Self-care in 2026 looks a little different from what it did a few years ago. Wellness is no longer confined to chasing the latest skincare fads, investing in new workout attire, or waking up at sunset to meditate on a freezing floor (unless that’s your thing). We've expanded our understanding of self-care to anything that improves any aspect of your health: physical, mental, or emotional. This year, we’re all about feeling good, staying curious, and investing in small comforts that make everyday life noticeably better. And yes, that includes listening to your body when it says, “Let’s not go to the gym today.”
Our staff is embracing a more realistic, pleasure-driven approach to wellness — one that reflects the current moment. Amid the nonstop news cycle, AI popping up everywhere from customer service to cocktail menus, and fluctuating healthcare insurance costs, taking care of ourselves requires more creativity these days.
From recovery-focused routines to small daily rituals that bring genuine joy, these are the kinds of picks that are less trendy and more practical.
Practice Self-Care With Our Staff's Soothing Picks
Vicks VapoShower Steamers
Amazon
“With two kids under two, my showers have become sacred. I love that these eucalyptus shower steamers rest near the drain, filling the steam with a calming, refreshing scent. These turn a quick rinse into a grounding moment of zen (with cries for 'Mama' in the background hopefully not included).” – Alaina Mancini, Managing Editor
AG1
AG1
“I care a lot about my health and how I perform, but nutrition can feel like a lot to manage. As a recreational runner, I want to know I’m covering the basics, and AG1 makes that easy by putting everything in one place. I started with the travel sachets and the bottle, and it honestly felt like a nice upgrade to my routine — simple, well thought out, and easy to stick with.”* – Sam Vastis, Account Manager
Maelove Peptide Squad Serum
Amazon
“I feel like I finally found my definitive, painless, bible skincare routine, and the product that has really made all the difference is the Maelove Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum. My forehead is almost dolphin-level smooth, and overall, I notice a huge difference in brightness and glow. Something I left in 2025 is throwing random products on my face and hoping they work — I now only take advice from certified dermatologists, and my favorite (Dr. Samantha Ellis) told me (via YouTube) that PEPTIDES WORK! And that they can be expensive to make, so this is an affordable and effective option. I use this product at night: After cleansing, I use my hydration serum, then retinol, then peptides, then a nice thick barrier moisturizer. Thank me later!” – Adriana Fazio, Producer
TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Therabody
“I’m a gadgets guy and own a few Therabody products, including a Theragun that I love, use religiously, and highly recommend for self-care. However, the product I reach for most is the TheraFace Depuffing Wand. I use it twice a day: cold in the morning to reduce puffiness and under-eye circles — and honestly, to help wake me up — and then heat at night after applying serum to help it absorb. It’s a small ritual I genuinely look forward to because it feels good, with the added bonus that it helps me look my best, too.” – Danny Feekes, VP Affiliate Commerce
Dieux Skin Mercy Recovery Cream
Dieux
“The older I get, the drier and more sensitive my skin seems to become. I’ve been slathering on about every cream and gel I can get my hands on to try and soothe flakes and chapped skin from being out in the snow so much, but everything has either made the irritation worse or left me with a burning epidermis. Thankfully, Dieux just released a new moisturizer packed with calming colloidal oatmeal, which my skin drinks up.” – Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor
MUTHA Body Oil
MUTHA
"Speaking of dryness, I'm not only struggling with it on my face — so, this year I am determined to actually exfoliate and full-body moisturize on a regular basis. In the shower, I've been using a buffing bar to scrub away dead skin and dirt, and while my skin is still damp after toweling off, I use a luxurious body oil to lock in moisture and leave my skin glowing." — Katie Pittman
Queen Tape
Amazon
“I finally said yes to the mouth-taping trend, and I’m officially a believer. I was skeptical that something so simple could actually improve my sleep, but I can honestly say I sleep more deeply and wake up feeling incredibly refreshed. The Queen Hydrating Collagen Mouth Tape takes it a step further by hydrating and nourishing my lips overnight. Better sleep and softer lips? I truly couldn’t ask for more.” – Becca Sweredoski, Senior Account Manager
Hatch Restore 3
Hatch
“I’m planning to invest in the Hatch alarm clock for the new year. My goal is simple: get more restful sleep and actually leave my phone alone at night and in the morning. I’ve realized that scrolling before bed and reaching for my phone the moment I wake up can disrupt my sleep and mornings. I’m excited to try gently waking up with light and sound instead, and see if a screen-free start to the day can make mornings feel calmer, more intentional, and just a little more enjoyable.” – Victoria Bellucci, Senior Account Manager
EltaMD UV Clear SPF
EltaMD
“Last summer was rough on my skin, and I'm afraid I'm on the path to looking more like Magda than Mary. In 2026, I’m committed to using sunscreen daily, so I purchased EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46. I'm hoping this keeps the wrinkles at bay a bit longer!” – Mary Agnant, Senior Video Producer
Camino Sparkling Pear Social Gummies
Camino
"As a Californian, I’m pretty familiar with CBD and THC products, and Camino gummies have long been my support system on nights when I want to relax. I appreciate that the brand offers low-dose options—some as low as 2mg of THC—for a mellow and manageable unwind. This variant is specifically formulated to help you feel uplifted, without the anxiety sometimes associated with edibles." — Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager
BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Dumbbells
“This is the year I finally commit to strength training. I was a serious gym rat before Covid, but I have yet to regain the muscle I lost during lockdown. This set is perfect for home workouts, which adjusts from 10 pounds to 90 pounds without taking up precious floor space. And I’ll be sure to follow the advice of Katie’s personal trainer, too!” – Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager
Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Nanoleaf
“With my wedding just a few months away, January is when I will start pulling out all the skincare stops. Facials? Sure! Lasers? Why not! At-home red light therapy? All day, every day. (Just kidding, I will obviously stick to the recommended use.) I ordered this mask and wand from Nanoleaf, and can’t wait to spook my fiancé when he walks in on me using the mask.” – Sara Levine, Managing Editor of Newsletters
* Denotes paid placement.