Skip to content
an image of a model standing against a grey background wearing black workout gear. she is repeated three times throughout the image in different poses. the left side of the image shows the model standing with one hand on her hip, the middle shows the model with her hands on her head, and the right shows the model stood to the side with her hand against her waist

Features

Small Habits To Introduce for a Healthier 2026 From A Women’s Wellness Expert

By Emily Weatherill

This year, we’re striving to feel our very best both mentally and physically, and it turns out a huge difference can be made by adding some small habits to your daily routine. 

With over 15 years of experience in women’s health, nutrition, sports performance, and rehabilitation, personal trainer and ex-professional model Linda Jones knows what it takes to build routines that stick. Here are five small but impactful habits you can weave into your daily life to feel stronger, more energised, and ready to make 2026 your healthiest year yet.

A model standing before a grey background. She wears a white tank top rolled up to show off her abs with a pair of wide legged black trousers and metallic silver shoes.
A model standing before a grey background wearing a white tank top that reads "Make It Count". Her arms are crossed over her chest and she is wearing black leggings.

1. Habit Stacking

Instead of setting huge, life changing goals which are very hard to stick to, aim for 1-2 small changes which you implement for 1 week before introducing another. Over a period of time, you would have ‘stacked’ a healthier way of living. These could include things such as getting 5 minutes of sunlight after your morning coffee, 1-2 neck stretches every time you sit at your desk or a glass of water every time you look at your phone.

2. Balance Strength Workouts with Functional Training

Whilst strength-based exercises are vital for a healthy body, the ability to be able to move freely becomes more important with each passing year. Mix up your lifting sessions with movements like crawls, back extensions and single leg balance work for a more mobile, happy body!

3. Spend More Time In Nature

Spending time outside in nature is proven to boost brain power, improve mood and help you to get a better night sleep. As little as 10 minutes a day is enough to really feel the benefits over time.

Linda Jones, a women wellness expert and PT, she is wearing a white top and smiling at the floor.
Linda Jones, a women wellness expert and PT, she is wearing a white top and looking into the camera.

4. Clean Up Your Sleep Routine

Our sleep habits, otherwise known as sleep hygiene, are the true cornerstone of health. Consistent good sleep improves every part of our physical and mental health, and it is an absolute must on the priority list for a healthy, happy lifestyle. From our mood to our appetite, chronic sleep deprivation can affect all areas of our lives and simple improvements such as ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep per night, going to bed at the same time every day, quitting alcohol and turning off screens at least 1 hour before sleep, will greatly improve the overall quality of your life.

5. Prioritise Your Gut Health

There are trillions of microbiomes in your gut, and no two people have the exact same combination. Almost everything around can influence your unique make up of microbes and factors such as diet, stress, age, alcohol consumption and the environment all play a part. A healthy gut is vital for good mood, a strong immune system, weight management and hormonal balance. Some easy ways to look after your gut are:

  • Eat more fibre such as beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables and seed
  • Add fermented foods such as kefir, miso, kimchi and sauerkraut.
  • Reduce chronic stress through breathing, walking, and meditation.
A selection of healthy toast options. One shows cream cheese with tomato, one shows cream cheese with lime, one shows cream cheese with slices of cheddar, one shows cream cheese with raddishes, one shows cream cheese with nuts, one shows cream cheese with cucumber.

New Styles

see more