5 small changes to make in 2026 that’ll make you happier

The new year is often crowded with people making big plans for the year ahead. The issue is, these big goals can often feel overwhelming and even put you off getting started. What’s more achievable (and sustainable) is committing to smaller, easier, simpler changes that could improve your day, bit by bit.

Small, positive changes are much easier to stick to and they add up over time. Here are 5 things that may inspire you to make some positive, small changes this year.

1. Cook at least one meal at home a week

Home-cooked food is one of the top things that can improve your health, energy, and how you feel about yourself. If you already cook one meal at home every week, can you make it three? Or five? When you cook at home, you’re more in control of what goes in your body – relying less on convenience foods, ready meals, and dinners that are ultra-processed. And making that meal in a large batch means you can freeze leftovers for days when you’re too busy to cook.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Like this Quick Chicken and Ham Pasta, or this Speedy Chicken Burrito Bowl.

2. Move your body for 10 minutes a day

One of the most common reasons people struggle to fit in exercise is due to time. This year, commit to only 10 minutes if that’s all you have. It could be 10 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of cycling, a 10-minute HIIT workout, or a gentle yoga routine. The goal here isn’t to push yourself, it’s to simply move consistently. Starting can be the hardest part.

In a 2023 study, researchers found as little as 10 minutes of daily physical activity helped prevent the onset of depression. So it really can be good for your mind, as well as your body.

3. Drink more water throughout the day

A lot of people underestimate the importance of hydration when it comes to healthy bodies and minds – you’d be surprised how many allow themselves to get dehydrated. Water makes up almost two thirds of our body and it plays a vital role in everything from regulating body temperature, to reducing fatigue and keeping our skin healthy.

One of the best tips with water is, rather than waiting until you're thirsty and chugging litres at a time, aim to drink water consistently throughout the day from as soon as you wake up in the morning.

4. Prioritise a healthy sleep routine

Getting more, good quality sleep can completely transform your day. But it’s not always easy to tell people to simply go to bed earlier, or sleep in later. Our lifestyles don’t always match up to that. Instead, try to think about how you can improve your sleep routine. Could you go to bed at a similar time each night? Could you write down things that are on your mind, to clear your head before you go to sleep? Could you give yourself at least 15 minutes of phone-free time before you nod off? Consistent sleep habits help regulate your mood, reduce stress, and genuinely make life feel a little bit more manageable.

5. Choose movement you actually enjoy

If you don’t like running, stop forcing yourself to go out for a run – try Jeffing instead! If you hate cardio training, pick up some weights. If you don’t like getting sweaty, commit to going on longer, more gentle walks. If you would enjoy low impact workouts more, try Pilates or yoga.

Make 2026 the year that you stop making exercise feel like punishment, and instead make it something you actually enjoy and look forward to. That way, you’re much more likely to stick to it.

This article was written by The Body Coach content team.