And just like that, 2025 is almost over. Where has the time gone! With another year almost at an end, we will all soon be looking forward to another year with renewed optimism – and, as usual, making a whole bunch of New Year's resolutions we struggle to keep.
I like the concept of a New Year's resolution, but in practice, I rarely manage to actually form a new habit that sticks. After a painful month or two of forcing myself to commit to some new rigorous task or habit, I inevitably throw in the towel and return to my normal, not-quite-perfect routine. And I'm not alone. In fact, an estimated 80% of New Year's resolutions fail.
Where are we all going wrong? Is the whole concept flawed? Not necessarily. Perhaps the problem is that we've all been approaching our New Year goal-setting the wrong way. Perhaps the real answer is simply making our resolutions a little more manageable.
So, without further ado, here are 60 New Year's resolutions that you'll actually be able to keep all year long.
The Spanish good luck ritual is going viral on TikTok.
1. Start a journal and write just once a week
Journaling is a wonderful way to decompress and check in with yourself. Our lives can be busy, and if we don't take a moment to reflect and pause, it can feel like we're just rushing from one thing to the next without ever fully digesting what is going on. Writing just a few lines in a journal can help.
If you aren't already an avid journaler, a daily journal resolution is easy to break. After spending £50 on a pretty new book, you might find that by February, it's collecting dust on your bedside table – soon, the mere sight of it is enough to make you feel guilty, so you quietly toss it in the recycling.
Instead of committing to daily entries, try to get in a journaling session just once a week – and if you miss one, don't panic. You can always pick it up again whenever you have the time or the energy, without feeling like you've failed. Hey, if you write one entry in January and one more next December, you can still consider it a win.
2. Read one book a month
Some people set ambitious goals to devour 100 books in a year. But for many of us, this is, quite simply, not realistic. Instead, set a more reasonable goal – say, one book a month. Try to read a few pages before bed and a few more during your commute, and before you know it, you'll be completing your goal pretty easily. And the good news? The more you read, the easier the habit becomes!
3. Put household chores in the calendar
If you're anything like me, your household chores can sometimes take a backseat to – well – just about everything else. I'll change those sheets tomorrow, you may find yourself thinking each day, or, I'll get to those dishes in the morning, or, I'll put away those clean clothes piling up on my chair on the weekend.
When chores pile up around us, anxiety tends to pile up on the inside. After all, it's no fun walking around with an ever-growing mental to-do list of chores you'll get to “at some point.” This year, try making “at some point” a little more concrete by carving out time in your week to get it all done. By putting two hours in your calendar for chores, you'll never have to worry about when. You can even schedule in little 20-minute chore blitzes throughout the week to make things easier.
The benefits of the nutrient are major, but overdoing it can come with some consequences.
4. Walk up the escalator
Resolutions like “go to the gym” every morning are, obviously, very, very easy to break. Instead, set fitness-related resolutions that fit easily into your life without much adjustment. For instance, you could commit to simply taking the left-hand side of the escalator and getting a few extra steps in that way.
5. Take something away
Instead of adding more things to do, what if you made a resolution to do one thing less?
“Reduce one thing that drains you, instead of adding more to your plate," suggests Shelly Dar, a BACP-registered therapist who specialises in anxiety, emotional regulation and behaviour change. “Most people fail because they try to do more. A realistic resolution is to remove one stress point – like saying no to one social plan a week or limiting morning scrolling. Subtracting often creates more emotional space than adding.”
6. Volunteer
Find a cause that is important to you and look into volunteering. Spending just a few hours of your weekend helping others and giving back to your community is always a great way to spend your time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself with this one – if you need a few weeks off or get too busy, it's always something you can come back to.
7. Put batch booking in your weekly diary
Another thing to schedule into the week? A little batch cooking session. Pre-roasting some vegetables and freezing a few homemade meals on a Sunday morning means you can hopefully get through each week without succumbing to too many takeaways. You and your bank account will feel great.
8. Be honest with yourself about your digital habits
Ah yes… our phones. The pesky little devices that suck up our time, ruin our sleep cycles and diminish our eyesight. Of course, most of us are at least a little addicted at this point. Start off the New Year by simply being honest with yourself: what do you want to change about your phone habits? And where's a good, manageable place to start?
Maybe it's committing to sleeping with your phone on the other side of the room so you aren't tempted to doomscroll late into the night. Maybe it's setting a time limit on Instagram so you can avoid getting sucked in. Maybe it's leaving your phone behind when you head out for a walk.
9. Break down your goals
Instead of simply committing to a big new task, break it down before you even set a goal.
“Most resolutions are written by the most exhausted part of us, so of course, we cannot keep them," says Dr Tracy King, a clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and holistic practitioner. "A resolution that actually works sounds more like a three-step micro ritual: first, notice when you feel depleted, second, pause for three slow breaths with a hand on your chest, and third, ask ‘What is the smallest kind thing I can do for myself next?’ When people practice that sequence once a day, they build a year on restoration rather than self-attack.”
“There’s something subversive and intoxicating about women behaving badly.”
10. Schedule “nothing” time
If you find yourself always rushing around, always trying to be productive, you're probably always on the cusp of burnout. A good resolution for you might be simply doing nothing sometimes. Instead of feeling guilty for doing nothing, physically put it in your diary as a task.
11. Move with intention once a day
This could be a pilates class or a gym session, or it could be something smaller. Do a 10-minute yoga session. Stretch before bed. Focus on your posture while walking to work. Anything to get out of your head and into your body intentionally.
12. Drink a ginger shot every morning
I'm a big fan of ginger shots! You can buy them premade or make them yourself at home. Have a big batch ready to go in the fridge and drink a little shot before breakfast. It's great for your immunity, and it's a great way to wake yourself up in the morning.
13. Commit to a feeling
Instead of committing to a specific goal, commit to a feeling you want to feel more of this year.
“Most resolutions fail because they’re built on perfection. Instead, choose one feeling you want more of, for example, calm, confidence, connection, and each week choose a tiny action that creates that feeling,” says Bianca Topham, an ICF-certified stress, burnout and wellness Coach. “When intentions start from emotion rather than pressure, consistency naturally follows.”
14. Do a daily emotional check-in
How are you actually feeling? A lot of us kind of forget to check in with ourselves and, by the end of each week, can feel kind of confused about how we actually are. Keep it simple and commit to asking yourself how you are each day.
“A suggestion I would put forward as a resolution is to set a goal to keep in touch with your emotions for just a couple of minutes every day,” says Niloufar Esmaeilpour, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Supervisor and founder at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre. “When you consistently take the time to acknowledge your feelings and the reasons behind them, you develop the self-awareness that makes it very difficult for you to manage stress and, consequently, prevent burnout during the whole year.”
15. Call your parents once a week
While some people call their mum (or grandparents, or aunts and uncles, or whomever it may be) every day, others kind of forget and let days or weeks slide by without picking up the phone. Schedule a weekly 20-minute period when you can hop on the phone and catch up.
16. Save £10 a week
I get it, saving is hard. But you don't need to put away absolutely every spare penny to be a good person! Some is always better than none. With a quarter of young people having 0 (zero) savings, this is a goal that isn't only manageable, it's vital.
17. Practice non-judgment
How's that inner voice doing? If you find yourself constantly talking down to yourself and beating yourself up, focus on how you can be a little gentler with yourself this year.
“Practice curiosity instead of criticism towards yourself and others,” says Existential Psychotherapist Nino Sopromadze. “Reactions often reveal more about what’s alive in us than about what was said. When you feel the harsh inner critic appear, whether it is towards others or self, notice it and create space to allow to engage with it with curiosity rather than agree with it. Remember that this voice often echoes early experiences or old protective patterns. Each moment of awareness in an invitation to learn and meet ourselves and others differently next time. Awareness is power, and while it doesn't erase mistakes, it expands what's possible next time.”
18. Buy a big, annoying water bottle
“Drink more water” is a pretty vague resolution. However, if you get one of those giant bottles, it can be a little easier to quantify. Try getting through one bottle a day.
19. Track your friends' birthdays
If you want to be ‘that girl,’ put all of your friends' birthdays in your Google calendar or physical diary. After all, not a lot of us use Facebook anymore… so we often forget our friends' birthdays. How great will it feel to be that one friend who remembers to send a happy birthday message on the actual day? Points.
20. Schedule all of your annoying appointments now
Dental check-up, doctor's appointment, wax, hair trim – book them all in advance, and you will feel so on top of it before the year even starts.
21. Schedule in hobby time
Hobbies! Remember those! Schedule an hour a week to tinker on the piano or do some knitting.
22. Make your bed
It's simple and not very sexy, but it's a great, easy resolution that will make you feel like you're on top of things even when you're not.
23. Have a no-phone commute
I get it – it's tempting to simply pull out the phone and have a little scroll session on your morning train. Try reading a book or buy a paper instead.
24. Give one compliment a day
Not all of your resolutions have to be about making yourself feel better. Commit to making at least one other person feel good a day.
25. Treat yourself
Commit to treating yourself once a month. Maybe it's a meal out alone. An extravagant purchase. A long massage. A day off work to do nothing. Whatever it is, commit to giving yourself a treat!
26. Stop after one coffee
If you're something of a coffee fiend, you probably find yourself pouring cup after cup throughout the morning. Before you know it, you've downed five and you're anxiously bouncing off the walls. Be a little more intentional about your caffeine intake this year. No need to cut it out completely – instead, try stopping after one cup, then switching to water or even green tea.
27. De-pill your jumpers and cardigans
This year, let's all take a little better care of our old clothes instead of rushing out to buy new ones. One great way to give old clothes new life is by investing in a good de-piller. Spend an afternoon getting all of those pills off your older jumpers and cardigans, and they'll feel good as new.
28. Learn to mend your own clothes
On that note, let's also extend the longevity of our clothes. Instead of tossing them away the moment they get a tear or a pull, this year, commit to learning to mend your garments. A little sewing kit and a simple stitch can usually do the trick and give you many more wears out of your older clothes.
29. Alternate between booze and alcohol-free drinks on nights out
Ah yes, the Great British Drinking Culture. Instead of letting yourself get carried away at the pub, try alternating between alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. Chances are, you'll still get that boozy buzz, but you'll be less likely to overdo it. This little trick forces you to slow down on the binge drinking, while still being more manageable than aiming to cut out alcohol altogether.
30. Quit gel nails
Caught in the cycle of having one damaging gel mani after another? Haven't seen your real nail beds in months? Use January as a reset for your nail health. Take that New Year's Eve gel manicure off and invest in nail oil. Let them breathe! Once your nails have healed a little, there are a few great alternatives to gels that you can try at home next year. Try Manicurist's Green Flash LED gel alternative.
31. Quit using heat products on your hair
Use 2026 as a reset for your hair health, too. If you're stuck in a cycle of hair straightening and curling and you're starting to notice the damage, try a less-damaging hair care alternative. Get into scrunching. Air-dry your hair in a braid. Use no-heat hair curlers. Even doing this once a week will help reduce some of that heat damage.
32. Do 10 minutes of Duolingo a day
Ok, so “learn a new language” is a pretty hard resolution to keep. However, "do Duolingo for just 10 minutes" is a lot easier. Don't make learning the language the goal – instead, make learning a few new words the goal. You'll be surprised by how much you pick up over time if you stay consistent.
33. Stretch before bed
Spend just five minutes stretching it all out before bed. Trust me – your body and your mind will thank you!
34. Try one new recipe a week
Explore a new world of culinary wonders! Get a little inventive and experimental in the kitchen. Pick one recipe you've never tried each week and enjoy the ritual of following it step by step. This is a great way to reignite your love of cooking while also keeping your weekly meals a little more interesting.
35. Sign up for a class or workshop
Learn something new! By signing up for a weekly class or even a one-off workshop, you take the onus off of yourself and put it into someone else's hands. All you have to do is simply show up.
36. Make something just for fun
Get crafty! As adults, we tend to spend a lot of time doing things with a goal in mind. But sometimes, it can be nice to get creative simply for the sake of it. Make something, anything, just for the experience of making it.
37. Pre-plan your big purchases of the year – and stick to them
Take a few hours to think about what you need to purchase this year. Maybe it's a holiday, a big tech purchase, or even a car or a home. What are your really big purchases ahead? Figure out your budget for them and create a savings plan.
38. Make a new friend
Making new friends as an adult isn't easy. But it can also be so rewarding. If there's someone from work or a tangential friend from your wider friend group that you just know you'd get along with, reach out and ask them for a coffee or a drink. Sometimes, taking the first step is the hardest – who knows, you might have a new bestie by the end of the year.
39. Host a dinner party
Instead of going out, stay in. Invite a few friends, spend the afternoon tidying the house and cooking. Create a beautiful table with candles and flowers. Make a playlist. Pick a cute 'fit. It might just be one of your most memorable evenings of the year.
40. Clear out your wardrobe and make some extra cash
Is your closet bursting at the seams but you still have nothing to wear? Don't ignore it. Spend a day carefully going through each and every item. Anything you no longer wear? Sell it. You can actually make a lot of extra spending money on Vinted or Depop, so it's a win-win.
41. Delete apps from your phone
Is your phone feeling a little cluttered? Deleting some apps can help to make your digital life a little more streamlined. And you'll be amazed by how much noise it takes away from your mind.
42. Try therapy
If you haven't tried therapy yet, it may because you're feeling anxious about it, or, you might think you need it. Either way, this is the year to give it a try. Everyone can get something from a little therapy – it doesn't have to be scary or embarrassing!
43. Try blue light glasses
You'll be amazed by how much your eyes and brain will thank you. Reducing screen time isn't always possible. Instead, take a little pressure off your eyeballs by blocking out blue light.
44. Take stock of where you spend your money and support businesses you believe in
Thinking about who you're actually giving your money to. Are you guilty of the occasional Amazon order? Do you spend a little too much on fast fashion? Where do you get your books? Could you instead spend a little more money on independent businesses and buy a little less? Do some research into the businesses you like to give money to and make sure they have ethical practices.
45. Email your MP
What matters to you? What issues do you think local councils should be focusing on? Instead of complaining about the government to your friends, take some action and email your MP. Surprising few people actually voice their thoughts to their local MPs and it's one of the best ways to make your voice heard – even if it feels like a pointless endeavour, it actually can make an impact.
46. Create a scrapbook for the year
Another year flown by and all you have to show for it is a phone full of pictures you'll never look at again? This year, do things differently by making a scrapbook. Be intentional about the memories you want to hold on to. Print out pictures, stick them in, write a few lines, press flowers, save tickets, you name it. Create a physical keepsake for 2026 – and start it now.
47. Organise your inbox
Ah, the dreaded inbox. Let me guess – yours is a sea of unopened mail, marketing emails, unanswered queries. And let me also guess – it's a constant source of anxiety? Now is the time to bite the bullet and do a big old clear out. Go through it all. Create folders. Save the important stuff. Get rid of the rest. Answer those old emails. Unsubscribe, unsubscribe, unsubscribe. It'll be a slog, but it'll be worth it.
48. Pick up a hobby you had as a kid
Remember when you used to be really into drawing? Or piano? Or swimming? Or horseback riding? Or ballet lessons? It's never too late to get back into it. In fact, now that you're a grown-up, you get to decide how you spend your time. So why not spend it doing something you love?
Imagination and ingenuity may play a similar role as a healthy diet or exercise.
49. Try not to be a ghost
Getting ghosted sucks. But be honest with yourself – you've probably also been a ghost yourself. While it can feel easier to simply disappear into the ether after a bad date, commit to good communication this year. All it takes is a quick message to explain that you're no longer interested. Don't be a ghost!
50. Schedule long, luxurious everything showers into your routine
Nothing feels quite as good as the everything shower. The shower when you do a scalp scrub, wash your hair, do a hair mask, do a body scrub, shave, exfoliate your feet – the shower when you do it all. Of course, in our busy lives, the everything shower is a rare luxury. So, this year, make some time for it. Schedule a long afternoon everything shower on the weekend every few weeks.
51. Promise yourself you'll say “no” to a few invitations
You don't have to do it all. This year, commit to doing less. Take a moment and really think about whether you want or need to be at every event you get invited to. Why are you saying “yes?” Simply out of habit? Because you're worried about missing out? Find a few invitations you can say “no” to.
52. Ask someone for help
It can be hard to admit we sometimes need help. Or even that we simply want it. We can't always do everything ourselves – as much as we wish we could. Think about where in your life you might need some help. Maybe it's with your chores. Your job. Your social calendar. Find someone you trust and simply ask for some help.
53. Try to spend no money one day a week
This one isn't easy, but it is possible. Could you carve out one day a week where absolutely no money leaves your accounts? Pre-make your lunch. Get groceries in for dinner. Cycle to work. Make your own coffee at home. And, obviously, no online shopping allowed.
54. Add vitamins to your morning routine
Vitamin D, Vitamin C, perhaps a little magnesium. It can go a long way. And yes, we are at that age now. Make vitamins a part of your morning routine.
55. Listen to your body
Actually pay attention to how you're feeling. If your lower back is sore, get up from your desk and move around. If your shoulder twinges, do some yoga stretches this evening. If you're eyes are tired, put down the phone and take a few minutes to shut them. If you've got a tickle in your throat, take some vitamin C and rest. It's amazing how often we push away our body's physical signs – and, yes, ignoring our bodies tends to make those symptoms come back stronger and angrier later.
56. Eat breakfast
So, you skip breakfast. Once you fall into the habit of skipping the first meal of the day, it's easy to convince yourself you don't actually need food until lunch. Unfortunately, you probably do. And unfortunately, you'll probably feel a lot better if you grab a quick yoghurt before dashing out the door for work.
57. Listen to a new genre of music
Falling into boring music habits? Always listening to the same album over and over again? Want a more interesting Spotify Wrapped this year? Commit to exploring a brand new genre of music each month. Give it a go!
58. Make a list of old films you've always wanted to see
If you always find yourself feeling out of your depth when people being chatting about Film with a capital F, this could be your year to become a cinephile. Make a list of old films you've always wanted to see but never gotten around to watching. Watch one every now and then instead of that Friends rerun. And voila! You're a classic movie buff.
59. Replace your toothbrush (and your hairbrush, your mascara, etc.)
Guess what? It's probably time to replace your gross old toothbrush. You could also probably do with a new hairbrush and a new mascara and a new razor. No, these things don't last forever. Yes, you do need to replace them. Start the year feeling fresh by replacing all those gross things you've been using for a little too long.
60. Practice self-forgiveness
Perhaps the most important resolution of all? Forgive yourself. Whatever resolutions you commit to, chances are, you are going to fail at them. At least sometimes. Instead of beating yourself up and then giving up. Forgive yourself and keep trying. No one is perfect and it's the trying that counts. Instead of feeling guilty for not living up to the standard you set, feel proud for trying.
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