While you’re cleaning up after the holiday festivities and looking to replace some bad habits with good ones, it may also be an ideal time to refresh your relationship with the tech in your life. No grand resolutions necessary, just resolve to make a few small changes that will make 2026 easier, safer and less stressful than ever. A few tips to get you started:

 

1. Strengthen passwords. Out with 1234ABCD and in with the YuleNvRRGu3$$! Delete all your cookies and reset ALL your passwords, choosing unique and tough to guess words or phrases for every site you visit.
2. Let technology work for you. Try to hand off some of your regular or menial tasks to an app or even an AI helper. Setting reminders, using voice-activated assistants, or even “hiring” ChatGPT to write simple emails and organize your schedule will free up your time to work on more creative endeavors OR just relax.
3. Learn a new digital skill. Pick one tech-related area you’d like to improve and learn to master it. Want to edit and organize your digital photos into an album? Want to file your taxes electronically? Want to master the Zoom call with your kids and grandkids? The digital world is your oyster!
4. Schedule tech downtime. This may be the hardest to stick to so start small. Resolve to leave your phone on the charger while you eat dinner, or grab a book instead of your phone for an hour before bedtime. Your sleep will improve (and so will your conversation skills!).

 

2026 is the Year of the Horse, a period associated with energy, independence, and forward momentum—how fortuitous for someone who just resolved to take technology by the reins! Best of luck with this year’s adventures and don’t forget to share any tips, tricks, or tech successes you have along the way.