Stories to fuel your mind

12 Low-Lift Resolutions to Try if You Need a Do-Over

From simply reframing the way you divide up your day to improving the way you brush your teeth, get inspired by these habits that require minimal effort to maintain—and are worth starting anytime.

Corrie Evanoff

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Whether you’re lacking inspiration or rethinking loftier goals that don’t feel quite as achievable as they did on January 1st, it’s never too late to incorporate some easier life hacks and gentler goal setting into your year’s aspirations. Read on for 12 low-stakes, high-impact actions you can take to improve the quality of your life, starting now—in ways that feel less like doing homework and more like adding small wins to your day.

Image by Aleksei Morozov/Getty Images

Stretch Every Day

Five stretches to do daily—even if you never work out.

Hold Your Phone the Right Way

The way you hold your phone could be damaging your thumb, pinkie, or forearm nerves. Have you been holding your phone wrong this whole time?

Casually Check In With Your Friends More

Texting your friends matters more than you think.

Break Up Each Day Into Quadrants

It’s worth considering your natural rhythms when writing your to-do list.

Brush Your Teeth Properly (According to a Dentist)

Do you brush for two minutes, with the correct type of brush and toothpaste? Did you know you’re supposed to spit, not rinse after brushing? And that brushing at the wrong time can cause damage?

Spice up Your Life with New Seasonings

Why stick to the same condiments when you can zhoosh dishes up with za’atar or add some yummy yaji? Some of Britain’s best chefs suggest these 22 sensational seasonings that aren’t salt or pepper.

Ask Better Questions to Inspire Real Connection

Go deeper—and really listen—thanks to these 60 thoughtful questions to ask your friend or partner.

End Your Weekends on a Calmer Note

Experts advice on how Sophrology exercises can be used to alleviate Sunday night anxiety.

Chip Away at Organzing Your Digital Photo Library

There will be no playing until you clean that camera roll.

Spend Less Time Overthinking

A psychotherapist shares the 3 exercises she uses every day stay focused on the here and now, rather than overthinking on general abstractions.

Revive Your Sense of Wonder

That childhood urge to ask ‘how’ and ‘why’ usually fades. But we can all learn to rediscover the joys of wide-eyed discovery.

Try Taking Things a Little Less Personally

Being offended by something that someone did or said can be upsetting—but it doesn’t have to eat away at us. Mental health experts share simple ways to slow down and gain clarity when things get personal.

Looking for More Ideas? Take Inspiration from 2023’s Great Advice

The wisdom—both practical and profound—that Pocket readers turned to for guidance last year.

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