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Associated Press

The new year is a time when many try to take up new, good habits and commit to improving health and wellness.
But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can turn daunting quickly with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends and even politicians.
But they do not have to be.
This year, experts mostly say to keep it simple.
As 2026 arrives, here is what you can skip, what you should pay attention to and how to get credible information when you are inevitably faced with more confusing claims next year.
1. Protein and fibre are important, but you probably do not need to pay more for extra
When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the upcharge for extra protein. You are probably getting enough and do not need products that promise some big boost.

Most people could indeed use more fibre in their diets, but ditch the “fibermaxxing” trend. Instead, eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
2. A good skin care routine is not expensive or complicated
That 20-step skin care routine and US$200 serum that some influencer sold you on? Dermatologists say you really do not need it.
Stay away from the beef tallow and slather on a good sunscreen instead, even if you have darker skin.
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.

3. There are many simple ways to get that workout in
If the gym and all its equipment feel intimidating, you can drop the illusion that a good workout requires either.
This year, the comeback of callisthenics puts the focus back on no-frills, bodyweight workouts you can do in the comfort of your home. Research shows that callisthenics helps with muscle strength and aerobic conditioning.
You may eventually need weightlifting or other equipment, but it is a great place to start to build consistency and confidence.

4. Be wary of wellness fads – they are often too good to be true
Even if you imbibe too much this New Year’s Eve, doctors say you can do without IV therapy, which has vitamins you can get more easily and cheaper in pill form – if you even need more, which is unlikely if you have a balanced diet. You are pretty much just paying for “expensive urine”, one doctor said.
Same for “wellness” focused products like microbiome testing kits that generate information that doctors cannot actually act on. And if you do not have diabetes, there is scant evidence that you need a continuous glucose monitor.

5. To improve your health, go back to the basics
The idea of a fix-all pill, product or routine can be enticing. But science already knows a lot about how to improve mental and physical health, and these are tried and true.
Whether you are in the city or the country, walk more. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. It is 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. Do not just eat right – eat slower.
Give your mind some care. 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 do not 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.
6. Don’t know who to trust? Start with your doctor
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.
If you cannot get to a human doctor and turn to Dr Google instead, be sure to never use it to diagnose yourself. When you do get that doctor’s appointment, you can make the most of it by bringing a list of written questions – and do not hesitate to ask for any clarification you need.
Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.


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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads


Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads.


Healthy eating

How to age well

Mental health

Dementia

6 health and wellness tips for 2026 – keep things simple, sleep and move more

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads

1. Protein and fibre are important, but you probably do not need to pay more for extra

Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads