For a long time, I thought wellness meant doing more. More supplements. More routines. More tracking. More trying to “fix” myself. But after cancer, caregiving, and seasons of deep stress, I’ve learned something important: not every wellness trend is meant for every body…or every season of life.
As I head into 2026, I’m being more intentional than ever about what I don’t do. Skipping certain routines isn’t about giving up on my health, but rather protecting my energy, nervous system, and sense of self.
Here are the wellness routines I’m consciously leaving behind:
Overcomplicated morning routines: I’m done with the idea that a “successful” day requires a perfectly optimized morning. If your routine takes an hour before you’ve even had coffee, it’s not serving me. Mornings, for me, are about grounding—not performance. A slow start, a walk, or simply easing into the day beats rushing to check off boxes.
Wellness that’s rooted in fear: Any routine that starts with “you should be doing this or else…” is a no. I’m skipping wellness content that preys on anxiety, aging fears, or shame, especially messaging aimed at women who’ve already been through enough. My body isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a partner I’m learning to listen to.
High-intensity workouts that leave me depleted: I still love movement, but I’m no longer interested in workouts that leave me exhausted for days. Strength, mobility, and classes I actually enjoy are in. Pushing through pain or exhaustion in the name of “discipline” is out.
Wellness as a full-time job: If a routine requires endless research, constant purchasing, or keeping up with trends, I’m skipping it. Wellness shouldn’t feel like another role women are expected to manage flawlessly. Especially not for those of us who have already carried so much.
The pressure to do what everyone else is doing: Cold plunges, 5 am wake-ups, and supplements TikTok swears by, are not for me. This year, I’m skipping comparison-based wellness. What works for someone else doesn’t need to work for me. And that’s not a failure, it’s wisdom.
The takeaway is that skipping isn’t quitting. It’s choosing discernment over pressure, intuition over noise, and compassion over control. And for me, that’s what wellness looks like now.
If you’re entering a new year feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re “supposed” to be doing, this is your permission slip to let some of them go.
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