1.6.26

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A message from deputy editor Emily Adams

I have to be honest: I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. At least, I don’t buy into the idea that any drastic change I make on January 1 will have longevity by March. However, I do wholeheartedly believe in setting intentions for myself that lead to sustainable lifestyle shifts. Slow and steady wins the race, for me, every time. That’s why, in our first edition of 2026, you’ll find information about:

🍹 A new program at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton that makes Dry January easy and fun, with a build-your-own mocktail bar and yoga sessions

✍️ Tips from the City of Kirkwood’s new wellness coordinator about “micro-habits” locals can adopt to make meaningful improvements in their day-to-day

💪 26 things you can add into your life in 2026 to make it more wellness-oriented, from fitness routines that range from low-impact to high-intensity, to the best healthy dishes you can pick up around the metro area

As always, please don’t hesitate to email me if there are ways this newsletter can be more helpful to you. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and the softest, more serene start to the new year.

If you know any St. Louisans who might also be interested in local wellness news, please spread the word by sharing this link.

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DRY JANUARY

New wellness program launches at Le Meridien in Clayton

If you’re easing into Dry January, Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton has you covered. The hotel is rolling out a month-long wellness lineup with build-your-own mocktails, a guided yoga class, and a post-practice brunch—an approachable way to slow down, sip something thoughtful, and start the year feeling a little more balanced.

🗓️ It’s a full-month Dry January program. Café la Vie at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton is running a wellness lineup from January 1–31 built around zero-proof drinks and low-key self-care.

🍹 You can build your own mocktail. The “Design Your Mocktail” setup lets you mix a flavor combo (think pomegranate + rose or apple + cinnamon) with your choice of mixer—so it feels a little more fun than just ordering “something nonalcoholic.”

🧘‍♀️ There’s yoga (and brunch). Le Meridien is teaming up with YogaSix for an all-levels class on January 24, followed by a post-class brunch at Café la Vie (reservations available via OpenTable).

A MESSAGE FROM SSM HEALTH

Specialize your care

At SSM Health, their team is dedicated to delivering the care that’s right for you. Rooted in our community and driven by innovation, they’re setting a new standard for high-quality, compassionate care.

Together We Care »

RENEW, REFRESH, RECHARGE

Expert wellness tips for 2026 from Kirkwood’s new wellbeing coordinator

If you’re tired of big New Year’s resolutions that fizzle by February, Kirkwood’s new wellbeing coordinator has a different approach: small, realistic “micro-habits” that fit into real life—and actually stick.

🧠 Wellness starts small. Kirkwood’s new wellbeing coordinator, Hajra Jaffer, is focused on micro-habits—tiny, doable changes like taking the stairs, adding short movement breaks, or pausing to breathe—that add up to meaningful improvements over time.

🎯 It’s about intentions, not resolutions. Jaffer’s New Year framework centers on three pillars—renew, refresh, recharge—encouraging people to reconnect with purpose, clear mental clutter, and rebuild energy without the pressure of drastic goals.

🌱 The ripple effect matters. By supporting city employees like first responders, parks staff, and sanitation workers, Jaffer aims to strengthen individual wellbeing in a way that ultimately benefits the entire Kirkwood community.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

26 health-forward dishes, drinks, workouts, and more to live well in STL in ’26

Ready to start 2026 feeling a little lighter? This new guide rounds up 26 easy ways to live well around St. Louis—think fresh, feel-good dishes, drinks that still feel like a treat, workouts for every vibe, and recovery options that make the whole “rest day” thing actually appealing.

🥗 Eat your way into a better day. From veggie-forward bowls and smart salads to healthier spins on comfort food, these spots make it easy to order something that tastes great and leaves you feeling good after.

🥤 Sip something pretty (with or without booze). Mocktails that feel legit, golden lattes, smoothie flexes, kombucha, broths, and wellness sippers—this is your proof that “healthy” doesn’t have to be boring.

🏃‍♀️ Move, sweat, recover, repeat. Whether you’re easing in with walking groups and yoga, going all-in with HIIT and strength training, or booking a deep-tissue massage or cold-plunge contrast session, there’s a lane here for every body and every energy level.

BRANDED CONTENT

Meet the surgeon helping women stay active at every age

From elite skiers to weekend warriors, Dr. Emily A. Whicker at The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis is changing the game in women’s sports medicine. Learn more about her story and how she’s helping local women stay moving.

News You Can Use

IT’S ONLY NATURAL

Many might be leaving the devices and injectables in 2025. The top wellness trend for 2026 is forecasted as wellness travel–but the kind that allows stressed-out nervous systems to unwind and connect to nature and other people. Luckily, there’s no shortage of driveable options in the Midwest.

ACTIVE AGING

Another big trend for 2026? The need for exercise programs designed specifically for older adults. In St. Louis, this upcoming studio is already ahead of the game.

SUPER(-SAVING) FOODS

As grocery prices rise, shopping healthy has never been a bigger challenge. It’s no surprise experts are recommending stocking up on these good-for-you, budget-friendly pantry staples. If you’re jumping on the pumpkin-seed bandwagon, try these recipe ideas.