What should a healthy reset look like in 2026?

The new year is a time when many try to start good fresh habits and commit to improving health and wellness.

But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can quickly become daunting with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends and even politicians.

But they don't have to be — experts mostly say to keep it simple.

As 2026 arrives, here's what you can miss, what you should pay attention to and how to get credible information when you are inevitably faced with more confusing claims next year.

When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the upcharge. If you're eating enough, you're probably getting enough protein and don't need products that promise some big boost.

It is true that many people could benefit from more fibre in their diets. However, experts caution against extreme “fibre-maxxing” trends and instead recommend getting fibre from whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

That 20-step skin care routine and €200 serum some TikToker sold you on?

Dermatologists insist you really don't need it. Stay away from the beef tallow and slather on a good sunscreen instead (yes, even if you have darker skin ), they say.

And the same rule for simplicity applies to that hour-long “everything shower." The best showers are simple and short, dermatologists say, no "double cleansing" required. And that's also much better for the environment!

If the gym and all its equipment feel intimidating, you can drop the idea that you need extra materials for a good workout. This year, the comeback of callisthenics put the focus back on no-frills, bodyweight workouts you can do virtually anywhere, especially in the comfort of your home.

Research shows that callisthenics helps with muscle strength and aerobic conditioning. You may eventually need to add weightlifting or other equipment, but it is a great place to start to build consistency and confidence.

Even if you think you're likely to imbibe too much this New Year's Eve, help is at hand. Doctors say you can do without “ IV therapy ” which have vitamins you can get more easily and cheaper in pill form. But it's unlikely you need supplements if you have a balanced diet.

You're pretty much just paying for “expensive urine,” one doctor said.

Same for “wellness” focused products like microbiome testing kits that generate information that doctors can't actually act on. And if you don't have diabetes, there's scant evidence that you need a continuous glucose monitor.

The idea of a panacea pill, product or routine can be enticing. But science already knows a lot about how to improve mental and physical health, and they are tried and true: Whether you're in the city or the country, walk more. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. It's so good for you, doctors are literally prescribing time in the outdoors to their patients.

Take steps to get certain health metrics under control, like high blood pressure, which often goes undiagnosed and is known to cause a range of health problems down the road. Prioritise getting enough sleep, and make sure your family does too. Don't just eat right, eat slower.

Give your mind some care, too. Set better boundaries with your technology and regain and retrain your attention span. Build out your social networks and invest in all forms of love for the people around you.

These lifestyle changes don't just make you feel better in the moment. Research shows they impact your life for years to come, by lowering the risk of dementia and many other health issues.

It can be tough to know who to listen to about your health, faced with compelling personal stories on social media from people who swear something worked for them, or clever marketing and advertising from companies that scare you or promise an easy fix.

Doubts have been raised this year about established medicine, including the safety of food dyes, fluoride dental treatments, hepatitis B shots for newborns, and hormone therapies for menopause.

While the medical system is not perfect, your doctor remains the best person to talk to about prevention, health concerns and potential treatments.

When you do get that doctor's appointment, you can make the most of it by bringing a list of written questions and don't hesitate to ask for any clarification you need.