Each year on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, create a yearly challenge as a fun and manageable way to build a new habit. For 2026, the challenge is Move 26 in ’26. Each day in 2026, move for at least 26 minutes. Walking, stretching, running, yoga, dancing, gardening, cleaning, swimming–all types of movement count.

Research consistently links regular physical activity to better sleep, clearer thinking, reduced anxiety, and—perhaps surprisingly—more energy.

These benefits come from any kind of movement, not just traditional forms of exercise like jogging or cardio. These prompts are designed to help you discover new ways to move, experiment with what works, and have some fun in the process. Join us in making 2026 a year of more movement, more energy, and more happiness.