Disclosure: Portions of this article were edited using AI-powered tools to enhance clarity and flow. All opinions and selections reflect the author’s personal views.
By the end of 2025, I noticed something about myself — and honestly, about a lot of people around me. The big resolutions weren’t really happening anymore. Not because we didn’t care… but because life was lifing.
So instead of going into 2026 with a long list of things I was supposed to do, I decided to shift gears. I stopped chasing resolutions and leaned into reality choosing small, intentional upgrades that support my mind, body, health, and overall wellness in ways that actually fit into my day.
That mindset is what inspired my New Year, New You segment on ABC 7 Chicago and these are the exact products I’m using (or genuinely excited about) because they meet you where you are, not where Instagram says you should be.
SIV Biome Balancing Serum
Every January, we hear New Year, New Skin — and it usually comes with pressure to overhaul your entire routine overnight. At the end of 2025, I realized my skin didn’t need another trend or ten new products. What it needed was balance.
That’s why the SIV Biome Balancing Serum stood out to me. It’s designed to work with your skin’s natural biology by supporting the microbiome, the ecosystem that helps keep your skin calm, resilient, and healthy long-term.
What I personally appreciate is how intentional this formula is. It’s:
- Spore-based, helping support a balanced skin environment
- Dermatologically tested and safe for sensitive skin
- Focused on strengthening the skin barrier, not stripping it
This fits perfectly into my New Year mindset because it’s not about chasing “perfect skin”, it’s about creating a routine your skin can actually stick with. Fewer flare-ups. Less irritation.️ More consistency.
My take:
This is the kind of product you reach for when you want your skin to feel steady and supported, especially during winter months when dryness and sensitivity tend to show up uninvited. It’s a reset without the stress…..and that’s very 2026 energy.
FlowVeda
Because clarity is the real flex in 2026! If you’ve ever sat down to work and your brain felt like it had 27 tabs open, this one’s for you.
FlowVeda supports focus, calm, and mental clarity using clean, premium ingredients. What stood out to me is that it’s not about overstimulation or “fake energy.” It’s about helping your brain feel supported so you can actually move through your day with intention.
This is especially helpful if you’re:
- Managing stress
- Juggling multiple roles
- Trying to stay focused without feeling wired
For me, mental wellness is foundational. When your mind feels clearer, everything else — movement, skincare, rest — falls into place more naturally.
ROG XBOX Ally
Intentional play is part of wellness…..hear me out! This one might feel a little unexpected in a New Year, New You conversation, but stay with me.
When we talk about wellness, we often focus on movement and productivity, but we don’t always talk enough about mental regulation. For me, one of the quickest ways to reduce my resting heart rate or ease anxiety is actually stepping away and playing a game for a few minutes.
The ROG Xbox Ally has become a go-to for those intentional mental breaks between workouts, work, or even long days packed with meetings. It allows me to reset without spiraling into endless scrolling — and that difference matters.
What makes it work:
- Designed for intentional play, not mindless distraction
- Pairs extremely well with fitness, productivity, and wellness routines
- Encourages short, purposeful breaks that help you re-center
And the versatility is what really sold me. With an HDMI cable, a monitor, and a Bluetooth keyboard, it can instantly turn into a desktop-style experience. Same device, different mode — play when you need a reset, work when you’re ready to refocus.
My take:
This is about balance. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your body and mind is pause, regulate, and come back calmer. In 2026, I’m choosing tools that support how I actually function — not how I think I’m supposed to.
And yes… play counts.
Walking Pad with Incline
Before the holidays even hit, I had a moment of honesty with myself. I already knew how winter usually goes — less daylight, colder weather, fewer steps — and then six months later I’m asking, “How did I get here?”
I didn’t want to regret my decisions in six months. So I bought a walking pad with incline before the excuses had a chance to pile up, and honestly? It’s one of the smartest, most realistic fitness choices I’ve made.
What I love most is that this treadmill fits into my life — not the other way around. It’s compact enough to slide into a living room, bedroom, or home office, and it’s always ready when I am. No gym trips. No scheduling stress. If I have 10 minutes between calls, I can move.
And let’s talk about the incline. The 5° incline gives you that outdoor hike feel and helps burn up to 30% more calories, which means you’re doing more without feeling like you’re doing the most. It quietly works your glutes and thighs while keeping things low-impact.
This one is also surprisingly powerful and quiet. It runs under 45 decibels, so I can use it while working, taking meetings, or watching TV without disturbing anyone. The motor supports walking up to jogging speeds and holds up to 265 lbs, which makes it feel sturdy and secure.
As someone who’s mindful about joint health (due to my Sjogrens disease), it feels solid and comfortable under my feet, which matters to me because I want to move more without putting extra stress on my knees.
The LED display tracks speed, time, distance, and calories in real time, and the wireless remote lets you adjust speed without breaking your stride. And the best part? It arrives fully assembled. You literally unbox it and start walking.
My take:
This walking pad is perfect for anyone who wants to stay active during winter months without overhauling their routine. I can use it any time of day while still working, and that’s what makes it stick. It removes the barriers, the excuses, and the pressure — and replaces them with movement that feels natural.
This isn’t about chasing a fitness resolution.
It’s about choosing consistency — and protecting future you from regret.
The Real Takeaway
New Year, New You doesn’t mean trying to reinvent yourself or forcing another list of resolutions that sound good in January but don’t always hold up in real life. Sometimes it’s not about fixing anything at all — it’s about paying attention to what you actually need and making small, intentional choices that support that.
For me, this season is less about declarations and more about alignment. Choosing tools and habits that work with my life, not against it. Things that help me feel better mentally, move more naturally, take care of my body, and protect my peace, even when motivation fades and schedules get full.
These picks aren’t about perfection.
They’re about consistency, momentum, and giving yourself grace.
And if something helps you show up better — mentally, physically, emotionally — that’s not extra. That’s the work.
Here’s to a 2026 that feels supportive, sustainable, and rooted in real life.
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