As we continue to celebrate our tenth anniversary of NSAJC, we are sharing 10 things we recommend starting in the new year.
One: Schedule Your Annual Wellness Check-Up
From preventative care and early disease detection to establishing a relationship with a trusted physician, your annual wellness visit can be crucial to your health. These yearly visits can serve as a jumping off point for determining new habits, priorities and what you may need to let go of in the next 365 days.
Two: Prioritize Your Mental Well-being
At the Neuromuscular Spine & Joint Center, we understand the importance of your behavioral health and overall mental well-being. Whether you’re dealing with a lot of stress, coping with anxiety or looking for a way to better navigate everyday life, when it comes to mental health, we’re all dealing with something. We recommend finding someone you can trust, like a therapist, to better understand your specific needs – and our team of behavioral specialists are happy to work with you.
Three: Find a Routine That Works for You
“The Perfect Daily Routine”
“Why You Should Wake Up at 5 AM”
“My 5-9 Before My 9-5”
These days, we are inundated with recommendations on how and why to build the ideal daily routine. But, personally, we believe that the “perfect” routine is the one that works perfectly for you. Hate waking up at 5 AM to get a workout in? Opt for exercising in the evening instead. Don’t have the patience for a 10-step skincare routine? A cleanser and moisturizer should do you just fine! Tried cold plunging and can’t stand it? Don’t participate in that trend! When it comes to your routine, it’s most important to schedule your day in a way that fits your specific needs and goals.
Four: Discover Movement You Love
Similar to building a routine, every corner of the internet has an opinion on what form of exercises works vs. what doesn’t. At NSAJC, we want you to discover a form of movement that you love, one that leaves you feeling healthy and pain free. If you’re new to movement, a great place to start is by signing up for a local fitness class or joining a walk/run club. For many patients, we have found community serves as an encourager to get outside of your comfort zone and move your body.
Five: Improve Your Coordination and Mobility
Building strength and cardiovascular fitness are imperative to your overall health, but so is your coordination and mobility. As we get older, those capabilities can begin to fade, which is why it’s important to prioritize them as early as you can. Our physicians are available to help you build a plan to improve your coordination and mobility using a combination of exercise, physical therapy and psychological techniques.
Six: Be More Present
At NSAJC, we believe that every day is a blessing, even days that are hard. In 2026, we challenge you to start being more present, through the good and the bad, and to cherish every moment as it comes. Some ways to invite presence into your life are journaling, meditation and spending time off your phone and out in the world.
Seven: Relax More. Stress Less.
We know – this is easier said than done! Piggy backing off #2 on this list, learning how to cope with stress and find moments of relaxation will help both your mental and physical health. This year, discover an activity that helps you let go and relax, whether that be daily walks, yoga, prayer and meditation, or quality time with friends and family. We’re sure you’ll see your stress slowly start to melt away the more R&R you gift yourself.
Eight: Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
One thing we are ending in 2026 are resolutions. At the beginning of a new year, many of us are eager to “improve ourselves” by setting goals and resolutions, but often, there’s no intention behind it. This year, think of your resolutions differently. If you want to lose weight, uncover the “why” before you start a new diet or exercise routine. This process will make you more intentional and set you up for success.
Nine: Learn Something New
No matter your age, it’s never too late to find a new hobby, learn a new trade or discover something you’ve never known before. Expanding your horizons can lead to a better quality of life, both physically and mentally, for years to come.
Ten: In Pain? Find Healthy Ways to Manage
Lastly, 2026 is the year to say “yes” to a pain-free life. If you’ve been harboring chronic pain for weeks, months or years, there’s no better time than now to find healthy ways to manage with our physicians at NSAJC.
