Who doesn’t love the energy of the new year? While every day invites the possibility of a new beginning, I like to satisfy the collective excitement of a clean slate. With a lot of trial and error under my belt, I’ve learned to ditch detoxes, cleanses, and preventative routines in favor of a more sustainable—and frankly, inspiring—way. Because really, who wants to waste their energy on anything that doesn’t feel right? So, I’ve organized this January bucket list around that goal.
While a simple flip of the calendar would belie the challenges we still face in 2025, there is something about the new year that just happened. feels it’s hopeful and refreshing. If you’re ready to skip the post-holiday slump and embrace a fresh start, you’ve come to the right place. Make a January bucket list.
Featured image from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.
A January Bucket List to Inspire Your Fresh Start
While past new years have focused on goal setting, travel planning, calendar planning, and fun, this time I’m keeping things simple. As we enter the new year, I’m focusing on what’s really important, and the things that make me feel most alive. Whether it’s increasing my self-care, discovering new music, indulging in a new series, or connecting with others, there are many ways we can spark joy within ourselves every day. Scroll through our January bucket list for ideas that are sure to leave you inspired, energized, and ready for whatever 2025 brings.
Whatever is behind us, January is a time to regroup, set goals, and find inspiration for the year ahead.
31 Ideas to Add to Your January Bucket List
1. Create an idea board. Are you ready to commit to a happy and healthy year ahead? An idea board can be the best way to make that happen. Check out Camille’s guide for an idea of ​​the ride. (And grab your vision board kit!)
2. Experiment with the best non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re doing Dry January or committing to an all-you-can-eat, try these delicious and fun no-nonsense drinks.
3. Find your new favorite workout. No, you don’t have to join a gym or sign up for a bike membership just because it’s January. But if you want to find a new way to move your body with pleasure, that’s something we support. Have you discovered the simple joy of hiking? You know how good it can be to stretch before jumping out of bed? Can you work on a quick Pilates program before going into work? Ask what will feel right and work on your life and follow those signs.
4. Cook our favorite soups. We’ve put together our best soup recipes for your convenience.
5. Organize your digital environment. Every January bucket list should include this. It’s hard to come home from work with a clear head if your desktop is full of junk. Clean up your old downloads, remove unused apps, and delete unnecessary files to start fresh.
6. Send a handwritten card. Nothing makes me happier than writing or receiving a handwritten note. And while long, emotional letters are lovely to open, the sentiments of a sweet card are just as lovely to receive.
7. Get a head start on spring cleaning. Sure, March and April may mark our natural longing for a clean, clutter-free home, but there’s no better time than now to start the process. Get our tips for kicking off our favorite time of year.
8. Re-evaluate your wardrobe. Are there things you haven’t worn since 2020? Things you’ve grown up with that you’re ashamed of? Time to let those pieces go to new homes. Make like Marie Kondo and take everything out of the closet and check each article of clothing individually. If it doesn’t spark joy, let it go. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning closets.
9. Get your healthy diet back on track. From smoothies to soups to vegetable-filled bowls, balance out your holiday indulgence with one of these delicious recipes.
10. Buy yourself flowers. Because you always deserve something good just for you.
11. Join a book club. After moving to my new city, I immediately joined a book club. It’s been a great way to keep my reading list fresh and make new like-minded friends.
12. Revamp your morning routine. The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on any changes or additions that need to be made to your schedule. Take time to re-evaluate your culture. Are the morning routines still working for you? Is there something missing? Get inspired by our morning routine ideas.
13. Rediscover your love for smoothies. Smoothies aren’t just a summer staple. And they are an easy, tasty, and aesthetically pleasing way to get your vegetables, fruits, and vegetables. Get inspired by the best smoothies for the perfect weeknight breakfast.
14. Learn something new. I would consider this to be done every month of the year. Choose something and enter! Check out books on the subject at your local library, subscribe to related podcasts, and watch everything films. There is nothing better than an expert to expand your world view.
15. Develop a regular schedule for hosting. Make it a weekly or monthly habit to get on the phone with friends from college, your parents, siblings, and grandparents—anyone you want to send a little love to every now and then.
16. Subscribe to a few magazines that you like. One day a month, my friends and I celebrate “Magazine Day.” This is the day all my magazine subscriptions come in. Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Better Housekeeping… Trust me: it’s the best way to spend a completely analog night.
17. Cross off that chore on your list forever. You know that one. Give it a day to wrap up. You’ll feel so much better after you’re done.
18. Create a learning goal. I like to list all the books I want to read this year. It’s a great motivation to commit to a habit I love.
19. Plan a girls’ night out. Chat the night away to meet your friends. These girls night out ideas are much better than going to the bar.
20. Make DIY winter decorations. Once the Christmas tree is down, it may feel like there’s no reason to decorate. It’s wrong! Place the snowflakes on the paper, keep the greenery on top, and place all the cozy candles.
21. Make your favorite warm drink. There is more to life than black coffee. Golden milk, chai, matcha, hot chocolate… the list is endless.
22. Take a long walk in your city. The easiest way to see your city with new eyes? Pack and go without thinking about location. You will be amazed at everything you will find.
23. Make a list of acts of kindness you want to do every week. Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to spread good vibes? This list of random acts of kindness is an easy way to make it happen.
24. Learn a new way of handwriting. Whether you want to design a seasonal board at home, send impressive letters, or simply have fun with your creativity—start with this handwriting guide.
25. Have a board game night. Is there a cooler way to spend a night with friends? Gather your nearest and dearest for a healthy little tournament and try our reccos for the best games for game night.
26. Create a daily list journal. Gratitude lists, lists of things you want to do this month (move, move), movies you want to see—this is your place to write anything and everything.
27. Make homemade bread. Quick bread, focaccia, sourdough—anything that matters!
28. Practice better sleep hygiene. If you haven’t gotten on board yet, now is the time to start committing to a great night out. Learn everything you need to know to help you get a good night’s sleep.
29. Jump into every manifestation. Ready to create the life you can’t stop dreaming about? Discover our manifestation guide.
30. Find things you like in winter. Once the holidays are over, it can be a challenge to get through the colder months. Make a list of all your favorite things about the season. Comfort? Warm drinks? Commit to your favorite things throughout the winter months.
31. Start your Valentine’s Day cards. Romantic love may be in the middle of the holiday, but I shouldn’t be the first to tell you that you can celebrate all the love in your life on February 14. Just like you would with holiday cards, start creating, writing, and talking about your V-Day notes. It is one of my favorite ways to let the people in my life know that I am loved.