Gen Z are most likely to overhaul their lifestyles – by cutting down on social media and screen time to embrace getting outside and 'touching grass'.
A study of 2,000 adults found 76 per cent of over-18 Gen Zs (those born between 1996-2007) have vowed to make positive changes this year, compared to just 21 per cent of Baby Boomers (1946-1964).
With a third of the younger generation wanting to take on more exercise (35 per cent), drink more water (32 per cent) and lose weight or gain muscle (30 per cent).
While 29 per cent are planning to have a healthier diet, read more (29 per cent) and get back in touch with nature (27 per cent).
Of the more traditional lifestyle changes, only one in 10 young adults born after 1996 to 2007 are looking to ditch caffeine or taking a chance on a new hobby, and just eight per cent are quitting smoking.
Some of the barriers to seeing these changes through were found to be a lack of motivation (24 per cent), lack of time (13 per cent) and not seeing results quick enough (11 per cent).
While even a lack of desire to change (eight per cent) were also holding people back from making new habits.
Jo Hemmings, behavioural psychologist, said: “For many people, especially younger adults, change feels more achievable when it’s broken down into small, realistic actions rather than an all-or-nothing lifestyle overhaul.
“Focusing on manageable steps that fit into everyday life can help make progress feel less overwhelming and more sustainable.
“Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line and recognising that can help people stay motivated rather than discouraged.
“While the findings show that fewer than one in 10 (eight per cent) Gen Z adults are currently looking to quit smoking, this may also reflect the fact that some have already moved away from cigarettes.
“Quitting cigarettes completely remains the best outcome, but for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, moving fully away from cigarettes can be a step in the right direction.
“Change is possible, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once.
"The most important thing is continuing to move away completely from cigarettes and towards better choices, such as smoke-free products, at a pace that feels achievable."
The research also found the best way to stick to these lifestyle swaps was to start small, with setting one (36 per cent) or two (32 per cent) goals considered most achievable.
Other tried and tested aids to self-improvement for all adults included making it part of a routine (48 per cent), rewarding yourself for progress (35 per cent), and tracking improvements through an app or a journal (33 per cent).
Doing it with friends and family (31 per cent), celebrating milestones with a treat (23 per cent) and turning it into a game or challenge (19 per cent) also got people pumped.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found these tips are employed by those who want to quit smoking, with 54 per cent of Gen Z claiming small steps made them more likely to succeed.
Smoke free alternatives also supported 40 per cent of all respondents who have attempted to make the change, alongside advice from healthcare professionals (36 per cent), incentives and rewards (35 per cent) and support from friends and family (33 per cent).
For many adults trying to quit their main motivators were to improve their health (75 per cent), to save money (48 per cent) and for their loved ones (37 per cent).
THE TOP LIFESTYLE SWAPS FOR 2026:
1. Exercising more
2. Drinking more water
3. Trying a healthier diet
4. Losing weight and or gaining muscle
5. Reading more
6. Going outside more
7. Drinking less alcohol
8. Committing to a weekly exercise routine
9. Embracing new financial habits
10. Spending less time on my phone
11. Spending less time on social media
12. Drinking fewer sugary drinks
13. Cutting down on takeaway meals
14. Setting a regular bedtime
15. Meal prepping
16. Reducing single-use plastics
17. Setting a regular wake up time
18. Practicing daily meditation or mindfulness
19. Drinking fewer caffeinated drinks (e.g. tea, coffee or energy drinks)
20. Joining a new club or hobby group
