Shaking things up … Gen Z is leading the charge on lifestyle makeovers this year, and it starts with putting the phone down and getting outside more. A new survey found that 76% of Gen Zers plan to make positive changes in their life — compared to just 24% of Boomers. Their top goals? Exercising more, drinking more water, eating healthier, and spending less time on social media.
That said, sticking to these habits isn’t always easy — lack of motivation, time, and slow results often get in the way. Experts say starting small helps: set one or two realistic goals, build routines, track progress, and lean on friends and family. Little steps add up, and sustainable change beats the all‑or‑nothing approach.
Here are the top lifestyle makeovers people are pursuing this year:
- Exercising more
- Drinking more water
- A healthier diet
- Losing weight and or gaining muscle
- Reading more
- Going outside more
- Drinking less alcohol
- Committing to a weekly exercise routine
- Embracing new financial habits
- Spending less time on my phone
- Spending less time on social media
- Drinking fewer sugary drinks
- Cutting down on takeout meals
- Setting a regular bedtime
- Meal prepping
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Setting a regular wake up time
- Practicing daily meditation or mindfulness
- Drinking fewer caffeinated drinks
- Joining a new club or hobby group
Oh and in case you didn't know and were afraid to ask... Gen Z, or Generation Z, refers to the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials and preceding Gen Alpha, typically born between 1997 and 2012. As of 2026, they are aged roughly 14 to 29, making them a significant, diverse, and tech-savvy workforce known for being "digital natives" raised with smartphones, social media, and high-speed internet.
Exploring further!
The year of the hobby … Hobbies are making a big comeback in 2026, with reading leading the way. A new survey found that reading tops the list of activities people want to pick up this year, with nearly a third hoping to read a book every week or month. It’s part of a bigger shift toward calming, creative pastimes — like writing, sewing, and drawing — that help people unplug from screens and unwind. Gen Z is especially into mindful, hands-on hobbies, while Millennials are rediscovering classics like knitting, chess, and board games.
Here are some of the top hobbies people plan to take up this year:
- Reading
- Learning a new language
- Cooking/baking
- Gardening
- Yoga
- Drawing
- Board games
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Sewing
- Crocheting
- Crosswords
- Chess
- Card games
- Creative writing
- Running
- Hiking
- Camping
Speaking of a new year's trends …
Recalibrate your resolutions … January is winding down and most of us have already abandoned the resolutions we made on the first day of 2026. But all is not lost. Author, coach and counselor Michelle Seger says that February is the perfect time to press reset. She suggests that January's resolutions have helped you refine your interests and learn about what will work in your real life. Now, armed with that information, you can recalibrate your goals and move forward with confidence and realistic expectations. February, here we come!