My 2026 Ins and Outs
I like keeping this simple and real. New year, busy season, winter, baby. These are the habits I’m leaning into and the ones I’m letting go.
IN
Consistent resistance training
I got away from lifting during pregnancy because I felt nauseous and didn’t always feel comfortable with weights. In the early postpartum months, sleep was the limiting factor. Now I feel more like myself again and I’m enjoying strength work. My rule is simple. Aim for twenty minutes most days and use the first bit of baby’s first nap.
Daily steps and more walking
This used to be easy for me. With a baby and winter, not so much. I’m keeping the walking pad out and ready, and I’m still bundling us up for short outdoor walks when I can. Even fifteen minutes helps. Fresh air is always a bonus. I’m tracking steps with my ring so I can see small wins.
Mobility
This is the type of movement I love once I start, but I tend to skip it. What works is carving out a time that sticks. Early morning before the house wakes up or after the kids go to bed. Following a short video helps because I don’t have to think. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to feel better.
Regular self-reflection
I go through ebbs and flows with journaling and spiritual work. Sometimes it clicks and sometimes it doesn’t. I’m giving myself grace and keeping it simple. Writing a few lines or reading a chapter of a self-development book before bed.
More tea than coffee
I am not giving up coffee. I’m just adding tea into the mix so afternoons feel calmer and I naturally cut some caffeine. Lately I’ve been into berry flavored teas.
New recipes weekly
It’s time to get more creative in the kitchen again. I’m home a bit more during the day right now, so I’m using that time to try one or two healthy recipes each week. The key is being organized with groceries at the start of the week so I actually have what I need.
A little meal prep
Nothing fancy. Sometimes as simple as washing and chopping right after the grocery shop. It makes lunches faster and dinners less stressful, which matters a lot with kids and a baby.
OUT
The Starbucks habit
This crept up on us last year during errands or roadtrips and it added up. I’m dialing it back. Home coffee most days. A local café becomes a treat again. I’m also skipping the syrups and the mystery ingredients that sneak into my usual order.
Clothes I haven’t worn in a year
I feel more cluttered than ever with too many clothes. I’m buying less and letting things go regularly. If I won’t miss it, goodbye. I’m also releasing the pieces that don’t fit right now. Bodies change. I don’t need to keep things just to prove a point.
Makeup outside of occasions
My skin doesn’t love makeup and I’ve never been the person who researches every product. It is easier to avoid it day to day. If I have an event, I’ll put some make up on.
Overflowing schedule
Busy doesn’t equal valuable. I’m simplifying and setting clearer boundaries. I’m not trying to work while playing with the baby. I’m choosing a set window to see osteopathy patients and sticking to it. Work time, family time, rest, meals. Fewer tabs open.
Multiple grocery trips
This is a time and money drain, and not ideal with a baby. I’m aiming for one list and one shop each week. That goes hand in hand with planning dinners and doing a bit of prep so evenings run smoother.
That’s it. A short, friendly list I can actually keep up with in real life. If you’re in a similar season, feel free to borrow any part of it and make it your own.
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