December 31, 2025

Happy New Year's Eve.

2026 has never been nearer, and I, for one, am ready for a fresh start. I have a few ideas for resolutions this year. I am hereby instituting “Sparkle Saturdays” — it’s the day I try to force myself to do cleaning, and budgeting, and all the things I hate doing. But to add a dash of fun, I plan to try out experimental, glittery eye-shadow looks before I get started — maybe it'll make the process feel a little more magical. I also want to read more books (at least 26 in 2026). Shout-out to my book club. Specifically, I want to learn more about the French Revolution and the June Rebellion, a period of history that fascinates me (yes, I am the one who always brings up Les Misérables in the Daily Skimm). As you think about your own goals for next year, perhaps some of the tips below will help. Cheers.

— Molly Longman, News Writer, New York, NY

A New Year, But Make It Realistic

We all make resolutions in the hopes of becoming a Whole New Person™. New planners, aspirational gym memberships, more pressure. But before we sign up for goals we’ll ghost by January 12, we called someone who studies happiness for a living to ask: What actually moves the needle?

Featured Expert

Gretchen Rubin

Author of The Happiness Project and host of the podcasts Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Since You Asked.

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Rubin says two categories of resolutions will make the biggest difference: those that will strengthen your relationships and those that boost your energy. Filling those buckets will help you have the support and resilience to tackle all your other goals, so here's where to start:

Relationships 

“Contemporary science shows — and ancient philosophers agree — that relationships are a key part of a happy life,” Rubin says. “So whatever helps you deepen existing relationships, those resolutions are likely to make you happier.” 

Some suggestions from Rubin and your Daily Skimm editors: 

🍜 Host a monthly dinner party (may we suggest a soup exchange to start).

💻 Go into the office when you can, instead of working remotely.

📚 Start or join a book club — perhaps one with a theme: murder mysteries, or picks from The New York Times’ list of the best books of the 21st century.

☎️ Text or call a friend daily. It can be as simple as “how are you getting along in this cold weather?” or “doing a wellness check after that last Stranger Things episode.”

🚶🏽‍♀️ Go on walks with a friend or partner once a week (even better if there’s hot chocolate to share at the finish line). 

👋 Say hi to three strangers a week (yes, it’s worth it).

Energy

You know that feeling when your brain realizes you need to do the dishes, but your body just can’t pull you off the couch to do them after a long day at work? That’s not a “laziness” problem; it’s typically an energy one. As Rubin says, “When you have energy, everything else in your life is easier.” 

Some ideas to get you started...

🛌 Get to sleep at the same time every weeknight. 

✨ Read a physical book for 20 minutes before you go to sleep.

👟 Set aside your workout clothes the night before. 

⏰ Leave your phone across the room when you go to bed — use a separate alarm clock.

🍳 Eat breakfast every morning. 

🍽️ Meal prep on Sundays.

🧘 Meditate for five minutes each morning.

📱 Put your phone in gray scale. “All the information is there, but it's much less pleasing to the eye, and it is a lot easier to put down your phone,” Rubin says. 

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.