Providing your location allows us to show you nearby locations and doctors.

Healthy Lifestyle

How to achieve physical, mental and emotional wellness for better overall health

01/14/2025

Achieving wellness goals can seem overwhelming at first, but if you carve out time to reflect on your lifestyle and think about changes that could better yourself, achieving wellness goals can be simpler than you think!

By Nuvance Health Medical Practice Primary Care Providers

By setting wellness goals, you are actively working toward a healthier version of yourself. Maybe you want to improve your physical wellness, lower your stress levels or make more time for yourself to do things that bring you joy. Determine what it is you want to improve and then break it down further from there. This will make your wellness goals more attainable.

If you take time to establish clear goals and work toward them, you will feel less overwhelmed because you’re making modifications that will better yourself in the long run. Discuss your wellness plan with your doctor at your next appointment. They can help brainstorm ways to achieve your goals!

Find a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me

Setting wellness goals can transform your lifestyle and boost happiness

Setting wellness goals provides a clear sense of direction and encourages self-discipline. Wellness goals empower you to take control of your habits one step at a time.

Each goal you achieve, whether big or small, is a feel-good victory! Over time, these build into long-lasting habits that support a healthier, happier version of yourself.

How to set effective wellness goals

Wellness goals should be SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Applying these criteria to your wellness goals increases your chances of success and helps maintain motivation.

Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” define what “healthier” means to you. For example, “I want to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week and eat three servings of vegetables daily.” This specificity helps you stay focused and accountable.

Measurable: Establish a way to track your progress. Use a fitness tracker to monitor your steps or keep a food diary to track foods you’re eating.

Achievable: Your goals should be challenging, yet attainable. Start with small steps and gradually increase the difficulty.

Relevant: Consider what is meaningful to you and how achieving these goals will positively impact your life.

Time-bound: Establish specific timeframes for achieving different milestones along your wellness journey.

Setting SMART wellness goals provides clarity and direction, increases motivation by breaking down goals into manageable steps and enhances accountability as you track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Learn more about Nuvance Health primary care

Key wellness focus areas for your health goals

By working on multiple areas of wellness — physical, mental and emotional — you can create a well-rounded approach to improving your overall health and quality of life.

Physical wellness goals

Physical wellness lays the foundation for an overall healthier and happier life. Here are a few ways you can achieve physical wellness:

Eat more heart-healthy and digestive-friendly foods: Add more lean protein, fruits and veggies to your meals. Replace sugary drinks with water and drink half your body weight in ounces daily.

Related content: Simple ways to reset your diet in 2025

Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times per week: Consistent exercise supports heart health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night: Following a consistent bedtime routine and restful sleep keeps your immune system strong and provides mental clarity.

Prevent catching a cold: Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water to reduce germs and respiratory illness. Also, clean your reusable water bottle with soap and warm water regularly.

Quit smoking and vaping: This is the best thing you can do for your lungs. If you smoke and need help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Related content: Top tips for keeping your lungs healthy

Limit alcohol consumption: Drink in moderation to protect liver health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Schedule regular checkups with your doctor: Attend annual physical exams and routine screenings to stay proactive about your health.

Mental wellness goals

Mental wellness helps create a clear, focused mind and a sense of balance in your everyday life. Here are a few ways you can achieve mental wellness:

Be more kind to yourself and others: Set one good intention each morning and take some deep breaths throughout the day.

Spend time outdoors to clear your head: Whether you go for a walk, run or hike, fresh air and sunlight will do your body and mental health some good!

Declutter and organize your living and digital space: Let go of items you no longer need and replace worn-out items. Delete unused apps, unsubscribe from email lists and unfollow content that no longer benefits you.

Use a planner or calendar to stay organized: Whether it’s a digital or paper calendar, jotting down appointments and special dates can prevent you from missing something important.

Related content: Your guide to healthy winter skin

Set healthy boundaries in the workplace: Learn to say “no” when necessary and to ask for help when you need it.

Dress to feel your best: Wear clothes that express yourself and make you feel confident. Wearing comfortable and stylish clothes can boost your self-esteem and happiness!

Emotional wellness goals

Emotional wellness can help you build stronger connections, embrace gratitude and find joy. Here are a few ways you can achieve emotional wellness:

Strengthen relationships: Actively listen and put in effort to strengthen connections with those around you.

Start a gratitude jar or journal: Write down positive moments each week. Take time to reflect on these moments at the end of each month or at your leisure.

Do more of what you love: Prioritize self-care and set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Leave your phone in a different room or set it on “do not disturb” to avoid distractions.

Manage stress effectively: Sometimes it might feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Instead of bottling up your feelings, talk to a friend. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk or take a yoga class.

Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and embrace forgiveness, both for yourself and others.

The bottom line: Set specific and achievable wellness goals that align with your values and priorities. Take small steps toward your goals and celebrate your progress! Your journey toward better health and wellness begins with setting meaningful goals.