As the New Year’s Eve celebrations wind down and the buzz of Christmas cheer and the sparkling décor slowly fades into the background, life begins to settle back into its normal routine. You might be wondering, what now? Instead of letting the end of the holiday season bring you down, consider this the perfect opportunity to reset, refocus, and step into the new year as a better version of yourself.
Every year, many of us make simple promises to “do better,” but this year, we challenge you to choose resolutions you can actually stick with. That way, in a year’s time, you can feel fulfilled and know you did something this year for you!
Of course, we’re here with a little help to get you started and hitting 2026 on the ground running. We’ve put together a list of realistic, yet unique New Year’s resolutions designed to create small habits that lead to big changes over time. So, pick one or pick all, and let’s head into 2026 with clear minds and bright futures ahead.
Deep clean your home every other week
Keeping up with a biweekly deep clean can help prevent clutter from piling up and create a calmer, more organized living space without feeling overwhelming. This will help your space feel less chaotic as well as hopefully put you more at ease and more willing to relax.
Take 20 minutes a day to read
Whether it’s a full novel, an article, or even just a few chapters before bed every night, dedicating time to read daily encourages relaxation, learning, and a break from screen time. Reading is also a great hobby to get into and can be something you learn to love!
Never let your hamper get more than half full
This small habit can make a big difference. Staying ahead of laundry helps eliminate stress and keeps household tasks from becoming all-day projects. So, while it may be easy sometimes to shut the closet door on the full hamper, this year, make it a habit to pull it out, clean the clothes and get them put away more regularly.
Spend 20 minutes a day moving your body
Exercise doesn’t always have to mean intense workouts. A simple walk, stretch, yoga session, or quick home workout is enough to boost energy and improve overall health. This year, make it a challenge to move your body in some way for 20 minutes every day. This will help you feel better in so many ways and is a great habit for your overall health.
Eat cleaner when you can
In 2026, we’re bringing meal prepping and home eating back! Try and focus on cooking more meals at home, cutting back on takeout, or trying simple meal prepping to make healthier choices easier during busy weeks. This is a habit much easier said than done, but one that is worth the challenge!
Check in with friends and family each week
As adults, we all get busy. Sometimes it’s easy to dive too deep into our own schedule or problems and not check in with others. A quick call, text, or coffee date can strengthen relationships, help maintain meaningful connections throughout the year and increase your moods.
Create one no-phone hour each day
Screens are everywhere nowadays, and we are all on our phones all day. Stepping away from our screens, especially at night, can improve sleep, productivity, and presence in everyday moments. This year, try and set phone limits or a no-phone hour to minimize your screen time when you can.
Try something new once a month
Whether it’s an art class, picking up a new hobby, eating at a new restaurant, or attending a local event, stepping outside your comfort zone keeps life exciting and encourages personal growth. This year, try and do as many new things as possible and learn to have fun with the adventures.
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be extreme or overwhelming to be effective. By focusing on small, manageable changes, you can build habits that support a healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle all year long. As the new year begins, give yourself grace, stay consistent, and remember, progress, not perfection, is what truly counts. We hope you are all on your way to having an incredible new year and wish you all the happiness and success with whatever resolution you choose.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
