10 Simple Habits That Are Transforming My Days

As we enter into the slower, colder months, I’ve been reminded again how much little habits shape my days. Winter can easily make me feel sluggish or distracted, but I’ve noticed that when I keep my habits small, simple, and consistent, my whole day changes.

I’m not perfect at any of these. In fact, I fail often. But I’ve learned that progress doesn’t come from doing everything right; it comes from returning again and again to the right priorities. These ten habits are helping me reorient my days around what matters most: time with the Lord, loving my family well, and keeping my heart at peace.

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1. Bible Before Phone

This one habit has changed everything. I wish I could say I’ve always been faithful in this, but I’ve definitely fallen into the pattern of checking my phone the moment I wake up. I’ve often started scrolling through messages, emails, or social media before I even get out of bed. It instantly fills my mind with comparison, to-do lists, and distractions.

Lately, I’ve made it my goal to keep my phone on airplane mode until after I’ve spent quiet time in God’s Word. It’s such a small shift, but it makes a huge difference. Beginning the day with Scripture resets my heart before the noise of the world can intrude. I truly believe the enemy loves to pull our attention away from God first thing in the morning. Therefore, choosing to read the Bible before anything else feels like reclaiming sacred ground.

It’s simple but powerful: God’s Word before the world’s words.

2. Getting Outside First Thing

Fresh air changes everything. I’ve started going for a short walk or jog first thing in the morning, even if it’s just for a few minutes. On cold days, I’ll do a short indoor workout, but there’s something especially renewing about stepping outside early and getting fresh air.

It’s a moment of peace and perspective before the day’s noise begins. Moving my body early helps me start with energy and joy instead of sluggishness.

3. Water Before Coffee

It might sound small, but this has been surprisingly life-giving. I tend to get dehydrated easily, and that often leads to headaches, low energy, and irritability. Then I don’t show up for my family well.

So I’ve started “habit stacking,” as James Clear describes in Atomic Habits. Before I sip my coffee, I finish a full water bottle. I even fill it right away in the morning so it’s ready to go. It’s amazing how starting the day hydrated helps me feel much better and I tend to drink more water throughout the rest of the day too.

Just like nourishing my spirit before checking my phone, this is about nourishing my body before giving in to what’s easiest.

4. Reading God’s Word With My Kids

Reading the Bible with my girls has become one of the sweetest parts of our days. I recently got them each their own Bible, and it’s been wonderful to open them together. My six-year-old has The Adventure Bible for Early Readers, and my four-year-old has My First Hands-On Bible. Lately, my oldest has even started reading her Bible on her own in her room, which is such a joy to see!

I’ve realized that taking just a few quiet minutes to read to my girls before the day begins models to them what truly matters most. We still read from The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible during our family devotional time at breakfast, but this one-on-one reading time in the early morning has become such a sweet and sacred part of our day.

I’m always encouraged and motivated by Deuteronomy 6:7 — “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house.”

5. One-on-One Time With Each Child

I’ve been deeply encouraged by Josh and Christi Straub, authors of Famous at Home, to spend intentional, one-on-one time with each child every day. As a homeschool mom, I’m with my kids all the time, but having one-on-one time with them is different.

So now, at the beginning of quiet time, I set aside about 20 minutes with each daughter. Sometimes we read, play a game, or do a puzzle — nothing fancy, just focused time. Afterward, they play independently, and I can work or rest.

If I wait until later in the day, it rarely happens. But when I choose to do it first, it fills their love tanks and mine too. It’s one of the best uses of my time all day.

6. More Protein, Less Sugar

Health fads come and go, but I’ve learned this simple truth: sugar makes me feel worse, and protein makes me feel better. When I eat balanced meals with protein first — eggs, yogurt, meat, or even broth — I feel steadier, more energized, and more patient.

As a busy mom, I often forget to eat until I’m starving, which leads to quick choices that don’t serve me well. But when I prioritize protein, I notice a real difference in my mood, my energy, and my ability to care for my family with joy.

It’s another reminder that stewardship of our bodies is part of honoring God.

7. Laundry and Dishes Before Bed

This habit might sound mundane, but it’s been a major shift for me. If I go to bed with laundry put away and dishes done, I wake up to peace instead of chaos.

Before bed, I make sure the kitchen is cleaned up, the dishwasher is unloaded, and any clean dishes are either drying or put away. I also load the washer with dirty clothes so that in the morning, I can simply hit “start.”

It takes maybe 10 minutes at night, but the impact is huge. I wake up to a fresh space and a clear mind, and I can spend the short time I have before my kids wake up doing things other than putting dishes away.

8. Reading Before Bed

I’ve been reflecting on Proverbs 31:26 lately: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

That verse has stirred in me a deeper desire to grow in wisdom, which only comes from time in God’s Word and reading good, edifying books. I often feel so tired at night, but even reading a few pages before sleep has been transformative. My goal is 10 pages a night, but some nights it’s less — and that’s okay.

It’s not about speed; it’s about consistency. Over time, a few pages here and there add up to finished books and renewed insight. Currently I have been reading Justin Whitmel Earley’s brand new book, The Body Teaches the Soul. I have learned a lot from Justin’s books about habits and I highly recommend this book as well as Habits of the Household!

9. Lingering in My Kids’ Rooms at Night

By bedtime, I’m usually ready to collapse. But lately, I’ve been trying to linger during my kid’s bedtime routine; to slow down instead of rushing out.

After my husband finishes reading to them, I’ll step in to sing a little song, pray over each child, maybe read one more book, and give them a blessing. I also try to simply sit for a few quiet minutes. Sometimes they want to share their thoughts or tell me something that happened during the day.

Those bedtime moments have become sacred; a peaceful closing to the day where love and connection outweigh exhaustion.

10. Investing in Friendships and Community

This has been such a needed habit in this season. As homeschool life gets fuller, our mornings are often filled with lessons and activities. So I’ve started meeting friends for lunch once or twice a week instead of morning playdates. It’s been such a sweet rhythm and time to connect and be refreshed without disrupting our homeschool mornings.

The older I get, the more I see that community isn’t optional; it’s essential. We were never meant to do life alone, and making space for friendship brings so much joy and grounding.

Tracking My Habits

One of my favorite parts of my homeschool planner has become the monthly habit tracker. I’ve realized that writing down the habits I’m focusing on helps me stay much more consistent.

Each month, I list a few small habits that I want to keep building, like Bible before phone, water before coffee, and one-on-one time with my girls. Having them written out in one place helps me visually see my progress and reminds me that growth happens one small step at a time.

There’s something so motivating about putting a little dot sticker in a box each day and watching those tiny dots add up. It keeps me accountable and encourages me on the days when I’m tempted to give up or feel like I’m not doing enough.

This simple habit tracking routine has made a huge difference in helping me stay intentional. It’s such a sweet reminder that faithfulness in the little things really does lead to transformation over time.

If you don’t already have a planner that includes habit tracking, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s been one of the best tools for helping me stay grounded and consistent this year.

Small Habits = Big Change

These habits may seem small, but they’re slowly transforming my days. Not because I’m doing more, but because I’m focusing on what matters most. Each one is a quiet act of obedience, a way of saying, “Lord, I want You to be first.”

I still stumble often. Some days I forget, get distracted, or fall short. But even then, God’s grace meets me where I am and gently calls me back.

If you’re craving more peace, purpose, or rhythm in your days, I’d encourage you to start with just one of these habits. Keep it simple. Stay consistent. Let the small things draw your heart closer to Him.

Are there habits that are transforming your days lately? I’d love to hear what’s been helping you grow. Share in the comments below!