26 Gentle New Year's Goals for 2026 | Self care, Slow living, Minimalism

Summary

In this video, the creator shares 26 gentle, sustainable New Year's goals for 2026, focusing on small yet meaningful changes to improve daily life. Emphasizing self-care, slow living, and kindness, the list includes ideas like organizing belongings, making your bed every morning, and taking more breaks during the day. The video encourages viewers to prioritize their emotional well-being, embrace imperfections, and set achievable resolutions that feel rewarding, not overwhelming. From getting back into childhood hobbies to supporting small businesses and practicing mindfulness, the goals aim to promote a more peaceful, balanced lifestyle in the coming year.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by giving everything you own a home to simplify your space and reduce clutter.
• 😀 Make your bed every morning to create a visually pleasing and organized environment.
• 😀 Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to improve online security and protect your accounts.
• 😀 Let go of perfectionism by intentionally choosing three things to 'half-ass' in 2026.
• 😀 Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
• 😀 Reconnect with a hobby you loved as a child to bring joy and nostalgia into your life.
• 😀 Take small breaks in between tasks to reduce stress and improve focus.
• 😀 Start doing yoga at home to improve physical and mental well-being, even if you're not flexible.
• 😀 End your workouts with a 5-minute meditation to help your mind relax and strengthen your practice.
• 😀 Set aside 15-30 minutes of phone-free time each morning and evening to protect your mental health and well-being.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 26 New Year's goals for 2026?

The main focus is on setting gentle, sustainable goals that prioritize self-care, slow living, compassion, and kindness. The goals are meant to be easy to stick with and help bring meaningful change without overwhelming the individual.

How does the speaker feel about the typical New Year's resolutions that focus on drastic changes?

The speaker prefers resolutions that are less pressure-filled and focus on small, sustainable actions rather than drastic changes. They believe such resolutions are more manageable and easier to maintain over time.

What is the significance of 'giving everything you own a home' as a goal?

This goal emphasizes the importance of organizing and decluttering. By giving every item a designated place, it becomes easier to keep spaces tidy, especially for small or frequently used items. It reduces chaos and makes daily life more organized.

Why does the speaker recommend making the bed every morning?

The speaker finds that making the bed creates a sense of order and beauty in the bedroom. It’s not about productivity but about having a neat space to return to, which enhances the feeling of calm and satisfaction throughout the day.

What is the purpose of setting two-factor authentication (2FA) for online accounts?

Setting up 2FA enhances the security of online accounts by making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access. Despite being a bit inconvenient, the speaker finds it worthwhile for protecting personal information.

What is meant by 'intentionally letting go of perfectionism' and why is it encouraged?

This goal encourages people to embrace imperfection and focus on what truly matters to them. By deliberately choosing to 'half-ass' certain tasks that don’t require perfection, individuals can reduce stress and avoid overcommitting to tasks that aren't important to them.

How can carrying a water bottle throughout the day be helpful?

Having a water bottle nearby serves as a visual cue and reminder to stay hydrated. It ensures consistent water intake, which is essential for energy, skin health, digestion, and overall well-being. It also contributes to reducing plastic waste if using a reusable bottle.

Why does the speaker suggest taking small breaks between tasks?

Taking small breaks helps reduce anxiety, especially in the evenings. It allows the brain to process and decompress before moving on to the next task. This simple habit can improve mental clarity and reduce stress.

How did yoga impact the speaker’s life, and what advice do they offer about starting yoga?

Yoga had a life-changing impact by providing physical relief and mental relaxation. The speaker advises trying yoga at home using accessible resources like YouTube videos, and stresses that yoga is for everyone, regardless of flexibility or experience.

What is the significance of creating a gratitude calendar?

A gratitude calendar allows individuals to reflect daily on the positive aspects of their life. By writing down something they are grateful for each day, it helps cultivate a mindset of appreciation, and by the end of the year, the calendar becomes a collection of beautiful memories.

What is the purpose of quitting a habit that is not serving you?

Quitting a habit that causes stress or doesn’t align with one's values can improve overall well-being. The goal is to identify and replace these habits with more positive ones, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Why does the speaker advocate for supporting small businesses?

Supporting small businesses, when possible, helps foster local economies and creates more personal connections with sellers. The speaker acknowledges that this may not always be feasible due to price or convenience, but when there’s a choice, supporting smaller enterprises can make a positive difference.

What are the benefits of having 30 minutes phone-free in the morning and evening?

Phone-free time before bed and after waking up helps avoid immediate exposure to stressors such as news or work emails. It allows for a calmer start and end to the day, leading to better mental health and more intentional focus on personal well-being.

How can switching to cruelty-free beauty products align with the goals for 2026?

Switching to cruelty-free beauty products aligns with the goal of living more consciously and ethically. By choosing brands that do not test on animals, individuals can contribute to reducing animal suffering while supporting more ethical businesses.

What is the importance of trusting your own judgment and stopping second-guessing?

Trusting one’s own judgment encourages self-confidence and reduces the stress of indecision. By stopping second-guessing and trusting instincts, individuals can make decisions more confidently, even if mistakes are made along the way, leading to personal growth.