2026 Ins and Outs

Reflecting on the 'Ins and Outs' for the year 2026 provides a unique opportunity to realign our daily habits with our values and wellbeing goals. The list of 'Ins' like putting effort into making new friends in Nevada, choosing reading over scrolling, and mindful, planned meals truly resonates with me. These habits emphasize intentionality and presence, which are essential in our fast-paced digital world. One habit I particularly appreciate is embracing consistency over perfection. It reminds me that progress is made through steady action rather than attempting flawless execution every time. This approach reduces stress and builds momentum, making growth sustainable. In my experience, incorporating movement every day, whether it’s snowshoeing or a simple walk, profoundly impacts my physical and mental health. It boosts energy and helps manage overstimulation, similar to using earplugs as mentioned. On the flip side, retiring habits like negative self-talk, impulse purchasing, and over-caffeinating frees up mental space and resources to focus on what truly matters. Recognizing the tendency toward people-pleasing or catastrophizing allows for mindful response rather than reaction, which has greatly improved my relationships and self-esteem. Additionally, the 'Outs' such as going to bed without washing my face or the 'diet starts tomorrow' mentality are habits I’m striving to eliminate. These often reflect procrastination or neglecting self-care, which can accumulate negatively over time. Parenting with a 'go with your gut' philosophy aligns well with building trust in oneself and recognizing that not every decision needs external validation. Similarly, replacing political news from Instagram with more uplifting or educational content has helped me maintain emotional balance. Overall, weaving these intentional 'Ins' and mindfulness about 'Outs' into daily life cultivates resilience and a more fulfilling year. I encourage anyone to create their own list of habits to embrace or release—it's a personal, evolving journey that fosters growth and happiness.