Habits I’m Bringing Into 2026 (and the Ones I’m Letting Go): A Mindful Approach to the New Year

The new year is a funny thing. On paper, it’s just another date — January 1, a square on the calendar. Yet somehow, it carries so much weight. For some, it’s a reason to celebrate — a night of champagne toasts, resolutions, and fresh starts. For others, it brings a quiet dread — another reminder of time passing and goals unmet.

But that’s the beauty of it: the new year is what we make of it. It’s a natural pause — a moment to take stock, turn a page, or simply rest before beginning again. So instead of chasing a “new you,” let’s look at the habits worth carrying forward into 2026 and the ones it might be time to let go of.

(And ideally, you’ll be fast asleep when midnight strikes — because let’s be honest, sleep is the foundation of good health.)

What Worked (and What Didn’t) in 2025

2025 brought a lot of change for me — I began the year newly married, moving to a new state, and learning how to settle into new rhythms. I decided it was time to “get it together” and take better care of myself — mentally, physically, and emotionally. So I dove in headfirst: books, podcasts, courses, checklists, and every wellness hack imaginable. When I’m into something, I’m all in.

But somewhere along the way, I crossed from intentional into overextended. My list of “healthy habits” became another thing to manage. I even kept a running checklist on my phone, dutifully ticking off every box each morning — and somehow missing the whole point of what wellness was supposed to feel like. 

What I’ve learned is that wellness isn’t about doing all the things — it’s about doing the right things for this season of life. It took time, some humility, and a lot of trial and error to figure out what actually works for me. So, as I move into 2026, I’m bringing forward the habits that bring peace and letting go of the ones that only create noise.

“Wellness isn’t about doing all the things — it’s about doing the right things for this season of life.”

Habits I’m Bringing Into 2026

1. Slow Mornings, Present Evenings

Bookending the day with small, nourishing rituals has become the foundation of my wellbeing. It doesn’t need to be fancy — just intentional. I start the morning with real light — not fluorescent — a few deep breaths, and journaling.

My friend Arianna, a fellow health coach, encouraged me to try Morning Pages again (I first started it a few years ago after my mother introduced me to it, but quickly fell out of habit) — three unfiltered pages of thoughts, ending with one thing I’m grateful for and one small intention for the day. It’s been game-changing. 

I drink warm lemon water before coffee, move my body, and eat some protein. In the evening, I dim the lights, make tea, put my phone away, and read until I feel sleepy. These small shifts — done consistently — make the biggest difference.

2. Protecting Creative Space

Creativity isn’t a luxury; it’s medicine. Whether I’m experimenting in the kitchen, writing, painting, or simply letting my mind wander, I’ve realized that creative play keeps me connected to joy. This year, I’m protecting that time. No guilt, no pressure to be productive. Just space to make, imagine, or rest. 

3. Tapping Into My Inner Child

Grown-ups have forgotten how to have fun. In 2026, I want to laugh more, play more, and stop treating relaxation and play as a reward. Reconnecting with my inner child reminds me that wellness can be lighthearted, too. Laughter really is the best medicine.

4. Saying No and Setting Boundaries

“No” can be one of the kindest words we say to ourselves. This year, I’m learning to protect my energy by being selective with my yeses. Fewer obligations, more alignment. The goal isn’t to isolate — it’s to preserve enough space for what really matters.

5. Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Life

Wellness isn’t meant to be rigid — it’s meant to be lived. Joy often comes from small, simple pleasures — the ones we often overlook in the pursuit of being “good.”

Sometimes, taking care of yourself means saying yes to sweetness: eating dessert without guilt, staying up late to laugh with friends, having that second glass of wine, or spending a Sunday on the couch watching your favorite show. A life stripped of joy and flavor isn’t a life well-lived — it’s just a checklist.

So in 2026, I’m choosing to savor more — to eat the chocolate, enjoy the moment, and let myself experience life fully and wholeheartedly.

Habits I’m Leaving Behind in 2025

1. Toxic Positivity

It’s okay to not be okay. Forcing optimism doesn’t make me resilient — it makes me disconnected and resentful. This year, I’m embracing honesty over perfection.

2. Comparing Myself to Others

The moment I start measuring my worth by someone else’s highlight reel, I lose sight of what I want and value. 2026 is about rooting deeper into authenticity.

3. Overcomplicating Health

Wellness doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Simplicity works — it always has.

4. People Who Drain My Energy

Protecting your peace sometimes means loving people from a distance — and that’s okay. 

5. Doomscrolling

This one’s self-explanatory. Endless scrolling does no one any good. Pick up a book, call a friend, and get outside and touch the grass.

As I move into 2026, my goal isn’t to become a new version of myself — it’s to nurture the parts of me that already feel grounded, present, and whole.

XO,

Ariella