WELLNESS HABITS I'M TAKING INTO 2026...

As we come to the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my health, routines and the habits that have genuinely made a difference to how I feel — physically, mentally and emotionally.

After facing some health and hormonal challenges throughout 2025, I decided to stop running on autopilot and really take my wellness seriously. Not in an obsessive way, but in a consistent, intentional way.

Over the last few months, I’ve built routines that feel sustainable, nourishing and supportive — and going into 2026, these are the habits I’m committed to carrying forward...

My Supplement Stack

This is something I’ve really locked in over the last couple of months. Consistency has been key, and I’m finally starting to feel the difference.

My current supplement rotation includes:

• Freesoul Intimate Flora – Supports gut and vaginal health, hormone balance and digestion

• Iron Bisglycinate – A gentle, well-absorbed form of iron to support energy levels and prevent fatigue

• Myo-Inositol – Supports hormone balance, insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health

• Berberine – Helps regulate blood sugar and support gut and metabolic health

• Vitamin D3 + K2 – Essential for immune function, bone health and mood

• Ashwagandha – An adaptogen that helps manage stress and reduce cortisol levels

• Magnesium + Turmeric – Supports relaxation, muscle recovery, inflammation and sleep quality

• Omega-3 – Anti-inflammatory benefits, supports brain, heart and skin health

• Ceylon Cinnamon – I add this to my protein shakes on days that I train. Helps stabilise blood sugar, supports insulin sensitivity and provides powerful antioxidant benefits

This stack isn’t about perfection — it’s about supporting my body where it needs it most.

Sauna & Steam Sessions

I recently joined a new gym with spa facilities, and it has honestly been a game changer. I aim for 15 minutes in the sauna followed by 5 minutes in the steam room whenever I train.

Benefits include:

• Improved circulation

• Muscle recovery

• Detoxification through sweating

• Stress reduction

• Better sleep and skin clarity

I always leave feeling lighter, calmer and reset — the perfect way to start my day.

Reformer Pilates (3x a Week)

Reformer Pilates is something I’ve loved on and off for years, and I’m so happy to have reintroduced it consistently.

At Virgin Active, I switch between:

• Foundations – Perfect for technique, control and alignment

• Align – Focuses on posture, mobility and stability

• Athletic – More challenging, strength-focused and dynamic

The benefits are endless: improved posture, deep core strength, flexibility, injury prevention and a stronger mind–body connection.

Weight Training (2x a Week)

Weight training has completely transformed my body composition over the last year and a half.

For women especially, resistance training:

• Supports hormone balance

• Builds lean muscle

• Improves bone density

• Boosts metabolism

• Enhances confidence and strength

My sessions are mostly free weights and resistance machines — nothing fancy, just consistent and effective.

Steady-State Cardio

This now looks like:

• Stairmaster (10 minutes post-workout)

• Cross trainer sessions

• Incline walks (12-3-30, Lauren Giraldo style)

I used to be a runner. I completed two half marathons — huge achievements I’m proud of — but eventually, running became too stressful on my body. My cortisol levels were through the roof, my hormones were out of balance, and it ended up doing more harm than good.

Switching to lower-impact, steady-state cardio has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health.

10,000 Steps a Day

Walking has become a non-negotiable for me. It’s therapeutic, grounding and such an easy way to stay active.

Benefits include:

• Improved cardiovascular health

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Better digestion

• Improved mood and energy levels

  
  

Between working on my feet at Space NK and freelance make-up, hitting 10k steps most days feels natural — and my Apple Watch keeps me accountable.

Daily Skincare Routine

Consistency over complexity. My skincare routine is something I’m really proud of — I’ve put in the work to get my skin to the clearest, most glowing it’s ever been (which I’ve shared more about in a previous blog post here).

Going into 2026, I’ll be continuing to prioritise:

• Barrier health, hydration and long-term skin goals

• Always double cleansing (balm or oil followed by cleanser), especially after heavier make-up or SPF

• SPF every single day — non-negotiable

• Consistent morning and evening routines

• Skin cycling and rotating my skincare wardrobe to give my skin exactly what it needs, when it needs it

This approach has made the biggest difference to my skin — and it’s one I’ll be sticking to.

Bodycare & Weekly “Everything Showers”

Bodycare is something I’m consciously levelling up.

I already love:

• Naturism body washes for targeted concerns

• Body butter and foot cream at night

But daytime moisturising is where I get lazy. I don’t love the feeling of heavy products under clothes, so I’m leaning into lighter options like:

• Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray

• Naturium 5% Urea Body Serum

I also try to stay consistent with scrubs, shaving and general maintenance — even in winter (where motivation definitely dips).

Dry Brushing

I dry brush either before a bath at home or before the sauna.

Benefits include:

• Improved circulation

• Lymphatic drainage

• Smoother skin texture

• Reduced water retention

It’s such a small habit but makes a noticeable difference when done regularly.

Hair Health Regime

Since getting balayage again in August after years of box-dyeing black, hair health has become a big focus.

I’m currently following a more intensive routine involving:

• Scalp oiling overnight

• Scalp serums

• Bond repair treatments

• Deep hydration from root to tip

  
  

I’ll be doing a full blog post soon breaking this down properly — but hair growth, density and scalp health are big 2026 goals for me.

Red Light Therapy

I use my red light lamp on my face for 15 minutes every night after skincare, and the difference in my skin is undeniable.

Benefits include:

• Improved collagen production

• Reduced inflammation

• Faster skin healing

• Improved tone and texture

I also love full-body infrared beds at my local wellness centre for muscle recovery and overall wellbeing.

80/20 Nutrition Approach

I don’t believe in restriction — it never works for me.

Instead, I focus on:

• Prioritising protein

• Anti-inflammatory foods

• Reducing refined sugar

• Leaving room for treats

For January, I’m doing a low-sugar (not no-sugar) month with my work girls — accountability always helps.

This flexible, intuitive approach is the only one that’s ever felt sustainable for me.

Stretching & Body Recovery

Recovery is something I’ve become far more intentional about, and it’s made a huge difference to how my body feels and performs.

I make a point to stretch before every workout, focusing on mobility, flexibility and injury prevention. Taking a few extra minutes to properly warm up helps improve performance, reduce muscle tension and support long-term joint health.

Alongside this, I’ve committed to regular massages, currently booking a traditional Thai massage with cupping once a month.

The benefits I’ve noticed include:

• Reduced muscle tension and stiffness

• Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Faster recovery between workouts

• Stress relief and nervous system regulation

• Improved mobility and posture

Prioritising recovery allows me to train consistently without burnout or injury — something I’ll definitely be continuing into 2026.

Prioritising Sleep & Reducing Stress

Sleep is everything.

My goal is 7–8 hours a night, and sleeping with an eye mask has made a huge difference to the quality of my rest.

Reducing stress looks like:

• Long walks

• Hot baths

• Mindfulness and meditation

• Rest days

• Saying no more often

• Doing work I genuinely love and find fulfilling

I’m also entering my bookworm era next year — Kindle pending.

Final Thoughts

Wellness, for me, isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about choosing habits that support me, my hormones, mental health and overall quality of life.

These are the routines that feel good, work for me, and most importantly — are sustainable.

What wellness habits are you taking into 2026?