New Year’s resolutions – not a huge fan of them. They are often big promises that are meaningless and you are unable to keep. It only sets you up for disappointment.  There are no quick fixes or magic formulas for success. Instead of making these over-the-top resolutions, I prefer to be more realistic and come up with things that are achievable and keep you optimistic rather than feeling like a failure. Here are a few ideas you might employ for 2026 that I believe are achievable.

Exercise – here’s a big one. Most people make their expectations much too high and expect too much in too short a time. Put yourself on a program that takes a month at a time. This makes it easier to prioritize what you do rather than procrastinate. Enjoy dancing, hiking, going to the gym, playing sports, etc. Commit to walking 3 to 5 times a week.   Short distances at first until your body gets used to this new experience and then increase the distance accordingly. Once you start moving, you’ll feel better, breathe easier and your overall health will thank you. Walking also increases creativity. The conditions around you are changing and your mind can wander to new ideas. We have all become much too sedentary in our lifestyles. We need to move! (And drink more water!)

Eat healthier food – we are all in a hurry these days and eating is one of the things that suffers as a result. Make a few changes in your diet – add more fruit or vegetables each day, cut back on the ultra-processed foods, make simple healthy food choices whenever you can. If you make an effort to do even one or two things differently, you can create change.

Read a book – It’s a fast-paced world we live in, and we need to find a way to slow down. Everyone is interested in something so find a good book that catches your attention and pick a time to read a chapter per day – right before bedtime or during your lunch hour. Find a time that works for your schedule. A good book can take you to world’s unknown or enlighten you about a faraway place in this world. Whatever the subject, learning is always a wonderful thing. Our bodies and our minds will value the effort.

Kindness and gratitude – Develop an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful each day for your family, friends, and life itself. Treat others with respect and kindness. Go out of your way to say “thank you” to those who do so much for you every day. Be kind to those you don’t even know. Smile at people – it might make their day. Send a card to a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while. Volunteer at a shelter or food pantry. People need to know that someone cares. If there’s one thing this world needs more of it’s kindness!

Slow down the digital – It’s easy to lose track of how long you spend on digital devices. Try making a conscious effort to put down your phone completely during activities like walking the dog, drinking coffee with friends, socializing with friends and family, or playing with your kids and pets.

Explore new hobbies – Make different kinds of food, take a painting class, try building something, take dancing lessons, take up gardening, learn to play the guitar or piano, or make hiking your new hobby. Do something that feels fun and maybe totally different from what you would normally do!

The healthy resolutions listed above are sustainable ways that can improve your emotional and physical health that can be followed for a lifetime. This New Year 2026 try some of them out to make it the happiest and healthiest New Year possible!

Solitaire

http://www.solitaireparke.com