31 Things to Do in January for a Fresh Start

Who doesn’t love the energy of a new year? While every day invites opportunities for a fresh start, I love feeding off the collective excitement of a clean slate. With plenty of trial and error under my belt, I’ve learned to ditch the detoxes, cleanses, and restrictive routines in favor of a more sustainable—and frankly, inspiring—approach. Because really, who wants to spend their energy on anything that doesn’t feel good? So, I planned this January bucket list to align with that intention.

Though a simple flip of the calendar doesn’t negate the challenges we’re still carrying with us into 2025, there’s something about a new year that just feels hopeful and refreshing. If you’re ready to skip the post-holiday slump and embrace a new beginning, you’ve come to the right place. Enter the 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 new years past have centered around goal setting, trip planning, calendar scheduling, and socializing, this time around I’m keeping things simple. As we head into a new year, I’m focusing on what really matters, and the things that make me feel the most alive. Whether it’s amping up my self-care, discovering new music, bingeing a new series, or connecting with others, there are so many ways we can awaken the joy inside us every day. Scroll on for our January bucket list with ideas that are sure to leave you feeling inspired, energized, and ready for whatever 2025 brings.

No matter what’s behind us, January is a time to regroup, set intentions, and get inspired for the year to come.

31 Ideas to Add to Your January Bucket List

1. Create a vision board. Ready to commit to a happier and healthier year ahead? A vision board can be the best way to make that happen. Consult Camille’s guide to vision boarding. (And grab your vision board kit!)

2. Experiment with the best non-alcoholic drinks. Whether you’re doing Dry January or committing to all-in sober curiosity, try out these tasty and celebratory zero-proof drinks.

3. Find your new favorite workout. No, you don’t have to join a gym or sign up for a cycling membership just because it’s January. But if you want to find a new way to move your body with joy, that’s something we support. Have you discovered the simple pleasure of taking a walk? Do you know how good it can feel to stretch out before hopping into bed? Can you work in a quick Pilates routine before diving into work? Ask what will feel good for you and work with your life and follow those cues.

4. Cook your way through our favorite soups. We rounded up our best soup recipes so you can cozy up.

5. Tidy up your digital space. Every January bucket list should include this. It’s hard to come back to work with a clear head when your desktop is full of junk. Clean out your old downloads, remove unused apps, and delete unnecessary files so you can start fresh.

6. Send a handwritten card. Nothing brings me greater joy than writing or receiving a handwritten note. And while long, touching letters are lovely to open, the sentiment of a simple sweet card is just as wonderful to receive.

7. Get a head start on spring cleaning. Sure, March and April may mark our natural craving for a cleaner, clutter-free home, but there’s no better time than the present to begin the process. Steal our tips for getting a jump-start on our favorite time of year.

8. Reassess your wardrobe. Are there items that you haven’t worn since 2020? Things you’ve grown out of that you’re keeping out of shame? It’s time to let those pieces go to new homes. Make like Marie Kondo and take everything out of the closet and assess each article of clothing one by one. If it doesn’t spark joy, set it free. Here’s everything you need to know about doing a closet clean-out.

9. Get your healthy eating back on track. From smoothies to soups to veggie-packed bowls, balance out your holiday indulgences with one of these delicious recipes.

10. Buy yourself flowers. Because you always deserve something beautiful that’s just for you.

11. Join a book club. After moving to my new city, I joined a book club immediately. It’s been a great way to keep my reading list fresh and to make like-minded new friends.

12. Revamp your morning routine. The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on any changes or additions that need to be made to your routine. Take time to reassess your rituals. Are the habits you’ve built into the early hours still serving you? Is there anything that’s missing? Get inspired with our morning routine ideas.

13. Rediscover your love of smoothies. Smoothies aren’t just a summertime staple. They’re also an easy, tasty, and aesthetically-pleasing way to get your greens, fruits, and veggies. Get inspired with the prettiest smoothies for the perfect winter weekday breakfast.

14. Learn something new. I’d consider this a to-do for every month of the year. Pick something and go all in! Check out books on the subject from your local library, subscribe to related podcasts, and watch all the films. There’s nothing better than becoming an expert to expand your worldview.

15. Create a regular catch-up routine. Make it a weekly or monthly habit to get on the phone with college friends, your parents, siblings, and grandparents—or anyone you want to send a little love to on a regular basis.

16. Subscribe to a few favorite magazines. One day of the month, my friends and I celebrate “Magazine Day.” This is the day when all of my magazine subscriptions come in. Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping… Trust me: it’s the best way to spend a totally analog evening.

17. Cross off that project that’s been on your list forever. You know the one. Dedicate a day to wrapping it up. You’ll feel so much better after it’s done.

18. Create a reading goal. I love listing out all the books I want to read this year. It’s a great motivator to commit to my favorite habit.

19. Plan a girls’ night. Brainstorm a night to gather with your gals. These girls’ night ideas are way better than going to a bar.

20. Make DIY winter decorations. Once the Christmas tree is down, it might feel like there’s no reason to decorate. Wrong! Tape up paper snowflakes, keep the greenery up, and set out all the cozy candles.

21. Make your favorite warm beverage. There’s more to life than black coffee. Golden milk, chai, matcha, hot chocolate… the list is endless.

22. Take a long walk through your city. The easiest way to see your city with fresh eyes? Bundle up and set out without a destination in mind. You’ll be surprised by all that you’ll discover.

23. Make a list of acts of kindness you want to try every week. Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to spread more good vibes? This list of random acts of kindness is the easiest way to make it happen.

24. Learn a new hand lettering technique. Whether you want to design a seasonal chalkboard at home, send out artfully impressive letters, or simply revel in your own creativity—get started with this guide to hand lettering.

25. Have a board game night. Is there a cozier way to spend a night in with friends? Gather your nearest and dearest for a little healthy competition and try out our reccos for the best games for game night.

26. Create a list-a-day journal. Gratitude lists, lists of things you want to do this month (nudge, nudge), movies you want to see—this is your space to list out anything and everything.

27. Make homemade bread. Quick bread, focaccia, sourdough—anything counts!

28. Practice better sleep hygiene. If you haven’t gotten on board yet, now’s the time to start committing to more restful nights. Learn everything you need to know to help you get a perfect night’s sleep.

29. Dive into all things manifestation. Ready to create a life you can’t stop dreaming about? Discover our guide to manifestation. 

30. Find things you love about winter. Once the holidays have wrapped, it can be challenging to get through the cold months. Write out a list of all the things you love about the season. The coziness? The warm drinks? Commit to your favorite things all throughout the winter months.

31. Get started on your Valentine’s Day cards. Romantic love may be at the center of the holiday, but I shouldn’t be the first one to tell you that you can celebrate all the love in your life on February 14. Like you would with holiday cards, start creating, writing out, and addressing your own V-Day notes. It’s one of my favorite ways to let the people in my life know they’re loved.