26 Ways to Take Care of Yourself and Others in 2026

The new year is a fresh start and the chance to turn the page on a new chapter of life. But the constant messages telling us we have to change everything and work harder can feel downright overwhelming. What if, as you prepare to welcome 2026, you focused on doing less? Small changes can have big impacts – especially when they are something that truly matters to you.

We’re turning to nature for guidance as we plan what to carry with us into the new year and what to let fall away – and we invite you to do the same. And, since the mycelial network reminds us  that life is about connection, we’re also looking at ways to help those around us. Read on for 26 simple ways to take care of yourself and others in 2026.

1. Start your mornings without your phone. Immediately flooding your brain with notifications and demands can lead to overwhelm – so try to keep things analog for at least the first 30 minutes of your day. Give your nervous system time to wake up before you start scrolling.

2. Listen without multitasking. Being fully present is a way to show you care. Whether you’re at a parents’ association meeting, a night out with your BFF or snuggling on the couch with your kids, do your best to be in the moment (and off your phone).  

3. Add more mushrooms to everyday meals. This is an easy one for our community. Low in calories but packed with fiber and other nutrients, mushrooms are umami-rich additions to any meal. Sauté them for breakfast, toss them into soups or roast them for easy sides. Need more ideas? Start here.

4. Prioritize sleep like it’s an appointment. Go to bed when you say you will, and set an alarm to remind you to wind down. Adults need at least seven hours per night.

5. Hydrate before caffeine. We love our caffeinated morning drinks (especially when paired with mushrooms!) – but hydration is important for digestion, mood, heart health and energy. Drink a full glass of water before your first coffee or tea.

6. Spend time outside daily. Even five or 10 minutes count. Fresh air and natural light help reset your internal clock. Bonus points if you can get outside early in the day – your sleep-wake cycle will thank you!

7. Cook for someone else. Food is a way to show you care, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. Share an extra helping of chili or mushroom risotto with a colleague. Invite a neighbor over for pizza night. Drop off a one-pot meal to a friend who’s overwhelmed.

8. Add a new mushroom to your routine. We know that mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Turkey Tail are likely already part of your wellness practice. Why not learn about a newer, lesser-known-to-you mushroom? Explore our Fungi Field Guide.

9. Change workouts from a “have to” to a “get to.” Let go of the punishing exercise that you think you should do – and focus on what you enjoy doing instead. Walks, stretching, yoga and Pilates all count. So does hiking to find mushrooms!

10. Create a calming evening ritual. Scrolling your phone in bed is not calming! Dim the lights, brew some tea or enjoy a dropperful of Chill Elixir before bed.

11. Protect your boundaries. Not every email or invite requires an immediate yes. Even if they do, pause and breathe before replying. If you’re able, turn off notifications during certain hours.

12. Eat more fiber. Fiber is a nutrient that most of us don’t get enough of – but it delivers major benefits for your digestion, regularity, heart health and more. It’s only found in plants (and mushrooms), so adding more whole foods to your meals can help you reach your daily goals.

13. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself. Block time each week or each month to assess your routines. Notice what feels energizing and what feels draining. You don’t have to wait for milestones like birthdays or the new year to make a change!

14. Make gratitude a daily practice. Gratitude works, and there’s no wrong way to practice it. Here are 24 ideas to get you started – or to shake up your existing routine.

15. Create tech-free pockets of time. Time away from our phones and computers lets our brains reboot. Start with an hour and work your way up to a whole day – or longer.

16. Spend time outdoors with others. Nature has a way of bringing people together. Grab a friend or two and head into the woods to search for mushrooms. Even if you don’t find any, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

17. Lean into cozy routines. Life is hard enough. Embrace the soft edges and cozy habits that make you feel good. Think: Warm drinks, soft blankets and slow mornings.

18. Embrace a beginner’s mindset. Starting something new – from foraging mushrooms to playing the piano – can feel daunting, but sticking with it can pay off. Not only do you expand your knowledge and skills, but you also give your brain a boost. The trick? Keeping an open mind and feeling comfortable being a beginner.

19. Add one new wellness habit per season. Let change be gradual instead of overwhelming. Don’t try to add all 26 habits on this list at once – or at all. Pick one thing that resonates with you, then add another when you feel called to do so!

20. Use mushrooms as part of your P.M. wind down. If you’re trying to prioritize rest, consider the support of our Sleep Capsules. We combined organic Reishi, Passionflower and Hops extracts into a blend that supports restorative deep sleep.*

21. Be honest about your limits. Caring includes knowing when to say “no.” Saying “yes” only when you know you can follow through helps you protect your peace while still being there for others.

22. Let yourself rest. You don’t need to earn downtime. Whether it’s a nap, a quiet night in or a massage, give yourself the time you need to recharge.

23. Share what you love. Volunteering is a wonderful way to share your knowledge while giving back to your community. In addition to the warm-and-fuzzy feelings that come from helping others, there are actual benefits to volunteering for your physical and mental health.

24. Revisit what wellness means to you. Your definition of health, wellness and well-being can change – that’s growth. You get to decide what is worthy of your time and energy. 

25. Remember that self-care is cumulative. Every small step – like adding mushrooms to your routine, taking little walks at lunchtime or taking mini breaks from your phone – create change over time.

26. Celebrate small wins. Progress deserves recognition. If you’re someone who tends to abandon new habits because of an all-or-nothing mindset, break down each goal into smaller steps, then reward yourself for accomplishing each one.

Photo Credit: Olivie Strauss