New Year, New Survey: Resolutions Focus on Wellness in 2026

A new year always carries with it some “fresh start” momentum, and if you’ve already made a list of resolutions or goals for 2026, you’re not alone as millions of adults are doing the same.

In a new nationwide survey from our insights team, we can see that physical wellness is the number one priority for American adults in 2026, followed closely by what’s in their wallets, with financial health also a key focus area. 

Of the 1,000 adults we polled: 

• 35% want to improve their physical wellbeing through new diet and exercise habits; 
• 31% want to improve their finances; 
• 19% are opting out of resolutions entirely (which is also a totally valid choice). 

Translation? Lots of us are looking to build more intentional routines that support healthier lifestyles this year (and some of us are fine just the way we are). 

Digging into our survey results based on age, things get even more interesting, and we see some generational differences in terms of goal setting. 

• 30% of respondents aged 21-24 want to start a new hobby; 
• Almost 40% (39%) of people aged 35-44 are most eager to strengthen their financial footing; 
• More than 10% of adults under 44 are looking to cut back their cannabis use. 

Each group has its own focus areas but what our findings point towards for 2026, in general terms, is that:

• Gen Z is looking for more meaningful ways to spend their time by learning a new skill or having a creative/physical outlet;
• Gen X are seeking more stability with goals around what they’re earning/spending/saving;
• Boomers are putting more emphasis on their health by re-thinking some of their long-held consumption choices. 

Goals around clean eating and hitting the gym are not uncommon at this time of year, as we look to be the best versions of ourselves and address any habits that may have snuck their way in towards the end of 2025 that aren’t serving us anymore. 

According to our survey, the main "vices" people want to cut back on as part of this health kick are tobacco (12%), alcohol (10%), and cannabis (8%).

In terms of a gender breakdown, it seems that our male and female survey respondents are on the same page for 2 out of 3 of these categories, with alcohol the exception—15% of men saying they’ll cut back on what they drink compared to 8% of women.  

Many of the adults surveyed also shared that they’ve found it challenging to adjust their vice-related habits in the past.

Among previous attempts: 

• Tobacco was the most commonly revisited habit (14% had tried before); 
• Alcohol (10%) and cannabis (7%) followed close behind. 

Since we specialize in nicotine pouches, we were very interested in the data on resolutions related to the tobacco category. 

When asked why they're looking to quit tobacco, these respondents indicated that: 

• 53% want to support a more active lifestyle; 
• 51% are hoping to reduce stress; 
• 49% see a monetary upside. 

This is a reminder that our everyday habits always sit at the intersection of physical, emotional, and financial realities. Everyone has their own mix of reasons why, and they’re all equally valid. 

The "new year, new me" mantra has a lot of us re-thinking how we want to approach 2026, with many adult consumers exploring smoke- and tobacco leaf-free alternatives like nicotine pouches as a more suitable format for the lifestyles they want. 

If you fall into that category, then Nicokick is the place for you. Our ongoing mission here is to make your online shopping experience as easy and informative as possible, stocking only premium products that have been third-party tested. 

So, whether your resolutions are bold, tiny, or non-existent this year, remember that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Set your own pace, feel free to reassess your goals as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.  

Here’s to routines that feel good in your real life—whatever that looks like for you!