As a busy mom, I know how easy it is to put myself last. But over time, I realized that taking care of myself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Otherwise, I’m a tired, angry mom, and I don’t want that. No one wants that! That’s why I have five daily non-negotiables that keep me grounded, energized, and present for my family.
These simple habits don’t take hours; they take consistency. And they’ve truly changed my life.
Part 1: My 5 Daily Non-Negotiables
- Bible Study & Prayer – I start my day by connecting with God, seeking wisdom and strength. It sets the tone for everything else in my day, and I have to have this, or the day is just not right.
- Exercise – Moving my body, even for just 15 minutes, gives me more energy, reduces stress, and makes me feel strong. A plan that has been helping me is 3 days of strength training- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I do one day of upper body, one day of lower body, and one day of full body. Then, I do two days of pilates- Tuesday and Thursday. I just search for 15-minute workout videos on YouTube. I also try to walk and get on the rebounder. Sometimes, you have to think small and start with a few minutes!
- Drinking Plenty of Water – Hydration is key! It fuels my energy, helps with focus, and keeps me feeling my best. I have to fill up my water bottle and carry it around the house or put it where I see it often.
- Focused Time with Family – It’s easy to get distracted, but making intentional time for my family (without screens!) builds stronger relationships. It’s so hard sometimes, ya’ll but we do what we can!
- Personal Growth – Whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, or journaling, I make time to learn and grow each day. I started learning to do digital drawing, and it’s something I’m longing to get back to!
These aren’t complicated habits, but they are powerful. And the best part? You don’t need hours to do them—just small, consistent efforts.
Part 2: Why These 5 Habits Matter
At first, I thought I needed to overhaul my entire routine to feel better. But I learned that these five habits fuel my body, mind, and spirit in the most effective way. Here’s why:
- Water hydrates and energizes – When I drink enough water, I feel more awake and focused.
- Exercise keeps me strong – Even 15 minutes a day helps with energy, mood, and long-term health.
- Spiritual connection gives me peace – Time with God helps me approach life with wisdom and patience.
- Family time strengthens relationships – Quality over quantity matters. Just 10-15 minutes of focused connection with my loved ones makes a difference. My husband and I started a weekly power hour where we pray together and talk about what needs to be done for the week. We learned this from wealthyhomeschooler on Instagram. With our daughter, I work to give her focused time before I need time to get tasks done so she can play independently.
- Personal growth keeps me inspired – Learning and growing helps me be the best version of myself, which benefits my family, too. I want our children to know they can always keep growing!
These habits aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. And the consistency of small efforts brings real change.
Part 3: How I Fit These Habits Into My Day
The biggest question I can hear you asking is: How do you actually fit these in? The answer? I don’t overcomplicate it. Instead, I find small pockets of time to make them happen. This has been a game changer for me as I tend to be an all-or-nothing person and a bit of a perfectionist. I’ve had to learn that small habits done consistently over time are a lot better than haphazardly doing things because it’s never perfect enough.
Here’s what my routine looks like:
Morning:
- Bible Study & Prayer – I spend around 20 minutes with my Bible and journal before my day starts.
- First Glass of Water – Before I reach for anything else, I drink a big glass of water.
- Exercise – I try to do my quick workout before our toddler wakes up, but if I don’t make it I exercise with her.
Midday:
- Quality Time – This is time with my daughter playing, doing household chores, and fitting in some time outside.
- More Water – I keep a water bottle with me all day to stay hydrated.
Afternoon/Evening:
- Focused Family Time – This might be reading a book together, playing, or having a conversation without distractions.
- Personal Growth – Listening to a podcast or watching a YouTube video while folding laundry or reading for 10 minutes before bed.
I’ve learned that 15 minutes of effort daily is better than waiting for the “perfect” time that never comes. These small moments add up, and they shape the way I live my life.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Choose one habit and be consistent with it. Once it becomes natural, add another. Over time, these small changes will become second nature, and you’ll feel the difference.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Atomic Habits by James Clear
What’s one habit you know makes a difference in your life? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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