9 Habits That Will Help You Feel Better, Heal Better, and Live Better This Year

Jay Shetty explains that what feels like being stuck is often an attachment to an old identity, relationship, or life chapter; momentum comes not from knowing every step ahead, but from deciding you no longer want to stay where you are and consciously releasing what you’re clinging to.

Danielle Bayard-Jackson’s research shows we typically replace about half our friends every seven years, and around 40% of adults don’t have a best friend; instead of seeing this as failure, treat it as a cue to proactively cultivate new connections and draw support from a collective “village,” not just one person.

Dr. Dawn Mussallem highlights evidence for berries, purple sweet potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, beans (fiber), soy/edamame, and kiwi in turning off tumor-promoting genes, activating tumor-suppressor genes, and lowering cancer incidence and death—framing diet as a powerful, research-backed lever for prevention and survivorship.

Vanessa Marin notes that late-night sex is often sabotaged by exhaustion; couples should intentionally plan sex earlier in the evening and layer in small daily practices—gratitude, 20–30 second hugs, six-second kisses, and real eye contact—to deepen emotional and physical connection.

Jason Wilson explains that societal norms teach men that softness equals weakness, making anger a “safe” default that masks hurt, fear, or shame; recognizing this and encouraging men to name their true underlying emotions can transform communication and intimacy with partners, sons, and fathers.