New Year Wellness Reset: Start 2026 with Wirecutter's Best
New year, new you—but this time, let's make it stick. Instead of overwhelming resolutions that fizzle by February, what if you focused on upgrading the tools that support your wellness goals? From sleep tech that actually helps you rest to adaptogens that support stress management and clean grooming swaps that eliminate toxins, these Wirecutter-approved products make healthy habits easier to maintain.
Here's your guide to resetting your wellness routine with expert-tested products that deliver real results.
Reset Your Sleep (The Foundation of Everything)
Quality sleep is the cornerstone of wellness—it affects everything from mood and energy to immune function and metabolism. Start your reset here.
Loftie Clock – Break the Phone Addiction
If your New Year's resolution includes better sleep hygiene, the Loftie Clock is your secret weapon. Wirecutter named it the "Best Smart Alarm Clock" because it's designed to keep your phone out of the bedroom entirely.
Why it works for your reset:
- Two-phase alarm gently wakes you (no more jarring phone alarms)
- Built-in white noise, soundscapes, and guided meditations
- Warm nightlight replaces your phone's blue light
- Bluetooth speaker for calming evening podcasts or music
The reset habit: Charge your phone in another room and use Loftie as your alarm. You'll sleep better and wake up without immediately scrolling.
Canopy Humidifier – Breathe Better, Sleep Deeper
Dry winter air disrupts sleep quality more than you realize. Wirecutter's upgrade pick, Canopy Humidifier, solves this with the cleanest, easiest-to-maintain design on the market.
Why it's perfect for January:
- Paper filter prevents mold and bacteria (unlike traditional humidifiers)
- Dishwasher-safe parts = actually easy to clean
- Whisper-quiet operation won't disturb sleep
- Helps with dry skin, congestion, and better breathing
The reset habit: Run it nightly in your bedroom. You'll notice better sleep quality, clearer skin, and fewer morning headaches.
Reset Your Stress Response with Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs that help your body adapt to stress—perfect for maintaining New Year momentum without burning out.
Sun Potion – Premium Adaptogen Blends
Featured in Wirecutter's wellness guides for their premium quality and beautiful apothecary packaging, Sun Potion offers some of the highest-quality adaptogens available.
Top picks for your reset:
- Ashwagandha – Supports stress management and cortisol balance (perfect for January anxiety)
- Reishi – Calming mushroom for better sleep and immune support
- Cordyceps – Energy and endurance without caffeine jitters
- He Shou Wu – Longevity tonic for sustained vitality
The reset habit: Add one adaptogen to your morning routine (smoothie, coffee, or tea). Start with Ashwagandha if stress is your main concern, or Cordyceps if you need sustained energy.
Plant Therapy Essential Oils – Aromatherapy for Calm
Wirecutter's "Best Value" essential oils, Plant Therapy provides GC/MS-tested purity at accessible prices.
Reset blends to try:
- Relax Blend – Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot for evening wind-down
- Bergamot – Uplifting citrus for morning mood boost
- Breathe Easy – Eucalyptus and peppermint for clear breathing during cold season
The reset habit: Diffuse Relax blend 30 minutes before bed as part of your wind-down routine, or use Bergamot in the morning to start your day with positive energy.
Reset Your Grooming Routine (Clean Swaps)
Switching to cleaner personal care products is one of the easiest wellness upgrades you can make. These Wirecutter-featured brands make it simple.
HiBAR – Ditch the Plastic Bottles
Wirecutter's top pick for "Best Shampoo Bars," HiBAR delivers salon-quality results without the plastic waste.
Why switch now:
- One bar = 2-3 plastic bottles eliminated
- TSA-friendly for travel (no liquid restrictions)
- pH-balanced formulas for all hair types
- Lasts longer than liquid shampoo
The reset habit: Start with the Maintain or Moisturize set based on your hair type. You'll save money, reduce waste, and get better results.
Jack Henry – Clean Grooming Essentials
Featured in Wirecutter's clean grooming guides, Jack Henry strips away unnecessary additives while delivering effective results.
Essential clean swaps:
- Super Face Cleanser – Gentle, effective daily wash
- Super Face Serum – Lightweight hydration without heavy oils
- Deodorant – Aluminum-free, actually works
- Body Wash – Clean ingredients, great lather
The reset habit: Replace one conventional product per week. Start with face wash, then add serum, then deodorant. By February, your entire routine will be clean.
Firsthand Supply – Award-Winning Hair Care
Wirecutter's multi-year winner for hair styling, Firsthand Supply's Clay Pomade offers strong hold with clean ingredients.
Why it's a smart swap:
- Strong, flexible hold without harsh chemicals
- Matte finish (no greasy shine)
- Minimal, transparent ingredient list
- Works for all hair types and styles
The reset habit: Switch from conventional styling products to Firsthand Supply. Your hair (and scalp) will thank you.
Duradry – Clinical-Strength Confidence
If excessive sweating holds you back, Wirecutter recommends Duradry as the top clinical-strength solution.
The 3-step system:
- PM gel for overnight protection
- AM stick for daytime confidence
- Wash to prep and cleanse
The reset habit: Commit to the 3-step system for 30 days. Most people see significant improvement within 2 weeks.
Reset Your Recovery Routine
Recovery is just as important as the workout. These Wirecutter-featured tools help your body heal and perform better.
HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
Featured as Wirecutter's premium pick for sauna blankets, HigherDOSE brings spa-level infrared therapy home.
Benefits for your reset:
- Supports detoxification (perfect for January cleanse)
- Improves circulation and muscle recovery
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep
- Burns calories while you relax
The reset habit: Use 2-3 times per week for 30-45 minutes. Pair with a podcast or meditation for ultimate self-care.
Reset Your Hydration & Nutrition
Pentire – Mindful Drinking for Dry January
Wirecutter's top pick for non-alcoholic spirits, Pentire Adrift makes Dry January feel like an upgrade, not a sacrifice.
Why it's perfect for your reset:
- Complex, oceanic herbal flavor profile
- Sophisticated enough for cocktails or sipping
- Zero alcohol, zero regrets
- Supports better sleep and energy
The reset habit: Mix with tonic and fresh herbs for an evening ritual that feels special without the alcohol.
Your 30-Day Wellness Reset Plan
Don't try to change everything at once. Here's a realistic rollout:
Week 1: Sleep Foundation
- Set up Loftie Clock, charge phone outside bedroom
- Start using Canopy Humidifier nightly
- Aim for consistent 10:30 PM bedtime
Week 2: Add Stress Support
- Introduce one Sun Potion adaptogen to morning routine
- Start diffusing Plant Therapy oils (Relax PM, Bergamot AM)
- Continue sleep habits from Week 1
Week 3: Clean Grooming Swaps
- Switch to HiBAR shampoo bars
- Replace face wash with Jack Henry cleanser
- Try Firsthand Supply pomade or Duradry system
Week 4: Recovery & Refinement
- Add HigherDOSE sauna sessions 2-3x/week
- Swap evening drinks for Pentire cocktails
- Assess what's working and adjust
Why This Reset Actually Works
Unlike vague resolutions ("be healthier"), this reset focuses on upgrading your tools. You're not relying on willpower alone—you're making healthy choices easier with products that:
- Have been rigorously tested by Wirecutter's experts
- Deliver measurable results (better sleep, less stress, cleaner ingredients)
- Fit seamlessly into your existing routine
- Are sustainable long-term (not crash diets or extreme measures)
By February, these won't feel like "resolutions"—they'll just be how you live.
Start Your Reset Today
The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is right now. Browse our complete collection of Wirecutter-featured wellness products and choose 2-3 to begin your reset this week.
Shop All Wirecutter-Featured Products →
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