As 2026 dawns, many of us are ditching the pressure of grand, unattainable life overhauls in favour of setting smaller, more realistic New Year's resolutions. Inspired by The Filter US newsletter's archive of expert-vetted advice, here are four practical goals designed to genuinely improve your daily life.
Commit to Cooking More Meals at Home
If takeaway apps like Uber Eats dominated your spending in 2025, resolving to cook more at home is a savvy move for your wallet and wellbeing. To begin, equip your kitchen with versatile staples. Professional chef Kiki Aranita recommends a specific rice cooker, while a multi-functional blender can do far more than whizz up smoothies.
Investing in a few key tools can transform your experience. A fish spatula, for instance, is praised for its utility in handling everything from delicate fried eggs to crafting pan sauces. To combat food waste and maximise your grocery budget, high-quality glass food containers are essential for preserving leftovers effectively.
Prioritise a Proper Night's Sleep
Improving sleep quality is a cornerstone resolution for 2026. If you've ever envied a friend's perfect sleep score on their Oura ring, simple product swaps can make a significant difference. Contributors to The Filter US have suggested a range of solutions, from supportive memory foam pillows to a highly-rated sleep mask, which was notably one of the favourite products of 2025.
Creating a restful bedroom environment is key, with experts emphasising that the bedroom should function as a true oasis for relaxation and recovery.
Find a New, Enjoyable Way to Exercise
A sustainable fitness routine in 2026 doesn't require expensive gym memberships or intimidating equipment. Effective workouts can easily be done at home. Building a simple home setup could involve a pair of adjustable weights or an aerobic step platform. For yoga or floor exercises, a durable natural rubber yoga mat has been reported to last a contributor for an impressive decade of daily practice.
The goal is to find an activity you enjoy, whether that's following a fitness app, winter running with the right gear, or exploring other sports, making consistency far more likely.
Dedicate More Time to Loved Ones
Whether you dream of hosting dinner parties or casual family gatherings, start with simple, engaging activities. Affordable board games, such as Bomb Busters, are excellent for bringing people together. For a quieter option, jigsaw puzzles from brands like Ravensburger have been rigorously tested and recommended.
To elevate your hosting without breaking the bank, consider investing in a few key items: an affordable set of wine glasses, smart light bulbs for setting the mood, and a versatile Dutch oven for preparing crowd-pleasing meals.
Bonus: Simple Rituals and Practical Hacks
Beyond these core resolutions, The Filter US highlights products that create small, joyful daily rituals. Contributor Julia Skinner recommends items like high-quality matcha powder for an afternoon lift and clever hacks to transform your bathroom into a home spa.
For practical problems, the newsletter has done the dirty work for you. Writer Jenny McGrath tested numerous laundry stain removers, sacrificing 14 white t-shirts to common culprits like red wine, coffee, and ketchup to identify the most effective solutions.
By focusing on these manageable, well-supported goals for 2026, you can build lasting positive habits that enhance your life without the stress of unrealistic expectations.
