A New Way to Think About New Year Resolutions (without the guilt and shame)

The new year often comes with a heavy dose of pressure—lose weight, change your body, or “fix” something about yourself. But what if you didn’t need fixing? What if you could start 2025 with kindness and care instead of shame and guilt? In this blog, I am sharing 20 body positive New Years resolutions to give a try in 2025!

If you’ve been through recovery from an eating disorder and challenging body image days, you know that the typical “New Year, New You” rhetoric can be triggering and counterproductive.

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20 Body Positive New Years Resolutions to Try!

It’s time for a kinder approach. Here are 20 body-positive alternatives to traditional New Year’s resolutions, designed to help you embrace your body, honor your needs, and live freely.

1. Practice Daily Gratitude for Your Body

Instead of focusing on what you want to change, reflect on what your body allows you to do. Write down one thing each day you’re grateful for, like walking your dog, playing your favorite video game, or baking cookies.

As cliche as it sounds, practicing daily gratitude truly does help realign your thoughts with your values that matter to you the most. A favorite way that I enjoy taking note of what I am grateful for is by using the Finch app or my bullet journal!

2. Take Up a New Hobby for Joy, Not Weight Loss

Explore something creative, like painting, pottery, or dancing, without attaching it to calorie burning. Let it be about fun and self-expression.

3. Declutter Your Closet

Get rid of clothes that don’t fit or make you feel bad. Curate a wardrobe that celebrates your here-and-now body.

4. Set Boundaries Around Diet Talk

Let friends and family know that conversations about weight loss or dieting are off-limits. Practice saying, “I’m focusing on other goals this year.”

5. Redefine “Healthy”

Create a list of what health means to you beyond weight—like good sleep, mental peace, taking time to do things you genuinely love and meaningful relationships.

6. Invest in Body-Comfort Basics

Treat yourself to comfortable bras, cozy pajamas, or soft sheets that help you feel good in your skin.

My go-to favs are of course from my Etsy Shop. 9 times out of 10, you will find me with a UY.Co crewneck and leggings on a challenging body image day. But, for the girlies that want more “put together” looks, my storefront on Amazon has a ton of favs that I’m currently loving!

7. Try Gentle Movement That Feels Good

Skip workouts you hate. Walk, stretch, or try yoga—not to change your body, but to connect with it. P.s. you can never go wrong with channeling some of that inner child and playing games on your console! My go to’s are Nintendo Sports and Just Dance!

8. Celebrate Non-Appearance Wins

Start a journal to track achievements that have nothing to do with how you look, like learning a new skill or advocating for yourself.

9. Follow Body-Positive Social Media Accounts

Unfollow anyone who triggers comparison and replace them with creators who uplift and inspire you.

10. Create a Body Kindness Playlist

Curate a list of songs that make you feel powerful, confident, or just plain good. Dance it out when you need a pick-me-up. Join my Spotify playlist for some of my favsss!

11. Reclaim Mirror Time

Instead of avoiding mirrors or critiquing yourself, try saying affirmations or neutral statements like, “This is my body today.”

12. Cook for Joy

Experiment with recipes you’ve always wanted to try, focusing on flavor and fun rather than calories or macros.

13. Start a Compliment Journal

Each time someone compliments you (for anything other than your appearance), write it down and revisit it when you need encouragement.

14. Plan a Celebration, No Matter the Size

Celebrate milestones, like completing a tough project or surviving a hard week. Don’t wait to “look the part” to enjoy your life.

15. Schedule Rest Days Without Guilt

Rest is productive. Block off time for naps, lazy Sundays, or binge-watching your favorite shows.

16. Learn About Body Diversity

Read books or watch documentaries that highlight the beauty of all body shapes, sizes, and abilities. Here are some of my fav books about body neutrality, body diversity, and the history of body culture.

17. Ditch the Scale

If weighing yourself feels like a mental trap, consider packing the scale away—or getting rid of it altogether.

18. Practice Saying “No”

Honor your time and energy by saying no to things that drain you. This could be an event, a favor, or even a diet culture narrative.

19. Take Photos Just Because

Document your life, not for Instagram likes but to capture moments and memories. You deserve to exist in photos exactly as you are.

20. Revisit What Makes You Feel Alive

Think about what sparks joy or curiosity for you. Make a list, and pick one thing to weave into your daily life.

New Year, Same Beautiful You

You don’t need a smaller body, a new diet, or stricter rules to start 2025 off right. Instead, lean into self-compassion and acceptance. Your body has carried you through every up and down so far. This year, let it be your partner, not your project.

Which of these body-positive alternatives will you try first? Share your thoughts with me on IG—I’d love to cheer you on!

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