Put Yourself First: Forget Challenges – Four Gentle Ways to Feel Better in 2026

It’s early January… and the internet is already shouting at us.

• Dry January.
• Veganuary.
• Sugar-free challenges.
• Weight loss groups.
• “New year, new you.”

And if you’re feeling calm, grounded and energised – brilliant. Go for it.

But if you’re already stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted… or dealing with digestive issues?
All of that noise might be the very last thing your body needs.

If your gut has been misbehaving, you’ll probably already know this: your digestive system and your stress levels are deeply connected. When life feels pressured, your gut often feels it first.

So instead of piling on yet another challenge this year, what if we tried something different?

What if 2026 was about putting yourself first?

This isn’t about never exercising, never reducing sugar, or never making changes. Those things can be incredibly helpful – when the timing is right.

But January is cold, dark, and demanding. For many people, spring is a far more natural time to make bigger lifestyle shifts. If your body is craving rest right now… listen to it.

So here’s my alternative invitation:

Forget the challenges – and try a gentle Put Yourself First reset instead.

No rules. No perfection. No failing.

Just a few simple habits that help your nervous system soften – which, in turn, supports your digestion.

1. Learn to say “no” (without guilt)

This is one of the most powerful ways to put yourself first – and one of the hardest.

Saying no to:

• An overworked boss with unrealistic deadlines

• Family demands that drain you

• Being the one who always picks up the slack

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

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Stress so often comes from too much to do and too little space to breathe. Every time you say no to something that doesn’t truly serve you, you create room for your body to exhale.

You don’t have to do everything.
You don’t have to help everyone.
And you absolutely can’t pour from an empty cup.

3. Meditate – even for five minutes

If there’s one “challenge” I would recommend, it’s this one.

Meditation has been shown to literally calm the fight-or-flight response and reduce the damaging effects of stress on the body. And no – you don’t need to sit cross-legged for an hour.

Five minutes counts.
Ten minutes is wonderful.

First thing in the morning or just before work can be ideal. I’ll be honest – when I fall out of the habit, I really notice the difference. When I come back to it, my whole system softens.

There are loads of free apps and YouTube videos to get you started. No pressure. Just curiosity.

Small habits. Repeated daily. Big impact.

Putting yourself first isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the consistent repetition of tiny, nourishing habits that tell your body it’s safe.

• And when your body feels safe?
• Digestion improves.
• Energy lifts.
• Healing becomes possible.

There are countless ways to practise self-care – these are just a few gentle places to start.

💬 What small habits help you feel more like yourself? I’d love to hear.

And as always, if you’re struggling with gut symptoms and want personalised support, you can book a free 30-minute call with me. No pressure, just a chat – and a chance to explore what your body might be asking for right now.

✨ Here’s to a softer, steadier start to 2026 – and to truly putting yourself first.