Lifestyle tips. It’s almost like we’re all secretly looking for a cheat sheet to make life a little easier, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want a magic formula for balancing work, wellness, and the occasional spontaneous nap? The truth is, a few small changes can lead to big impacts in your day-to-day routine. Whether it’s tweaking your habits, jumping on new trends, or finding those little daily inspirations that keep you motivated, there’s a lot to gain by shifting your mindset. Here are some lifestyle tips that have helped me (and hopefully will help you too) embrace a fuller, healthier, and happier life.

1. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind

So, I tried minimalism once. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as planned. I was all “yes, I’m going to live with five shirts and a lamp and meditate in my perfectly minimalist space!” Then, I blinked, and it turned into a closet full of half-finished projects, old journals, and one very questionable collection of vintage mason jars. Anyway, the idea behind minimalism isn’t just about throwing everything away (though, hey, maybe that’s your thing)—it’s about consciously deciding what stays and what goes. I’ve found that having fewer distractions in my environment lets me focus on what really matters. The less clutter, the less I feel like I’m drowning in things I don’t need. Honestly, it’s life-changing.

Fun fact: there’s a thing called the “minimalism paradox,” where the more you try to simplify, the more complicated it gets. Who knew, right? But seriously, start small—maybe just tackle one drawer. That’s how it all begins.

2. Prioritize Your Mental Health (You’re Not A Robot)

I’ll be honest—I’m not perfect at this one. I spent years telling myself to “push through” stress. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Fast forward to one panic attack and a Netflix binge about mindfulness later, and I realized—yikes, I should probably try something different. That’s when I started adding mental health practices into my routine. Meditation, journaling, and the occasional yoga class became my go-tos. I still mess up some days. Like, I forgot to journal this morning because my cat knocked over my coffee, and I had to change my entire outfit because I couldn’t deal with the coffee stains. But it’s all about progress, right?

My neighbor Tina swears that the yoga classes she started taking last year “cured” her work stress. She says it with such passion that I believe her—she now has that calm “I could survive anything” vibe. And for those of us who aren’t yoga experts, just deep breathing or a 10-minute walk can make all the difference. Trust me, I get it. Stress management isn’t easy, but there’s no shame in trying different things until something clicks.

3. Go Green: Sustainability Starts at Home

Sustainability is one of those trendy lifestyle tips that, in my opinion, is more of a “get with it” situation than just a trend. Look, I’m not saying you need to go full-on zero waste (because, um, I’m still struggling to remember to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store). But even small changes add up. For me, it started with cutting back on plastic. I switched to metal straws (even though I accidentally swallowed one once—don’t ask). I started composting too, which, honestly, was a disaster at first. My first compost pile was a soggy mess of banana peels and soggy pizza boxes. Lesson learned: balance is key.

And then, the thing I’ll never forget: the smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019. I don’t know why I remember that so vividly, but it was the moment I realized plants don’t just purify the air—they make your heart feel lighter. Who knew?

4. Get Moving—Even if it’s Just a Walk to the Fridge

If you’re like me, motivation for exercise tends to peak for about five minutes after watching a “fitspo” video. But real talk: staying active doesn’t have to be about intense gym sessions or daily marathons. I learned this the hard way when I signed up for a 5k without training… Yeah. I’m pretty sure my legs still haven’t forgiven me. But now, I get moving in ways that fit my life. I’ll walk to the store instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or even stretch while watching TV (no shame). My friend Sarah does this thing where she does squats while brushing her teeth—yeah, I don’t quite have that level of multitasking down yet.

And hey, as for eating well—let’s just say I learned that eating an entire pizza (just once) is okay, but doing it every week? Not so much. Balancing those indulgences with healthier choices, like throwing in some fresh veggies (ugh, fine), has been a game-changer.

5. Disconnect to Reconnect

You know that one friend who insists on texting you “I’m living my best life” while you’re scrolling through Instagram, wishing you were anywhere but your couch? That was me… until I realized I was just zoning out online instead of living in the real world. So, I started setting boundaries with my screen time. I swear, if I spend more than an hour on social media without noticing, I feel like I’ve just missed out on an entire day of my life. For the record, my phone now has this “screen time limit” app I use to gently remind myself to get off. It’s like an annoying guardian angel.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: stepping outside has been the best fix. Seriously, a few minutes in nature can reset your brain. And while I’m all about tech, sometimes the best thing I can do is leave my phone in the car and take a walk without it buzzing in my pocket. Fun fact: Victorians believed talking to ferns prevented madness. I talk to my begonias just in case.

6. Cultivate Relationships That Make You Feel Like You’re Winning at Life

Being around people who support you is hands-down one of the best lifestyle tips I’ve ever picked up. Relationships matter, y’all. Whether it’s family, friends, or even that one coworker who gets your sense of humor, these connections give us strength. I used to be “too busy” to call my grandma. But once I made the effort to chat with her weekly, I realized those conversations are like emotional vitamins. Plus, she always has a killer story about her time in the army, and frankly, I live for that.

Seriously, don’t wait until you’re “free” to nurture your relationships—because you’ll always be waiting. Make time for those you love. It’s worth it.

7. Be Intentional with Your Time—It’s More Valuable Than You Think

Here’s a tip that changed everything for me: Time is precious. More than I’d like to admit, I’d let the hours slip by, convinced I was “working on stuff.” But no. I was scrolling through a YouTube rabbit hole on how to grow tomatoes (don’t judge). Now, I actually plan my day. Maybe it’s a detailed to-do list or a rough outline, but making my hours intentional has led to way more productivity. But hey, don’t get too hard on yourself if it’s not perfect. Sometimes, taking a nap is the most productive thing you can do. Legit.

And if you’re wondering about that tomato garden? Don’t ask. My first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary.

8. Stay Open to New Experiences (Even If It’s Awkward at First)

You don’t get better at life by staying in your comfort zone. Trust me, I tried. Remember that time I decided to try sushi for the first time? I nearly died (okay, not really, but it felt like it). But guess what? I got over it, and now sushi night is my jam. The point is, you’re not going to grow if you never push your limits. Try something new today. Could be as small as changing your morning routine or as big as signing up for a painting class. Just get out there and experience life.

9. Set Goals & Celebrate (Even the Small Wins)

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: you can’t really succeed if you don’t set goals. They don’t have to be huge. For me, it was something as simple as “read two chapters a day.” (Hey, it counts.) The key here is to track your wins, no matter how small, and celebrate them. I’m a firm believer in treating yourself for making progress. Some days, the treat is a donut. Other days, it’s just a solid “heck yeah, I nailed that” moment. Just do it.

10. Practice Gratitude: It’s the Best Life Hack

I’m not saying you need to go full-on gratitude journal every morning. But taking a second to reflect on what’s good in your life—even if it’s just your morning coffee—can help shift your mindset. My friend Janice says she practices “gratitude attitude” every night before bed. It’s cheesy, but it works. It really does. Sometimes, the hardest days can feel lighter when you look back and realize how much you really have to be thankful for.

Anyway, try it—if you don’t love it, you can always blame me.

Conclusion

There you have it. A few lifestyle tips that can turn your day around—without the Instagram filters. Small changes, big results. Life doesn’t have to be complicated. And the best part? You don’t have to be perfect. Just be intentional, keep things simple, and try a little more every day. You’ve got this.