Life can get messy, right? Between running a business, taking care of the kids, and juggling a million other things, it can feel like you’re constantly being pulled in different directions. And on those days when nothing seems to go according to plan? That’s when it can feel impossible to stay grounded. Implementing these 5 daily habits helps me.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Even on the chaos-filled days when I can barely think straight, I’ve got five habits that help me stay focused and, most importantly, sane. These habits have become my non-negotiables, the things I fall back on when everything else feels out of control.
Some days, you might need more than this to get through. But these five? They’re my foundation, and they’re what keep me grounded. I like to think of them as my C.H.A.O.S. non-negotiables, a simple structure I can lean on when everything else is swirling around me.
The 5 Daily Habits That Keep Me on Track (C.H.A.O.S)
C = Care for Your Body: Movement and Nutrition
Let’s start with the body. Some days, I’ve got the time and energy to do a full workout or a yoga session. Other days, when the energy is low and time is tight, a simple stretch or a short walk is enough to reset. The key is to do something. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.
And water. Oh my goodness, water. I’ve learned the hard way that I need to stay hydrated, especially when life is busy. I’ve got my emotional support water bottle with me at all times. I fill it up first thing in the morning, and it goes everywhere with me—whether I’m working at home, running errands, or picking the kids up from school. Keeping water close means I don’t forget to stay hydrated, and it really helps keep me feeling good, even on the busiest days.
H = Harmonize Your Mind: Journal or Meditate
Now, this is one I’ve been leaning into more and more. For a while, I would feel guilty if I didn’t journal every single day, but I’ve learned to be kind to myself. I don’t always have time for a full journal entry. Some days, I only have 5 minutes to reflect, and that’s okay.
I’ve been journaling consistently now, and I can honestly say, the longer I do it, the clearer my mind becomes. It helps me sort through my thoughts, work through stress, and figure out my priorities for the day. If journaling feels like too much, don’t worry. A simple 5-minute prayer or a quick meditation session can work wonders. It’s all about taking a few minutes to reset and get your head in the right space before the chaos takes over.
A = Act with Intention: Plan
Oh, here’s where I’ve had some major mom fail moments. I’ll never forget the time I forgot to have lunch with my son on his birthday. I mean, how could I forget? But I didn’t write it down in my planner. I thought, “I’ll remember. It’s his birthday! How could I forget this important moment?” Well, I forgot. Big time.
That was my wake-up call. If I don’t plan, things slip through the cracks. That’s why my planner has become my lifeline. Whether it’s planning out my day, scheduling important moments like birthdays, or blocking off time for work, writing it down ensures I’m actually showing up for the things that matter. I’m all about keeping it simple and realistic, but if it’s not written down, there’s a good chance it’ll be forgotten.
O = Organize Your Space: Tidy Up
I’m a firm believer that a clean space = a clear mind. For me, one of my absolute baseline necessities is having the kitchen counters cleared. If my kitchen is a mess, it’s like my whole house is falling apart, even if the rest of the place is fine. The kitchen is in the middle of the house, and I can’t do much of anything if that space isn’t tidy.
I’ve learned to tidy up right after I drop the kids off in the morning and then again after dinner or before bed. It’s become a ritual that keeps me from feeling overwhelmed when I walk into the kitchen. Waking up to a clean kitchen makes my mornings feel a million times smoother. It’s one of those small wins that really makes a difference.
S = Stay Connected: Message or Meet Up
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all alone. Sometimes the chaos makes me want to retreat, but staying connected to my loved ones—whether it’s sending a text to a friend, talking to my spouse, or just checking in with my kids—keeps me grounded.
A huge help for me is having a friend I can message about my daily task list. It’s something simple, but it keeps me accountable and reminds me I’m not alone in this. I don’t always need a big sit-down, but just knowing someone’s out there who gets it can make all the difference. Even when things get crazy, it’s these little connections that help me feel supported and less isolated.
Benefits of Daily Habits
So, these five habits? They’re my C.H.A.O.S. framework, and they’re my lifeline when everything else is spinning out of control. They’re the foundation that keeps me grounded, energized, and focused on what matters most—whether that’s work, family, or my own well-being. On the days when I feel like I’m running on fumes, these simple habits are the things that help me stay steady.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this: If you can commit to these five daily habits, you’re already setting yourself up for a more balanced, intentional life. Everything beyond that? That’s just a bonus.
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I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this conversation going and share your 5 daily C.H.A.O.S. habits in the comments below.
