REGINA — As 2026 begins, people are rethinking what they want to leave behind. Not just bad habits, but stress, distractions and routines that drain more than they give back. When asked what they are quitting this year, the answers were honest, thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful.
Some talked about stepping away from endless screen time. Others said goodbye to smoking, late nights or unhealthy eating patterns that crept in over time. Many focused on quitting stress, negativity or the pressure to do everything at once. The theme was clear: people want their time, energy and attention back.
Globally, the start of the year remains a powerful reset point. Health, money and mental well being consistently top the list of what people want to change. Exercise, better sleep, reduced spending and cutting back on digital overload are now just as common as traditional resolutions like dieting or quitting smoking. Compared to years past, there is a noticeable shift. People are choosing sustainable change over extreme promises.
That shift showed up clearly in Regina. Instead of bold declarations, many people spoke about small, realistic steps. Quitting doom scrolling. Quitting self doubt. Quitting habits that quietly steal joy. It is a move away from pressure and toward intention.
There is also growing awareness that quitting does not mean failure. In many cases, it means growth. Letting go of something unhealthy creates space for better habits to take root. Experts say people are more likely to stick with change when it is framed as improving daily life rather than fixing flaws.
The idea of quitting has evolved. It is no longer just about what people stop doing. It is about what they make room for. More time with family. More rest. More movement. More presence.
The message from the streets is simple and powerful. This year is not about becoming someone new. It is about becoming more aligned with what matters.
