(Photo: Brooke Cagle | Unsplash)
Published January 1, 2026 06:26AM
This January, there will be no “New Year, New Me” mantra for me. No aesthetic overhaul. No wellness Olympics planned. No measurements or weights taken for later comparison. No new year’s resolutions at all. I’ve decided that I am not arriving in 2026 under constant construction as a renovation project.
The new wellness is not constant repair, but constant care. Compassion. Joy. Appreciation for what currently exists even as any intentional changes continue to unfold.
This is difficult, of course. The world keeps shouting faster, quicker, better, and MORE MORE MORE. But I can slow down, pay attention, and decide not to listen. Not today.
The last several years have already been a time of refining, unlearning, and becoming for myself and many of us. Not arriving. Not fixing. Just existing within the process rather than being exclusively focused on the destination and ignoring, well, life.
With that in mind, here are the New Year’s resolutions I will absolutely NOT be making.
10 New Year’s Resolutions to Avoid in 2026
Improvement cannot be the only destination.
1. I will not be doing cold plunges
My nervous system already gets plenty of exposure therapy from everyday life. I do not need to recreate the sinking of the Titanic before breakfast. Besides, most cold plunge research focuses on men. Women respond differently to exposure to extreme cold exposure. Shocking, I know, another area where women’s health is understudied and misunderstood. But if hypothermia is your hobby, pop off. I will be staying inside and keeping warm beneath three blankets. And wearing wool socks.
2. I will not be forcing myself to drink anything green that tastes like lawn maintenance
If it doesn’t bring me joy, it’s not coming with me into the new year. It’s totally possible to be healthy and enjoy what you consume! Health and pleasure are not opposites.
3. I will not be getting a full-body red-light panel
Mostly because what does it even do?! Every wellness article claims something different— collagen, mitochondria, mood, metabolism. That said, I am eyeing the face mask because I’m a middle-aged woman who has decided that I’m okay with trying to make my face look 20 again.
4. I will not be meditating for an hour a day
What I will be doing is my usual (and totally doable) 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. Long enough to regulate my nervous system. Short enough not to ruin my relationship with meditation. Realistic enough not to create shame several days into January.
5. I will not be working out every day like I’m training for an Ironman
My actual resolution? Move each day in ways that feel good. Walking counts. Stretching counts. Unhinged kitchen dancing while cooking dinner definitely counts.
6. I will not be removing gluten or adding the latest superfood just to appease someone else’s idea of a wellness doctrine
I will eat in the way that feels right for my body, my mood, my season. Anyone who wants to debate this can take it up with their own gut microbiome. I’m finally done with eating based on trends. Instead, I’m eating for me.
7. I will not be biohacking myself (well, not too much)
I’m not turning my life into a science experiment. I’ll support my body in the normal ways—sleep, food, movement, boundaries, and minding my own business. But because I am a Virgo, I am allowed one spreadsheet.
8. I will not be buying any new bio-monitoring technology
No Oura ring. No Whoop strap. No $300 widget telling me I slept badly when I already woke up knowing that. The spreadsheet will be filled in the ancient way: pausing, noticing my mood, and asking myself what I need.
9. I will not be manifesting without action
Yes, I’ll find my vibe. Yes, I’ll protect my energy. But I’ll also take the steps, send the emails, and otherwise move things forward. Manifestation works best when paired with movement, although I do wish I could visualize my new kitchen and have it poof into place.
10. I will not be reinventing myself into some Pinterest-perfect version of a yogi or performing wellness for the internet
No aesthetic overhaul. If it nourishes me, I will do it. If it exists only to look good online, I am skipping it. I will be showing up as my real, sometimes messy self, because lived, imperfect wellness is the norm, not polished performance. This year is about living well, not curating well.
Your turn. What habits, trends, or expectations are you leaving behind in 2026?
Beyond Resolutions: The Future of Holistic Wellbeing
The rejection of rigid New Year’s resolutions, as highlighted above, isn’t an isolated trend. It’s a symptom of a larger shift in how we approach wellbeing. We’re moving away from a ‘fix-it’ mentality and towards a more sustainable, integrated approach. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon.
The Rise of ‘Slow Wellness’
Inspired by the slow food movement, ‘slow wellness’ emphasizes mindful practices, intentionality, and a rejection of quick fixes. Think long walks in nature, savoring meals, and prioritizing restorative sleep over grueling workout routines. Data from a 2025 McKinsey report showed a 35% increase in searches for “mindful living” and “intentional routines” compared to 2023.
Pro Tip: Start small. Instead of aiming for a complete lifestyle overhaul, choose one area to focus on and approach it with curiosity and self-compassion.
Personalized Wellness Powered by AI
While many are eschewing bio-monitoring gadgets, the underlying technology is evolving. Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize personalized wellness. Instead of simply tracking data, AI algorithms will analyze individual biometrics (sleep patterns, heart rate variability, genetic predispositions) to provide tailored recommendations for nutrition, exercise, and mental health. Companies like InsideOut are already pioneering this space, offering personalized nutrition plans based on gut microbiome analysis.
The Gut-Brain Connection Takes Center Stage
The intricate relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing is no longer a fringe concept. Research continues to demonstrate the profound impact of the gut microbiome on mood, anxiety, and even cognitive function. Expect to see a surge in demand for prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods, as well as personalized gut health testing and interventions. A recent study published in Nature Mental Health found that individuals with diverse gut microbiomes reported significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Community-Based Wellbeing
The pandemic underscored the importance of social connection for mental and emotional health. We’re seeing a growing trend towards community-based wellbeing initiatives – group fitness classes, mindful walking groups, shared gardening projects, and local support networks. These initiatives provide a sense of belonging and foster social support, which are crucial for resilience and overall wellbeing.
The Democratization of Mental Healthcare
Access to affordable and accessible mental healthcare remains a significant challenge. However, technology is helping to bridge the gap. Teletherapy platforms, mental wellness apps (like Calm and Headspace), and AI-powered chatbots are making mental health support more readily available to a wider audience. The global mental health app market is projected to reach $17.5 billion by 2028, according to Statista.
Did You Know?
The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions give up by February. This highlights the need for more sustainable and realistic approaches to wellbeing.
The Future is Fluid
The overarching theme for the future of wellbeing is flexibility. Rigid rules and restrictive diets are out. Personalized, adaptable, and compassionate approaches are in. It’s about finding what works for *you* – not what’s trending on social media or prescribed by a wellness guru. It’s about embracing the journey, not just the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is it okay to have goals? Absolutely! Goals are valuable, but they should be approached with flexibility and self-compassion. Focus on progress, not perfection.
- What’s the difference between a resolution and an intention? Resolutions often focus on what you *want* to change, while intentions focus on *how* you want to be. Intentions are more process-oriented and less outcome-focused.
- How can I practice self-compassion? Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your struggles, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
- Are wellness trends always bad? Not necessarily. Some trends can be beneficial, but it’s important to critically evaluate them and choose what aligns with your values and needs.
Ready to ditch the resolutions and embrace a more sustainable approach to wellbeing? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Explore our articles on mindful living and self-care for more inspiration. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights on holistic health.
