HSE podcast with advice for New Year's resolutions

In the first HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast episode of 2025, host Fergal Fox, along with Health Promotion and Improvement colleagues Sean Conneely, based in Mayo, and Nollaig Ní Chárthaigh, based in Galway, discuss strategies for a Healthy New Year.

They emphasise the importance of New Year's resolutions, behaviour change, and community support in achieving health goals. Key topics include setting realistic goals, mental wellbeing, quitting smoking, healthy eating, and physical activity. The speakers highlight the significance of gradual changes, utilising local resources, and fostering social connections. They also touch on mental health supports, stress management, and the importance of sleep, providing listeners with practical advice and support resources. 

On the topic of motivation which is central to changing lifestyle behaviour, Sean said: “The research shows that people who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to success so I think it’s important to remember that if you are planning to make a change in your lifestyle this year, do it for yourself and not for anyone else.”

 As part of her focus on behaviour change, Nollaig said: “I think a great way to think about behaviour change is that it’s almost like training for a marathon. So it’s not about taking giant leaps all at once but it’s more about taking those steady consistent steps and then over time you will might see that you have made great progress and gotten even further than you planned.”

 The HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast is a weekly podcast series that includes health information, and features staff in the health service and various community organisations working with the HSE to promote health and wellbeing as part of the Healthy Ireland Strategy. This podcast sees the series publish its 82nd episode after it began in 2023. Upcoming episodes in 2025 will include a variety of topics, from Mental Health, Farmer Wellbeing to Alcohol and Young People.