We’ve all done it, reached the end of the year and dreamt up lofty ambitions for the next and then failed to reach them, inevitably leaving us feeling deflated. As we head into 2026, freelance writer Liz Ransome-Croker shares these accessible New Year’s resolution ideas that will enable you to boost your confidence for little or no cost.
I rarely set New Year’s resolutions myself, but this year is different.
I have a congenital heart condition, which means my energy levels fluctuate and I get palpitations. I had been on a fairly even keel, but a few years ago, my heart flutters became dangerous, and I had to limit everything in my life, sparking off symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alongside debilitating anxiety.
After an operation to help reduce the palpitations, I spent a couple of years slowly rebuilding my physical and mental health. I’ve finally got to a point where I can start working again, and this is my first freelance article as I get back into journalism.
So I’ll be setting some of these resolutions for myself, but I won’t overstretch or put pressure on myself – something I think we should all consider.
1. Feel healthier with adapted exercises
Any form of movement, even if it’s small, is good for you both physically and mentally. So whatever your ability, there are things you can do to help you feel healthier.
For example, my heart condition means that running or cardio workouts aren’t possible. I can, however, do gentle strength exercise, such as yoga or pilates, and improving your strength and flexibility is great for your overall health.
There are lots of exercises that can be adapted if you need to be seated – here’s an example of chair yoga, and Wheelpower has free online seated exercise classes, plus, TV show Morning Live has a daily Strictly Come Dancing section where it shows options for both standing and sitting exercises.
The NHS has a wide range of exercise resources, and the Every Body Moves website by Paralympics GB has free home workout videos for different disabilities and health conditions, as well as weekly online exercise programmes, which do cost, but some are very cheap.
There are also lots of free videos on YouTube – here are just a few examples:
If you’d prefer to get active with others or take part in accessible sports, your local Disabled Persons’ User Led organisation may be able to help with support, and use the following websites to find opportunities in your area:
With any of these suggestions, speak to a medical professional to seek advice on what’s best and safe for you before you embark on any new activities.
2. Discover a new inclusive hobby
There are so many hobbies to choose from, so no matter what your ability, you’ll find something for you. Plus, in many cases, you can get started for very little or for free.
Expanding on the idea of feeling healthier in 2026, cooking and learning what is both good for you and tasty could be the perfect fit. There are so many recipes online, but the NHS website is a good place to start, as well as the BBC’s healthy recipes on a budget. For more detailed, step-by-step recipes, try Accessible Chef and Care to Cook.
How about giving singing a go? It too has great physiological benefits. There are several online-only choirs, such as the free Homechoir (which has a section on singing if you have hearing loss) and Sofasingers for as little as £10 a month, or search ‘accessible/inclusive community choir near me’ to find one to join in person.
The Music Man Project runs regional groups for anyone with a learning difference, teaching people to sing, sign and play music. Why not take music further and master an instrument or compose music? Drake Music, Open Up Music, OHMI and Technology in Music are all organisations that help disabled people to access music. Also search ‘inclusive music near me’ to find similar organisations close to you.
Games and gaming are such huge umbrella terms that include anything from puzzles on your phone to entire imaginary online worlds that you can submerge yourself in.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Access to the Telegraph puzzles currently costs just £1, and the Daily Mail has tons of free card, collecting and sorting games (these will have adverts).
- RNIB sells a number of traditional games and puzzles for anyone with a visual impairment, and the SSW Charity has rounded up 5 accessible video games with that in mind.
- Special Effect and Everyone Can are organisations aimed at helping people with a range of needs take part in games, as well as Can I Play That?, which has the latest news and reviews of digital games and associated equipment.
- For anyone with sensory needs, the Sense website has a range of ideas for accessible games for all.
Just remember, for anything online, it’s important to protect your data and identity, so employ these tips for staying safe online.
If reading is more your thing, your local charity shops (some of which also now sell online, such as Oxfam) and library will open up endless worlds of colourful fiction and astonishing facts. Many libraries have digital or audio versions of books and magazines – some using the app BorrowBox – and deliver books to your home too. Also, try BBC Sounds to access lots of free titles, and why not explore podcasts as well?
Lastly, arts and crafts is a huge area to explore with so many options, and it’s a great way to be mindful and to learn to pace yourself, things I found extremely useful whilst I was ill and that I still find invaluable now.
You’ll find endless inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest, where you’ll also discover like-minded artisans and crafters with similar disabilities and therefore hacks to enable you to get into a craft or art form. There are so many aids out there, such as grippers for pencils, tools or paintbrushes, and stands to hold your project in place.
All Free Crafts has lots of different patterns and guides, and Hobbycraft has several free downloadable craft ideas. Starter kits are also a great way to try something out without having to invest too much, and YouTube is your best friend here – there are endless hours of tutorials on every possible craft.
If you want to be creative with others, try your local council and the website Craft Courses to find classes close to you.
Scrapstores, which collect unwanted materials from businesses, and charity shops will be treasure troves for cheap supplies, but reusing items from around the house will save you even more.
3. Upskill yourself with accessible courses
Although many courses and qualifications are costly, there are lots of things you can do from home without having to spend a lot.
Start by looking at your local library. As well as all the books you could loan to read up on your chosen skill, it might offer classes. Mine runs digital and maths sessions, as well as sewing courses (a hobby and skill in one).
The Government offers free courses if you earn less than £25,700 or aren’t in work. Many can be done online and part-time or flexibly, and lots come with an official qualification on completion.
If you want to upskill for a job, hone in on what would be best via its skills for careers page, where you’ll also find information on other free options:
- essential skills courses, such as numeracy
- skills bootcamps to develop in areas employers look for
- apprenticeships that mean you’ll get paid to learn
- internships available for anyone with an educational, health and care plan (ECH).
In addition, see what career support you can get if you have a disability.
The Open University has more than 900 free courses, all of which are online. Visit its accessibility section for details on how to get help if you have specific needs.
I’d also recommend volunteering. Many organisations and charities welcome free help, and you’ll learn new skills in return. When I was editor of Disability Horizons, our volunteers were the backbone of the magazine, helping us to reach more disabled people and make a difference. Now, Emma Purcell, who started with us as a new journalist many moons ago, runs Crip Life™.
Here are a few places showcasing volunteering opportunities:
The latter two take on volunteers directly, and Citizens Advice has a number of testimonials from disabled volunteers.
Just make sure you don’t end up doing more than is fair as a volunteer. You won’t have the same legal rights as an employee, but you shouldn’t be discriminated against, taken advantage of or made to feel unsafe. Take a look at the Government advice on volunteering rights if you’re unsure.
Whatever you choose as your New Year’s resolutions for 2026, make sure they are achievable for you and that you don’t set yourself an unrealistic target or timeframe – you want to end 2026 feeling better about yourself, not worse.
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What accessible New Year’s resolutions would you suggest for 2026? Share your ideas, big or small, and inspire others to set goals that suit lives. Let us know in the comments box, on social media or contact us to share your personal story.