January 2026 Story Ideas
As January arrives, newsrooms move from year-end reflection to forward-looking coverage that sets the agenda for the year ahead. Journalists are actively searching for January 2026 story ideas, expert commentary and timely angles that reflect new behaviours, emerging trends and audience priorities. From health and wellbeing to business, technology and travel, January offers strong editorial hooks — especially when paired with credible expert insight. This guide highlights key January awareness days, trending topics and shows how journalists can quickly find expert sources via the PressPlugs Journalist Request Service.
Health & Wellness Story Ideas for January 2026
January is one of the strongest months for health-led content, driven by renewed focus on wellbeing and lifestyle change.
Popular January health themes
- Dry January — Alcohol-free living, mental health benefits and consumer behaviour
- Veganuary — Plant-based diets, sustainability and food innovation
January health story ideas for journalists
- Do Dry January and Veganuary actually improve long-term health outcomes?
- Non-alcoholic drinks and plant-based food trends shaping 2026
- Why most New Year wellness habits fail — and how to make them stick
Find expert sources
PressPlugs connects journalists with nutritionists, doctors, psychologists and wellbeing experts available for fast, on-the-record comment.
Fitness, Lifestyle & New Year Resolution Content
Search interest for fitness and productivity peaks in January, making this a key area for lifestyle editors.
January lifestyle story ideas
- The psychology behind New Year’s resolutions
- Fitness trends journalists should watch in 2026
- Workplace wellbeing initiatives launching in January
Expert sourcing made easy
Journalists can request quotes from fitness professionals, physiotherapists, workplace wellbeing specialists and behavioural scientists via PressPlugs.
January 2026 Awareness Days & Media Hooks
Using the January media calendar helps journalists create timely, SEO-friendly content with built-in relevance.
Key January 2026 awareness days
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Clean Off Your Desk Day (second Monday of January)
- 20 January – Blue Monday
- 28 January – Data Protection Day
- 31 January – Hot Chocolate Day / Inspire Your Heart With Art Day
Editorial opportunities
- Mental health and seasonal wellbeing (Blue Monday)
- Cybersecurity, privacy and tech regulation (Data Protection Day)
- Productivity, culture and lifestyle features
Source experts quickly
PressPlugs enables journalists to find expert sources aligned to specific awareness days, saving time on outreach.
Travel & Culture Story Ideas for January
January is a planning month for travel journalism, with audiences searching for inspiration and practical advice.
January travel story ideas
- Winter and early spring travel trends for 2026
- Where UK travellers are booking now
- Sustainable travel and tech-led planning tools
Expert voices available
Travel editors can source destination specialists, tour operators and hospitality professionals via the PressPlugs press request service.
Business, Productivity & Technology Trends for 2026
January is a peak month for business journalism, forecasting and workplace trends.
Business story ideas for January 2026
- Business and economic predictions for the year ahead
- Remote and hybrid work trends
- Cybersecurity risks and data protection insights
- Productivity tools shaping modern workplaces
Find business experts fast
PressPlugs connects journalists with business leaders, economists, HR professionals and tech founders ready to comment.
Food, Drink & Seasonal Lifestyle Content
January food content blends health-led searches with comfort and indulgence.
January food & drink story ideas
- Post-Christmas eating habits
- Plant-based comfort food trends
- Alcohol-free drinks and winter warmers
Expert sourcing
Journalists can request insight from chefs, food scientists, dietitians and consumer trend analysts.
💡 Quick January Pitching Tips
✔ Tie stories to New Year behaviours and mindset shifts
✔ Use January awareness days for timely hooks
✔ Let experts provide practical advice and predictions
➡️ Need expert quotes or case studies for your January 2026 coverage?
Submit a request via the PressPlugs Journalist Request Service and connect with credible, media-ready experts fast.
