Post # 49 - The Habit I’m Bringing into 2026 (And the One I’m Letting Go)

Posted under: Wellness & Habits | The Full Life Edit

Each new year brings an opportunity to reflect on what we want to carry forward — not just in accomplishments, but in daily life. Over the years, I’ve realized that growth isn’t about sweeping transformations. It’s about small, intentional habits that shape how I feel, think, and move through the world.

This year, I’ve chosen one habit to nurture and one habit to release. Together, they create balance — a push toward growth without self-criticism.

🌿 The Habit I’m Bringing In: Morning Mindfulness

After years of rushed mornings, I’ve discovered the quiet power of mindfulness at the start of the day. It doesn’t take long — just a few minutes — but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

My simple routine:

• Sit quietly for three minutes after waking.
• Take slow, deep breaths and notice my body.
• Set a small intention for the day: “Today, I will focus on presence” or “Today, I will be gentle with myself.”

These few moments of calm transform my mornings. Instead of immediately reacting to emails or schedules, I arrive at my day centered and intentional.

Why this habit matters:

• It reduces stress and prevents that frantic start-of-day feeling.
• It improves focus and decision-making throughout the morning.
• It reminds me that the most important relationship I have is with myself.

🌸 The Habit I’m Letting Go: Mindless Scrolling

Alongside building new habits, letting go is essential. For me, mindless scrolling — whether on social media or news feeds — has been a stealthy energy drain.

Why I’m releasing it:

• It fragments attention and steals mental space.
• It often triggers comparison or anxiety.
• It replaces moments of rest or creativity with distraction.

Instead of scrolling, I’m redirecting those minutes to:

• Reading a few pages of a book.
• Journaling thoughts or gratitude.
• Practicing a short mindfulness exercise.

Letting go of this habit doesn’t mean I never pick up my phone. It means I interact intentionally, not out of compulsion.

🧠 Lessons from Habit Shifts

Building one habit and releasing another is surprisingly enlightening. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Small changes ripple outward: A few minutes of mindfulness can influence my mood, productivity, and relationships.
• Intentionality is powerful: Choosing what I do and don’t do reinforces self-respect and control.
• Growth isn’t linear: Some days, I forget to meditate or pick up my phone too often. That’s okay — the habit exists in the long-term, not every single moment.
• Letting go creates space: Releasing mindless scrolling opens time and energy for things that truly matter.

🌱 Making It Sustainable

For habits to stick, I’ve found they must be:

1. Simple: If a habit takes too long or is complicated, it won’t last. Three minutes of morning mindfulness is enough.
2. Consistent: Even a small daily practice builds momentum.
3. Flexible: Life happens. Some days I sit for three minutes, some days five. Some days I pick up my phone unintentionally — that’s okay.
4. Reflective: I check in weekly to see how the habit affects my energy and mood.

Sustainable habits aren’t about perfection — they’re about alignment with values and well-being.

🌸 A Gentle Invitation

This year, instead of a long list of resolutions, consider choosing:

• One habit to bring in: Something small that supports your well-being or growth.
• One habit to release: Something that drains energy or distracts from what matters.

By narrowing the focus, you create space for meaningful change without overwhelm. Growth becomes less about pressure and more about intention.

💬 Tell me: What’s one habit you want to bring into 2026? One habit you want to release? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear your choices and maybe even try some of them myself.

– M.E