54 Little Ways to Jump-Start 2026

Kick off the New Year on the right foot.

- MELISSA MATTHEWS,MONICA GARWOOD

BEFORE WE BEGIN: This is not your typical “New Year, New You” resolution story. Because you’re pretty great as you are! And those stories can be stressful! Instead, it’s a different kind of resolution story. One that has tiny, realistic action items—impactful things you can do to have more fun, feel happier and calmer, and put things in your favor. Make a point to do as many things on this list as possible and 2026 won’t know what hit it.

WATCH AN OLD MOVIE YOU LOVE. A few suggestions for you: Drop Dead Fred, Sixteen Candles, Dirty Dancing, Heathers, Raising Arizona, or whatever you want!

Create a playlist that’s exclusively for the shower (or the bath).

WRITE A THANK-YOU NOTE. They’re not just for gifts! Thank a friend who met you for a walk and listened to you rant about your silly teenagers, thank your mail carrier for bringing packages all the way up to your porch, thank your regular barista for remembering you like your coffee with exactly 1.58 scoops of sugar. You get the idea.

TRY A RECIPE THAT YOU SAVED AGES AGO. Even if it’s not a winner, you’ll have at least tried something new.

GAZE AT SOME GREENERY for a little boost. During a recent study published in the journal People and Nature, a group of 117 people wore eye-tracking glasses that measured where they looked while on walks. The participants reported feeling more restored and less anxious when they looked at natural spaces and plants versus urban elements like streets and buildings.

GIVE A STRANGER A COMPLIMENT.

HOLD THE DOOR FOR A DIFFERENT STRANGER.

PET A DOG. (Note: If it’s not yours, ask the pawrent for permission first!)