Simple, practical tips to start your self-care before the new year

Implementing Simple yet Transformative Habits

Life piles up. Sometimes it feels like the world’s noise, especially now, never stops and the to-do list never ends. But the Holidays are supposed to be calm right….

Here’s the good news- little micro-daily habits can actually change how you feel inside and improve your long term wellbeing. They help ease the mind, settle the body, and bring a little more ease to the everyday. Here are my simple, 21 doable habits to slow things down and lean into calm – no matter what you’re facing or where you’re at.

---

How I embrace the Wintertime

Life truly moves with the seasons here on the farm and while I take time to appreciate the beauty of each season, after being outside from sun-up to sun-down in the summer and using fall to prepare for the holiday season I find myself excited for wintertime. Craving the season where it feels like the world (and my schedule) is able to take a deep breath.

Living in the Midwest, the seasons allow room for gratitude and self-reflection. I find winter to be the best time for new habits to form. Taking a note from the silent snow falling outside of my window, I’m able to reevaluate my goals for the upcoming year. This process starts with the self-work and habits that actually make you feel better.

I hope these 21 tips to recenter your day leave you ready to step into a winter full of Hygge and calm

1. Start your day screen-free. (pardon the length, but this is a biggie)

Have you ever had one of those days? You sleep through your alarm, wake up late, throw yourself together, and jolt into the day?

When that happens, a hormonal cortisol spike signals to your brain that you’re in “fight or flight” mode. Your heart starts racing, your blood pressure increases, your breath grows shallow, and your muscles tighten as if bracing for a storm. But instead of fleeing danger, you’re scrambling to catch up to a to-do list that already feels impossible.

Your mind becomes restless, jumping from one worry to the next. Your soul feels drained, heavy with a weight you never asked for. That knot of tension doesn’t stay trapped in your body—it slowly spills into your mood, frays your patience, and steals your ability to fully be present with the people you love.

And the hardest part? Even when the chaos finally slows, your nervous system stays wired, stuck on high alert. It makes it nearly impossible to relax, to savor the little moments, or to truly unwind when night comes.

This is why how you start your day, your intentional morning routine, matters so deeply. Starting slow, calm, and screen-free is like sending a quiet invitation to your body and mind—to come back home to themselves before the noise of the world pulls you every which way.

So why do so many of us still reach for those blue screens, emails, and endless Insta-comparison first thing? Science tells us this isn’t just a harmless habit—it triggers that same cortisol spike, jolting your body into stress before you’ve fully woken.

That flood of notifications and comparisons pushes your brain into fight-or-flight mode, again and again, making it harder to focus, to be patient, and to feel calm throughout the day. Over time, this rewires your brain to expect stress as the default morning state, draining your mood, your sleep, and your well-being.

And here’s the thing—whether your kids already have phones or will someday, they’re watching. The morning habits you live out quietly teach them what “normal” looks like. The way we wake up with our family today, is how your kids will someday also wake up with their families. Choosing calm and intention over distraction shows them how to meet their own days with steadiness and grace.

So next time your phone buzzes as soon as you open your eyes, remember this: You get to choose how your day begins. A few peaceful moments without screens isn’t just a habit—it’s a gift of kindness you give to your brain, your body, and to those who learn from you. It sets a quiet, strong tone that can carry through everything that comes next.

---

2. Drink a warm glass of water before coffee.

It’s gentle on your digestion and hydrates you before caffeine kicks in — like clearing the runway before a smooth takeoff. It jumpstarts your digestion, helps flush out overnight toxins, and rehydrates you after hours without any fluids. This simple act wakes up your organs quietly — especially your liver and kidneys — so they’re ready to do their jobs smoothly throughout the day.

I also like to send the kids off to school with a non-caffeinated warm drink in the wintertime, like my dry Russian Tea mix or Vanilla Chai Tea with caffeine-free chai.

---

3. Take a walk without headphones.

Give your brain a break from noise. We weren’t created to be surrounded by constant noise and distractions. Silence is hard to find, yet it’s exactly what our minds and souls desperately need.

Science shows that silence lowers cortisol—the stress hormone that keeps your body stuck in fight or flight—(yes, more about fight or flight), gives your brain room to reset, and lowers blood pressure. The part of your brain that manages focus, problem-solving, and creativity—the prefrontal cortex—works best when it isn’t overwhelmed by noise.

But silence is more than just a break from sound. It’s where we open ourselves to something greater. In the quiet, God’s still, small voice becomes clear. It’s where solutions begin to form, creativity wakes up, and peace settles deep into your heart. The noisy buzz in your head softens, making room for clarity and calm.

I experienced this on a long flight when my headphones broke, forcing me into hours of silence. No music. No movies. Just stillness. It wasn’t empty—it was full of insight, calm, and unexpected inspiration. I just witnessed for eight straight hours, and it was incredible!

We weren’t meant to live plugged in all day, every day. If you want fresh ideas, a clear mind, and a steady soul, try this: step outside, turn off the noise, and listen. You might hear more than the wind—you might hear the answers you’ve been searching for.

---

4. Walk for 10 minutes after your biggest meal.

I walk to my mailbox or out to check on the ducks if I know I’m going to spend a quiet day writing at my desk (like today). It might sound simple, but this small habit can help speed up digestion and prevent that heavy, sluggish feeling.

(Our meals in Germany were so heavy and there were multiple a day, so we were happy to spend the afternoons touring the cities, putting on 7-8 miles a day.)

Walking after a meal also stabilizes blood sugar levels, so you avoid the energy crashes and mood swings that come from sugar spikes. Better blood sugar means steadier energy and clearer thinking all day long. Plus, studies show a post-meal walk improves sleep quality—your body digests better, so you rest deeper and wake up refreshed.

And don’t forget the mood boost: moving releases feel-good endorphins that calm stress and clear mental fog. Ten minutes of walking can change how you feel for the rest of the day —lighter, clearer, and more balanced. It’s an easy step that is great for your overall health.

P.S.: “Winter Walking” isn’t just a great way to get in some physical activity, but it allows your body to be exposed to sunlight and vitamin D, which we all lack during this time of year

---

5. Oil your scalp before washing and your hair ends afterward.

Small rituals like this signal your nervous system to slow down. They ground you and bring a little calm to busy days. I only wash my hair once a week now, thanks to my hair oil. This scalp and hair growth tonic I made contains tea tree, rosemary, geranium, and olive oil, and it works wonders! Massaging it into my scalp before washing and smoothing it on my ends afterward has made a huge difference. Over the past year or two, my hair has grown about 6 inches—and it feels stronger and healthier too.

This simple ritual keeps my scalp nourished and my hair from drying out between washes. If you’re looking for a low-fuss way to support growth and keep your hair happy, this oil is a game-changer. You can find my personal recipe here or you buy a bottle I made for you in my online shop. 😉

---

6. Set a timer and give yourself less time to procrastinate

Even five minutes of focused effort can flip your whole day.

There’s real psychology behind this. Our brains love starting far less than they hate doing. It’s called task initiation friction—the mental resistance you feel before beginning anything, especially something that feels big, boring, or overwhelming.

But once you start? Your brain releases a little dopamine, which feels like a tiny “good job, keep going.” That chemical shift builds momentum, lowering stress and making the next step easier. It’s why those five minutes often turn into ten… or the whole thing finished.

Timers work because they shrink the task into something your nervous system doesn’t find threatening.
Five minutes isn’t scary, five minutes doesn’t require perfection, five minutes feels doable.

And once you begin, that’s the magic. You’re already out of the hardest part. You can even buy yourself a fun self-timer to keep you on task throughout the day (pro-tip: when it comes to chores, kids respond well to timers too! :))

---

7. Wear something that makes you feel good — a lipstick, a favorite shirt, a scent — even if it’s just a regular day.

How you show up on the outside changes how you feel on the inside. It sounds small, but appearance and emotion are deeply connected. And I’d argue that if anything, fashion can be elevated in the winter. When you put on something that makes you feel like you — polished, put-together, a little brighter — your brain registers it as a cue of readiness.

It’s why a swipe of lipstick can change your energy.
Why that one shirt makes you stand taller.
Why a scent you love can soften your shoulders and slow your breathing.

You’re telling your nervous system, I’m awake, I’m here, I’m showing up today.

And you don’t need a special occasion for that.
Sometimes the regular Tuesday is the occasion.
Sometimes the tiny lift on the outside is what helps the inside catch up — especially on the days you’re feeling tired, stretched thin, or a little invisible.

Feeling good in your skin matters.
How you present yourself in the world becomes part of how you treat yourself throughout the day. And it doesn’t have to be fancy — just intentional.

Wear the thing.
Light yourself up a little.
You’re worth being tended to, even on the ordinary days.

---

8. Open your covers and crack the windows every morning — even in winter (I’ll even argue, especially in the Winter)

There’s something almost ritualistic about it. A quick exchange of air clears more than just the room — it resets your headspace. Fresh outdoor air dilutes carbon dioxide, allergens, and the invisible “stale” compounds that build up overnight. (It’s why you sometimes feel foggy in the morning — indoor CO₂ levels rise while you sleep, and science shows that high CO₂ directly affects clarity and mood.)

Nordic countries have practiced this for generations. Their homes are built around the idea that clean, crisp air is part of daily wellness — not a luxury. Windows are cracked open for a few minutes at a time, beds are aired out, and rooms are given a brief breath of the outdoors. It’s simple, grounding, and remarkably effective.

And yes, someone will always jump in and say, “You’re just tossing your heat — and your money — into the yard.” But here’s the truth: A quick, intentional airing-out doesn’t cool your home enough to make a meaningful difference in your heating bill.

Modern insulation and thermal mass hold onto warmth far longer than people think. A five-minute exchange of air refreshes the room without undoing the work of your furnace. Nordic households, some of the most cold-weather-conscious people on earth, have been doing this forever — and they’re not known for wasting energy.

Think of it like brushing your teeth or making your bed. It’s a small act that signals:
We’re resetting. We’re clearing out the night. We’re starting fresh.

A tiny habit, a few minutes of cold air, and your house will smell line-dried!

Red Land Cotton Bedding

---

9. Do one thing alone each week

Spend time without screens or distractions. It builds clarity, strength, and peace even if it’s just slipping away for a bath! Knowing yourself isn’t just about self-awareness — it’s about self-reliance.
When you understand your own needs, preferences, and inner world, you stop waiting for someone else to make you feel happy, supported, seen, or energized. You learn how to create those things from within.

People who develop the belief that their choices shape their well-being — are consistently happier, more resilient, and less anxious. Why? Because they’re not outsourcing their joy. They’re not waiting for someone else to read their mind, rescue their mood, or fix their day.

When you know yourself deeply, you learn:

• What actually lifts your spirit
• What routines ground your nervous system and lower blood pressure
• What sparks your creativity
• What kind of rest you truly need
• What drains you — and what restores you
• What you value, so you don’t drift into someone else’s life
• How to give yourself comfort, beauty, and motivation instead of waiting for it

This is where real happiness begins — not the fleeting kind that depends on other people behaving how you hope they will, but the steady, rooted kind that comes from within.

It’s the difference between borrowing joy and building joy. Borrowed joy fades as soon as circumstances shift — someone disappoints you, a plan falls through, life gets loud again. But built joy stays. It’s renewable. It’s yours.

And here’s the unexpected thing: When you stop relying on others to “make you happy,” your relationships get healthier. You show up whole, not needy, you connect out of love, not lack, you give more freely, and you receive more honestly.

You become a person who knows how to steady yourself, encourage yourself, entertain yourself, and comfort yourself. That’s strength, that’s emotional maturity, that’s peace.

The more time you spend getting to know yourself, the more you realize that no one else needs to make you happy — and no one else has to. You’re capable of creating a life that nourishes you from the inside out

Read about the Sauna Experience here

---

10. Put your phone in a box or designated spot when you get home.

It doesn’t have to be dramatic — just a basket by the key hook or a drawer that closes (this is a cute one!). But goodness, it makes a difference. The minute that thing is out of your hand, your shoulders drop a little. Your brain stops scanning for notifications. You actually arrive at home instead of dragging the whole outside world in with you.

And here’s the funny part: everything feels richer without the constant buzzing. Supper tastes better. You hear the stories people are telling you instead of half-catching them while scrolling or saying, “just a second” while you quick text someone back. You notice the little things — someone’s mood, someone’s joke, the way the house sounds in the evening.

It’s amazing how one tiny habit can shift the tone of a whole household. When you’re present, the people around you relax too. It turns ordinary evenings into something that feels warmer… steadier… more like the life you actually want to live. And again, the kids are watching. How do we want them to spend their evenings with their future households?

---

11. Swap “I have to” with “I get to.”

That simple shift turns what feels like a chore into something a little sweeter. Like driving the kids to and from sports practices and games — instead of just thinking about the hassle, the distance, and the gas prices, I remind myself these are the days that slip away faster than I want. And honestly, those car conversations? They’re some of the best moments we get together. So much wisdom, so many laughs, and stories that only happen when everyone’s buckled in with nowhere else to go. Those moments? They’re priceless.

---

12. Do 20 squats while the shower warms up.

What else are you gonna do standing there waiting, right? It’s an easy way to get your legs moving, wake up your muscles, and sneak in a bit of exercise without adding time to your day. Little things like this add up, and before you know it, you’re starting the day with more energy—no extra effort needed.

---

13. Be Intentional With What You Consume

If you’re going to spend time consuming something, make it count. Choose something that teaches you, sparks your curiosity, or opens your imagination in a new way. It doesn’t have to be heavy or serious — sometimes a light comedy that lets you laugh without thinking too hard is exactly what your brain needs that day. The point is to feed your mind something beneficial, something that leaves you a little fresher, a little wiser, and better equipped to face whatever comes next. Extra points if you reach for a book or magazine before a screen!

---

14. Unfollow accounts that make you compare yourself to others.

Social media can be a sneaky thief of peace. When you scroll through feeds full of highlight reels, it’s easy to start measuring yourself against someone else’s carefully edited life — and that comparison quietly fuels stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion. Science shows that constant comparison triggers your brain’s stress response, keeping your nervous system on edge without you even realizing it.

Cutting out those accounts isn’t about judgment or negativity; it’s about protecting your own mental space. When you stop feeding your mind with what you don’t have, you free up energy to appreciate what’s real and good in your own life. Your brain relaxes, your mood steadies, and suddenly there’s room for gratitude and contentment to grow. Instead, consider keeping up with a couple of accounts that spark creativity and leave you with a smile and maybe a few new ideas. It’s a small habit that can make a huge difference in how calm and clear you feel every day.

---

15. Make playlists that lift your spirit.

Music is one of the quickest ways to shift how you feel — faster than most things you can do. Playing your favorite songs first thing in the morning sets the tone for your whole day, giving you a little boost before life’s demands start rolling in.

And if your household feels chaotic? Put on a playlist that calms or energizes — whatever you need in that moment. It’s amazing how a simple change in music can smooth out frazzled nerves, turn tension into laughter, and pull everyone’s mood back into a better place. Music is like a reset button for the soul and the whole household. I find that piano music while I’m writing helps my ideas flow more smoothly.

---

16. Write down everything that irritated you today — without judging it.

Getting frustrated is a normal part of life and getting those frustrations out of your head and onto paper helps clear space in your mind. Science shows that putting feelings into words — what psychologists call “affect labeling” — actually quiets the part of your brain that triggers stress and emotional overwhelm.

When you name what’s bothering you without judgment, those feelings lose some of their grip. It’s not about fixing everything right away, but about making peace with what’s there. That simple act of awareness softens the hold irritation has on you, making it easier to move forward with a clearer head and a calmer heart.

---

17. Use the two-minute rule: if something takes less than two minutes, do it now.

It might seem small, but knocking out quick tasks right away clears mental clutter that can otherwise build up and weigh on you.

If I know I’ve got an appointment to make, a follow-up email or a shop item to ship out, I will take care of these items first thing, as I know they are the lowest time commitment.
By taking care of little jobs immediately — like making a quick call, replying to a short email, or wiping down a counter — you free your mind from the distraction of “to-dos.” It’s a simple habit that lightens your mental load and helps you focus better on what really matters. Plus, ticking those things off feels good, like small wins that build momentum for the rest of your day.

---

18. Jump on a trampoline or bounce gently for 10 minutes.

The health benefits are great! It’s one of the easiest ways to get your blood flowing and your lymphatic system moving — which helps flush out toxins and reduce swelling. Unlike running or heavy workouts, rebounding is low-impact but still wakes up your whole body.

Plus, there’s something about that bouncing rhythm that shakes loose tension and stress, almost like pressing a reset button. And because it feels like play instead of work, it’s easier to stick with it. For me, those 10 minutes are where I clear the fog, plan my day, figure out what I’m going to wear and find a little bit of joy before the chaos starts. I got this trampoline that slides right underneath my bed, so I can pull it out in the morning and tuck it away when I’m done.

---

19. Take a different route to your usual places.

Switching up your path might seem small, but new sights and sounds do more than just break boredom — they activate your brain’s novelty centers, sparking fresh ideas and boosting creativity.

When you break your usual routine, you invite your mind to notice things it usually misses, helping you see problems differently and come up with better solutions. Sometimes, a simple change of scenery is all it takes to jumpstart your creativity and shift your perspective for the whole day. Don’t be afraid to take the long way home, maybe you’ll find a coffee shop or small business you’ve never visited before!

---

20. When the day feels off, do something kind for someone else — quietly and without expecting anything back.

Giving shifts your energy like nothing else. It’s one of the most reliable ways to reset your mood. Kindness pulls you out of your own mental clutter and into something grounded and purposeful. Even a tiny gesture — sending a thoughtful message, holding the door, paying someone a genuine compliment — interrupts the swirl of stress and shifts your brain into a calmer, more connected state.

There’s real science behind it, but you’ll feel it long before you think about it. A small act of giving lifts your energy, widens your perspective, and softens whatever felt hard a moment before.

It’s surprisingly difficult to stay stuck in your own frustration while you’re actively brightening someone else’s day.

---

21. Say “thank you” for this day, even when it’s messy or hard.

Gratitude before proof steadies the heart and reminds you: you made it through, and tomorrow is a fresh start. Focus on the present moment.

Choosing to be thankful before things get better is an act of faith and provides a sense of peace. It’s trusting God is working in your life, even when you don’t see it. Every challenge teaches us something — patience, strength, or how to lean on Him more.

And maybe today was the last time you did something — the last time you lifted that growing kid up for a hug, barely getting their feet off the ground, or the last time you tossed the diaper bag in the car. These moments slip by quietly, but they’re precious.

Being grateful helps you see those small, everyday gifts and reminds you that God is with you through it all. It steadies your heart and opens the door to a fresh start tomorrow. No matter what today looked like, God has a plan, and there’s always hope for what’s next.

Moving Towards Mindfulness

At the end of the day, these small habits aren’t about perfection — they’re about presence and focusing on your wellbeing. They’re gentle ways of taking back your time, your peace, and the parts of yourself that get lost in the noise of everyday life. You don’t need a full reset or a big breakthrough to feel better; you just need a few faithful steps in the right direction.

My hope is that one or two of these practices will settle into your routine and meet you right where you are. And as you move through your days — the ordinary, the messy, the beautiful — may you feel God nudging you toward more calm, more clarity, and more joy than you thought you had room for.

Pin for Later

More ways to take back your routine

10 Ways to a Calmer Household

Natural Living Posts

Winter Resilience Habits

The Benefits of Contrast Therapy