That creative project seems eons of motivation away and those bedsheets are much more enticing compared to that commute to the gym. Like most people, I found myself low on energy after the holidays. Taking a deeper look into my habits and routine prompted me to do something different in 2026.

This year, my New Year’s resolution was not a list, but a question. What do energetic, motivated trendsetters seem to have in common? Their never-ending productivity appeared too good to be true. But upon a closer look, there are tangible things we can take away from their trendy habits: building a lively routine and maintaining good wellness hygiene.

Now, realistically, many wellness trends are not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, popular self-care habits and trendy routines are subjective. What works for one person won’t always work for another, which is why you’ve got to try, toss, or hold onto what helps. So, how about we put these trends to the test? What habit is ridiculously helpful? Which is undeniably silly? Let’s figure it out.

Disclaimer: These trends were tested over a four-day period, and my thoughts are purely subjective. Please prioritize what is appropriate for you.

Day 1: A Bit of Morning Stretching

Stretch Like a 94-Year-Old

Recently, I stumbled upon a video of someone’s grandma with flexibility better than mine. After a bit of digging, I found people raving about the benefits of morning stretches: it boosts your energy, increases mobility, and enhances focus. According to Healthline, stretching supposedly increases circulation throughout your body, delivers increased oxygen, nutrients, as well as endorphins to your brain and muscles. Even science says yes to an energy boost? I had to put it to the test.

Now, I was not planning on waking up before the sun to stretch. Plus, let’s be realistic—my dog refuses to go for a walk before 8 a.m. and honestly, she’s my spirit animal. Instead, I set aside an extra hour before my day started and got to stretching.

Did it enhance my energy? Not quite. I noticed my body felt way less tense as the day went on. I still can’t touch my toes to my head like that super-grandma, but hey, I’ll take what I can get. This trend is great for anyone dealing with chronic pain or sitting at a computer all day — yep, that’s me.

Day 2: Ice Baths and Superfoods

Bella Hadid’s Ice Water Bath

We got our inspiration for the second day of our wellness journey from supermodel Bella Hadid. The 29-year-old Orebella founder begins her beauty routine with ice, ice, and more ice. Hadid, who suffers from Lyme disease, revealed in a Vogue Beauty Secrets segment that ice baths are great for “when I’m feeling a bit yellow, or I’m having a flare up, or I’m not feeling well or a bit anxious.”

Rumored to be great for glowing skin, reducing inflammation, and a quick energy boost, I needed to put the beauty trend to the test. Granted, I was terrified after hearing this form of cold plunging was uber cold and could hurt. But I stuck it out, grabbed my ice, and filled my bowl with water. You know what? I was pleasantly surprised to find that my ice bath did exactly what social media was talking about. Talk about a shot of espresso for my skin and brain!

Eat Your Reds

“Eat your reds,” my mom would always tell me. Until this new year, I sidelined this bit of guidance. Red fruits, specifically pomegranate, have skyrocketed in popularity across TikTok. Known for the messiness of peeling a pomegranate, it has become a symbol of platonic and romantic love. (Would you peel a pomegranate for your significant other? Or would you rather not stain your shirt?) The pomegranate has become the definition of loving someone, as one TikToker puts it.

Aside from romance, sisterhood, and friendship, the fruit has been trending as a “superfood.” Why? It’s not just the antioxidants. Apparently, per Healthline, pomegranates are packed with nutrients, may improve exercise endurance, and reduce inflammation.

See Also

Back To School Tech

I heeded my mom’s advice and gave it a modern twist. I tossed my pomegranate seeds into a juicer, even some beets (courtesy of my mom) and sweetened it to my liking. You know what? This red juice was not only tart and tasty, but felt refreshing.

Day 3: Positive Affirmations

Have you ever thought about how you talk to your rice? Dr. Masaru Emoto performed research on the way we speak to jars of water-soaked rice. The results? The “love” rice jar fermented and thrived. The “hate” jar? It wasn’t looking too good. Regardless, the point is that we shouldn’t be speaking to ourselves harshly!

With the moldy “hate” rice in mind, I decided to put some positive self-talk into this four day journey. On Day 3, I gave Lavendaire‘s positive affirmations a listen while getting ready. What came from it? Honestly, I felt a bit silly speaking to myself. However, I was definitely put into a good mood after starting the day off on a positive note. All in all: positive affirmations were a cute morning addition.

Day 4: Pinterest Worthy Self-Care

Do you actually need an aesthetically pleasing journal? Are fairy lights necessary for a productive work environment? On our final day, I decided to tackle the mother of all trends: aesthetic self-care. Instead of slapping on a face mask and calling it a day, I thought about what my ideal productive, motivating space looks like.

A clean room, light music, a vanilla scented candle, and a yummy cup of tea found their way into my work space. I threw on a set of comfy clothes and worked from a lap desk for the rest of the day. How did things turn out? I’m not going to lie to you: it totally worked. My to-do list was history. All it took was a few things that made me feel “Pinterest-worthy.” No fairy lights needed.

The Takeaway

After four days of testing wellness trends, I believe I’ve figured out the secret behind reviving your energy. Flamboyant forms of self-care and acrobatic yoga are completely unnecessary. Focus on what makes you feel good. If pomegranates aren’t that, then perfect! Want to try an ice bath? Be my guest—it actually worked wonders.

Moreover, pay attention to your self-care and work spaces. Cultivate an aesthetically pleasing environment for yourself—you deserve the encouraging push. Above all: what works for you may be different from the trendsetters you see on socials. Embrace the trends that are helpful and sideline the ones that aren’t. Wishing you a lively New Year, N Crowd.