10 Totally Doable New Year’s Resolutions for High School Students
Way to conquer 2025 - Let’s crush 2026!
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be dramatic, expensive, or impossible to keep. You don’t need a gym membership, a planner that costs $40, or a “perfect” life reset on January 1st. The best resolutions are realistic, affordable, and actually fit into your life as a high school student.
Here are a few simple and relatable New Year’s resolutions you can actually stick to—no burnout required.
I recently read a new method of conquering your goals; set your goals by quarter of the year vs the whole year. Aim to achieve one or two things per quarter and you may not feel so overwhelmed. Just a thought!
1. Put Your Phone Down 30 Minutes Before Bed
Let’s be real: scrolling TikTok at 1 a.m hits… until your alarm goes off. Try charging your phone across the room or switching to music instead. Better sleep = better mood, focus, and energy at school.
Physical Cost: $0. Mental Clarity Gain: beyond measurable!
Why it works: You’ll feel better without changing your whole routine.
2. Get Organized (Without Buying Fancy Stuff)
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy planner. Use Google Calendar, Notes, or a simple folder system to keep track of assignments, practices, and deadlines. Make it a goal to write it down. If you tell someone yes I’ll be there or yes I’ll bring it. Write it down or set an alarm with that topic in the alarm name so that when it rings, you know why!
Cost: Free
Why it works: Less stress, fewer “I forgot” moments.
3. Save a Little Money Each Month
Even saving $5–$10 a month adds up. Use a jar, a savings account, or Venmo notes to track what you’re putting away.
I have a jar of $5 bills. Every time I get a $5 dollar bill, I save it. It’s small but it adds up at the end of the year! I have seen jars that are hard to open or give your parents the key so you cannot open it until you have reached your goal!
Cost: Whatever you choose to save!
Why it works: You’ll thank yourself when you want concert tickets, clothes, or senior year expenses.
4. Drink More Water
Yes, it’s basic—but it works. Bring a reusable water bottle to school and try refilling it at least once during the day.
Cost: Free (or the coat of a new reusable bottle)
Why it works: Better energy, clearer skin, fewer headaches.
5. Move Your Body 3 Times a Week
This does NOT mean becoming a gym rat. Walking, dancing in your room, yoga, shooting hoops—whatever you enjoy counts.
Form a walking, jogging or at home Pilates club with your friends and keep yourself accountable! It’s more fun with friends anyway!
Cost: Free (So maybe workout videos on YouTube, TikToc and Instagrams)
Why it works: Movement boosts confidence and stress levels, not just fitness.
6. Be Kinder to Yourself Online
Unfollow accounts that make you feel insecure. Stop comparing your real life to someone else’s highlight reel.
Cannot support this one enough!! Take 20 minutes and filter out bad, negative accounts! We are not bringing that energy into 2026. We don’t have that kind of time.
Also- take 20 minutes and remove any contacts from your phone that do not bring peace and happiness into your world!
Cost: Free!
Why it works: Protecting your mental health is always worth it.
7. Try One New Thing Each Month
A club meeting. A sport. A class you’re curious about. A new hobby. Small risks = big growth.
Use your notes app and start making a list. One thing a month. Start with 4 or 6 things, attack those then think of things to try for the rest of the year!! Talk with your besties - maybe they have a list or you can do things together!
Bonus tip - Checkout Groupon - they may have inexpensive experiences in your area that you can try!
Cost: Usually free.
Why it works: You discover what you actually like, not just what’s expected.
8. Improve One Grade—Not All of Them
Pick one class to focus on instead of overwhelming yourself. Ask questions, use tutoring, or (and hear me out on this one…) simply turn in assignments on time.
Finish the school year strong!! Then you can enjoy your magical summer!!
Cost: Free
Why it works: Progress > perfection.
9. Spend More Time With People Who Lift You Up
Pay attention to who makes you feel supported vs. stressed. Choose friendships that feel safe, fun, and encouraging. Also - Make note to be your friend's biggest cheerleaders! Go to their games / meets, join them in a hobby and ask if they have anything that you can help with at the time.
Cup fillers are more fun then cup takers! 🙂
Cost: Free
Why it works: Your environment shapes your confidence.
10. Give Yourself Grace
You will mess up. You will skip days. That doesn’t mean you failed. Resolutions are about progress, not being perfect. If you mess up or are unable to do something. Let it go. Sleep it off and tomorrow is a new day, don’t worry about yesterday, we won’t be going back there.
Cost: Free
Why it works: Consistency beats quitting every time.
Final Thought
The best New Year’s resolutions aren’t flashy—they’re sustainable. Choose one or two from this list and start small. You don’t need a new year to become a better version of yourself… but it’s a pretty good place to start.
You’ve got this. ✨
