05 Life Changes to make 2026 a better year

By Jessica Mathiasz 

Every January, we get bombarded with messages to be faster, stronger, leaner, and more productive. Does it feel like a fresh start, or is it more like a homework assignment? I feel like it is the latter. So this year, instead of a rigid list of resolutions, try simple changes you can make for a better year.

Here are five fresh, simple actions to add to your daily life.

Add more Micro Adventures 

We often think adventure requires a plane ticket and a week off. It doesn’t. You can find it on a random Tuesday after work or a weekend when you’re just lying in bed. On a starry night, make some coffee, grab some snacks, pack a telescope if you have one and drive to a dark spot away from the city lights (but closer to your home). This whole adventure will only take an hour at most, but it’s well worth it. It breaks the ‘work-eat-sleep’ loop and reminds you that the world is vast and you are a part of it, even on a mundane Tuesday night. 

Apply the ‘No conflict via text’ Rule 

We have all been there, typing a furious paragraph, staring at the three dots, over-analyzing a lack of emojis. Texting removes tone, facial expression, and pacing, the very things that make empathy possible. Here’s what you can do. If a text exchange starts to feel prickly, tense, or confusing, stop typing. Pick up the phone, call or meet up. Say, “I value you too much to misunderstand you over text.” You save hours of anxiety and avoid permanent damage to relationships caused by a misinterpreted sentence.

Many of us are hyper-independent. We feel like a burden if we ask for anything. This keeps people at arm’s length. Be ok with asking for help when you need it. It is not a weakness; it is a strength.

More ‘Thank You’, less ‘I’m sorry.’ 

Apologizing for mistakes we make is a very good thing. But doing it constantly can be quite negative. So, how about we say thank you instead of I’m sorry for the minor errors we make. Instead of “Sorry I’m late,” say “Thank you for waiting.” Instead of “Sorry for venting,” say “Thank you for listening.” Instead of “Sorry I messed up,” say “Thank you for catching that.” It changes the energy from guilt to appreciation. It acknowledges the other person’s time and kindness without making you feel small.

Be ok with asking for help 

Many of us are hyper-independent. We feel like a burden if we ask for anything. This keeps people at arm’s length. Be ok with asking for help when you need it. It is not a weakness; it is a strength. Let people help you with small, manageable things. Ask a friend for advice, support for something you are struggling with, or tips on a new skill you are learning. It may feel counterintuitive, but asking for help actually brings people closer. It signals trust. It lets them feel useful. It breaks down the wall of I’m fine, I can do it all myself.

More art, less stress 

If exploring art or creativity was not a part of your 2025, you missed out and it definitely should be in 2026. Pick up pottery, knitting, or painting with zero intention of being good. Instead, focus on the imperfect art you are creating and that’s making you happy. When you stop worrying about the finished product, the process becomes a pure escape. Being an imperfect artist is a quiet rebellion against a world that demands perfection. So this year, create more art and feel less stress. Here’s to a New Year filled with good changes, a lifestyle that actually fits you, and plenty of small, happy moments.