As the calendar flips to Monday 05 January 2026, a compelling counter-narrative is emerging in the wellness sphere: January might be the worst possible time to set ambitious new year's resolutions. This insight comes from Emilie Lavinia's latest Well Enough newsletter, which advocates for a gentler, more biologically attuned start to the year.
The Case Against January Resolutions
Contrary to popular belief, the deep winter month of January is not historically aligned with new beginnings. Our ancestors marked the start of the year with the spring equinox, a period of natural awakening and renewed energy. While modern life no longer revolves around these celestial events, experts suggest our internal rhythms still echo this ancient pattern, making the dark, cold days of January an inherently challenging time for drastic personal overhauls.
This perspective is gaining traction in biohacking and wellness communities. Alexa Knight, Director of Policy and Influence at the Mental Health Foundation, emphasises that while reflection is natural, "there's no rule that says changes have to happen in January." She advises that positive steps for wellbeing can be taken at any time, with small, achievable goals often proving most effective.
Embracing a "Soft Landing" into 2026
Lavinia describes her own approach as a "soft landing" into the new year, consciously prioritising activities that feel good over extreme challenges. She recommends muting social media accounts that promote intense workout regimes or restrictive diets, arguing for bringing your "whole self" into 2026, not just the parts deemed optimisable.
The key, according to Knight, is self-compassion. "Slipping up is normal and doesn't mean you've failed," she states. The goal should be persistence, not perfection, with mental health care woven into the fabric of any objective. Lavinia's core advice is to resist the "self-optimisation hype" and set manageable, milestone-based resolutions throughout the year.
Practical Tips for Sustainable Change
The newsletter offers several actionable strategies. Journaling to track small changes can build momentum, while curating an inviting personal space—whether for relaxation, exercise, or meditation—encourages consistency. Lavinia also collates expert takeaways from 2025 to guide the year ahead.
These include:
- Alice Porter's advocacy for playful variety over gruelling consistency in exercise.
- Harry Bullmore's concept of "exercise snacking" for cosy January days.
- Shakira Akabusi's advice on reframing your relationship with movement and strength, featured on the Well Enough podcast.
- Beginner-friendly Pilates moves and the workout favoured by midlife women and Jennifer Aniston.
- Niki Cottrell's experience finding joy and social connection through a hiking club.
Looking forward, Lavinia predicts 2026 wellness trends will focus on community spaces, analogue activities, AI diagnostics, and biological age as a new social benchmark. Ultimately, the message is one of gentleness and realism. However you welcome 2026, let it be a time for goals that make you feel "healthy, whole, and human." As Lavinia concludes, you're already well enough as you are.
To receive future editions of the Well Enough by Emilie Lavinia newsletter, readers can enter their email on The Independent's website or visit the newsletter preference centre. While waiting, the accompanying Well Enough podcast offers deep dives with experts, available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
