Simple Life Upgrades for 2026: Health, Beauty, Travel,Relationships & More

Every January seems to come with the same set of questions: What’s your resolution? What’s your word for the year? And while I’ve played along in the past—and even loved that approach in certain seasons—this year felt different to me. As I look ahead to 2026, I’m not interested in reinventing myself or fixing what isn’t broken. I’m simply thinking about how to live a little better. So instead of resolutions or a word of the year, I’m focusing on simple life upgrades for 2026—the small, thoughtful changes that make everyday life feel easier, healthier, and more joyful.

What I’ve learned over time is that meaningful change doesn’t usually come from big declarations. It comes from paying attention. Paying attention to what actually helps, what feels supportive, and what makes life feel a little lighter in this season. That’s where this idea of “upgrades” came from for me.

So instead of a list of resolutions, I made a list of things that are genuinely helping me right now. Some are practical. Some are small indulgences. Some are shifts in how I think or communicate. My hope is that as you read through these, you’ll feel encouraged—not pressured—to choose one or two simple upgrades that bless your life in 2026.

Upgrade Your Travel

Not sure where to go this year? I recommend using a travel advisor who specializes in empty nesters, like my pal Shannon Leyerle of Vacations by Shannon. Want to DIY it? Travelocity and Expedia have packages available that bundle airfare and accommodations, and sometimes even a rental car.

Looking for new luggage? Consumer Reports rated the BÉIS Carry-On Roller as one of the top carry-on suitcases! It also received the Condé Nast Traveler Stamp of Approval in 2025. As you can see above, I got one for Christmas! It was time, because I think I was the only person in America still trekking through the airport pulling my two-wheeled carry-on! Hahaha. I got the Personalized Carry-On Roller in Atlas Pink and the matching Personalized Weekender! (See photo at the top of this post.) Want to check it out? See today’s Instagram Reel!

Looking to upgrade your travel accessories? Most of mine are from Amazon. See THIS post and THIS list on the ENB Amazon Shop to check out my travel must-haves.

Struggling with hotel noise keeping you awake while you travel? If you have an iPhone, you can use the built-in Background Sounds in Accessibility Settings for simple options. Here’s how: Open Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual. Tap Background Sounds and turn it on. Choose from sounds like Rain, Ocean, Stream, or White Noise to play continuously. 

Upgrade Your Sleep

Let’s be honest—everything in life feels harder when you’re tired, and midlife sleep has a funny way of becoming unpredictable at best. If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling at 3 a.m., wondering why your brain suddenly wants to solve every problem it’s ever had, you’re not alone.

In 2025, medical experts shone a light on the dangers of sleeping with “T-Rex arms”—bent elbows, curled wrists, hands tucked in close. Sleeping this way isn’t inherently unhealthy. But doing it night after night can put pressure on nerves and tendons, leading to numbness, tingling, wrist pain, or even issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis — which is why gently straightening the arms, using a pillow for support, or wearing a soft wrist brace can help. I’m working on this!

That said, I used three products that helped me sleep SO much better in 2025. First of all, I’m a big believer in magnesium for relaxation, so I take Nature Made Magnesium Citrate every night before bed. (Magnesium Citrate is the most well-absorbed form, and Nature Made is a supplement brand that undergoes rigorous third-party testing (USP Verified) for purity and potency.) Most nights, I also take a warm bath with Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes. If I’m having pain anywhere, I use Epsom-It lotion with Magnesium and arnica. ENB followers can use code SUZY15 for 15% off.)

Finally, this year Bob and I both started using VIO2 Mouth Tape. (I know it sounds weird!) It’s specifically designed to promote nasal breathing during sleep, which offers several restorative and oral health benefits. (Not to mention, it’s almost entirely stopped Bob’s snoring!) You can learn more about it HERE. I love it so much that I reached out to the brand and asked for a discount code to share with you! If you want to give it a try, you can use SUZY15 for 15% off.

Upgrade Your Oral Health Routine

Speaking of oral health, you probably know that dentists recommend flossing every day. But do you know why? Flossing helps remove bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach, reducing inflammation in the gums. Healthy gums support overall health by lowering the risk of infections and conditions that have been linked to heart health and inflammation throughout the body. Flossing is an easy health upgrade you can make starting today.

Want whiter teeth? Even good-for-you foods like blueberries can cause staining! I use Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips for whitening with no sensitivity and no harmful chemicals. Think your teeth are too crooked for whitening strips and are afraid they won’t whiten evenly? Try THIS Lumineux Teeth Whitening Toothpaste. It’s peroxide-free, so no increased sensitivity!

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine

At some point, many of us realize that what worked beautifully in our 30s doesn’t always cooperate the same way anymore—and that’s okay. These days, I’m far more interested in beauty products that work with my skin, not against it, and don’t require a full tutorial to apply. Even the best makeup can’t cover up bad skin!

Be sure you’re using a good retinol every night. Irritation with retinols? Mix it with moisturizer and work with your dermatologist to find one that doesn’t irritate your skin. I use prescription strength, but I think the best drugstore brand is CeraVe’s Anti-Aging Retinol Serum. It has Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides to minimize irritation and hydrate your skin.

When it comes to cosmetics, experts advise spending money on the best foundation and saving elsewhere. I found my favorite foundation while a guest on a morning TV show! The host’s skin looked amazing, and when I asked about it, she told me that when all TV switched to HD, she had to switch to an HD foundation, and it made all the difference! I started using Makeup Forever’s HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation and haven’t looked back! (I suggest going into a Sephora and have them professionally match your skin tone and give you samples to take home before you buy.) If you’re looking to double down on SPF, I recommend full-coverage It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+. I use that if I’m going to be outside a lot.

Struggling with dry skin this winter? I switched to L’Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil in the shower a few years ago, and it’s made all the difference!

Want to fade your age spots before summer? I swear by AmLactin Daily Nourish Therapeutic Body Lotion. It’s an exfoliating moisturizer for dry skin that boosts skin renewal with 12% Lactic Acid for gentle exfoliation and hydration. You will not believe how soft your skin will feel!

Upgrade Your Nail Care Routine

No gatekeeping here! My nails have never been healthier, y’all, and I can’t keep it to myself! I exclusively use the “clean beauty” quick-dry, long-lasting Dazzle Dry nail system. It’s non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free, and made without harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, and it delivers gel-like shine without UV light. Its four-step process is easy to do yourself, and it’s a healthier, long-lasting, fast-drying alternative to traditional polish and gel manicures. It strengthens my natural nails while the polish keeps them chip-free and glossy for up to two weeks. Oh, and it dries in 5 minutes. YES, REALLY!

To learn how to do it yourself, click HERE. To find a salon near you that uses Dazzle Dry, click HERE and then click on “Spa Locator” at the top of the page.

Upgrade Your Health

I’ve reached the stage of life where I’m less interested in extreme plans and far more interested in what actually helps me feel good day to day. Health upgrades now look like small, realistic choices that support my energy instead of draining it. Need to up your water intake? Try this hack that worked for me last year. Place a pretty water glass next to your kitchen sink. Every time you pass by and notice it, fill and drink it. This hack is simple, but it works! Be sure to change out the glass every day! If you think a special water bottle might help, try THIS 32 oz. one with inspirational quotes and time markers. It’s leakproof, BPA and toxin-free!

Struggling with muscle or joint pain? I’ve found relief with Maysama’s red light therapy band. (Check out the reel I made for Instagram HERE.) ENB followers can use code SUZY for 10% off their order at Maysama .

Upgrade Your Organization

You may have seen the Instagram Reel where I talked about the Year-at-a-Glance Calendar that Bob and I bought this year. It was so awesome to lay it all out on the kitchen table and go through the entire year! Other organizational tools that have helped me include THIS Habit Tracker. It’s helped me stay accountable on things like hydration, daily steps, and even daily Bible reading.

People ask me all the time how I had time to write my book (in secret) last year and still keep everything going here at ENB! The short answer is my assistant Beth – hahaha!

But seriously, when it comes to time management, this downloadable Time Management Bundle full of tools helped so much.  I’ve accomplished so much more since I started using these tools! (I especially love the Pomodoro Tracker worksheet!) I reached out to the creator, renowned time management expert Dr. Kaylee Hackney, and she generously offered ENB followers a discount on these tools, bringing the bundle price down to about the same as a fancy coffee! Click HERE to learn more about the tools and use code SUZY25 for 25% off! Once you purchase and download them, they’re on your computer for you to print off and use again and again.

Upgrade Your Relationship With Your Adult Kids

The majority of my book, Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest focuses on this very thing, including practical resources like 50 Traits to Encourage in Your Adult Kids and 50 Conversation Starters For Adult Kids, among others. If you enjoy my parenting articles here on EmptyNestBlessed.com, you’ll want to go deeper with my book!

It’s available as the cutest hardback you’ve ever seen (but, of course!) from Amazon for $27.99 and from my shop for $24.99. You can also snag it as an ebook and audiobook (read by me!) on Amazon. Looking for a speaker for your mom’s group, book club, or church? Check my spring availability by emailing info@emptynestblessed.com.

A couple of other resources that can help:

• Follow my friend Christian Coach Kathy Cunningham on Instagram for sound wisdom and tips.
• Follow my friend and Empty Nester Coach Pamela Henkelman on Instagram. If you’re struggling, she offers a FREE Empty Nest Clarity Call. Learn more and sign up HERE. You’ll also want to check out her Midlife Momma podcast HERE. (Listen to my episode on Spotify HERE and Apple Podcasts HERE.)

Upgrade Your Spiritual Life

Ready to get serious about your faith this year? I learned to study the Bible for myself, from reading How to Study the Bible by Kay Arthur. Got questions? You’re not alone! Check out the “Case For” series of books by former atheist and award-winning Chicago Tribune journalist Lee Strobel. Start with The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus.

Another good option is to download the Bible App for FREE or the Dwell Audio App (FREE trial) from the App Store. Both have resources to help you grow closer to the Lord.

Want to spend more time in prayer this year? Two of my favorite books can help you do that: The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children and The Power of a Praying Grandparent, both by Stormie Omartian.

Upgrade Your Fitness Routine

WISKII Cross Back Sports Bra (I’m a sucker for scallops!) USE SUZY15 for 15% off. | WISKII V-Waist Yoga Legging (the V-waist makes these so flattering!) USE SUZY15 for 15% off. | Brooks Sneakers

When it comes to fitness, most of us know what to do (a combo of cardio and strength training) and how often to do it (at least 5x a week). It’s never too late to start, but you should check with your physician first.

There are great resources at AARP (including a BMI calculator, which is so helpful for determining your healthy weight) and their FREE Silver Planet classes.

Other FREE classes and programs to try:

• Silver Sneakers (Covered by most Medicare Advantage plans.)
• Senior Fitness with Meredith on YouTube – A wide variety of classes for all levels including chair exercises, cardio workouts, boxing classes, yoga and balance courses, and weightlifting. Find your perfect workout by entering the type of class you want, the difficulty level, and how long you want to exercise. 
• HASfit on YouTube – Over 1,000 full-length workout routines, along with complete 14- to 90-day fitness programs for various goals and fitness levels. 
• SeniorShape with Lauren on YouTube – Lauren is a certified fitness instructor with extra training in the fitness needs of older people. The easy-to-follow classes include weight training, barre, pilates, chair yoga, cardio, and more, geared towards beginners and older adults. 

Two great Instagram follows for FREE routines and tips:

• Jenni Rivett – The 64-year-old former personal trainer to Princess Diana, Jenni’s account is full of exercises you can add to your normal routine.
• Cindy Sullivan – This 55-year-old personal trainer specializes in working with midlife and older adults. Most of her clients are 70+! You’ll love her upbeat personality!

Upgrade Your Anti-Aging Routine

Looking for beauty tools that really work? I’ve loved the Nira Pro Laser and continue to use it every night. I’ve especially seen it help with my jawline and my upper eyelids. It’s definitely helped me build collagen, and there’s increased fullness (and less sagging) in my face. I wrote about my initial 90-day improvements in THIS post, and I’ve seen continued improvements since! It’s 24% off in their New Year’s Sale, which ends on 1/11/26, so hurry if you’re interested. You can learn more HERE.

For a quick mini facelift, I use ZIIP Halo microcurrent/nanocurrent device along with ZIIP’s collagen-boosting Golden Gel. I wrote a blog post about this device back in 2024, which you can read HERE. ENB followers get a 10% discount with the code ZIIPSUZY.

I’m also a believer in red light therapy, as I told you above. (I’ll try anything to build collagen!) I use Current Body’s Red Light Therapy LED Face Mask and Red Light Therapy Neck & Décolletage LED Mask. If you’ve been thinking about one of these, I recommend the bundle pack of both for 10% off. ENB followers can use SUZY10 for 10% off your Current Body purchase (stackable for an additional 10% off the bundle pack).

We can start to lose lashes and brow hairs as we age. It’s normal! I’ve tried ALL the lash & brow growth serums, and THIS affordable one is my favorite.

NOTE: From the devices to the serum, these need to be used consistently to see results.

Upgrade Your Intellect

Working on reading more this year? (That’s always one of my goals!) If you love clean, funny rom coms, I’d encourage you to check out author Becca Kinzer‘s books. They always get me laughing out loud!

• First Love, Second Draft: She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart.
• Love in Tandem: An opposites-attract, fake-dating rom com featuring an unlikely couple and the road trip of a lifetime 
• Dear Henry, Love Edith: A charming romantic comedy of love, letters, and mistaken identity.

If you love a good mystery along with humor and clean romance, you’ll want to read author Becky Wade‘s Sons of Scandal series.

• Book 1: Memory Lane: A “heroine saves hero” romance.
• Book 2: Rocky Road: A “fake relationship” romance.
• Book 3: Uneasy Street: An “enemies to lovers” romance. (I’m reading this one right now!)

I hope this LONGGGGGG (sorry!) post encouraged and inspired you! I loved putting it together for you! To take another look at all the products I mentioned, click HERE or scroll down. Do you feel motivated and ready to make this year awesome? What are you upgrading in 2026? Leave me a comment below and let me know, okay?