31 Good Habits You Should Start on New Year's Day

New year 2021 and old year 2020 written on sandy beach with waves — Barcin/istockphoto

Kickstart 2021

Sure, everyone says they're ready for a total reset every Jan. 1, but there are indeed many personal habits that you can improve easily — and often for free. These range from the basics such as exercising more and eating better to finding easier ways to save money. When combined, they just might add up to a new you in the new year.

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you're ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Woman with a reusable grocery bag shopping in a supermarket — Jeff Baumgart/shutterstock

Reuse Bags

In some towns, it's a rule. In all towns, it's an environmentally responsible practice. Cut down on waste by bringing your own bags, whether to the grocery store to the boutique. Keep some in the car in case you forget.

Man thinking at his desk — Deagreez/istockphoto

Visualize Your Day

Does each new year feels like another spin on a giant hamster wheel? Set aside time every morning — even 5 minutes — to simply close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on what the day will (and won't) bring. Savor the sense of calm.

Read

Decide that you will finally read that book you've always wanted to pick up. It might be a classic. It might be a bestseller. Sit down with it and set a timer on your phone for a few minutes each day. You may find yourself unwilling to put it down.

Making a list in a journal next to a laptop and cup of coffee — MangoStar_Studio/istockphoto

Make Lists

People may joke about constantly jotting down what you need to do, as opposed to actually doing it, but a list can help keep you on track, whether it's the morning's errands, a shopping list, or even books you want to read.

glass jar filled with coins — dlerick/istockphoto

Save Your Coins

Whenever you find yourself with coins in your wallet or pocket, put them in a jar or some other container. With contactless payment preferred these days, you probably won't miss the change, and it can add up to "found" dollars for a guilt-free splurge. You may even get a bonus when converting to paper bills, as coins are in short supply right now.

Food Distribution at Central Broward Regional Park in Florida. Feeding South Florida during COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. — Yaroslav Sabitov/istockphoto

Commit to a Cause

If you've done a walk-a-thon to raise funds or participated in a community cleanup, you know how rewarding it feels to give back. Select a cause or organization you're passionate about and make donating time, money, or expertise an ongoing part of your life.

Related: 35 Reputable Charities to Help

Reading a dictionary — psphotograph/istockphoto

Expand Your Vocabulary

No one likes a show-off, but expanding your mind — and your vocabulary — is an investment in yourself. You can buy an inexpensive "word a day" calendar, but why not just open up a dictionary to a random page every day and see what awaits?

Father and daughter doing the dishes — Yagi-Studio/istockphoto

Clean Up as You Go

It happens before you realize it: You spend an entire morning picking up around the house — and by nightfall, all evidence of your work is gone. It takes effort, but just pick up as you go, instead of leaving it all until later. Fold the laundry when the dryer is done. Dump the trash after dinner. A neater house is worth the small steps.

A dad holds his daughter as he teaches her about the environmentally friendly practice of recycling plastic and cardboard waste. A good practical learning opportunity. — RyanJLane/istockphoto

Recycle

Sometimes recycling seems like such a chore that it's tempting to skip it. Figuring out what belongs in which bin may be even more complicated now that recycling needs are in flux around the world. Find out what your community's guidelines are and commit to following them. Mother Earth will thank you.

Man taking a break from exercising outside — supersizer/istockphoto

Incorporate Exercise

You knew this was coming. Even if you don't feel like you have time for regular jogging or biking, you can fit more movement into your life. Whenever you find yourself standing in line or waiting for a pot to boil or even watching TV, try doing some toe raises or squats or running in place.

woman mixing a salad in her kitchen — dragana991/istockphoto

Make Second Helpings Healthier

If you're coming off an indulgent season — and most of us are — you can still turn things around. Think about an eating plan that will work best for you, whether it's something very regimented or simply being a bit more aware. One habit to get into: If you want a second helping, limit yourself to vegetables or fruit; resist reaching for anything else on the table.

A young mixed-race woman hugs a mature adult black woman. They are sitting next to each other in a medical clinic. The two women are attending a group therapy session. They are showing support and kindness. — FatCamera/istockphoto

Be Kind

Everyone can have a bad day, but your bad day doesn't have to ruin someone else's. Try to simply be nicer, whether to the grocery cashier or the post-office clerk or just a stranger you encounter during your day.

woman talking on phone — Ridofranz/istockphoto

Offer Compliments

How good do you feel when someone admires your outfit or praises something you did at work? Try to spread goodwill by complimenting those around you. You'll find it makes you feel pretty good too.

Someone reading Timeweek news on their tablet — hocus-focus/istockphoto

Follow the News Selectively

It seems like you have to be tuned in 24/7 to keep up on every last nuance of the news of the day, but that can be a daunting and draining effort. Allot time to keep up on only the basics, and try not to become overwhelmed. Focus on what you need — and want — to know.

happy hispanic woman in the park — adamkaz/istockphoto

Think Positive

We all can be our own worst enemy. If you make a mistake, think about what you could've done differently and move on. Stop dwelling on the negative.

Get Outside

For most of us, the bulk of every day is spent inside. Sometimes a simple walk in the park or around the neighborhood can change your perspective. Make it a point to enjoy nature more.

Man cleaning garage — PeopleImages/istockphoto

Finish Projects

Instead of feeling like you have 10 things to do at any given time, decide to concentrate on just one or two for a set amount of time. A messy garage, a box filled with old snapshots, a cabinet filled with outdated spices ... tackle them one at a time and you just might end up with a few actually done.

Young woman have hair cutting at hair stylist during pandemic isolation, they both wear protective equipment — svetikd/istockphoto

Take Care

Are your nails raggedy or your brows looking a bit shaggy? Decide to keep up your appearance. It's not shallow; it's an investment that will build your self-esteem and contribute to your professionalism.

Man meditating outside — zdenkam/istockphoto

Build a Spiritual Focus

It's hard to go it alone. You don't necessarily have to be religious, but in tough times, it's good to have something solid to believe in. Meditate, attend services, read self-help books — anything that helps nurture your soul.

happy man petting dog — SDI Productions/istockphoto

Be in the Moment

Time flies, as the saying goes. And often, we realize we've done something without really paying attention. Decide to be more aware this year: Smell that dinner cooking. Watch TV without paying bills at the same time.

senior man writing notes sitting in library — jacoblund/istockphoto

Do Research, for Fun

If you've always had an interest in something — oceanography, architecture, film history — delve into the topic. Hit the library. Explore the web. Learning things for your own enjoyment offers personal rewards.

Senior woman painting — pixelfit/istockphoto

Learn a Skill

Being open to trying something new, from a craft class to a new language, doesn't just expand the mind but also yields some nice rewards — like a new handcrafted scarf, or the satisfaction of navigating a foreign menu in the country's native tongue.

Do Some Job Training

Decide to brush up on your job skills and apply them daily. The next time the boss is looking to promote someone, your name just might be at the top of the list.

Woman putting finger to her mouth and signify shh — TommL/istockphoto

Nix the Gossip

Whether it's on your work Slack or at school pickup, it's tempting to join in the gossip. It might be fun in the moment — but when it's negative, you can easily get swept up in drama that you don't need. Break free.

Hands with scissors clipping coupons — sdominick/istockphoto

Clip Coupons

Yes, some people take clipping coupons to the extreme (and there are the TV shows to prove it) — but taking a few moments to peruse the weekly flyers from your favorite stores or cruise coupon websites for promo codes will not only save you money but give you a little feel-good boost next time you shop.

Women friends having fun at home dancing and singing in the living room of their Los Angeles apartment. — LeoPatrizi/istockphoto

Cultivate Community

During trying times, it's important to know you have a refuge. Whether it's with your family, close friends, or a community group, make sure you do all you can to keep the bonds strong.

Senior couple blowing bubbles outside — skynesher/istockphoto

Incorporate Fun

Quick — when was the last time you blew a bubble, threw a Frisbee, or ran under a sprinkler? Add more whimsy to your life this year.

Father and son laughing on the couch — monkeybusinessimages/istockphoto

Laugh More

Maybe it doesn't seem like there's a lot to laugh about these days. Even in the best of times, belly laughs are not an everyday occurrence. So when you find yourself truly laughing out loud, savor the moment.

Young woman reading a book outside — Martin Dimitrov/istockphoto

Slow Down

If you spend your days finding lost keys, misplaced reading glasses, and the like, try to pay more attention to the task at hand, and allow yourself a quiet moment now and then to recharge.

Listen Closely

It's frustrating to be talking to someone who's checking their phone, looking across the room, or otherwise acting distracted. Decide to be the one person who actually listens — and, who knows, you may start to get that same respect.

Set Goals And Keep Them Visible — izusek/istockphoto

Revisit Goals

As the new year proceeds, keep checking in on the goals you've set for the year. There's nothing wrong with starting anew on something you've let slide. As long as you don't give up completely — no matter what habit you're cultivating — it just may stick after all.