How to Build a Wellness Routine That Actually Sticks in 2026

Doctor Anywhere Team
Jan 2
4 min read

Person writing "New year's goals" in a notebook with a blue pen. Brown hair, orange sleeve visible. Casual indoor setting.

The start of a new year often feels like a fresh page. Many of us begin January motivated, ready to eat healthier, exercise regularly, drink more water, and try to get better sleep. But by the following months, the energy starts to fade, routines fall apart, and we end up feeling frustrated with ourselves.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), building healthy habits is a long-term commitment that requires realistic goal setting and gradual lifestyle adjustments, not overnight changes.

Trying to do everything all at once often leads to burnout. But here’s the good news - a wellness routine can stick, if it's built to fit your life, your schedule, and your energy.

Let’s break down simple and science-backed ways to create a routine you won’t abandon by mid-year.

1. Start Small and Specific

Hands using chopsticks to place fried chicken on rice in a lunchbox. Surroundings include cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and lettuce on a wooden table.

Instead of saying “I’ll eat healthy this year,” try something simple and measurable like:

Add 1 serving of vegetables to lunch every day
Replace soda with water at least 5 days a week
Take a 10-minute walk after work

Small changes are easier to maintain and form the foundation for bigger habits. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that gradual behavior change is more sustainable and reduces the chances of feeling overwhelmed.

2. Choose Activities You Actually Enjoy

Four women in workout clothes smiling and dancing in a bright studio. One wears a headset, leading the group. Mood is energetic and cheerful.

If you hate running, forcing yourself to run every morning will not last. Instead, explore alternatives:

Dance workouts
Pilates or yoga
Cycling
Badminton or tennis
Strength training

Enjoyment increases consistency. When you like what you're doing, discipline becomes easier.

3. Schedule Rest (It’s Part of Wellness Too)

Woman lying in bed, reaching for a warm-lit lamp, wearing a striped shirt. Dim bedroom, calm and relaxed mood.

Recovery is essential for physical and mental health. Constant productivity culture can make rest feel “unproductive,” but rest prevents burnout.

Research from Mayo Clinic shows that rest reduces stress hormones and improves emotional well-being.

4. Do a Weekly Personal Check-In

Smiling woman in a kitchen holds a smartphone, with a laptop and breakfast on a wooden counter. White tiled wall and kitchenware in background.

Your wellness routine should evolve with you. Every week, ask yourself:

What worked well?
What felt too difficult?
What is one small adjustment I can make next week?

Awareness builds self-compassion and keeps you moving forward instead of giving up.

5. Get Support and Guidance From a Healthcare Professional

Smiling woman in a beige sweater uses a smartphone at a wooden desk with a laptop and plants, in a bright room with window blinds.

Sometimes we struggle because we’re trying to figure everything out alone, especially when dealing with issues like fatigue, recurring headaches, digestion problems, or stress.

A doctor can help you understand what your body needs and recommend lifestyle adjustments that suit your health condition.

The easiest part? You don’t need to go to a clinic. You can talk to a licensed doctor anytime through the Doctor Anywhere app, wherever you are, even from home.

Whether it’s:

Nutrition guidance
Sleep or stress concerns
Digestive health problems
Questions about supplements
Or regular health monitoring

A quick video consultation can give you clarity, confidence, and professional support.

A wellness routine that sticks isn’t about perfection. The goal is to feel better, not to pressure yourself into unrealistic standards.

Start your wellness journey with guidance you can trust. See a doctor online today through the Doctor Anywhere app and get personalized advice to support your goals. Our general practitioners are available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, with an average waiting time of less than five minutes. You can also book appointments with our specialists, and mental health experts, all from the comfort of your home.

Better yet, subscribe to DA Healthwise for just ₱99/year. This annual health plan gives you and your loved ones discounted video consultations with general practitioners, specialists, and even mental health experts. Plus, you'll unlock exclusive discounts and freebies from DA Perks’ health and wellness partner merchants, including Tamang Alaga (RiteMED), Ideal Vision Center, and more! Don’t forget to subscribe your loved ones to their own DA Healthwise plan, too!

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Make the most out of your doctor appointments! Tap here for key reminders to help you prepare for your video consultations.

One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2026 - Dec. 31, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242044 Series of 2025. *Promo runs from May 1, 2025 - Apr. 30, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-221357 Series of 2025. ^Promo runs from June 3, 2025 to June 2, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-226338 Series of 2025. Visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/promos-and-discounts for more information.

Sources:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet

2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leo San Diego is the content creator at Doctor Anywhere Philippines, where she specializes in making health information clear and easy to understand. With nearly a decade of writing experience, she has crafted everything from corporate communications to creative content.

She works with medical professionals to know the latest health trends, and health tips. Her goal is simple: to make reliable health information accessible and helpful for everyone. Outside of work, she enjoys baking brioche and other pastries, believing that taking care of your health includes enjoying rest days and good, thoughtfully prepared food.