Groundhog Day: 4 wellbeing habits worth repeating over and over again

In the United States and Canada, Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.

Tradition dictates that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, an early spring could be on the cards.

In the UK, you might be more familiar with the 1993 film, Groundhog Day, in which Bill Murray is forced to relive the same day repeatedly. He finally escapes this time loop by becoming a better person.

So, if you started 2025 determined to build habits for a healthier and happier life, read on to discover four wellbeing habits worth repeating over and over again this year and beyond.

1. Stick to a healthy sleep routine

In today’s busy modern lives, it can be easy to sideline rest and sleep in favour of fitting more into each day.

Yet, getting enough quality sleep is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

According to Bupa, a healthy sleep routine could:

• Boost your attention and concentration
• Help you to learn and make memories
• Keep your heart healthy
• Promote a strong immune system
• Reduce stress
• Help you maintain a healthy weight.

So, prioritising sleep might give you the strength, energy, and resilience you need to keep on top of the demands of your daily life without burning out.

If you’re not sure how to establish a healthy sleep routine, the Mental Health Foundation suggests the following:

• Make your bedroom a tech-free zone
• Use relaxation techniques to unwind before trying to sleep
• Avoid alcohol in the evening
• Create a comfortable sleeping environment, for example, by blocking out light with an eye mask
• Exercise earlier in the day, rather than close to bedtime.

Everyone is different, so, a sleep diary could help you identify what works for you and what doesn’t.

2. Set clear boundaries

Whether you’re a busy working professional, a devoted parent or grandparent, or an active retiree, you might be juggling many different commitments.

You may feel uncomfortable saying “no” to your loved ones, or leaving your work at the door. Yet, setting clear boundaries could ensure that you don’t take on too much and that you can enjoy a break when you need one.

For example, you might love caring for your grandchildren but also enjoy a busy social life away from them. So, ring-fencing specific days or times when you aren’t available to offer childcare might allow you to have the best of both worlds.

Consistently following such arrangements and enforcing your boundaries over and over again, could help manage expectations and allow you to build a balanced and varied lifestyle that supports your wellbeing.

3. Practice gratitude

Acknowledging gratitude might help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and remind you of what’s important. As such, it could be a valuable tool for managing stress and improving your mood.

What’s more, recent research published by CNN has revealed that practising gratitude could help you live longer. In a study of nearly 50,000 women aged 69 to 96, those who showed the highest levels of gratitude had a 9% lower risk of death by any cause.

So, if you’re keen to kick start 2025 by building healthier habits, taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for could be a great place to start.

You might like to keep a gratitude journal, write thank-you notes, or listen to a guided gratitude meditation. Whichever option suits you, this wellbeing habit is a relatively quick and easy one to add to your daily routine.

4. Limit screen time

According to TechDay, the average UK adult spends 76% of their waking hours online every day.

Whether you’re shopping, scrolling for the latest headlines, watching videos, or working, being constantly connected in this way could have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing.

Indeed, research published by Stanford Lifestyle Medicine has found that excessive screen time – defined as more than two hours a day outside of work – could lead to numerous health issues, including eye strain, neck pain, social isolation, and overall brain health.

Of course, there may be many reasons why you need to use digital devices regularly, such as keeping in touch with family or completing work remotely.

Yet, you might want to consider limiting your non-essential screen time by:

• Turning off unnecessary notifications
• Planning screen-free times and activities
• Scheduling breaks
• Keeping technical devices out of relaxation spaces, such as the bedroom.

It may take a little time to make these changes part of your normal routine. But, by repeating them again and again, you could build habits that set you on the path to a healthier and happier 2025.

Get in touch

The start of a new year is not only a great time to build healthier habits, but it could also be a perfect opportunity to boost your financial wellbeing.

So, if you’re looking for a financial planner in Bristol to help you start 2025 on the right financial foot, please get in touch either by email at helpme@aspirellp.co.uk or by calling 0117 9303510.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.