We always think big changes need big steps—joining a gym, following a strict diet, or spending on fancy skincare. But for me, the real change came from small, everyday habits. These were tiny things, nothing dramatic, but when I started doing them regularly, I slowly began to notice how my skin started glowing a little more, my mood didn’t dip as easily, and I had more energy to get through the day.
It all started with soaking a few dry fruits overnight. Every morning, I now eat a mix of soaked almonds, cashews, raisins, and one date. I drink a glass of warm water along with it. Within a few days, my digestion felt lighter, my stomach didn’t feel heavy or bloated, and somehow I didn’t feel as sluggish. And my skin—oh my skin—looked a little less tired. No makeup, no filter, just genuinely healthier. I didn’t expect this simple change to have such a visible effect, but it did.
One of the most surprising changes came from something as basic as making my bed. Earlier, I would leave it messy because I felt I’d get back to it later. But the day I started making it first thing after waking up, my mindset shifted. I felt like I had done something productive in the first five minutes of the day. My room looked cleaner, and weirdly, my mind felt clearer too. I wasn’t dragging my feet anymore.
Another habit that really helped me mentally was avoiding my phone first thing in the morning. I used to wake up and immediately start scrolling through Instagram or WhatsApp. My mind would get flooded with other people’s lives, messages, and information before I had even brushed my teeth. It left me feeling restless and sometimes irritated. Now, I try not to touch my phone for at least 30 minutes after waking up. Instead, I sit for a bit, stretch, drink my warm water, and mentally plan my day. This change helped reduce a lot of unnecessary anxiety and made my mornings feel calmer.
A small self-care habit I’ve added is applying a simple homemade cream or serum before I begin my day. Earlier, I would wash my face and leave it at that. But once I started using a soft rice-based moisturizer or a vitamin C serum, my skin looked more nourished. It’s such a small thing—just a few seconds of patting a product in—but it made me feel good about myself. Like I took care of me, even if it was just for a minute.
I also started walking barefoot for a few minutes on my balcony in the mornings. I know it sounds old-fashioned, but something about feeling the cold floor, looking at the sky, and just standing there in silence—it brings a strange kind of peace. It’s become my way of grounding myself before the chaos of the day begins. Even if I do it for 3–5 minutes, it shifts my energy and lifts my mood.
Cooking every day used to feel like a burden, but I made one small change there too. I started playing my favorite music or a podcast while I cooked. That little act made such a difference. It turned cooking from a chore into a ritual. I found myself humming while chopping vegetables, dancing a little while stirring the curry, and enjoying the process instead of rushing through it.
Another thing I never thought I’d enjoy but now absolutely love is lighting a diya or candle every evening. It might sound too simple or too “old-school,” but when I light that one small flame and sit with it quietly for a moment, my home feels warmer. It’s like telling my mind that the day is slowing down. Even five minutes of this stillness is enough to bring me back to myself.
I’ve also reduced multitasking a bit. I used to feel proud of doing three things at once, but now I focus on one task at a time. When I fold clothes, I just fold. When I drink my tea, I actually sit down and drink it without scrolling my phone. Giving full attention to one task makes it more satisfying and less draining.
And finally, I’ve learned to rest without guilt. This was hard. As a homemaker, you’re always on your feet, always doing something. Taking a break used to make me feel lazy or unproductive. But now, if I feel tired, I lie down for ten minutes. I don’t touch my phone. I just close my eyes and breathe. Those ten minutes sometimes feel more refreshing than a whole night’s sleep.
All of these little habits—eating soaked dry fruits, avoiding my phone, making my bed, applying moisturizer, standing in the sun, playing music while cooking—they’re not revolutionary. But they changed how I feel every day. My skin glows more, my mood stays more stable, and my energy feels lighter, more consistent.
The best part? None of these habits are difficult or time-consuming. Most take just a minute or two, but when you add them up, they create a rhythm to your day. They bring balance, care, and a little sense of control in a world that often feels overwhelming.
If you’ve been feeling drained or stuck in the same routine, try adding just one of these habits. See how it feels. Sometimes, the smallest things bring the biggest shifts.
