Hitting the reset button feels very gratifying, and it applies not just to gadgets but to your whole ‘life.’ Recently, I have been slowly but surely trying to resurrect whatever energy, focus, and well-being I have left. I am building sustainable habits through minuscule, deliberate changes that yield significant consequences.
Note: This article is part of our archival content and belongs to a previous phase of our publication. Amaranth Magazine is now a dedicated literary magazine.
This experience hasn’t been about finding the perfect way or doing a huge overhaul. It has been about consistency and self-kindness, supported by lifestyle choices that feel good within and outside.
This is my candid, relatable, and honest account of how I transformed my life through wellness, self-care, fitness, and the adoption of new and sustainable practices, with no shame, just real progress.
Mornings are completely different for me now. I decided to anchor my morning routine with a green smoothie—yes, the celery smoothie my friends like to joke about. But hear me out: it’s become non-negotiable. My go-to blend includes pineapple, green apple, spinach, celery, and a light touch of ginger.
Lesson learned: don’t get overambitious with the ginger on your first try! Ultimately, it’s refreshing, energizing, and leaves me feeling like I’ve already accomplished something meaningful. It also saves me at least $8 a day I’d otherwise spend on someone else making it for me. More than just a healthy choice, this ritual signals to my brain that I’m showing up for myself. It’s how I start the day intentionally, taking care of my body and prioritizing my well-being.
Grocery Shopping with Intention
Here’s how I changed my grocery shopping in line with my new habits. I would wander through aisles buying what seemed good then, and usually when I was hungry, which never went well. Now, I plan meals and shop from a list. Onward for this week: cook more at home, eat more whole foods, and reduce food waste. I usually spend around $140 on groceries, but this time, I was quite pleased with what I ended up with: a stash of fresh produce, healthy proteins, and pantry staples that got my creative juices flowing.
The Power of a Clean Space
It is impossible to discuss wellness without also discussing the environment. I have never been more aware than now of how clutter and chaos steal my energy. Keeping my apartment clean has now become the first part of my reset.
I just spent the last time cleaning like an insane person, vacuuming, cleaning clutter, cleaning everything, and holy smokes, it is unbelievable. It is so nice to sit in an organized and clean space, and I felt calmer and more focused and just way more motivated to tackle my to-do list.
I do not need to wait until it becomes a complete disaster every time. I pick stuff up, clean my counters, and make my taking my bed. These small things I can do and try and keep my space feeling “good” and my head feeling decent. I told myself I would keep it this way after the last cleaning I did, when I cleaned my entire house. A clean home is not only something nice to look at, but it also gives you an environment to live well.
Building Strength and Sustainable Fitness Habits
Let’s discuss fitness. I once absolutely loathed going to the gym. I would have to drag myself there, force through a workout, and leave feeling utterly drained. But over the last couple of months, I went through a minor transformation by focusing on building sustainable habits.
The change began when I integrated exercise into my morning routine at home. Something as simple as removing the barrier of going somewhere made it incredibly difficult to find an excuse not to move my body. There’s something powerful about kickstarting the day by building strength—it sets a strong, positive tone for everything that follows. I’ve been focusing on getting functionally stronger, spending time on compound movements that build my core, quads, and overall stability. I am not in pursuit of a look; I am building strength, confidence, and resiliency right from the start of the day.
On some days, I am exercising with just bodyweight, and on others with weights. I listen to my body. Some weeks I put in the work daily, while other weeks it may only be 3-4 times. The important part is I’m engaging in something I enjoy. And when you’re enjoying something, you’re more likely to stick with it—that’s the key to a true sustainable habit.
I swapped my daily 30 minutes on the StairMaster for strength training, and the difference is profound. Strength training makes me feel more capable. To be honest, that feeling starts to filter into everywhere in my life, proving that these practices impact far more than just physical health.
Self-Care Beyond the Surface
Self-care is a crucial part of building sustainable habits. It goes far beyond the basics. For me, it’s about investing in tools and experiences that reduce daily friction while adding a sense of luxury and intention to my routine.
Recently, I invested in a high-quality espresso machine. This wasn’t just a purchase; it was a commitment to a morning ritual. This change transformed my start of the day from a rushed, forgettable moment to a luxurious and enjoyable pause.
Self-care is a crucial part of building sustainable habits, and it goes far beyond the basics. For me, it’s about investing in tools and experiences that reduce daily friction and add a sense of luxury and intention to my routine.
Recently, I invested in a high-quality espresso machine. This wasn’t just a purchase; it was a commitment to a morning ritual. It has completely changed my start of the day from a rushed, forgettable moment to a luxurious and enjoyable pause. I also finally set up a dedicated, comfortable home office nook with a proper chair—something I had always put off. Now, the time I spend working feels more focused, intentional, and calm.
These investments are foundational to my self-care. They are tangible steps in building a life I don’t feel the need to escape from. This is what self-care looks like: creating an environment and routines that you enjoy, making you more likely to consistently show up for yourself and maintain those positive habits every day.
Staying Organised with Notion
Additionally, I finally set up a dedicated, comfortable home office nook with a proper chair—something I had always put off. Now, the time I spend working feels more focused, intentional, and calm.
As a visual human, I need to view my goals, tasks, and routines regularly. Now, Notion is my digital command center providing the ability to record my calendar, tasks, morning and night routines, journaling, and goal tracking. I even made a productivity tracker with an aesthetic look (hello pink theme!). Notion allows you to create your customization for you and your system. Notion recently launched Notion Faces, allowing you to create a custom avatar for your profile. I loved making mine, and there were so many options for hair, eyes, accessories, etc.
Best part? You can start for free. I believe Notion is an amazing tool to help you stay organized, focused, and excited about your goals (both emergency and professional). If you feel lost or overwhelmed, I highly recommend trying it!
Embracing the Rainy Day Vibe
Rainy, pouring day today. I have also been imagining the weather while I am trembling and hankering for a heated car seat. Rainy days have a comforting and reflective quality. They delay me most effectively.
I reorganise my office on days like this. I enjoy working from coffee shops, sipping a latte, indulging in a pastry amid the faint murmur of efficiency. Being with others who are striving inspires me. I carry that coffee shop ambience at home even if I cannot go out today: a warm beverage, excellent music, and a clean, appealing area.
Last Ideas: Evolution Over Perfection
Setting my life anew is not about flawlessly executing everything. It comes down to showing up and making little decisions that add up. I am kind to myself when I err. Some days, I may skip the smoothie or forgo the workout. And that’s okay.
What counts is that I am trying. I am creating habits that boost my health, vigor, and contentment. I’m arranging, scheduling, and filling my life with small delights. If you’re overwhelmed or stuck, start small. Mix a smoothie. Tidy one corner of your room. Write down one goal. You don’t need to change everything at once. Just take one step. Every time you choose yourself—your health, your serenity, your joy—you are restarting your life in the best way possible.
What counts is that I am trying. I am creating habits that boost my health, vigor, and contentment. I’m arranging, scheduling, and filling my life with small delights—making it truly feel like my own. If you’re overwhelmed or stuck, start small. Mix a smoothie. Tidy one corner of your room. Write down one goal. You don’t need to change everything at once. Just take one step. Every time you choose yourself—your health, your serenity, your joy—you are restarting your life in the best way possible.
I am grateful you are traveling with me on this journey. Here’s to wellness, self-care, and the lovely jumble of becoming through sustainable habits.
