Join the Challenge:
Move 26 in ’26

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.

Happier app choose your tool

Many people want to add more movement to their lives, but find it tough to make the habit stick. Join the challenge in the Happier™ app and choose a habit-tracking tool to help you stay on track.

Because no tool fits every hand, the app includes several different ways to track your progress:

  • Mark off each day with Don’t Break the Chain 

  • Record minutes of movement with Numbers Trackers

  • Capture how you feel after moving with the One-Sentence Journal

  • Create a visual record with Photo Log

  • Connect with a friend or coach as an Accountability Partners

You’ll also get useful tips, quick challenges, and prompts to keep you motivated. Download the Happier™ app for free and join the challenge—no subscription required.

Download the App

How to Participate

If you’re already a Happier™ app user, look for the Move 26 in ’26 challenge on the home screen. (If you don’t see it, try updating the app to the latest version.) You can participate in the challenge for free, with or without a subscription, regardless of how many aims you are already tracking.

Download the App
  • Get the Happier app

    Get the App

    Download the Happier app for free.

  • Happier App Move 26 in 26

    Join the Challenge

    Select Move 26 in ’26 on the homescreen.

  • Happier app choose your tool

    Pick a Tool

    Choose from a variety of tools to help track your progress and keep yourself motivated.

  • Happier app add your entries

    Start Tracking

    On January 1, you can start adding entries for the Move 26 in ’26 challenge.

  • Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast

    Listen and Follow

    Tune in to Happier with Gretchen Rubin, follow @gretchenrubin on Instagram, and check out #Move26in26 for tips, tools, and inspiration.

Resources

You can download the Happier app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 

To find more tips and strategies to make progress on your writing aims, visit: thehappierapp.com/resources

FAQs

  • If you can’t go outside, look for creative ways to move indoors. Dance to your favorite playlist, follow along with a yoga or stretching video, walk around a shopping mall, or march in place while watching TV. You can also break your 26 minutes into smaller chunks throughout the day.

  • Of course! Every minute of movement counts, even if you don’t start on January 1 or miss a day here and there.

  • You can break it up however works for you. Three 9-minute walks, two 13-minute stretching sessions, or any combination that adds up to 26 minutes counts. And you might find that once you start, it’s easier to keep going.

  • Any intentional physical activity counts: walking, running, swimming, biking, yoga, dancing, cleaning, playing with kids or pets, sports—if you’re moving your body on purpose, it counts.

  • Yes. Move 26 in ’26 will appear in your toolkit as an aim, no subscription required. You can still continue to track one other aim without a subscription.

  • Of course! Everyone is welcome to participate in whatever way works for them. The app is free to download and offers several tools to try, but if you prefer an analog approach, you might be interested in some of the tools in The Happiness Project Collection.

  • The Happier™ app allows users with a subscription to backdate entries.