Firstly - Happy New Year!
We all want to start the New Year off in the best way possible. One thing I do like about the start of a new year is that there's an element of positivity in the year, even if it's only short-term. However, January blues can kick in pretty much after the Christmas decorations are taken down and packed away in the attic for another 11 months. But one thing we can all agree on is that we want to have the best start to January!
When it comes to NY resolutions, I'm not an avid fan of making them. I like making little improvements rather than big life changes I won't stick to.
The one great aspect of the start of a New Year is that it's personal to you. You can make big life goals, make little improvements, or simply take a break and reset. There's no right or wrong way to start the New Year and January; it's simply on your terms.
Here are some ways to kick off January in the best style:
1) Practice gratitude
As I said, January can bring its blues, and at some point, we all feel a little flat during it. Practicing gratitude each day is an effective way to reframe your mindset and boost your mind. It doesn't just have to be the biggest things to be grateful for; it's surprising how many of the smallest things you're thankful for. Practicing gratitude helps to reflect on all of the good in your life rather than the negative things. It's a real mood booster, honestly.
2) Prioritise your health
I mean, with my life, this takes precedence every day of the year, not just for January. Having Cystic Fibrosis means my health is my number one priority. If I didn't do all my treatments and take my medication, my health would be flushed down the drain.
You could be seeking to be more physically active, be more in tune with your mental health or eat more healthily. Health or no health goals, your health should always take priority. You can't function properly without good health!
3) Evaluate what you want to bring in for the new year
When it comes to NY resolutions, I'm not one for making any solid commitments. I'd rather choose a word for the year and keep that as my primary focus throughout the year. It could be a word that relates to your New Year's goals. Or it could be a word that you want to represent your year to better the previous one.
It could be something physical, for example, add more exercise to your routine. It could be something to help with mindset, for example, have a declutter of the mind or your wardrobe. Assess what you want to bring into the New Year and (hopefully) stick to it!
4) Consider switching up your daily routine
At some point, we've all got stuck in a rut when it comes to our routines, one time or another. Sometimes, January is a great opportunity to switch up your routine and give it a refresh. A good routine that suits your life and personal needs leads to better productivity and is a mood booster.
It could be adding exercise into your routine or taking away something that doesn't serve you anymore. You don't want to be put into a position where you're just 'getting through' the day like a robot. If you're feeling like this is happening to you, then it's time to switch up your routine! It doesn't have to be massive changes; sometimes the smallest changes make a difference.
5) Declutter and reorganise
A declutter is a must. Whatever time of year, a declutter and reorganise is sometimes needed to reset and assess what you already have. A clear physical space helps to achieve a clearer mind. Tidying up areas like your wardrobe, desk space and living space will bring a sense of control and calmness. You don't have to do a big, massive declutter all at once; focus on the spaces that need it the most.
6) Try something new
If you feel you're stuck in a rut with your routine or just want to try something new, do that. Trying something new can really help you break out of a rut. Finding a new passion can really help the creative juices flow. Engaging in new activities and hobbies you don't usually do can help you get out of that rut!
I hope these ideas help you to kick off January in style!
It's important not to put too much pressure on yourself to do all of these things; do what is best for you! But even if you do one or two of these, you will surely be kicking off January in the best style!



This is such a great post to start off the new year, I definitely want to make it a priority to try new things as much as possible in 2026 as well. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a very happy new year!!
ReplyDeletehttps://melissakacar.com
It's great to hear you want to start trying new things in 2026!
DeleteI hope you have a great 2026 too Melissa!
I love this post, Lucy! I have a one-sentence (at least) gratitude daily for this month and am hoping to continue that practice even beyond. There is always something to be thankful for and I'm trying to keep that in the forefront this year. Thanks for all of these tips!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful new year!
Make Life Marvelous
Thank you Ashley!
DeleteI need a gratitude journal like that, I'd love to write a sentence a day expressing gratitude. I agree, there is always something to be thankful for!
Amazing post Lucy, thank you so much. Decluttering and reorganizing is a huge one for me and I already started doing it. My digital files are all over the place and I started organizing them.
ReplyDeleteI need to get started on decluttering properly but I will hopefully do so this weekend!
DeleteI definitely need to declutter. I have TOO MUCH stuff packed into this house, and it's annoying me to no end.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same, too much stuff that needs getting rid of!
DeleteI'm deffo trying something new this year! I'm being more creative in 2026 and love it already.
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
That's great to hear that you're being more creative in 2026 Corinne!
DeleteThere are lots of really good focuses for the new year! Hope you have a fantastic 2026.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fantastic 2026 also Jupiter!
DeletePracticing gratitude each day can have a big positive impact on our lives. it reminds us that we all have something to be grateful for and keeps us in a positive state of mind which can have a knock on effect on our outlook over the rest of the day. it can also help our mental health as well as help with lowering stress levels and when done regularly may also positively impact blood pressure.
ReplyDeleteI agree Melanie, practicing gratitude can have a huge positive impact on our lives. It's always important to find the things you're grateful for in life, no matter how big or small!
DeleteI love these ideas for kicking off the new year properly. I have been trying to have a word for the year and i keep struggling with which to choose, but I may choose gratitude after reading this, thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI need to find a word for the year too Melissa, I can't think of one just yet either! Gratitude is a fantastic word to represent your year personally!
Deletestarting the year with a bit of fashion and style helps me feel motivated for the months ahead.
ReplyDeleteA bit of fashion and style really does help me get motivated for the months ahead, especially a declutter of my wardrobe and buying something new every now and then!
DeleteI love the positivity in this post. I have already started decluttering and have had 3 bags of clothes given to charity, even this feels good so far.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic lovely, I'm sure that the charity will be very grateful for your donation!
DeleteLove all of these ideas ! I really want to prioritise my health and be in the best shape mentally and physically this year - Kira
ReplyDeleteThese are good priorities to take with you in 2026 Kira!
DeleteI'm feeling surprisingly motivated this January! I got a huge diary for Christmas which is working really well for me so far... I know we're only 7 days in! I really like your idea of trying something new. I think we get stuck in ruts quite easily, so getting out of our comfort zones and trying something new could absolutely give you the extra oomph and motivation you might need.
ReplyDeleteClaire
www.clairemac.co.uk
Super pleased to hear that you're feeling super motivated so far in January Claire!
DeleteI'm glad to see that you have got yourself a diary that is working well for you so far!
I agree, it's so easy to get stuck in a rut and not feel comfortable or safe to step out of your comfort zone. Like you say, trying something new can give you the oomph and motivation you need!
These are great tips. Focusing on gratitude is key. It's so easy to fall into a trap of not being thankful for what you have.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ben. I agree, practicing gratitude is key and it's important to embrace and be thankful for all of the things you do have!
DeleteLittle improvements can be and feel far more manageable. Sometimes we want to achieve big things but it can be daunting so taking small steps towards these can be easier. I plan to switch up my routine although this will be dictated by the weather. I plan to do morning walks with my friends to get some exercise until the days get longer and we can switch it up again. It's a great way to make sure you are fully awake and ready to take on everything.
ReplyDeleteTaking smaller steps rather big strides is key to achieving any goal you have. I like the sound of switching up your routine by going for morning walks with friends. It's a great way to catch up with friends while getting those daily steps in!
DeleteI'm hoping for a new job in 2026. Wish me luck with my job search.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your job search Jenny!
DeleteI have not made any new years resolutions for years as I kept breaking them. This year I went into the new year in a totally different headspace. For me 2026 will be a recovery year and that is enough for me
ReplyDeleteI used to be the same Samantha, I used to break my NYR all of the time. I'd rather set mini and achievable goals rather than huge ones. I hope 2026 is a great and progressive year for you!
DeletePracticing tiny joys, swapping routines, and a cheeky declutter? Love this energy for January! I’m all in on a “word of the year” too—gratitude keeps everything grounded and bright. Here’s to small changes that feel huge by February. ✨
ReplyDeleteWe all need to adopt this kind of energy for January Candice! I agree, having that word to represent your current year keeps you grounded and focused!
DeleteJanuary is always a perfect time for a big reset. It's so important to decide what you are going to bring into the new year.
ReplyDeleteJanuary is certainly the perfect month to reflect and reset ready for the year ahead!
DeleteI so love the idea of practicing gratitude and we can all use this in our lives. I have a new gratitude journal that helps me to start off my day perfectly :)
ReplyDeletePracticing gratitude is a great way to keep you grounded and appreciate what you already have. I hope you're loving your new gratitude journal Melissa!
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