Can we get real about morning routines? A pet peeve of mine is the DITL (Day in the Life) videos, where someone wakes up looking like a supermodel, with a full face of make-up and a fresh blowout. She fake yawns before stretching her arms up (oh, man, the stretch – total cringe), adds 20 pillows to her bed, strolls into a sparking clean bathroom, applies 37 skin care products to her face, then casually makes a coffee that can only be recreated by Harvard trained barista, then saunters off to the gym with her matching yoga outfit and infused water. It’s gross, and yet I can’t stop watching. 

Who puts on 37 face products before they work out? Where are her kids? Where are her dogs? Are they all stay-at-home girlfriends? 

This is not my reality. 

Starting and keeping a new routine can be hard to maintain, but I’ve nailed down three non-negotiables that keep me sane, decluttered, and (hopefully) slightly less anxious. Your go-to routines might differ, but here’s what’s keeping me on the sanity train right now.

– 8 hours of sleep.

– 8 glasses of water.

– 30 minutes of movement. 

You’re probably wondering, “What does this have to do with decluttering?” Well, our brains can get as cluttered as our homes, and taking care of ourselves helps clear the mental cobwebs. 

Self-care isn’t about binging television, eating donuts, or getting a mani-pedi – all good things. But it’s about energizing ourselves to face life head-on.

Despite the allure of skipping these three pillars, the cost to my mental health isn’t worth it. Trust me, getting that 30 minutes of movement is a game-changer for keeping anxiety low.

My kitchen becomes a hot mess at night. Cleaning up used to be hit or miss, especially after chaotic days filled with sports and activities. But the next morning, as I set my purse down on a sticky counter, I would kick myself for not cleaning up. 

Cleaning the kitchen at night has become an intricate part of my self-care routine. 

I cue up a fun podcast, put away dinner leftovers, tackle the dishes, wipe down the counters, grind coffee beans, and prep the coffee pot for the next day.

It’s more than a routine; it’s a nightly ritual to care for myself.

The final game-changer is advocating for myself and my home. Whether it’s asking my spouse, kids, or getting outside help, I’m learning to speak up.

I’ve always had a housekeeper, but since moving back to the U.S., I’ve just wanted more privacy as we adjusted. I will eventually hire someone, but while we’re currently sans outside help, I’ve enlisted everyone under my roof to chip in. 

Everyone helps. Obviously, if I lived alone, my house would be magazine-worthy, and I’d make cringy DITL videos. I love my family, but they also sometimes double as tornados rolling through my house. This doesn’t mean I have to bear the entire housekeeping burden. 

My youngest started doing his own laundry right after he turned seven. Have I had to unclog the dryer lint hose twice? Yes. Yes, I have. But it’s getting better. They don’t argue (too much) they know it’s part of our responsibilities. 

Advocating for myself and creating a home that’s easy to tidy up has become my mission.

Now, let’s not forget the changes we’ve made in Reset and Reduce. Decluttering and letting go are no walk in the park, but freedom awaits on the other side.

As you declutter, pay attention to the shifts happening in your mind and home. Do you feel that weight lifting off your shoulders?

Self-care is not about indulgence but nurturing our mind, body, and physical space to expand our energy and approach life with passion and purpose.

How do you practice self-care?

D.M. me and share what’s working for you! @angelasuegarvey