The end of the year is often framed as a time to socially push through, switch off completely, or just ‘let go’ into indulgence (all under the guise of end of year R&R.) 

But from an Ayurvedic and yogic perspective, this is actually the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and gently reset before the new year begins. 

Rather than waiting for motivation or willpower in January, I prefer to use December to clarify direction, stabilise habits, and lock in the foundations that support a clear mind and steady body. 

This blog will guide you through a simple, step-by-step process to: 

• reflect on the year that’s been 

• create a realistic wellness vision for 2026 

• identify the habits that will support that vision 

• begin gently integrating them now 

No perfection required! Just the creation of clarity and an intention to start building consistency. 

Step 1: Reflect on 2025 

Before setting new goals, it’s nice to acknowledge where you’ve actually been. 

Take a few quiet moments and reflect on the past year. You might like to journal on the following: 

• What supported my wellbeing this year? 

• What consistently drained my energy? 

• Where did I feel most grounded and clear? 

• Where did I feel rushed, reactive, or depleted? 

• What habits did I maintain easily? 

• What habits felt unsustainable? 

This isn’t about self-criticism it’s about gathering information. 

In Ayurveda, awareness comes before adjustments.  

Step 2: Define Your Wellness Vision for 2026 

Next, let’s zoom out. 

Instead of focusing on specific, isolated outcomes (such as weight, productivity, performance), define how you want to feel and function in your daily life. 

Ask yourself: 

• How do I want to feel in my body most days? 

• How do I want my energy to feel through the day? 

• How do I want my mind to feel under pressure? 

• How do I want my daily life to support my values? 

Your wellness vision should feel grounded and achievable, not aspirational or idealised (although feel free to dream big and weave in aspirations! So long as it’s not going to setup you up for mental strain or self-imposed dissapointment). 

Examples might include: 

• steady energy across the day 

• calmer mornings and evenings 

• consistent digestion and appetite 

• a clearer, less reactive mind 

• a rhythm that supports both work and rest 

Write this out in a few sentences; this becomes your reference point. 

Step 3: Identify the Habits That Support That Vision 

Once the vision is clear, the question becomes simple: What daily habits would naturally support this way of living? 

This is where Ayurveda and yoga are incredibly practical. Rather than extreme protocols, we work with dinacharya, or daily rhythm, focusing on foundations first. 

Foundational Habit Categories:

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Choose one or two habits from each category to begin with. 

1. Sleep & Daily Rhythm 

• consistent bedtime and wake time 

• evening wind-down routine 

• reducing stimulation at night 

2. Nutrition & Digestion 

• regular meal times 

• warm, nourishing meals 

• minimising snacking 

• supporting agni rather than restriction 

3. Daily Movement 

• walking every or most days 

• yoga-asana or stretching 

• strength or resistance work a few times per week 

4. Stress Regulation 

• breath awareness 

• short pauses between tasks 

• realistic scheduling 

5. Spiritual Practice 

• mantra meditation 

• engaging in service 

• reflection or prayer 

6. Social & Emotional Wellbeing 

• time with supportive people 

• boundaries around energy drains 

• asking for support when needed 

Also note - these habits work together; they are not separate systems. 

Step 4: Start Small, Start Now 

December is not the time to be rigid or intense. It is the time to start testing rhythms. 

Choose: 

• one habit to focus on in the morning 

• one habit to focus on in the evening 

Examples: 

• a consistent wake time + a short morning walk 

• warm breakfasts + earlier dinners 

• 5 minutes of pranayama and yoga-asana before bed 

By beginning now, you remove pressure from January > you enter the new year already in motion. 

Step 5: Review and Adjust (This Is the Practice) 

Ayurveda is adaptive and yoga practices are experiential. 

What works in theory may need adjusting in real life, and that’s not failure, it’s using your intelligence to make these sciences accessible and applicable. 

Each week, ask: 

• What felt supportive? 

• What felt forced? 

• What needs simplifying? 

Your system will tell you what it needs when you listen consistently.

 

A sattvic lifestyle isn’t about control or restriction. It’s about clarity, internal steadiness, and contentment. 

By reflecting now, clarifying your wellness vision, and gently building supportive habits, you give yourself the gift of entering 2026 grounded, organised, and already aligned with how you want to live. 

This is the essence of the Sattvic Girl Lock-In: practical, sustainable and effective.