5 Tiny Routines for Days When You’re Running on Empty (And That’s Okay!)

A slow start...

There are days when inspiration feels far away. When the to-do list is long, the energy is low, and even the simplest tasks feel… like too much. And that’s okay. You’re not failing. You’re just human. On days like that, what we need most isn’t perfection—it’s permission to slow down and meet ourselves with grace.

That’s where the magic of mini routines comes in. Tiny, doable, grounding. Think of them as soft anchors for your day—little acts that say, “I’m still here, and I still matter.”

1. Make the bed

I know—this one feels basic and we know about this. But hear me out: making your bed isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about giving your brain a win first thing in the morning.

When you smooth the covers and fluff the pillows, your body might still be waking up, but your mind registers: “I did something. I can keep going.” It’s a tiny vote for order, calm, and clarity—and it really does ripple out through the day.

2. Drink water (and keep drinking)

This one’s a whisper, not a shout. Staying hydrated helps your energy, mood, skin, digestion—everything. But more than that, it’s an act of kindness you can give yourself in the rush.

Try this: fill a 1-liter (34 oz) bottle and keep it near you. No pressure to finish it immediately. Just a gentle reminder that you are worth caring for.

3. Try a micro workout (5–15 minutes)

You don’t need a gym. You don’t need a full routine. Just a moment to stretch, to move, to reconnect with your body. Micro-workouts—5 to 15 minutes—can be game-changing.

A few squats while you wait for the kettle. A couple stretches before bed. A walk around the block while the kids nap. It doesn’t have to be big to be enough.

4. Read 5–10 pages of something nourishing

Not for productivity. Not to “finish a book.” Just to step into another world, even for a few minutes.

Reading reduces stress hormones and helps the mind focus on something gentle. Whether it’s a novel, a devotional, or poetry, those few pages are a balm.

5. Journal anything—even a sentence

There’s something sacred about the page. Whether you're writing gratitudes, frustrations, to-dos, dreams… it's your space.

Journaling doesn’t have to always be super deep or even daily. A single line is enough: “Today was hard, but I showed up.” That’s worth remembering.

Image Suggestion: A linen-covered notebook, half-filled with cursive writing, a pen and candle nearby.

🌿 You don’t need a perfect day. Just take one step at a time.

Sometimes, we think self-care needs to be a grand gesture. But the truth? It often shows up in the smallest ways. A made bed. A sip of water. A single page turned. A moment to exhale.

If you’re moving through a difficult season—or just a tough Tuesday—I hope one of these little routines meets you where you are ♥

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