In 2026, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) encourages people making New Year’s resolutions to reimagine their approach to health by embracing small, sustainable changes instead of aiming for the typical all-or-nothing goals.

Major lifestyle alterations might look impressive on a list of goals, but when it comes to health, baby steps tend to be more productive, SBNC said.

“Lasting health doesn’t come from dramatic resolutions that fade by February,” Mahdi Ashrafian, CEO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, said.

“It comes from little everyday choices — walking a little more, sleeping a little better, checking in with your doctor — that, over time, can dramatically improve quality of lif,.” Ashrafian said.

Following are some gentle resolutions anyone can make this year and immediately start seeing results, SBNC suggests.

Get up to date on vaccinations

Whether you’ve fallen behind getting your kids in for their initial vaccination series, or you’ve put off getting your annual flu shot, resolve to get everyone in the house back on track.

“Staying up to date on vaccinations isn’t just about personal health, it’s about protecting our families, our neighbors, and our communities,” Ashrafian said. “From infants to seniors, vaccines help prevent serious illness and keep our healthcare system strong for everyone.”

Book a health screening

Health screenings are as important for your body as pre-road trip checks are for your car.

A goal to have any health screenings done that you are due for is a goal that will help keep you healthy for another year, the clinics said,

These screenings include checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and tests for specific cancers.

“Health screenings aren’t about expecting bad news, they’re about staying informed,” Ashrafian said. “Knowing where your health stands allows you and your care team to take action early and avoid more serious issues down the road.”

Sleep more

No matter how much sleep you are getting now, it probably isn’t enough, according to Ashrafian.

“Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a cornerstone of health,” Ashrafian said. “Adults generally need at least seven hours of quality sleep per night, and consistently falling short can increase the risk of chronic conditions we treat every day.”

If seven hours of sleep seems unattainable due to your current habits and schedule, just aim to sleep more, the clinics suggest.

Start by aiming to go to bed 10 minutes earlier. Once you reach that goal, add another 10 minutes.

Identify activities that you do before bed that might be impacting your sleep quality. Try making a goal to avoid caffeine in the afternoon, turn off screens 30 minutes before bed, or learn a new relaxation technique you can use when sleep eludes you.

Move your body intentionally

Trying to start a whole new exercise routine often proves unsustainable when commitment fades. Making a goal to move your body intentionally in whatever form that takes tends to be more manageable.

The CDC recommends adults perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, which translates to about 20 minutes a day.

If your physical exertion is far below that recommendation, the best thing to do is to start where you are.

Examples of ways to start adding physical activity to your day might include:
• Taking a brisk walk after lunch.
• Parking at the back of the parking lot when arriving at work or going shopping.
• Standing up and moving for 5 minutes per hour.
• Walking during phone calls.
• Doing light stretching or cardio while watching TV.

The health benefits from these changes will gradually become clear as you stick with them throughout the year.

Choose healthy alternatives

Making healthier eating choices is another goal easily made, easily broken. Gentle resolutions don’t revolve around extreme dieting; they are about helping you move forward from where you are.

“Dieting often fails because it asks people to overhaul everything at once,” Ashrafian said. “Real progress happens when we focus on consistent changes; adding more whole foods, paying attention to portions, and building habits that fit into real life.”

This might look like making some air-popped popcorn with light butter and salt instead of reaching for a bag of chips; enjoying a bowl of Greek yogurt and berries instead of a bowl of ice cream; taking one piece of pizza instead of two at dinner; or stocking up on fresh produce then prepping it into small, cut slices that are easy to reach for when you need a snack.

Schedule your appointments, and make it to them

Annual medical and dental appointments are key to long-term health, but they are easy to skip amidst the business of daily life.

Making a resolution to put your health first starts with a single easy step: a phone call or the click of a button on a mobile app. Usually in short order, you can schedule your appointments and commit to making it to them when the scheduled day arrives.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics provides services that cover almost every healthcare need, from primary and dental care to podiatry, chiropractic, and behavioral health.

Annual check-ups can keep you on track with preventative screenings and cleanings, chronic condition management, updated vaccines, and personal guidance for how to improve your overall health.