The dawn of a new year often inspires visions of an idealized version of ourselves. We eagerly fill our to-do lists with postponed tasks and new ambitions. However, the initial burst of energy from the holidays quickly fades as we return to the daily grind of school runs and managing our inboxes. Instead of adding more to your to-do list, why not resolve to take something off it?
Daily Tasks: Simplify Your Routine
Professional organizer Susan C. Pinsky suggests that not every piece of clothing needs to be meticulously folded. A drawer of jumbled underwear, but only underwear, is organized enough. For extra credit, reducing your socks to two styles and having multiple pairs of each can eliminate the need to sort, match, or roll them again.
Productivity and wellbeing expert Moyra Scott advises sending fewer emails. “The more you send, the more you get back,” she notes, suggesting replies should be limited to necessity. Organizational psychologist Dr. Amantha Imber adds that activities like email and messaging on platforms like Slack or Teams are “shallow work” that drains energy better spent on larger tasks.
Health and Style Tips
Skip the multivitamin, says Dr. Jason Yu, a Sydney-based GP. Many health supplements lack substantial scientific backing, and a pill cannot substitute for healthy lifestyle choices. Fashion editor Zara Wong recommends a simple approach to style: wearing the same color from head to toe for a striking, effortless look.
For skincare, dermatologist Prof. Deshan Sebaratnam advises using sunscreen instead of moisturizer unless you have specific skin conditions. Science communicator Michelle Wong suggests using one or two well-formulated products with active ingredients to address skin concerns.
Weekly Strategies: Streamline and Focus
Parenting expert Alice Peel emphasizes the importance of allowing children to solve their own problems, fostering growth and resilience. In the garden, nursery manager Thea Kerr advises against unnecessary pesticide use, advocating for natural ecosystem balance instead.
Exercise physiologist Dr. Kim Way encourages sticking to simple exercises you enjoy, while personal trainer Shona Vertue notes that active cool-downs may not significantly impact recovery after weight training.
Food and Household Efficiency
Chef Jo Barrett suggests simplifying grocery shopping by choosing recipes with fewer ingredients. Gastroenterologist Prof. Emad El-Omar recommends nurturing gut health with a diet rich in low-processed, plant-based foods instead of relying on store-bought probiotics.
Shannon Lush, known as the queen of clean, advises against overloading laundry with commercial stain removers. Simple household items like bicarb soda and white vinegar can effectively tackle stains.
Enjoying Life: Embrace Simplicity
Coffee professional Jibbi Little asserts that high-quality beans are the only requirement for a good cup of coffee, dismissing the need for fancy gadgets. Culture editor Steph Harmon encourages abandoning art that doesn’t resonate with you, as there’s an abundance of brilliant culture to explore.
For social events, journalist Jenny Valentish suggests recognizing your tolerance window and leaving when you’re ready. Clinical sexologist Naomi Hutchings advises against comparing your sex life to others, focusing instead on what works for you and your partners.
Travel and Leisure
Brett Mitchell, managing director at Intrepid Travel, advocates for visiting fewer, less-visited places to enrich travel experiences. Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman recommends planning a day of grace after returning from a trip to maintain the holiday feeling.
Sommelier Samantha Payne highlights the improvements in quality cask wine, offering an affordable option for enjoying a glass without opening a whole bottle.
When Things Go Wrong: Practical Advice
Veterinary lecturer Anne Quain advises against feeding pets before vet visits to avoid complications. Career coach Ellen Hooper recommends leveraging existing networks over a scattergun approach when job hunting.
MoneyGirl co-founder Zee Heart warns against influencer tips and get-rich-quick schemes, while self-care advocate KC Davis emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition during crises.
Conflict and Grief
Clinical psychotherapist Marryam Chehelnabi encourages embracing healthy conflict to foster happiness and connection. Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn, creators of the Good Mourning podcast, stress the power of simply being present for someone in grief without offering solutions.
Planning for the Future: Thoughtful Considerations
Architecture professor Anthony Burke advises considering orientation in home renovations for natural heating and cooling benefits. Interior designer David Flack suggests designing homes for personal enjoyment rather than resale value.
Clinical psychologist Zac Seidler cautions against the obsession with self-optimization, advocating for acceptance of “good enough.” Professional organizer Catherine Carney encourages letting go of items that no longer serve you without guilt.
Career and Parenting
Career counselor Lois Keay-Smith highlights the importance of adaptability in modern careers. Dr. Fiona Longmuir, an educational leadership lecturer, advises focusing on developing children as individuals rather than solely on academic success.
As we embrace 2026, these insights offer a roadmap to a more manageable, fulfilling life. By simplifying daily routines, embracing efficiency, and focusing on meaningful experiences, we can reduce stress and enhance our well-being.
