Kickstart Your 2025 with a Sobriety-Focused Lifestyle: Tips for a Healthier Year Ahead | Rising Sun Newspapers

The new year can bring a mix of excitement and challenges. Parents get ready for back-to-school season, students prepare for classes, and professionals return to work. It’s a busy time!

Many people feel financial strain and stress from the holidays, which can add to the pressure.

Aware.org reminds everyone that there are healthier ways to cope with these feelings—alcohol isn’t the answer.

Here are some tips for a healthier start to 2025:

• For Caregivers: Establish routines for yourself and the kids. Have open discussions about any difficulties. Create a supportive atmosphere at home. Instead of unwinding with drinks, consider spending quality time with family or engaging in activities like exercise or mindfulness.
• For Young People: Going back to school can feel overwhelming. Focus on your goals and find positive outlets. Join sports, explore creative hobbies, or talk to a trusted teacher or mentor. Aware.org encourages young people to prioritize safety and sobriety. Remember, the choices you make today shape your future.
• For Professionals: As you return to work, create a structured plan to get back into your routine. Instead of using alcohol to cope with stress, focus on self-care. Eat balanced meals, exercise, rest, and take short breaks during the day.

These simple tips align with Aware.org’s mission for a healthier and safer community in South Africa. Building on accomplishments from 2024, they aim to support everyone in making better choices.

Mokebe Thulo, CEO of Aware.org, shared some insights from last year: “We had great success with our initiatives for under-18s, encouraging young individuals to embrace safety and sobriety. Our efforts on responsible drinking, especially around topics like sober pregnancies, have initiated important conversations about alcohol misuse. These conversations set a solid foundation for our work in 2025.”

Looking ahead, Aware.org is committed to innovative strategies to address issues like underage drinking and the risks of drinking during pregnancy. They aim to raise awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and promote responsible behavior across different communities. This collaborative approach shows that real change takes teamwork and shared responsibility.

Aware.org encourages all South Africans—parents, students, and workers—to utilize their resources. Making informed choices is key.

Mokebe added, “Addressing issues like underage drinking and FASD is crucial. By working together, we can create a healthier future for the next generations. In 2025, we will continue to innovate our programs, focusing on harm reduction and community needs so everyone can thrive.”