What to look forward to in 2026 (and how that boosts your mood)
Posted by Claire Hewitt, on January 2, 2026.
Estimated reading time: 4 minute(s)
We reveal what we’re looking forward to in the coming months, and why anticipation can be good for us.
Well hello there, 2026! During the festive season we revelled in nostalgia, traditions and reviewed the year gone: what we’ve achieved, what brought us joy, and perhaps some moments we’d rather forget. But now, at the start of a fresh new year, it’s time to look ahead. This isn’t just about planning, it’s good for our mental health too.
You may have heard that when we do things we enjoy – whether that’s eating something delicious, laughing with friends or buying a beautiful new outfit – our brain releases a lovely dose of dopamine, the hormone associated with pleasure and reward. But did you know that we get dopamine not just from participating in pleasure but also in anticipation of it?
This is known as the ‘anticipatory dopamine theory’: just thinking about doing something pleasurable is enough to trigger the release of dopamine, which makes us feel excited and motivated. This is where you can really harness the mood-boosting benefits. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
This is a list of things you like and enjoy that you can select from when planning your upcoming months. They could be big things (a trip to a country on your ‘must visit’ list; starting a new course you’ve always wanted to do) or smaller everyday things (browsing a local book shop; planting a new flower border; doing yoga). Add in things like new books, music, films and TV shows that are being released in 2026 and you know you’re going to love.
Fill your diary:
If you received a new diary or calendar for Christmas, it’s time to fill it. Write in all the date-dependant events and activities, then spread out your smaller ‘treats’ into the quieter weeks and months to ensure you’re never far away from something to look forward to.
Lean into anticipation:
Whenever you’re having a bad day, look at your calendar or diary to remind yourself of something enjoyable coming up. Then really think about it: who will be there, or are you indulging in ‘me time’? Where is it and what does that look like? Imagine yourself in the moment and lean into what that feels like. Spending time enjoying the anticipation of it will give yourself a blast of dopamine to lift the spirits.
What’s new from Royce in 2026
We’re also dosing up on dopamine this January and getting excited by some new launches from Royce HQ, including:
NEW Comfort Club:
Yes, our loyal customers can soon join our brand new rewards scheme, Comfort Club. Keep your eyes peeled for an imminent announcement on member benefits, how to sign-up and get treats coming your way.
NEW Anya lingerie set:
Launching in spring, this blush and coral bra and briefs set is designed to keep women feeling confident and beautiful after breast surgery. Lace-detailed Anya comes in two bra styles depending on size: A-E cups get lightly padded, moulded cups; while F-H cups get a non-padded bralette with wide straps and underband. Matching high-rise knickers complete the set.
NEW Madison bra:
Teens who are a DD to G cup have a superb new option with the honey-coloured Madison bra (out this spring). Sizes start at a 28 band to suit a young girl’s body, but this everyday comfort bra with spacer cups is versatile and can be worn by anyone.
NEW Comfort briefs:
Blush is one of our best-selling colours when it comes to bras, and this year you’ll be able to match them with the new Comfort briefs from February. Featuring smooth seems, bonded edges and cotton gusset, you’ll get no VPL with these high-waisted knickers.
And finally…
MORE from The Unapologetic Menopause:
We’re continuing our menopause campaign this year with some great new content to help midlife women thrive. We’ve had a great response from customers, and it has now been shortlisted for the Menopause Awards 2026 (fingers crossed for us in Feb…).
