When people make New Year’s resolutions, it usually means they want to start doing something new – Start a diet, start exercising, start saving money, etc. But, perhaps New Year’s resolutions for this year could be based on things we no longer want to include in our lives rather than changes we want to make which require more effort on our parts. I am in no way advocating laziness. I am definitely not a fan of being generally unproductive. However, I have a hard time relaxing even when I want to (something I definitely need to work on), but that’s kind of my point. After considering all I have read and heard about other people’s resolutions, I realized that I would probably be better served by asking a bit less of myself this year (especially during the cold, dark winter months). Perhaps you fall into this category as well.

For example, as I mentioned, I am not very good at chilling out. The “joke” in my house is for someone to take a photograph of me when I am sitting down, because I almost never do it. I used to consider this “go-go-go” attitude of mine a badge of honor until it started to affect my health and my mood. No one wants to be around a really productive, but cranky and often ill person. So, one of my resolutions is to take it easier. For me, this means I have to consciously make an effort NOT to clean everything in sight and take on more than can be accomplished in one day. Week one of this in 2026 went fairly well, but in all honesty, I was so worn out after getting over the flu over Christmas break that even if I wanted to do many things (and I did) my body wouldn’t let me do them. The real test was when my energy returned. Was I able to curtail my tendency to run around like the Energizer Bunny on amphetamines? You’ll find out at the end of this post.

So, here’s my list of resolutions for 2026, which I hope will lead to a more relaxed, happier version of myself. Perhaps you might like to adopt them as well.

1. Don’t Over-Do It. Don’t try to cram a to-do list with tasks that are impossible to complete in any one given day. Sadly, I am notorious for this!
2. Put less limitations on my diet by saying yes to dessert (sometimes). I have made great progress in limiting my sugar intake and have seen amazing changes in my health as a result. That being said, we only live once, so yes, I am going to have a cookie or a piece of cake every now and then and I’m going to enjoy it. Every. Single. Bite.
3. Don’t stay up too late. For me, “too late” is any time after 8:30pm because I’m up at 4:15am. I’m usually in bed by 9:30 or 10 and asleep by 10:30pm. Ouch! The “sleep math” (7-8 hours) doesn’t work and neither do I when I am exhausted. Note to self: Prioritize rest!
4. Try not to be so hard on myself. Does it really matter if I made a small mistake or forgot something? When my kids are hard on themselves, I rhetorically ask them, “Are you a robot?”. It’s my way of reminding them no human is perfect and that’s ok. Sometimes, I have to remind myself of the same thing.
5. Say goodbye to expectations and accept what is. By this stage of my life, I have certainly gotten the memo that life doesn’t always go as planned, but I have a difficult time accepting the message. I have to learn to let things be. I’m certainly not a robot, but I also need to remember that I’m not a salmon either. Swimming upstream is exhausting and frustrating. Going with the flow might be nice for a change. I’m going to give that a try as much as my control freak-self will let me.
6. Say no to constant productivity. Sticking with my metaphors, though I’m not a bear, I am going to try to be more like one this winter. Bears hibernate for good reason. New Year’s in January seems contradictory. If you live in the northeast from January through March, much of the time there is absolutely no way you feel motivated to do a darn thing but snuggle up and sleep. It’s cold and it’s gray and it gets dark early. So perhaps it’s ok to dress in lounge clothes and slippers for the day. When the sun comes back out and the flowers start to bloom, I will too. It’s a cycle, and as a mammal, I should take part in it without feeling like a lazy loafer. For me, that is easier said than done.
7. Stop ignoring my accomplishments, however small. Many times after a workout, the instructor on screen will say something like, “Good for you for taking time for yourself” or “You should be proud that you made the choice to workout today.” I need to internalize those messages a bit more. Yes, it is pretty amazing that on a 25 degree day I am in my unfinished basement by 5am working out. It’s cold and challenging, but I do it anyway. Yay me!
8. Stop feeling guilty for socializing. It’s really important to spend time with my girlfriends. In fact, after time with friends I am often a much more patient and happy mother and spouse.
9. Say no to staying within budget (within reason!). Maybe my family needs a weekend away even if it would be “smarter” to save money. Maybe takeout once in a while is actually worth more than it costs because it gives me and my husband a break from cooking and cleaning. Money sometimes is for spending.
10. Stop worrying about keeping resolutions. Yes, I will try to do all of the above, but if I don’t, no biggie. I’m only human.

Case in point (and my progress update):

Resolutions #1 and #3 – not met this week: This past weekend, after having been unable to really clean my own house for two weeks due to illness, I spent eleven hours (yes, eleven hours) cleaning my house from top to bottom. It was exhausting, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I got from my work was worth it, so to heck with resolutions 1 and 3 (at least for this week).

Resolutions #2, #8 and #9 – met this week: On Sunday, I relaxed a bit and even spent some time with a dear friend. For about two and a half hours we talked over deliciously sweet and spicy chai tea and went shopping (we found great sales!). It was medicine for my soul. Sweets? Check! Spending some money? Check! Time with a great friend? Check, check!

Conclusion: A clean house, a cafe visit and shopping with a friend? Resolutions met or not, I’m a happy camper (which means I also met resolution #10)!

Whatever it is you are aiming to do (or not to do) I wish you luck in meeting your goals in 2026. I hope this year is your best yet!