Health Club

Join the Club

Toxic Traits to Give Up for 2025 - Expert Advice from Goodwood’s Health & Wellbeing Team

18th December 2024

As we step into a new year, many of us will be setting resolutions and focusing on ways to feel better and achieve more. But what if we approached 2025 a little differently? Instead of simply adding new goals to our lists, we could focus on removing the toxic traits and habits that no longer serve us. By clearing this mental and physical clutter, we make way for better things—more joy, more health and more balance—to enter our lives throughout the year.

At Goodwood, we believe that true wellbeing comes from a holistic approach and that’s reflected in the expertise of our facilitators. Each brings their unique knowledge and perspective to our wellness programmes and retreats. In this article, they share the toxic traits they’re leaving behind in 2025—and how this is going to positively impact the year to come.

  • Health & Wellbeing

  • Health and Wellbeing

  • gut health

  • fitness tips

  • latest news

New Year Image - Removing Toxic Traits.jpg

Reducing Chemicals – Stephanie Moore, Nutritionist and Gut Health Expert

"At Goodwood, we understand that health isn't just about what we eat—it’s about everything we expose our bodies to," says Stephanie Moore, celebrity nutritionist and lead of Goodwood’s Gut Health Programme. "Chemicals are not just in the food we eat; they’re in the water we drink and the skincare products we use. This year, I’m focusing on cleaning up my environment by upgrading my water filter and ensuring that the products I use are as non-toxic as possible. It’s about creating a healthier space for myself, my family and even my dogs."

Letting Go of Perfection – Amy Murphy-Watts, Reiki Master & Spiritual Healer

For Amy Murphy-Watts, founder of Nature’s Wish and a key practitioner on Goodwood’s Active Longevity Retreat, perfectionism is a toxic trait she's shedding. "Striving for perfection has often left me feeling disappointed and stressed. It also led me to compare myself to others. In 2025, I’m embracing imperfection and allowing myself to simply be. This year, I’m focused on being present, authentic and free of that need to be perfect."

Scheduling Fun – Kate Fismer, Naturopathic Physician and Resilience Coach

Kate Fismer, a naturopathic physician specialising in stress and physiology, highlights the importance of fun for both physical and mental health. "We often think that life’s busy demands leave no room for play. But laughter is essential for good health! I’ve already booked two comedy nights for 2025. Scheduling fun is a vital part of wellbeing that I’m prioritising this year."

Stopping the Scroll – Sarah Huntley, Performance Psychologist

"How often do we find ourselves scrolling through our phones, mindlessly consuming content?" asks Sarah Huntley, Performance Psychologist and instructor at the Wim Hof Retreat. "In 2025, I’m committing to limiting my screen time and resisting the temptation to constantly check my phone. I’m giving myself permission to be bored and truly present in the moment."

Cutting Back on Wine and paying attention to your body – Lindy Griffiths, Physiotherapist

Lindy Griffiths, a physiotherapist and expert on the Goodwood Wellness Retreats, shares her approach to mindful drinking. "I’ve realised that while one glass of wine can be enjoyable, the second glass doesn’t always serve me. In 2025, I’m focusing on moderation and paying attention to how my body feels."

Time for Me – Rosie Hayes, Wellbeing Host

For Rosie Hayes, a Wellbeing Host on Goodwood’s Wellness Retreats, the toxic trait to let go of is the constant rush of daily life. "As a busy mum and professional, I often forget to carve out time just for myself. In 2025, I’m going to be more intentional about taking time to relax and recharge. Whether it’s doing nothing or something that fills me up, this year is about prioritising my own wellbeing."

Saying ‘No’ More Often – Christopher Goldring, Wellbeing Host

For Christopher Goldring, a Wellbeing Host at Goodwood, saying yes too often has been a source of stress. "I used to say yes to everything, which often left me feeling overwhelmed. In 2025, I’m learning the power of saying no—not out of selfishness, but to focus on the things that truly matter to me. It’s about maintaining energy for the things I care about most."

At the start of a new year, resolutions often focus on what we can gain—better habits, fitness routines, or personal achievements. But sometimes, the most transformative changes come from letting go. By removing toxic traits, whether they’re physical toxins like chemicals or emotional ones like perfectionism, we can create space for what matters most.

At Goodwood, our Health & Wellbeing facilitators are committed to leading by example, showing how the small, mindful shifts we make in our lives can add up to something much greater.

Whether you’re looking to laugh more, live lighter, or simply find more joy, 2025 can be your year to thrive—and we’re here to support you on that journey.

Find out more about Goodwood's Wellness Retreats and our new Wellness Stays mini-retreats.

 

  • Health & Wellbeing

  • Health and Wellbeing

  • gut health

  • fitness tips

  • latest news