Beyond Periods: New Year’s Resolutions for Safer, Healthier Periods

With the New Year comes resolutions; from people taking on the 75 Hard challenge to others committing to healthier daily habits, these goals often center on growth in health, career, lifestyle, and productivity. At Project STREE, our mission is to empower people with periods through education, access, and advocacy. With that mission in mind, we’re reframing New Year’s resolutions to focus on something often overlooked: menstrual health.

Here are Project STREE’s 2026 New Year’s Resolutions for safer, healthier periods.

Resolution #1: Understand Our Bodies and Our Cycles

Our first resolution is to gain a deeper understanding of our bodies and menstrual cycles. Periods don’t exist in isolation; each phase of the cycle can affect energy levels, mood, focus, and overall well-being. By utilizing accessible resources, such as Project STREE’s Beyond Your Periods series, or trusted sources like ClevelandClinic.org, we can develop body literacy and learn how our cycles affect us personally. Knowledge is a powerful tool for reducing stigma and fostering self-compassion.

Resolution #2: Nourish Our Bodies

With the rise of fitness-focused challenges like 75 Hard, the New Year often emphasizes physical discipline. At Project STREE, we want to shift the focus toward nourishment rather than restriction. Supporting our bodies with balanced, nutritious foods, without sacrificing enjoyment, is essential, especially during our periods. Proper nutrition can help sustain energy levels, reduce symptoms, and address iron loss that commonly occurs during menstruation, allowing us to feel our best.

Resolution #3: Challenge the Myth That Period Pain Is “Normal”

Project STREE is committed to amplifying voices and encouraging self-advocacy, particularly in healthcare settings. That starts by challenging the idea that all period pain is “normal.” While a healthy cycle may include mild to moderate discomfort, severe or debilitating pain is not something to ignore. In 2026, we’re committing to learning how to distinguish between common symptoms and signs that something may be wrong, so we can advocate for ourselves to receive the care and attention we deserve. To do this, we can utilize resources such as recent blog posts on endometriosis or finding online research articles that highlight common complications associated with periods. 

Resolution #4: Move in Ways That Feel Supportive

As we set movement-related goals this year, we want to let go of the pressure to “push through” pain or exhaustion. Instead, we’re embracing movement as a way to connect with our bodies, not punish them. This includes normalizing rest during menstruation and honoring different energy levels throughout the cycle. Movement should be flexible, supportive, and responsive to how we feel.

Resolution #5: Prioritize Mental Health

Finally, we’re committing to prioritizing mental health. Chronic stress can worsen PMS symptoms and contribute to irregular cycles. To care for our mental well-being, we’re focusing on practical, low-cost habits, such as daily self-check-ins, weekly self-care rituals, and protecting our sleep and eating routines. Mental health is an essential part of menstrual health.

Beyond Just January

These resolutions aren’t meant to last only a month or even a year. Menstrual health is a life-long commitment, and meaningful change happens through small, consistent steps. As we move through 2026, we encourage everyone to stay curious, listen to their bodies, and continue learning. Healthier periods help build stronger, more empowered communities, and that’s a resolution worth keeping.