Though it can be tempting to set ourselves lofty goals for the New Year, experts think that small, achievable steps might make resolutions easier to follow. But, with so much conflicting information surrounding everything from sleep to romance, it can feel hard to pick a simple, memorable rule to follow. Which is why we thought we’d ask the experts themselves for the simple changes they recommend making in the coming year. So, without further ado: 1) Keep your phone out of the bedroom – and start a “sex bucket list” Speaking to HuffPost UK, licensed sexologist and relationship therapist and author at Passionerad , Sofie Roos, said: “I think we must pause being so much on our phones and stop for a while, sit down with our partner, look each other in the eye and openly and honestly talk about what we like, what we are longing for, and what we need to feel safe – both inside and outside of bed.” Also, she said, it might be a good idea to consider a “sex bucket list” for 2026. That could include short-term stuff, like trying a new position, as well as “more long-term goals, such as getting better at communicating”. 2) Start checking your mouthwash label Dr Maria Ryan , Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive and former President of the American Association for Dental Research, said that you should visit your dentist for a checkup once yearly. And, she added, it might be an idea to start reading your mouthwash labels. “Mouthwashes with active ingredients like CPC, zinc, or fluoride can help manage periodontal diseases and reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss,” she shared. “Prescription mouthwashes may be recommended for people at higher risk or with existing gum disease.” 3) Get strict about your bedtime routine Dr Deborah Lee, a health and sleep expert who’s working alongside Comfybedss , said that “routine” should be your main focus when it comes to sleep. “The biggest thing people should prioritise in 2026 to have better sleep is consistency and routine,” she said. “Having a sleep schedule is so important because it strengthens your body’s circadian rhythm. Knowing that every night you’re going to get a certain number of hours of sleep will help your body recover from the energy exerted in the day.” 4) Rest for better health Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy , also told us we don’t usually place enough importance on a great night’s sleep. “Adequate sleep plays a significant role in muscle recovery, growth, hormone regulation and injury prevention,” he said. “To anyone looking to improve their fitness in 2026, I recommend aiming for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, going to bed at the same time each night and avoiding any blue light for around an hour before bedtime to support a healthy sleep cycle.” 5) Get moving for your mental health Psychotherapist Anjula Mutanda began her advice for 2026 with these three words: “move, move, move.” The mental health expert explained, “Exercise releases the ‘feel-good hormones’, like endorphins and serotonin, which have been found to help boost mood, decrease anxiety, aid in stress reduction and could even improve mental clarity. “For 2026, pick a physical activity you have an interest in trying, whether it’s dancing, gentle walking, or Pilates, and then make a pact with yourself to get going.” 6) Care for your skin before you notice any changes Miss Jonquille Chantrey, a surgeon, international lecturer, founder of One Aeesthetic Surgery, and expert in ageing and aesthetic medicine, said that when it comes to ageing well, attack is better than defence. “To age better in 2026, we need to move away from reactive, surface-level solutions and towards proactive early intervention,” she stated. “Supporting collagen, skin architecture and long-term tissue health alongside personalised, evidence-based care allows people to age well while maintaining strength, structure and, ultimately, individual identity.” 7) Ensure your shoes really, truly fit, and go easy on high heels “Shoes can have a huge impact on foot health, and bunions,” said Mr Kaser Nazir, a consultant podiatric surgeon at Jorja Healthcare Group . “Footwear which is ill-fitting can induce excessive pressure and compression on the toes. This increases when wearing high heels as your weight shifts towards the front of your foot. “Uncomfortable shoes can also hinder the natural movement of the toes, which can weaken foot muscles and result in bunions. So, for better feet in 2026, ensure you wear shoes that fit well and don’t have high heels that cause your weight to shift onto the front of your foot.” 8) Prioritise recovery in your fitness routine “Too many people fail to view recovery as an essential element of their fitness routine, instead viewing it as ‘time off,’” said Mark Harris, a Fitness Expert at Mirafit . “While rest days are designed to have minimal movement, allowing muscles to regenerate and energy levels to recharge, I also believe that light, intentional movements, such as daily walks, can be incredibly effective in reducing stiffness, which is particularly common during the colder months,” he continued. “Opting for gentle movements still prioritises recovery, while helping to maintain mobility and support circulation.” Related... These Are The Resolutions That People Actually Managed To Stick To 13 Simple Resolutions To Make If You Want To Live Longer The 4 New Year's Resolutions Cardiologists Always Make