Take a break from scrolling and rediscover simple, science-backed practices that nourish, calm, and restore—inside and out.
Stepping away from screens, even briefly, helps clear mental clutter and create space for renewal. Research shows we’re more likely to embrace healthy changes after symbolic new beginnings like New Year’s Day. Harness that spark of motivation and bring one or more of these feel-good habits into your routine to restore vitality.
Rise, stretch, and renew
Starting the day with gentle stretching wakes your body and sets a calm tone for whatever lies ahead. Just five to 10 minutes of mindful movement and steady breathing can ease tension and get blood flowing.
Gentle twists help massage the abdominal area, promoting circulation and supporting healthy digestion. Try greeting the sunrise outdoors or near a sunlit window. Morning light helps reset your circadian rhythm, balancing melatonin and cortisol to promote deeper sleep, steadier energy, and skin renewal.
Cool lift
For an easy, invigorating way to brighten your complexion—no gadgets required—try a cold-water face plunge or icy compress. “Cold therapy calms inflammation and reduces puffiness. The cold constricts blood vessels then opens them back up to boost circulation and bring fresh oxygen to the skin,” says Rachel Chertock, a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist with a Master of Science in traditional Chinese medicine.
Fill a bowl with ice water and dip your face briefly to refresh and energize. Or soak a clean cloth in icy water, wring it out, and press it lightly over your face for 30-second intervals. Avoid this practice if you have rosacea or Raynaud’s syndrome, as extreme temperatures can trigger flare-ups.
Sip your skincare
One of the easiest ways to improve the suppleness of your skin and support your overall health is to stay properly hydrated. Water helps flush out waste and supports the kidneys and liver, key organs in detoxification.
Aim for about two liters, or eight 8-ounce glasses, each day to support your skin’s natural barrier and maintain elasticity. Proper hydration also helps move nutrients through the body and carries away toxins, keeping your system balanced and your complexion clear. For extra flavor and nutrients, add slices of citrus for vitamin C or berries for an antioxidant boost.
Savor the rainbow
Feed your skin from within by enjoying a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. Diets rich in vibrant produce are linked to lower inflammation and improved skin hydration and elasticity. Carotenoid pigments in foods like carrots and tomatoes, when eaten regularly, can subtly enhance your natural glow. How you eat matters, too: research shows that mindful, undistracted eating activates the body’s pre-digestive responses, supporting smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.
Small breaks, big benefits
Hours spent sitting in front of a screen can slow circulation and reduce oxygen flow to your skin. Taking short posture breaks throughout the workday helps revive blood flow and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
Even one to two minutes of light movement every 30 to 60 minutes supports healthy circulation, vascular function, and steady energy. Stand up, roll your shoulders, and gently twist side to side with your arms hanging loose by your sides to wake up your spine. These micro-movements ease neck and jaw tightness, nourish spinal tissues through improved circulation and mobility, and support healthy lymphatic flow.
Set a timer as a reminder to move regularly and stay consistent.
Relax and restore the ancient way
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, facial gua sha uses a smooth stone to massage the face and neck, enhancing circulation and lymphatic flow. “Apply a little facial oil to help the stone glide and use light, upward strokes,” explains Chertock. “Move the stone from the center of your face outward, following the contours of your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. You want to lift and open the skin rather than drag it down.”
If you don’t have a gua sha stone, try using a smooth, rounded tablespoon or soup spoon instead, applying the same feather-light techniques over lightly oiled skin. Research suggests that gua sha may help stimulate lymphatic flow, drain excess fluid, and bring a healthy glow to the skin. “At night I focus on my jaw to ease tension. It’s a great way to relax the nervous system before sleep,” adds Chertock.
Supplements that support natural detoxification
- Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and enhance liver detoxification pathways. It also boosts collagen, keeping your complexion bright and resilient.
- Collagen peptides, rich in the amino acid glycine, may support liver detox and repair. Evidence shows they can help strengthen the gut barrier and foster whole-body renewal, including in the skin.
- Plant-based protein supplements provide amino acids that promote tissue repair and help maintain lean muscle. They also supply fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants that help calm inflammation and may support natural detoxification enzyme activity.
- Polyphenols, potent antioxidants found in foods like berries, green tea, grapes, and nuts, help neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s cleansing processes.
- Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, protect against fatty liver disease, and encourage natural detoxification.
- Chlorella is a tiny green algae with huge benefits. A complete protein rich in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, it also provides omega-3s and trace minerals that enhance detox and renewal.
This article was originally published in the January 2026 issue of delicious living magazine.
