Resolutions for self-improvement at the start of a new year are a common American tradition. All too often, however, our resolutions don’t make it through the Spring. Here are some TotalWellness tips to help you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and become the “New You” you’d like to see in 2015.

As we near the end of another year, we tend to focus on what’s to come. As is true in the health and wellness world, every year brings new discoveries, movements, research and ideas. Let’s take a look backward and remember some of the major health events of 2014.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, fun and food. With those can come stress, weight gain, illness and even injury. To avoid these holiday hazards and remain healthy throughout the happiest time of the year, take our advice below! 

Your contractor wouldn’t remodel your house without consulting you. Your hairdresser wouldn’t cut without asking what style you want. Your doctor wouldn’t treat you without discussing your symptoms. So why would you build your wellness program without feedback from your employees?

The best way to learn is to check out how others have been successful. A recent report by the CEO Council on Health and Innovation gave us a sneak peek into the wellness programs of some of the top U.S. companies. Here are five ways these big-name companies promote workplace health.

When was the last time you gave your culture a checkup? Are your policies and environment supporting or hindering those who are trying to embrace a healthy lifestyle? Culture audits are extremely valuable to assess where your company is on its path to wellness and what your potential barriers may be.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect and recognize the good in our lives, whether it's family, friends, or a great job, we all have things we are thankful for. While you may think gratitude is a soft, fluffy feel-good topic, it can have a huge impact on your company. Research finds that having an attitude of gratitude releases dopamine in the brain, which then boosts feelings of well-being, increases optimism, and improves physical health. In turn, these benefits serve to boost productivity, decision making, and problem solving. Many people also report higher levels of energy, enthusiasm, determination, and alertness.

Picture this: You’re working hard, deep in thought, focused on your ever-growing to-do list. Suddenly, hunger strikes. Mindlessly, you reach down and open your bottom desk drawer. As you glance down to choose a savory treat, you are suddenly aware of just how much sugar and salt is staring back at you. Just how many calories are those candy bars and potato chips adding to your waistline?

If you're reading this blog, we know that you're ready and willing to devote the time, energy and money that it takes to build a brilliant worksite wellness program. Here's the rub, though: out of all of the companies that have wellness programs, only 24% of employees are participating (according to a Gallup study). Less than a quarter. We know that's not enough; you want your entire workforce to be engaged in their work and enabled to be productive and successful, whether that's physically, financially and/or emotionally.