Currently Unpacking

Living with anxiety and depression means that some days feel impossible. Brushing my teeth feels like climbing a mountain. Answering a text feels like solving a riddle. But over time, I’ve built a handful of tiny, intentional habits that have made a huge difference in how I navigate life.

These habits didn’t cure anything. I still have hard days. But they’ve given me tools. Anchors. Little rituals that remind me I’m not broken – I’m just a human trying to get through. And maybe you are too.

Here are a few of the daily habits that changed my life.

Making my bed every morning.

It sounds small – and it is. But it gives me a little win to start the day. It says, “Hey, I did something.” On the days when I feel like I’m spiraling, coming back to a made bed feels like a soft landing. It’s a reminder that past me cared about future me.

Drinking a glass of water first thing.

Before coffee. Before doom scrolling. Before meetings. Before anything else. Hydration isn’t magical, but it helps my brain feel a little less foggy. It also sets the tone: I deserve care. My body deserves attention.

Checking in with myself.

Asking myself how I’m really feeling. Being honest and not judging whatever feelings and thoughts come through. Sometimes I write it down. Sometimes I just sit with it. This helps me slow down and name what’s happening instead of letting it eat me alive.

Setting a gentle goal.

Every day I set one goal, something small and gentle. I don’t expect to conquer the world everyday. I don’t try to accomplish everything everyday. Each day I give myself one small thing. If I accomplish that, I count it as a win.

Having a “Nightly Reset” routine.

I call this my “closing shift”. I clean up, make sure things are put away, do my skin care, and get everything ready so that when I wake up in the morning I don’t have as much to worry about. It’s a wind down routine with a purpose.

Letting myself be boring sometimes.

This isn’t necessarily a habit, but it’s something I’ve learned is important. I practice every day. I used to be really hard on myself because my life wasn’t as exciting as other people’s. But I’ve learned that not everyday has to be revolutionary.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, please hear this: your life doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be good. Small, consistent, loving choices can build something beautiful over time – even if you’re doing them through tears or brain fob.

And if all you did today was survive? I’m proud of you.