The Healthy Lifestyle Calendar

January, February, and March

Take care of your taxes. They’re one of life’s must-dos, so get them out of the way. For the new year, consider trying something new financially, such as an envelope system, a digital budget, a fresh investment strategy, or a different plan for tackling debt. (Get more tips on financial health at “Mindful Money“.)

Deep clean the kitchen. You can do this at any time of year, but most kitchens could use a good scrub after the holidays. Be sure to clean inside your oven, refrigerator, and microwave, and don’t miss surfaces and light fixtures.

Start a weekly ritual. What’s one thing you could do 52 times this year to take better care of yourself? Think outside the bubble-bath box. Maybe it’s an art class, or a weekly coffee date with friends. Keep in mind that scheduled things tend to stick.

Plan your garden. Order seeds, design a raised bed, or learn how the heck to keep a succulent alive. Days will be getting a bit brighter and warmer, and it’s good for your mood to think green. No matter how big or small the project, growing something is satisfying. (Learn more about why gardening is good for you at “Beyond the Harvest: Five Ways Gardens Support Your Health“.)

Visit the dentist. And while you’re at it, take another look at your health benefits for the year and make sure you’re not overlooking good deals, like discounts on health-club or gym memberships or health products.

Rethink your “foodprint.” The beginning of the year is a great time to try a meal-subscription service, line up a community-supported agriculture (CSA) membership, or join a local co-op. Consider what you’ll really use; a full third of the global food supply ends up in the trash. (Get tips for reducing your household food waste at “14 Tips to Reduce Household Food Waste“.)

July, August, and September

Schedule annual health screenings like prostate, breast, and vision exams if they’re due. This is also a good time for parents to schedule pre-fall-sports physicals for their school-age children.

Tackle deeper-cleaning projects. With spring cleaning behind you, now is the time to clean the carpets, tune up your HVAC system, and address any pressing outdoor house maintenance. Long days mean lots of daylight to attack larger to-dos.

Fine-tune your self-care routine. Successful goals are flexible, Steckler notes. She recommends that clients practice daily or weekly “brain dumps,” or a few minutes of freewriting, to reflect on what worked in the past week and what needs more attention. “It’s a simple way to declutter your ideas,” she says.

Prep your home for winter. Even if you usually wash your windows in the spring, this is a good time to wash them again, so you’ll be able to let the winter light in. If you live in a colder climate, consider replacing weather stripping or adding insulation to help save energy. (Get more tips for winterizing your home at “13 Tips to Winterize Your Home“.)