As we all gear up for a new year — typically a season punctuated by ambitious resolutions and pricey “reset” programs — one longtime expert says the biggest trend of 2026 is actually the opposite of extreme.
According to Bridgette Becker, program ambassador and educator at the celebrity-loved We Care Spa in the desert near Palm Springs, the trends are moving away from complicated hacks. Rather, the new It-wellness program is all about circling back to the simplest, most foundational habits.
Becker said she’s seeing a clear shift among guests and clients who are trying to “balance optimal performance with healthy relaxation” and find a more sustainable rhythm heading into the new year. “Nature has its rhythms and seasons,” she said in comments shared with me by email, adding that many people feel pulled to realign with those patterns instead of pushing through nonstop productivity.
Her advice for 2026 focuses on accessible habits that don’t require equipment, expensive programs, or major upheaval — things like spending more time in nature, moving regularly, and setting intentional boundaries with technology. “Devices are incredible tools,” Becker said, but too much screen time can disconnect people from themselves and from others. Scheduling screen-free windows each day, even short ones, can help restore attention and creativity.
Becker also underscored the basics of long-term physical health: Make it a goal to eat more leafy greens, stay hydrated, and prioritize quality sleep (especially before midnight, when the body naturally resets). She explained that even subtle shifts, like taking a daily walk after meals, can boost cardiovascular health, immunity, mood, and longevity.
But one of her most underrated recommendations may also be the simplest: eat at least one meal each day in a relaxed state. Becker explained that the nervous system directly influences digestion, and people absorb more nutrients when they slow down, sit down, and disconnect from devices. “It is actually more productive for your body,” she said, than multitasking through lunch.
She also predicts that nurturing meaningful relationships will be a huge goal for people next year. Research continues to show strong links between social connection and overall wellbeing, and Becker encourages people to invest in friendships that support comfort, shared interests, and trust. (Hanging out with real friends? Now that’s a New Year’s resolution to look forward to.)
Overall, you don’t need to panic as the calendar moves closer to January 1: You don’t need a total overhaul to feel healthier next year — just a return to mindful, consistent habits that have always worked.