At the beginning of each year, many people create lists of resolutions that will help them be happier and become their best selves. But what if it’s not new resolutions you need to learn how to be happy with yourself and live your best life, but a self-care checklist? Since I was 17, every January of the year found me with a laundry list of resolutions — from eating healthier and working out to spending less and saving more. What’s also been happening for the past 18 New Year’s is seeing the same list get flushed down the toilet by the end of March … on a good year. It’s mostly out by February.
My entire life, I’ve been a go-getter. If I had a target, I’d hit it. So what is it about these resolutions that caused me to keep missing the mark? I couldn’t help but wonder: Would a simple shift in wording — from “resolutions” to “habits” — help me learn how to be happy and become my best self? So for the first time last year, I started not with resolutions, but a sunshine-y self-care checklist.Â
Sure enough, things worked more in my favor. I wasn’t able to scratch off all my self-care goals (Rome wasn’t built in a year either), but with 10 out of 15 down, I knew I was onto something that could work for me. This year, I drank from the same fountain but created a more comprehensive plan. Nurturing these habits will make me happier — from the inside and out — and following them can help you find sunshine and happiness, too.
Here are 15 simple habits of almost all happy people:
1. They wake up 30 minutes earlier
My alarm usually rings at 7 AM, but in 2026, it’s set for 6:30. Getting up a few minutes earlier not only helps increase productivity, but it also helps reduce stress levels, which can. make you happier. When you wake up early, you eliminate the morning rush.
Furthermore, research from The Sleep Advisor explained that, “people who get up later in the day tend to focus less on healthy morning habits like hydrating and exercise, which oxygenates your blood and promotes healthy skin. Early morning risers can also use the extra time to exfoliate, moisturize, and cleanse.”
2. They visualize what brings them joy
In fact, do it weekly. I put visualizing sessions on my calendar, just as I would do for any other event or meeting. Many of us tend to focus on visualizing the things we want to be happy — the car, the money, the love. And while that’s all great, in 2026, I also want to visualize the best version of myself: Me at my most healthy, confident, patient, composed, and happy state.
3. They flossÂ
You may wonder why in the world flossing is on the list. Simply put, committing to doing one thing as simple (but yet as important!) as flossing, will encourage that type of disciplined behavior in other areas of life, as well. Where there’s discipline, there’s follow-through. And that follow-through will trickle down into various other aspects of our lives and help you find the happiness you seek.
4. They don’t buy things on impulse
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Don’t say things like, “I deserve this!” because you also deserve a savings account. You deserve not to have stress over money because of impulsive spending. Bite your lip and stay wise if you want to be happy financially.
5. They speak kindly to themselves
Self-conversations are very revealing; they tell the story of how you really feel about yourself. If you habitually refer to yourself as a “loser” or “idiot,” no matter how playful the tone may be, it’s condescending, and it will affect your self-esteem long-term. Cut that out and tell yourself things like, “I am smart. I am capable. I’ll figure this out,” instead, to boost your happiness.
6. They nurture hobbies that feed their spirit
And make sure you do it at least once per month. Hobbies can include photography, baking, painting, DIY-ing, yoga, hiking, reading, sewing, origami, and gardening — anything that brings you joy and makes you feel happy.
7. They keep learning
Improve your current skills and learn new ones every week. You can never be over-educated. Challenges and novelties are key elements to happiness because the brain is stimulated by surprises. So it’s no surprise that people who do new things consistently tend to be happier than those who consistently stick to the familiar. In 2026, tackle a new goal or get a new hobby. Maybe now is the time to sign up for those Spanish classes or join that book club.
8. They choose one small thing each day that feels good
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Whatever that may be: A long shower or bath, riding a bike, lunch with your girlfriend, watching a funny video or a Disney movie, rocking out to your favorite song, getting a pedicure, a hot cup of coffee, wearing a silk pajama or sequin leotard. Make room in your day for 10 minutes of doing something that makes you happy.
9. They improve their posture
How you carry yourself tells a story about how you feel inside and how you feel about yourself. Your posture affects your attitude, so keep your back straight, chin up, and make eye contact with the person you’re speaking with; it denotes confidence. Do that, and you’ll encourage the flow of positive, happy energy to circulate without any restrictions.
10. They create a sunshine playlist
If you want to be happier, making a playlist of upbeat, sunshine-y songs that make you feel good is not enough. You have to change the way you listen to music, too. For decades, research has been telling us that listening to uplifting music with the desire to feel happier can actually lead to greater happiness than simply listening to music for the sake of listening.
11. They keep fresh flowers around
Flowers do more than brighten up a room; they brighten up your mood, as well. Participants in a behavioral study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital reported feeling happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning.
12. They keep something cheerful in their closet
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Color psychology tells us that happy people tend to associate their mood with the color yellow. So next time you feel down or lacking energy, harness the power of optimism. Whether it’s a yellow bed comforter, yellow pillows in the living room, a yellow shirt, or yellow accents throughout your home or office — bring more yellow into your life.
13. They turn off their phones
Stay off all technology for a few hours on the weekend. This has been the most difficult, yet most rewarding, challenge for me.
14. They cut down on processed sugars and dairy
Aside from the health benefits, the lower inflammation risk and hormonal fluctuations can also lead to better skin, which can make you feel better about yourself.
15. They exercise five days a week
If you find yourself having to start from ground zero, though, going from zero to 100 won’t be sustainable. So, start with seven minutes of exercise five times a week. Google “7-minute workouts” and see how much inspiration you’ll find.Â
I give it my all during those seven minutes, and the fact that I spend time working on my body and health — alongside the feel-good chemistry resulting from physical activity — makes me feel like a rock star. And even though that workout is short, it contributes to my physical appearance. That helps my self-esteem and, as a result, I feel happier.
If you’re like me and haven’t had much luck with resolutions over the years, I encourage you to create a self-care checklist instead. Why? Because you deserve to be your best self and live your best life! You can start with my list of self-care ideas above and add your own. And remember to always consult with a doctor first whenever taking on new challenges.
Alexandra Potora is a writer, social media influencer, and founder & CEO of VREA cosmetics.
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