Make Your Resolutions Work for You

With the holidays behind us and a whole new year ahead, it’s likely that many of us are feeling the urge to make a change. After all, New Year’s Resolutions are popular for a reason; the mental fresh start and renewed sense of energy and motivation that we feel when the clock strikes midnight on January 1 can make a real difference when it comes to setting goals and sticking to them.

Though New Year’s Resolutions may have developed a bit of a negative connotation, there’s no reason these aspirations need to be associated with frustration and failure. On the contrary, if we set ourselves up for success by focusing on clear and attainable objectives, we can overcome any challenge the new year might throw our way.

Not sure where to start? Consider these simple, healthy resolutions that can help you achieve your best 2026:

Craft a budget within your means. Budgeting isn’t about cutting out spending altogether. Rather, it’s about prioritizing your spending habits within your current income limits. There are a number of budgeting apps and personal finance trackers available which are designed to help you do just that.

Start a gratitude journal. There’s ample research which demonstrates the connection between the regular practice of gratitude and a positive effect on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. Simply take a few minutes out of your day to jot down at least three things you are grateful for.

Take a day off. According to research, roughly half of working Americans use less than their allotted amount of paid time off. Burnout is a very real possibility; even if you aren’t in the financial position to take an extravagant vacation, using your time off to engage in something you enjoy can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Set a reading goal for the year. The research-backed health benefits of reading extend far beyond keeping your brain in shape, and even include the likelihood of a longer lifespan. Start with 20 minutes a day, and stick to genres you find most enjoyable.

Learn a new recipe each month. For many of us, cooking healthy, involved meals on a regular basis can be difficult with time constraints and busy schedules, but there’s real value in stepping outside our comfort zone with unfamiliar recipes packed with nutrient-rich ingredients. Set aside a special day each month to experiment in the kitchen.

Sources:

“A Chapter a Day – Association of Book Reading with Longevity,” Avni Bavishi et al., Social Science & Medicine, Sept. 2016.

“More than 4 in 10 U.S. workers don’t take all their paid time off,” Shradha Dinesh & Kim Parker, Pew Research Center, pewresearch.org, Aug. 10, 2023.

“Promoting Gratitude as a Resource for Sustainable Mental Health: Results of a 3-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial up to 6 Months Follow-up,” Ernst T. Bohlmeijer et al., Journal of Happiness Studies, May 7, 2020.