The new year often brings big goals, but jumping straight into drastic changes can be overwhelming and hard to sustain. Starting healthy habits now — before the calendar flips — helps teens ease into lasting routines with less pressure and more success.

Shorter days, colder weather, and packed schedules can make it harder for teens to stay active, eat well, and feel their best. For some, this “winter slump” means lower mood, disrupted sleep, and more screen time. In certain cases, it can even trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD).