Hi Listeer!
Life has been a whirlwind lately! With school resuming for the second semester, I find myself dreading every moment of it. I haven’t even recovered from the previous semester, and April was far from my best month. Honestly, if I had my way, I would take a break from academics this month because I’ve finally realized that I can succeed without making school my entire identity.
Instead of stressing over deadlines and coursework, I want to dedicate May to creating content, enjoying good food, and exploring new places. (By the way, I really need to find a partner who loves cooking—I’m serious about this!) The first week of May was all about re-planning my quarterly goals and restructuring my calendar to create a life that feels more aligned with me.
For the past five years, planning has been a crucial part of my life. Time has truly flown by! To me, planning isn’t a constraint; it’s a path to freedom. There’s no such thing as a perfect planner—it takes time, and even now, I still struggle with about 50% of my plans.
Planning allows me to create a roadmap to freedom, visualize my goals, and take control of my daily life. Mapping out my day gives me a sense of stability, and even when unexpected things happen (which they often do), I don’t stress because I always operate with the mindset that anything can happen.
I used to feel embarrassed about my planner because it wasn’t aesthetically perfect—messy handwriting, changing layouts based on my mood, and not exactly “Instagram-worthy.” But over time, I embraced it because it worked for me. You can get as creative as you want with planning. If you need inspiration, Pinterest is a goldmine of creative ideas.
Now, let me share the daily habits that keep me sane and help me navigate life with a sense of balance and clarity.
1. A Slow and Intentional Morning Routine
There’s nothing I love more than a slow morning. Taking my time before jumping into daily tasks is something I prioritize. When I wake up feeling exhausted from the previous day, my morning routine helps me regain energy and focus.
Currently, I wish I lived closer to my school so I’d have more personal time in the mornings, but despite the long commute, I enjoy my neighbourhood. My morning routine allows me to mentally map out my day while sipping a pretend cup of tea (I stopped drinking tea due to my weight goals). My routine typically includes:
- Light exercise
- Writing my morning pages
- A quick prayer
- Scrolling through social media
- Listening to a podcast
- A little bit of procrastination (we all do it!)
2. Meditation for Mental Clarity
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or just navigating a busy life, I highly recommend meditation. It keeps you grounded and helps you reconnect with yourself.
Many people assume you need to be experiencing chaos before you can meditate, but that’s a misconception. Meditation is beneficial anytime, and there’s no limit to how often you can do it. A few minutes of mindfulness can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day.
3. Watching a Drama to Reset My Mind
This might surprise you, but watching a short episode of a drama or a favourite scene on YouTube helps me function better. It reminds me that I’m not rushing through life—I have time to pause and enjoy small moments. It keeps me calm and gives me a confidence boost for the day ahead.
4. Practicing “Communication Zero”
Maybe it’s because I’m still young or because I naturally prefer less digital clutter, but my inbox and Slack notifications are never overwhelming. I intentionally limit communication overload.
I dedicate just 30 minutes a day to checking LinkedIn, Slack, and emails. This helps me stay informed without feeling consumed by notifications.
On The Blog: How To Build Your Self-Confidence
5. Finding Inspiration on Pinterest
I’ve been using Pinterest for years, and it’s my daily go-to for inspiration. While TikTok has taken over as the ultimate “rabbit hole,” Pinterest remains my favourite space for finding beautiful aesthetics, quotes, and ideas that match my mood for the day.
6. Staying Hydrated with Water
I almost didn’t include this, but let’s be real—water is life!
I wasn’t always a fan of drinking water in the morning (especially before brushing my teeth), but I learned that drinking water first thing in the morning helps cleanse the body. Now, I make it a habit to drink at least 50cl of water before eating.
7. Reading for Knowledge and Relaxation
Reading has been a daily habit for over a decade. Thank goodness for the internet! I dislike carrying physical books around because I worry about damage (yes, I will internally cry if my book gets ruined!).
I read whatever piques my interest—there’s no strict rule. My love for knowledge keeps me curious and engaged, even when I struggle to find time to read everything I want.
8. Taking My Daily Vitamins
I’ve been taking vitamin supplements for a while, and although they can be expensive, they make a noticeable difference.
- My brain feels more alert.
- I don’t get sick as often.
- My skin is improving.
If you haven’t tried adding vitamins to your routine, I highly recommend it after checking in with a doctor!
9. Writing in My Morning Pages
You’ve probably heard of morning pages before. There are many types of journaling, but this is my favourite.
As someone who doesn’t always have a person to talk to (or who overthinks everything), morning pages allow me to release my thoughts freely. There are no rules—just write whatever comes to mind in the morning before starting your day.
It could be:
- Thoughts and emotions
- Dreams and goals
- Ideas and plans
No pressure, just an open space for expression.
10. Healthy Snacking Throughout the Day
I get hungry all the time, but I don’t always feel like eating full meals. That’s why I keep healthy snacks around—milk, biscuits, and cereal are my go-to options.
Snacking helps me stay energized without feeling sluggish throughout the day.
Final Thoughts: Building Habits for a Balanced Life
I’m so happy to share these daily habits that have been keeping me sane! These routines help me feel more in control of my time and emotions, and I hope they inspire you to cultivate your habits for a more balanced life.
Let’s Chat!
- Do you have a morning-page journal?
- What daily habit keeps you grounded?
- I’d love some book recommendations—care to share?
- Do you have any questions you’d like me to answer?
Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you! 💕
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