Ignite Your Wellness Goals in the Year of the Fire Horse
ignite your wellness goals in the year of the fire horse
Written by Jennifer Korneski, Somerset County 4-H Healthy Living Program Coordinator.
Festivities will be celebrated world-wide in Asian cultures, as the Lunar New Year begins a new zodiac cycle. Based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which starts this year on February 17, the Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year animal and five element cycle. We leave the year of the snake and enter the year of the horse.
Significant this year is the combination of the horse with the element fire, amplifying the horse's natural traits of strength and perseverance with the fire element of bold action and innovation. This rare combination of fire horse occurs every 60 years. Fire horse represents new adventures, bold changes, high energy, intentional movement, and fast progress.
In looking at the symbolization of the fire horse, let’s think how can we apply those attributes to our health & wellness goals.
Hopefully since January you have been consistent with good habits and positive changes toward improved health, but if it’s been hard to stay focused, use the Lunar New Year as a reset and opportunity to take action.
The fire horse carries strong implications for health especially in physical, mental and social dimensions of wellness. Blood circulation, hormone regulation, and fluid balance all affect how well your body functions. Mental clarity, focus, and emotional awareness impact your mindset, and communication skills, quality relationships, and who you surround yourself with influence your social health.
Think about what big shifts you envision for the year ahead in regards to your total health. Do you have an intense drive and enthusiastic pursuit for achieving something new? Do you need to break free from old habits that no longer serve you and embrace progress over procrastination?
This is a year to move with great momentum towards positive behaviors and action that support your goals. Below are tips to help you blaze a path to improved wellness:
· Take preventative measures for your health such as making appointments for overdue exams, bloodwork, or screenings. Engage in daily exercise, and regular sleep routines.
· Perform grounding practices and regular stress management techniques such as meditation, nature walks, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.
· Nourish your body and utilize meal planning and prepping strategies so that you fill your body with nutritious foods from all five food groups and reduce added sugar and processed foods which drain energy.
· Practice self-reflection to stay mindful of your activity and how you feel through journaling or a tracking system.
· Be intentional with your time so that your actions are in line with the results you want. Set boundaries and learn to ask for help in order to create balance in life and keep a steady flame of energy flowing so that you don’t burn out.
Keeping these strategies in mind can help you set the year on fire.
Best wishes for a very healthy and prosperous 2026 and a Happy New Year to our Somerset County 4-H Chinese Culture Club and friends at Raritan Valley Chinese School!
-Jennifer
Photo taken at RVCS 2025 Chinese New Year Celebration
Our 4-H Chinese club members are enrolled at RVCS. For more information on how to learn more about the Chinese language, culture, history, and arts visit https://njrvcs.org/.