A Love Letter to 2026 and Stronger Health Foundations
There’s nothing like a new year with a fresh set of intentions to kick-start your goals.
January 1st arrives feeling like the perfect opportunity to overhaul everything about yourself and your life. But why does the motivation wear off after a month or two? I know it’s not because we don’t care enough. I believe it’s because we try to change too much, too quickly, and without real intention.
Before I ever think about what I want to add in the new year, I like to pause and reflect on the one that’s just passed.
One of my favourite practices is writing down the moments that mattered, no matter how small. The new people who entered my life. The conversations that stayed with me. The laughter, the growth, the changes, the goals I achieved. Even things as simple as discovering a new coffee shop or enjoying more slow mornings.
When you zoom out, you begin to see how beautiful life really is. It’s also a gentle reminder of how precious our health is, because it allows us to experience all of it fully.
As someone who loves a fresh start and any excuse to make a checklist, I’ve realized there’s a common thread behind the habits and goals I tend to fall through on. They’re usually too big (without clear, small steps to get there), too many, and potentially disconnected from the season of life I’m actually in.
As we enter a new year with Her Holistic Store, I’m reflecting on what I want to carry forward from 2025. What worked. What didn’t. And what feels realistic and supportive to bring with me into 2026.
I’ve also learned that subtraction is just as important as addition. We don’t always need more routines, more tools, or more pressure. We need clarity. We need to be honest about what’s serving us, and what isn’t.
A question I come back to often is so simple: what do I need today?
That mindset shift alone has changed the way I move through life.
I'm often told I walk too fast. After hearing it a few too many times, I finally stopped and questioned myself. Who am I racing? Why am I in such a rush? And I realized that when I slowed down, I still completed everything I needed to. The same amount of time passed, but my nervous system felt calmer and my mind felt clearer. That awareness has shaped so much of how I now approach my wellbeing.
As you might expect from someone who created a non-toxic store, being mindful of toxins is also something I’m carrying with me into 2026.
As a woman in her late 20s who hopes to have children one day, supporting my health and fertility is extremely important to me. And my desire to support other women is just as important. For years, we were sold products filled with synthetic fragrance and harsh preservatives that can disrupt our immune system, gut health, and hormones.
Thankfully, there’s been a shift toward cleaner alternatives. The challenging part is that many brands now market themselves as ‘clean’ while still using questionable ingredients. This is classic greenwashing, and it’s one of the main reasons Her Holistic Store exists.
I’ve also learnt the value in anchoring your days. A grounded morning routine and a gentle evening routine can completely change the outcome of your day.
These routines don’t need to be strict, in fact, they shouldn't be at all. And they’ll look different for everyone depending on the season of life you’re in. But creating even a few minutes of intentional time for yourself at the start and end of your day can have a powerful ripple effect across every area of your life.
I prioritise my nervous system in the morning by starting my day without technology. I always make sure to wake up at a time that allows me to move through my routine slowly. I might do a few minutes of rebounding, or simply jump up and down and shake out my arms, followed by a warm drink and some quiet time soaking in the morning sun.
My evenings are much the same. Limited technology to give space for reading or journaling. Gentle stretching, skincare, moisturising my body, sometimes a face mask or red light mask if I’m feeling fancy.
Some days I do all of these, some days I only do a few. And that’s okay. The most important part is the presence behind it. It’s the quiet act of saying to yourself, hey, you're important and I’m showing up for you.
We live in a world where we’re constantly consuming content and rushing between responsibilities. It is vital to have moments of stillness in order to show up our best when we are needed elsewhere.
For a long time, the main narrative has been hustle culture, girl bossing, overachieving, and overconsumption. But we’re starting to see a shift. More women are craving slower living, less screen time, more community, and more presence. This is a really exciting evolution in our fast paced world.
As a new business owner, I feel this deeply. There’s a constant pressure to show up online, to stay visible, to keep up the pace. But I’ve learned the hard way that I can only truly show up well when my nervous system is calm and supported.
Rest isn’t a luxury, and ironically, it's the foundation to being clear minded and productive for the long term.
We are not robots, and in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI, embracing our imperfect humanness matters more than ever.
As you look ahead to 2026, it’s easy to focus on everything you want to do and achieve. But before rushing forward with all these ambitious goals, I hope you take a moment to pause and reflect with gratitude for all you have accomplished, no matter how small.
Let your health be the foundation for the year ahead. I truly believe when your wellbeing is prioritised, every other aspect of your life will grow and strengthen from that place.