25 failsafe ways to make the most of 2025

How did we get here? Really? It’s been nearly half a decade since the world-shaping pandemic sent society into lockdown and meltdown. We’ve been through a tough few election cycles in recent times. Oasis are back. Gavin and Stacey was briefly back. Labour – for better or worse – is back. If you’re not in close proximity to a calendar, you would think we’re in the 2000s.

Yet, despite the strange times we find ourselves in, we’re still hoping this year will shape up to be a good one. So, to help you on your way, we’ve put to paper 25 tips and tricks that’ll give 2025 its best chance of being fruitful.

We know, you’re into the classics. But believe us, there’s a world beyond negronis, martinis and old fashioneds (even though we are champions of such timeless options). Make 2025 the year you order beyond the ordinary, and sip something more exotic and more interesting. The French 75, for example, is a known libation, but isn’t too commonplace of an order in bars – think of it as a sort of entry-level toe-dip. We’ve perfected the mix here.

The diary isn’t dead – but it’s quickly losing life. So, before the Moleskine slips into obscurity, why not try committing your calendar to paper for a year? It is said that, when we write something down, we’re more likely to remember it – so, in addition to slipping a sweet leather accessory into your bag, you’ll never miss a date again. We usually turn to Smythson or Aspinal of London for our scheduling.

Actually, maybe move away from the smartphone altogether (or at least limit your screen time – perhaps a dumb phone will help). Instead, stay in touch with your family more, whether it’s your parents, your distant cousins or your great-grand uncle (twice removed). Don’t bombard them with calls (perhaps once a month is enough), but maintaining these fantastic dynastic bonds will ensure you keep your clan close and tight-knit. The older you get, the more you realise the importance of up-keeping these ties.

There’s a certain charm to cooking from a book. But, rather than bowing your shelves under the weight of many tomes, take time this year to do some research and find one delectable, palatable publication that you can sizzle, simmer and scoff your way through from the day you buy it to the end of December. You can find a few of our recommendations in this list here.

How many of these countless platforms do you give money to monthly? There’s Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Paramount+ and more. For 2025, just choose one – or at least whittle it down to two (we recommend Netflix and Amazon Prime Video) and cancel the rest. There’s easily enough content on each service for a whole year of viewing. And, this way, you’ll savour the shows you do watch – see our new reccs here – and also have more time to check-in with your relatives.

If you’re struggling to stick to your overly optimistic, excessive New Year’s fitness resolutions, then why not whip your workouts up into something a little funner? We wouldn’t necessarily call them obscure, given their cult following, but perhaps padel or pickleball will capture your imagination (as well as build up those muscles and cardio). And they certainly make for a change from the sweaty treadmill.

With all the noise that surrounds you, why not slow down in the morning? So make this grooming resolution for 2025: take your time, invest in the best bits of sharply cut kit, and get the smoothest shave every go.

They say that no news is good news. But a modern man should have at least a basic grasp on current affairs. So, even if you’ve banished news apps from your phone (and we wouldn’t blame you – the sheer Musk/MAGA/etc. onslaught is getting a bit much), buy a weekly newspaper instead, carve out an hour or two and read it cover to cover. Nothing beats print... or the mind-knotting crossword.

As appealing as those budget flights may still be, try to invest in more environmentally sound modes of travel. Good places to start include checking out the Great British countryside – our favourite mountains can be found here – or the bevy of old-school sleeper trains available today, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

According to an extensive scientific study from the late-20th-century, public speaking was once the most common fear among modern men – and that list included the (considerably more rational) fear of death. So, this year, why not conquer this common consternation? You could buy a book, take a class or simply start speaking up more in work meetings. Also, you might be called up to give a best man’s speech one day, so you best be equipped for the task.

Going to the gym isn’t the most fun. But, going to a really nice gym where there’s enough machines, benches and weights (and perhaps a sauna and steam room to alleviate it all) is, at least, mentally manageable. Try our recommendations here.

You’ve heard this one before – yet you still insist on checking Instagram et al before you hit the sack. But being exposed to blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, and makes it incredibly hard to switch off and doze soundly. Put your charger in another room, grab one of these books you should be reading in 2025, and get some decent kip.

How often do you find yourself checking your emails on the weekend? If you are guilty of this – and we know that many of you do dip into your inbox when out of hours – try to at least save Sunday as a switch-off day. Grab your activewear gear, as per #6; reach for the paper, as per tip #8; or head to the gym, as per #11. The deadlines can wait just a little longer.

Keep those phones in pockets, because nothing presses pause on a productive day like checking the time and accidentally getting sucked into a vortex of ever-pinging notifications. Wear a watch, however, and you can check the time without tempting fate or Facebook. Plus, there are some handsome options out there, including these icons.

You’ve definitely heard this one, too. So, sub out the morning coffee for a tall pint of H20. It’ll help you exercise more efficiently. It’ll boost your brain function and energy levels. It’ll keep any annoying headaches at bay. It’ll significantly ease your digestion. It’ll regulate your body temperature. It’ll help maintain blood pressure. There are more benefits, but you get the point. Now go turn on the tap and get pouring.

The franchise factories of big-budget filmmaking are undeniably entertaining, but it’s occasionally a good idea to go and enjoy a small-scale production. These standalone, cinematic palate-cleansers are a break from the predictable, offering glimpses into worlds unknown and stimulating different, diverse parts of our creative minds. Our list of the most anticipated films of 2025 can be found here – we rather liked A Real Pain.

Rid your tension and come out feeling like fine silk – our favourite places for scrubs, rubs and soaks can be found here. This, perhaps, can be part of your Sunday routine.

We don’t devote enough time, pomp or ceremony to our bedtime (especially if we haven’t subbed out the phone for a watch or a physical diary). Too often, days end with a doomscroll, a hastily set alarm and a threadbare pair of boxers. A matching pyjama set (we’d go checked, pinstriped or paisley) will change all that. As you pull them on and button them up, you’ll wind down and sleep better. Get a luxe bed, for good measure.

Once your morning water is consumed, we’d then say you can move on to the caffeine. Are you a cafetière man? A pour-over person? Or do you drink exclusively instant? Whatever way you take your coffee, use this year to experiment with another method of brewing. There are plenty out there (moka pot, siphon, AeroPress, Chemex), and a new ritual may see you fall in love with the stuff all over again. Or, for ease, there are pod machines...

Because now, more than ever, they need your help. But don’t start buying things for the sake of it. Instead, identify one of your major pastimes and find independent brands that support the interest. Budding chef? Buy a small-batch knife. Coffee buff? Visit a self-employed ceramicist for your drinking vessels. Barbecue enthusiast? Find your local butcher and ask for some obscure offcuts.

But go into this clothing cull with a clear plan. Audit your wardrobe this way: if you haven’t worn a garment within the past year, assess why that is and make a considered call. If you’ll likely never wear it again, donate it. There’s a double benefit here, as it may lead to the rediscovery of once-loved pieces you’ve been neglecting. Read our comprehensive guide here.

There’s nothing else like it. The atmosphere of live music, shared with fellow fans in proper venues, is a life-affirming thing. Choose three of your favourite artists, see when and where they’re touring, and buy tickets. Explosions in the Sky and Sigur Rós are particularly good to see, as they not only have beautiful atmospheric sonics, but you also don’t have to know their back catalogue to appreciate them (they’re largely lyric-less). Let’s just hope you don’t get stung by dynamic pricing.

Okay, it’s sort of at odds with our first suggestion – but don’t you dislike the feeling of waking up groggy and cloudy? Moderation is might. If you feel the need for a taste of the stuff, consider a non-alc beer – or, if you really need a stiffener, at least sip on something good. Start with our list of white wines.

... not a Brat Summer.

As with your subscriptions, your audio options might be quite overwhelming, too. When it comes to podcasts, we suggest sticking to three maximum and dialling properly in whenever you’re clearing your head on a Sunday. We’ve got the perfect place to start...

Want more new-year content? This is the workout gear that’ll keep you on track...

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