Well, hello 2026. To be honest, January has never been my big resolution month. I'm not wired for the all-or-nothing reset. (And research shows they're not always effective.) But I do love it as a month to reflect, take stock, and experiment with teeny-tiny practices that actually fit into my real life.
Think of it as wellness minimalism: the little things that make a meaningful difference. If you're also looking for a "soft start" to wellness in 2026, here's what I'm trying.
Reading more books.Starting with these titles that focus on actionable advice, not a personality transplant.
Tightening my social net with the "5-3-1 rule." When life is busy, it's OK (and smart) to calendar your connections.
These days, getting something for common concerns, like sleep, skin, anxiety, or weight loss, can be as easy as filling out an online questionnaire and waiting for a Rx to show up. Add in supplements and that pill count can climb fast.
Polypharmacy — taking multiple medications or supplements (four or more) regularly — can create real problems because no one's seeing the full picture. Prescriptions can come from multiple providers, often via telehealth and online pharmacies, without a single clinician overseeing everything you're taking.
That matters because even "small" meds that feel minor, like antifungal creams or skin and hair Rx, or "just vitamins" can interact with other meds when stacked, compounding issues like dizziness, blood pressure changes, or liver stress.
The temptation to buy supplements and medication-like products (think peptides) on the "gray market" is also growing. These aren't FDA regulated, may contain inconsistent dosages or contaminants, and can interact unpredictably with prescription meds.
Finally, risk rises when you're seeing multiple practitioners. That's why it's important for one clinician to review your full medication list, including supplements. Some providers recommend a "brown bag" review: Bring in everything you take regularly, in its original container, so overlaps or interactions don't get missed.
For Your Sanity:
Track everything. Prescriptions, OTC meds, supplements, creams, gummies — it all matters. A simple notes app or doc works. Include: What it is, why you take it, when you started, the dose and frequency.
Loop in your parents (or aging loved ones), too. A recent analysis of Medicare recipients found one in six seniors were prescribed eight or more medications. Polypharmacy in older adults is linked to symptoms like balance issues, confusion, and memory problems. In other words: It may not be "just aging."
Don't DIY your way off meds. Stopping or tapering medication without guidance can cause rebound symptoms or withdrawal effects. Always talk to a clinician first, even for meds that seem low-stakes.
Q: Everyone I know is canceling plans to avoid the flu. Is this overkill?
A: "This year's flu season promises to be a rough one — the highly contagious nature of the prevalent influenza strain has the medical community dubbing it a "super flu." Rates are rising in 45 states across the US and as many as 11 million cases have been documented as of late December.
It's not unreasonable to cancel plans to avoid influenza exposure — but several factors matter, including vaccination status, local flu activity, and the type and size of event. Compare the importance of the event to the risk. Even though I'm vaccinated, I'd skip a crowded karaoke night but might attend a small outdoor wedding. Choose wisely!"
At the moment, you're likely being inundated by fitness challenges on your feeds. But if the idea of committing to a 30-day overhaul of your workout routine ranks right up there with a root canal, may we humbly suggest moving in a different direction: plyometrics.
In keeping with our spirit of getting more by doing less to ease into the new year, jump training is a quick way to tick a lot of exercise boxes in a short period of time — cardio, strength, balance, stability, and agility. Plus, science points to the longevity power of plyo workouts because they help you build stronger bones — and healthier joints.
Just be sure you've got a solid (not overly plush) pair of sneakers to wear while doing any of the videos below:
Burpees are one jumping exercise people love to hate, but here's a 14-minute, beginner-friendly workout focused on them that may just change your mind.
Why Money Risk Matters
Money decisions shape more than finances. They affect stability, options, and how much strain sits in the background of daily life. In this Skimm+ conversation, we're sitting down with Vivian Tu (@YourRichBFF) to talk through the money decisions that changed her life — from early career moves to walking away from a $600K salary. She'll break down how she evaluated risk, what she ignored, and why more women deserve to do the same.
P.S. Skimm+ members who RSVP will have a chance to receive a free copy of Vivian's new book, Well Endowed — while supplies last.
No matter how many eggnogtinis you enjoyed last month, your liver doesn't need a spa day to kick off Dry January — it's already very good at taking care of itself.
Still, it is an organ worth paying attention to since more than 30% of people have metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition caused by fat buildup in the liver that can increase your risk of cancer.
If you're concerned, a liver panel — a simple blood test — can offer a snapshot of how well yours is functioning. Depending on the results, your doctor could recommend additional testing, like imaging or, in some cases, a biopsy.
The real secret to adulthood isn't knowing what knife to use or how to decode laundry care labels. It's realizing that every shoe becomes a better version of itself with insoles. They're the difference between parking across the lot and needing door-to-door transport. Buy a pair and walk confidently wherever the day takes you.
We were today years old when we realized the perks of having a portable blender.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Have a question, comment, or just want to be friends? Reach out to us at well@theskimm.com
Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway and Kylie McConville.Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Photos by DupePhotos.com, Brain Trust courtesy of subject
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
