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With only a few weeks left until 2026, it’s a good moment to take stock of your daily habits and how they are shaping your overall health. The New Year often brings big resolutions, but it’s small, consistent routines that build the strongest foundation for well-being. Simple changes — the kind you can start today — can transform how energetic, balanced, and resilient you feel as you step into the year ahead.
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Dr. Saurabh Sethi based in California The gastroenterologist with 25 years of experience and training from AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford has outlined eight simple habits that can significantly improve your health as you move into 2026. In an Instagram post shared on November 15, the gut health expert explained how habits like taking in the morning sunlight and going for a walk after meals can meaningfully support and enhance your overall health.
Don’t start your day scrolling
Dr. Sethi suggests starting your day with a moment of gratitude instead of reaching for your phone and scrolling as soon as you open your eyes. He explains, “Cortisol peaks in the morning. Scrolling adds to the stress; Gratitude activates your vagus nerve and stabilizes digestion for the day. (Also, don’t take your phone into the toilet.)”
take 10 minutes of sunlight in the morning
According to Dr. Sethi, exposure to natural morning light not only helps reset the body’s internal clock, but also helps with vitamin D synthesis and gut health. He elaborates, “Morning light resets your circadian rhythm, enhancing Vitamin D and mood, and keeps your gut clock aligned.”
Walk for 10 minutes after meals
Gastroenterologists point out that even a simple 10-minute walk after a meal can do wonders for digestion while helping to keep blood-sugar levels stable. This small habit also goes a long way in preventing the heavy post-meal slump that many people experience.
Add Fermented Foods
Dr. Sethi recommends including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi or kanji into your diet at least three times a week. These naturally nourish and support a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the need for supplement capsules.
Add more herbs and spices
According to gastroenterologists, adding more herbs and spices to foods and beverages can improve gut health Swelling naturally. He explains, “Turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel, and black pepper aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and nourish healthy gut microbes. Aim for 30 different plant foods a week — herbs and spices are an easy, powerful way to reach that goal.”
Maintain a 12-hour eating window
Dr. Sethi recommends following a 12-hour eating window — for example, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This gives your stomach time overnight to repair, reset, and detoxify naturally.
Include berries regularly
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants and powerful prebiotics that deserve a regular place in your daily diet. Dr. Sethi recommends washing them thoroughly with baking soda and water to remove toxic residues. According to a gastroenterologist, “Jamun promotes beneficial bacteria, reduces oxidative stress and protects liver cells.”
prioritize sleep
According to Dr. Sethi, seven to eight hours of quality sleep is essential for your overall health. He emphasizes that adequate rest is essential for your gut microbiome to regenerate overnight. Staying up late disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which can lead to poor digestion and intense sugar cravings the next day.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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