17 Health Habits That Will Help You Level Up in 2026
As we step into 2026, leveling up isn’t about doing more but about doing what truly matters with intention, clarity, and energy. The start of a new year is always an invitation to refine your habits, simplify your routines, and focus on the foundations that actually support long-term wellness.
(Because if it’s just a passing trend that doesn’t become an actual habit, it won’t help shift your wellness for the better)
These 17 practices are designed to help you cultivate a healthier, more holistic life in 2026.
17 Health Habits to Start in 2026
Looking for a healthier start to the New Year… that will actually last you throughout the end? Here’s what I’d focus on:
1. Create a Mindful Morning Routine
How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Even a simple morning rhythm can shift your mindset from reactive to intentional.
I recently shared that I am trying to get back to my morning routine after falling off the wagon… because even though my career is wellness, I’m far from perfect!
Here are a few things I’m trying to implement:
Consistent wake-up time
20 minutes reading the Bible every day
Writing a to-do list for the day to keep my priorities focused
Drinking a large glass of water and electrolytes
2. Protect Your Sleep Like It’s Non-Negotiable
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for regulating hormones, mood, energy, and focus. Prioritize consistent bedtimes, calming nighttime routines, and screen-free wind-down time to support deep, restorative rest.
If you need some bedtime inspo, you can check out my current bedtime routine here.
3. Build Micro-Movement Into Your Day
Movement doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Short walks, stretching, or quick mobility breaks throughout the day add up. That increased movement helps with improving circulation, posture, and mental clarity without overwhelming your schedule.
When we break up with the “all or nothing” approach to health, we realize that huge changes can happen from small, sustainable habits over time.
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4. Hydrate With Intention
Hydration supports digestion, energy, skin health, and focus. Make it a habit to drink water consistently throughout the day, especially in the morning and between meals.
Again, this is another one I’m focusing on improving this year. I’ve found that keeping a water bottle close is the biggest thing that helps me drink water consistently throughout the day!
5. Eat to Nourish, Not Just to Get Through the Day
Instead of chasing food trends, focus on simple, nourishing meals built around whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Consistency here matters far more than perfection.
Need more support building a nourishing, well-balanced meal? You can check out my blog post here:
6. Practice a Growth-Focused Mindset
Challenges are inevitable, and how you interpret them matters. Shifting from “this is hard” to “this is teaching me something” creates resilience and forward momentum.
Looking back in hard seasons, I can clearly see how I came out a little bit better on the other side. Maybe I was forced to learn a hard lesson, let go of a habit that was no longer serving me, or focus on having a bit more discipline.
Now, when challenges pop up, I know from past experiences that it’s really an opportunity to improve and refine who I’m showing up as.
7. Set Intentions Alongside Goals
Goals give you direction, but intentions anchor you in purpose. Ask yourself not just what you want to achieve, but how you want to feel and show up along the way.
8. Make Gratitude a Daily Practice
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring what’s hard, but rather it’s about training your brain to notice what’s working. A simple daily reflection can shift perspective and reduce stress.
Honestly, when I first started a gratitude practice, it was hard… I just wasn’t aware throughout the day of my gratitude.
But like with all things, what you do, you get better at. So I practiced. Every day I listed 5 things I was grateful for, even if they were small, like having a great coffee, or hearing from a friend that I’ve missed. Overtime, my list naturally got longer and longer because I was so much more aware of all the things I am truly very grateful for.
9. Create Boundaries With Technology
Constant connection can quietly drain your energy. Build in intentional phone-free time — especially in the evenings — to support better sleep, focus, and presence.
In 2025, I broke up with social media, and it was one of the best things I did. While my tech boundaries are a little different these days, the principles still stay the same. My holistic wellness is so much better when I am less connected to tech.
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10. Spend More Time Outside
Fresh air and natural light support circadian rhythms, mental clarity, and stress regulation. Even some brief time outdoors can have a noticeable impact on mood and energy.
Best part— it’s completely free to do a lot of outdoor activities!
11. Invest in Meaningful Relationships
Depth matters more than quantity. Make space for conversations and connections that feel supportive, grounding, and life-giving. Over the years, I have really refined my circle, choosing deep, authentic relationships where I can fully be myself.
But I won’t sugar-coat it, making deep, meaningful relationships as an adult can sometimes be hard. Put the work in regardless. I promise, it’s worth it!
12. Simplify Your Physical Space
Clutter often reflects mental overload. Clearing out what you no longer use or need creates space for calm, creativity, and clarity in daily life.
One of my big themes for this year is embracing “less is more.”
13. Strengthen Your Mental Fitness
Mental wellness isn’t passive. Practices like journaling, mindfulness, learning something new, or creative expression help keep your mind flexible and resilient.
Over the last couple of years, I have been leaning into trying to set aside more time for creativity. Just intentional time to create whatever. I first started this when I felt myself getting into a creative rut and noticed that I needed to create margin in my life for creativity. Again, what you practice, you get better at.
Soon, I was finding myself frequently getting new ideas, feeling inspired, and excited to create new things.
This same mindset can be used for any mental skills.
14. Reduce Added Sugars and Ultra-Processed Foods
This isn’t about restriction but about supporting stable energy, balanced blood sugar, and overall metabolic health. You do not have to have a “perfect” diet to see a notable change in your overall health and how you feel. This is where I really lean into the 80/20 mindset and choose what my priorities are.
Most of the time, my family eats whole foods that are nutrient-dense. But we also grab the occasional takeout or eat boxed mac and cheese.
15. Build Joy Into Your Everyday Life
Sometimes we get into the habit of thinking that joy comes only from the “big” things— big trips, events, or life milestones. But maybe it is getting older that has reminded me that most of my joy is from the small, everyday moments. Instead of just happening upon them, I want to make sure I am fostering a life that is aware of them.
Coffee with my husband, small moments of connection with my kids.. small, daily rituals that are making a joy-filled life.
16. Reflect and Reset Weekly
Instead of waiting for a new month or year, check in weekly. What worked? What felt draining? What needs adjusting? Reflection keeps growth sustainable.
This past year, I have tried to check in more often. Instead of looking at the year as a whole, what if we checked in quarterly, or even monthly? One of my favorite routines is weekly check-ins with my husband. We use this time to look at how the week went and how we can prepare for the upcoming one. While it only takes a few minutes, it has really helped us to optimize small things.
17. Celebrate Progress (Even the Small Wins)
Leveling up in 2026 doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your life. It happens through small, intentional choices practiced consistently. These habits aren’t rules. They’re tools meant to support your version of a well-lived, well-balanced life.
What are some aspects of your health and wellness that you are hoping to level up this year?
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