New year doesn’t have to mean a whole new you but, it can feel like a good time to reset and reflect on what you’d like to change or embrace for the year ahead. Whether that’s health goals or wanting to make new friends, it’s easier to feel motivated at the start but often this can dwindle as the year progresses. So, to help you achieve a happier and healthier year, we’ve put together some positive things to say YES to and ways we can support you all-year-round.
Reducing how much you drink
The new year can be stressful, and many of us will notice our moods change, including increased levels of anxiety and stress. But did you know alcohol can often make those effects worse over time?
Taking breaks from drinking alcohol can improve your memory, coordination, mood and sleep. All of which can have a positive effect on your mental health. For example, did you know drinking alcohol can interfere with the brain processes that support deep, restorative sleep? This leads to feeling tired the next day. And have you thought about the calories alcohol contains? Your favourite tipple may contain more calories than you realise – often similar to fast-food portions, even before mixers and added sugars.
If you are keen to say YES to reducing your drinking this year, we suggest starting with Dry January. It can be a great reset after Christmas and the New Year and will help you pick up tips and tricks to support taking more breaks throughout 2026. For example, finding non-alcoholic alternatives you enjoy and planning your routines to avoid temptation.
Our article Taking back control: don’t let alcohol run your life has more great advice, and information on drug and alcohol support services.
Feeling more connected
With over half of adults in Great Britain reporting feeling lonely at some point, it makes sense that many of us are looking ahead to 2026 and wondering how we can expand our social circle. Our perception of loneliness is often an isolated elderly person. And while that can be the case, it can also impact people of all ages and situations. Not everyone who feels lonely is physically isolated, they may just struggle to connect with those around them. Often loneliness is created more by a mismatch of the relationships we have vs the ones we want (and that will enrich our life).
Whether you’re looking to bond over books, fitness or learn new things, find out more about meeting people across East Sussex at local events.
We understand it’s not easy to step outside your comfort zone and attend events or meet new people. If going somewhere new and meeting people feels like a big step, there is support and resources available to help you manage your feelings.
Reading more!
Whether you’re keen to become a bookworm or plan to get back into reading after a hiatus, we agree that reading more books in 2026 is a brilliant goal (and easier than you think). While many hobbies can be expensive, reading is free and accessible when you make use of our library service. Explore the latest fiction, new releases, classics, and more, and if you can’t find the book, you’re after, your library can order it in. You can also join reading groups, meet authors at special events, and enjoy spaces designed for quiet moments with a good book. For families, there’s plenty to inspire little ones too, with free rhyme time and story sessions. Can’t make it out? Read wherever you are on your own device with the digital library.
Unsure where to start?
Step 1: Find your local library in East Sussex to plan your visit
Step 2: Get your library card so you can start borrowing
Step 3: Get inspired! Working out what you want to read can be half the battle. Lucky for you, we post an article every month rounding up Good Books picked by guest authors and librarians
Step 4: Find your book through our online library catalogue and decide if you want to read the paperback, audiobook or eBook. Don’t forget we also stock comics, magazines and newspapers
Step 5: After you’ve borrowed your book online or from a library, put some me-time aside to enjoy. If you get easily distracted, putting technology away can help you focus (unless you are using it to access online content of course)
Stopping smoking and feeling happier
The New Year can sometimes feel like a challenge in itself. We might be anxious about returning to work, concerned about overspending during Christmas or perhaps struggling with our mood due to the short, dark and cold days.
While many claim that smoking helps reduce stress, in fact the opposite is true. There is now growing evidence that stopping smoking doesn’t just improve our physical health – it can also improve mood. Within weeks of quitting, people’s brains begin to rebalance dopamine, the “happy hormone” that smoking suppresses. With that said, this is your sign to say YES and make 2026 the year you stop smoking. We know it isn’t that easy though, so if you are keen to stop you can reach out to the One You East Sussex stop smoking service.
Need some stories of success? Check out an article one of the YES team wrote about her journey to stopping smoking (for good!)
Volunteering (and all the benefits it offers)
If you’ve been considering volunteering for a while or you’re only just looking into it, we’re here to tell you that it’s worth saying YES to!
We have an incredible community of volunteers across East Sussex who make a big and positive impact. But what you maybe don’t know is the big positive impact volunteering has on those who volunteer. Yes, it is great to give back to others and make a difference, but volunteering is also an investment in yourself. Many say it improves their self-esteem and confidence, as well as helping them to expand their personal and professional network. And of course, for many, it can also provide a sense of purpose which can happen during life transitions (moving to a new area or retiring).
Volunteering is also great for people looking to gain work experience or dip their toe in a new industry. It can even help with university and job applications making volunteering especially beneficial to young people.
Hear from volunteers and discover roles to suit your skills and your schedule on Tribe.
Making family life better
Having children can be wonderful and rewarding but it can also be very hard and challenging. Many parents and caregivers judge themselves and their problems harshly when in reality, so many others struggle with the same issues. The important thing is not to sit on that problem but try to face it. That’s why we want to encourage you to say YES to resolving your concerns and making your family life feel better for everyone. Whatever your concern, there is no better time to try and resolve it than today.
But, where to start? Contact our Family advice line which is just a phone call away. The number is 01323 46 46 55 and is open 8.30am to 5pm weekdays, except Friday which is open 8.30am to 4.30pm. The service is free and is available to all families
We can offer advice on:
- taking care of your emotional wellbeing
- supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities
- dealing with financial, housing, or employment challenges
- supporting your child’s behaviour
- activities for children of all ages
Every family goes through ups and downs! Let us help you find the answers and ensure you have a happier and healthier 2026!
What are you saying YES to this year? Tell us in the comments section!
