From sleep and stress management to movement and mindset, this honest wellness reset shares my 2026 intentions without perfection, pressure or unrealistic expectations.
Contrary to what you might think by seeing this post on social media, January didn’t collectively arrive with fireworks or a clean slate for me this year. New Year’s Eve and that experience of seeing a double ball drop in Times Square (without having to be out there for more than an hour and a half!) was incredible. I don’t want to discredit the opportunity, as I know that in itself is a huge bucket-list item for many people to do. It was a big deal, and I feel extremely grateful for the night.
That said, New Years Day and onto a real start to January arrived slowly, carefully, and with a lot of pause and caution.
The last few weeks have been heavier than usual … navigating ongoing building issues that left us without heat and hot water for days at a time, solo parenting while Scott works overseas for most of January and *all* of February, getting COVID (again), and making space for some bigger, quieter conversations about what’s next for our family.
Let’s throw in more than one traumatic event that took place very close to our apartment (in a very safe neighborhood, mind you) *and* more than one emotional month of drama and allegations within our church leadership that has led us into a possibility of a new chapter and starting point. It’s been a lot.
I’m not sharing this for sympathy or solutions. I’m sharing it because it’s real and because sometimes the most honest resets don’t come from motivation, but from necessity.
After ten amazing (and demanding, hustling) years in New York City, we’re in a season of reflection. Asking better questions. Slowing things down. Letting ourselves consider what the long-term dream looks like and what’s sustainable.
And as a health coach — one who absolutely does *not* have it all figured out — this feels like the most authentic place to begin 2026 … not with rigid resolutions, not with pressure, but with intention, grace and a willingness to keep learning and growing.
But first, let’s note …
I wrote a similar post last year. Many of these intentions look familiar and that’s intentional.
Growth isn’t about checking boxes once and moving on. Some lessons take years. Some seasons ask us to practice the same habits again and again, with more compassion each time.
This list isn’t about getting everything right, it’s about continued growth and direction and that is exactly why I’m sharing it with you today.
IN for 2026
These are some things I’m actively choosing to carry with me this year: imperfectly (but consistently) and with room to evolve.
- Prioritizing 7+ hours of sleep
Not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable foundation for health. - Acknowledging stressors instead of powering through them
Stress doesn’t disappear when we choose to ignore, it compounds. - Therapy and honest conversations
Support isn’t a sign of struggle, it’s a sign of self-awareness, healing and growth. - Movement that sparks joy
Investing in fitness classes, platforms and routines that feel energizing … not forced. - 30+ minutes of daily movement
Walking counts. Gentle days count. Consistency matters more than intensity. - Journaling and devotionals
Creating space to process, reflect and reconnect. - Letting go of what doesn’t serve us
Habits, expectations, timelines and toxic relationships are all open for reassessment. - Progress over perfection
Showing up imperfectly is still showing up. - Spending money on experiences over things
Saying yes to travel, memories and shared moments over things, especially as a family. - Eating to fuel my body
Less restriction and impulsive grabs, more nourishment and listening to what my body actually needs (or doesn’t need).
OUT for 2026
These are some patterns I’m consciously working to release … again, with more patience and practice.
- Cluttered corners
Physical clutter quietly drains mental energy. I’ve been endlessly purging and it’s liberating. - Over-explaining when I say “no“
Boundaries don’t require justification. - Cardio-only fitness mentalities
Strength, mobility, and longevity deserve the spotlight from here on out. - Doom scrolling
Protecting my attention is protecting my nervous system. - Avoiding discomfort
Growth rarely happens in the easy moments. - Thinking I’m not good enough
Speaking to myself with the same grace and advice that I offer others. - All-or-nothing thinking
Life lives in the middle, so remembering to show up here when it does. - Busy as a badge of honor
Rest is productive, especially in seasons of healing. - Ignoring early signs of burnout
Pausing sooner instead of later. - Waiting for the “right time”
Remembering that steps still move us forward.
If there’s one thing this season has reminded me, it’s this:
You’re allowed to take more than a year to become who you’re becoming.
Health (physical, mental and emotional) isn’t linear, and neither is life.
So as we move deeper into 2026, I’m choosing to move forward gently. With intention. With support. And with the understanding that growth doesn’t always look like momentum, sometimes it looks like steadiness.
If you’re in a similar season, please know and remember that it’s never to late to start anything.
You’re not behind. Maybe you’re still listening and tweaking. And that always counts.
Happy New Year and official start to 2026 to you!
xo, Heather
More reflections, routines, and realistic wellness practices coming soon: slowly, intentionally, and authentically (mistakes included). In the mean time, let’s stay connected over on Instagram.
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