and function. By practicing the Mediterranean style of eating, you’re able to eat whole and natural foods from all the major food groups in a way that works best for you and your family. You can customize your approach to nutrition based on your dietary needs, so you can be fueled and ready to take on whatever comes your way!
Emotional Health

Finally, give your emotional health some TLC this year. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations and circumstances throughout the day. Try to have a daily check-in with yourself on how you’re feeling. There are no right or wrong ways to feel. You’re simply being aware and tending to your own needs. Writing in a journal can be another way to work on your emotional health. It’s something you can do when you wake up in the morning or before you go to sleep at night. Write whatever comes to your mind and heart, whether it’s about how you’re feeling, what you’re grateful for, what you’re scared of, or what you’re excited about. Journals serve as wonderful reference points and can help you build confidence. Communicating your needs, thoughts, ideas and feelings to your family and friends is also important for your emotional health. And listening to others is important as well. Solid communication can strengthen your relationships with others and yourself.
Taking the time to focus on your mental, physical and emotional health will put you in the driver’s seat to make your biggest aspirations a reality in 2025 and beyond!
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Reena Vokoun, Founder and CEO of Passion Fit, is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, marketer, media spokesperson, TV host and contributor and certified consumer and corporate health and wellness expert. She graduated with a BBA in marketing and management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MS in advertising and communications from Boston University. She spent years in marketing, sales and business development leadership roles for Google, Yahoo, Reebok, CNET, GE and Grokker. Today, she serves individuals, companies, non-profits, schools, universities and the media to help people transform their lives through a focus on fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, work-life balance, productivity and healthy lifestyles. Reena is a wife and mom of two boys and lives in San Diego, CA with her family.




