New Year, New Rituals

This year, my approach to beauty and self-care feels quieter and more intentional. Less about quick fixes, more about long-term care. I’m focusing on small, consistent rituals that support how I feel, mentally and physically.

Nothing extreme. Nothing performative. Just habits that feel grounding, supportive, and sustainable.

What I’m feeding my body

I’ve been more mindful about what I eat, leaning towards UPF-free foods where possible. Nothing drastic, just simpler ingredients, shorter labels, and meals that feel nourishing rather than overly processed. It’s about awareness, not perfection, and noticing how much better my body feels when I keep things uncomplicated.

As someone who lives with endometriosis, I’m especially conscious of choosing foods that feel anti-inflammatory and supportive. Things that don’t leave me feeling heavy or uncomfortable, but instead fuelled and energised.

This year, I’m stepping away from a few habits that no longer support how I want to feel. Refined sugar is a big one, which means my daily Pepsi Max and evening sweet cravings are being left behind. Red and processed meats are also being kept to a minimum, ideally once or twice a week. This feels like an easy shift, as it’s not something I gravitate towards much anyway.

Dairy has been a harder balance (as a big coffee lover), so instead of cutting it out completely, I’m limiting myself to two coffees with milk a day and being more selective with other dairy. I’ve also been reducing caffeine more generally, swapping additional coffees for herbal teas, something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I do.

Gluten is another area I’m being more mindful of. I’m opting for gluten-free alternatives where possible, keeping pasta and bread to a few times a week rather than daily staples. I’ve realised that going gluten-free doesn’t have to feel restrictive. Once you find good alternatives, it can still feel varied, comforting, and far from boring.

Overall, this approach feels sustainable, supportive, and aligned with how I want to care for my body moving forward. Slow changes, made with intention.

What I’m feeding my mind

I’m being far more selective with what I consume mentally. Less mindless scrolling, more space. Quieter mornings, slower evenings, and choosing content that inspires or grounds me rather than overwhelms me.

I’m learning that not everything needs my attention, and that’s been surprisingly freeing.

What I’m feeding my skin

Beauty has been a big focus for me going into this year, but in a much quieter way than before. Less experimenting, less chasing “miracle” products, and more consistency, simplicity, and care.

Rather than overcomplicating routines, I’m focusing on what feels supportive day to day. Products I’ll actually finish. Steps I can stick to even on low-energy days. Skincare as part of my rhythm, not something to perfect.

I’m drawn to gentle, barrier-supporting formulas. Hydration, balance, and long-term skin health over quick results. Letting go of anything too harsh or reactive has been an important part of this shift.

My non-negotiables now are simple:

• Cleansing without stripping my skin

• Prioritising hydration, morning and night

• Staying consistent rather than constantly switching products

This approach feels far more aligned. Fewer products, used intentionally, and skincare treated as a ritual rather than a quick fix.

What I’m feeding my soul

This is where I’m placing the most intention. Creating space for softness, unhurried routines, calm evenings, time at home, and moments that don’t need to be productive or shared.

Beauty, for me, is increasingly about how supported I feel in my own life. Not just externally, but internally too.

These rituals aren’t about rules or resolutions. They’re about alignment. Choosing care over chaos, consistency over extremes, and building habits that quietly support me as I move through 2026.