As we head into a brand new year, I’m really trying to focus on what actually helps me feel better—without diving into some extreme diet or going all out at the gym (because let’s be real… I’ve got kids, a home to run, and a million other things on my plate). Instead, I’m looking at the small, doable shifts that make a big difference over time. So I thought I’d share a few simple resolutions I’m working on in 2024 that anyone can try—no overwhelm, just real-life stuff.

Prioritizing Sleep

If there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate as a mom, it’s sleep. I used to push through late nights, thinking I could catch up later. But wow—what a difference it makes when I actually get quality rest. Sleep is seriously like my reset button. And when I skip it? I feel it in everything—my mood, my patience (especially with the kiddos), my focus… all of it.

Lately, I’ve been making a bedtime routine non-negotiable. I aim for 7–9 hours every night, and I try to keep it consistent—even on weekends. It’s not always perfect (hello, life), but on the nights I get good rest? I wake up feeling like a much better version of myself. More energy, more clarity, and way more patience to handle whatever the day throws at me.

I’ve started doing a few small things at night to help me wind down—and it’s actually been helping. I dim the lights, try to stay off my phone (yes, even when Instagram is calling my name), and do some light stretching or deep breathing. Nothing fancy, just little things that tell my body, “Hey, it’s bedtime.” 

If you’ve been feeling totally drained and like your brain won’t shut off at night, maybe try giving yourself the gift of better sleep. You deserve it, and trust me—you’ll feel the difference.

Mindful Eating

Okay, let’s chat about food. Not the what exactly, but the how. I’ve been learning that mindful eating doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged on the floor with a salad and meditate between bites. It’s just about being present with your food.

I used to eat like I was racing the clock—standing at the counter between tasks or scarfing things down while scrolling my phone. But now I’m trying to slow it down a bit. I sit, take a breath, and actually taste what I’m eating. It’s kind of amazing how different food feels when you give it a moment of attention.

And I’m not overcomplicating things either. I’m keeping my meals simple—real, whole foods like fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins that make me feel good. No stress, no counting anything, just eating food that nourishes me and feels right. It’s been such a refreshing shift.

Keep Moving, Every Day

Let’s talk about moving our bodies—but not in a “you must work out 6 days a week and lift heavy” kind of way. I’m talking about just… moving. Finding little ways to stay active that actually feel fun and doable.

For me, that might look like a morning walk around the block, a spontaneous dance session in the kitchen while making dinner, or hopping on my bike just to get some fresh air. Nothing intense—just movement that feels good.

I try to sneak in little bits of it during the day, like taking the stairs, stretching while the kids are watching their shows, or just standing up to shake out the stiffness when I’ve been sitting too long. Honestly, once I started focusing less on the “workout” and more on just moving, it felt way less overwhelming—and way more fun.

Stay Hydrated

We all know it’s not just about guzzling water – it’s about keeping your body happy and healthy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps with digestion, keeps your body temperature in check, and kicks toxins to the curb. I like to keep a trusty reusable water bottle by my side as a reminder to keep sipping. And sometimes I add slices of fruit or a few herbs to my water for some extra flavour and goodness. Remember, hydration isn’t just about chugging H2O – it’s about giving your body the love it deserves.

Managing Stress

We’ve all been there, right? This is always easier said than done! But let me tell you, over the past year, I’ve figured out a thing or two about dealing with stress. I’ve learned to let go of stuff that’s out of my hands and focus on taking care of my mind and body. Because stressing over every little thing? Ain’t nobody got time for that!

The key is to find what helps you chill out. For me, it’s those little moments of peace – a quick meditation, some deep breaths, or just zoning out in nature. It’s like hitting the reset button on my sanity. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s survival. So, next time stress comes knocking, don’t let it bulldoze you. Show it who’s boss and take back control. You’ve totally got this!

Cultivate Gratitude

Okay, let’s talk about gratitude. It’s not complicated – it’s a happiness booster.

So here’s what I’ve found: starting a gratitude journal. Every day, I take a few minutes to think about what I’m thankful for. It could be something as simple as feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, savouring a delicious meal, or having a heart-to-heart chat with a friend. Shifting your focus from what’s missing to what’s already awesome in your life can make a world of difference.

Limit Screen Time

Screens. They’re everywhere these days! And believe me, I’ve totally fallen into the trap—one minute I’m just checking a message, and the next thing I know I’m deep into a social media rabbit hole or watching “just one more” episode way past bedtime.

But here’s what I’ve realized: all that screen time? It quietly chips away at your energy, your sleep, and even your time with the people around you. It’s like a sneaky little thief, stealing those quiet moments that matter most.

So lately, I’ve been setting some gentle boundaries—with myself and the screens. I try to put my phone away at least an hour before bed (not always perfect, but I try), and I’ve created a few screen-free zones at home—like the dining table or during wind-down time with the kids. Honestly, I feel more present, my sleep’s better, and our family time feels real again—not distracted or rushed.

Your eyes, your brain, and your people will thank you for it—I promise.

Practice Self-Care

Okay, let’s talk self-care. It’s not about being selfish – it’s about keeping yourself in tip-top shape.

For me, self-care is all about those little moments of bliss. Whether it’s sinking into a warm bath, getting lost in a juicy novel, or just stretching it out with some yoga, these are the things that refill my cup. I’ll be honest, making time for these things wasn’t always easy. There were days when I was knee-deep in kid chaos and dishes piled high. But you know what? I’ve learned to prioritize myself. So what if the dishes wait until tomorrow? That bath is happening tonight, no excuses. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your day.

Making self-care a priority isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Trust me, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others – you gotta take care of yourself first.

Connect with Others

Let’s talk about relationships- they’re like the glue that holds our lives together.

For me, it’s been quite the ride. I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, totally focused on my kids. But now that they’re older and more independent, I’ve realized how much I’ve been missing out on connecting with others.

Making time for the people I care about has become crucial. Whether it’s grabbing lunch with an old friend, hopping on a video call with family, or even just shooting a text to check in, those connections mean everything to me. And you know what’s been a real eye-opener? Volunteering in my community. It’s not just about giving back – it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people, and sharing some laughs along the way.

Set Realistic Goals

Big dreams are amazing—but they’ve gotta be realistic. I used to set these huge, all-or-nothing goals for myself, thinking I had to do it all perfectly. And honestly? I just ended up feeling overwhelmed and kinda defeated.

But I’ve learned to shift gears. Now, I break my goals into little steps—bite-sized pieces that actually feel doable. Whether it’s drinking more water, moving my body more, or just getting to bed earlier, I take it one day at a time. And when I hit a small milestone? You better believe I celebrate it. Those little wins add up, and they give me the momentum to keep going.

Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes we hit a bump (or ten), and things don’t go quite how we planned—and that’s totally okay. Progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and giving yourself grace along the way.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are we. So let’s keep going—one step, one goal, one small win at a time.