Little Routines, Big Impact

I’ve been thinking lately about how the smallest things can shift the whole vibe of your day, as I am in pursuit of a quieter nervous system.

I used to think routines had to be strict to matter, but recently I’ve been leaning into the idea that they just need to feel good. No timers, no pressure. Just small moments that make me feel more like myself.

One thing I started doing is what I call a “sunshine timeout.” Every morning (or at least most mornings), I sit outside in the sun for about 15 minutes before work. Sometimes it’s less, sometimes more. I listen to music, no phone scrolling allowed. It’s basically a little nervous system reset/recharge.

After work, I try to give myself a “writing hour” to work on content for my book, if my schedule allows. Not timed, not structured. I just write until I feel like I got a coherent thought out. It helps me move from work mode into creative mode, and eventually into rest mode. I usually end up feeling more grounded and a little quieter inside.

Neither of these things are huge. But they’ve made a big impact on how I feel through my day. So if you’ve been feeling burned out or stuck in autopilot, maybe try carving out one small moment for yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel like yours.

What will your little routine look like?

xo,

Joanna