Too much clutter is never good for anyone. If you ever feel like your life is too full of clutter – physically, digitally, or even mentally – it might be time for a reset.

I’m getting ready to do some spring cleaning and decluttering, so now felt like the perfect time to share this list. That said, you can get rid of these things any time of year. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about momentum.

Before you start, grab two bags or boxes: one for donating or giving away usable items, and one for tossing the rest.

Closet & Accessories

1. Clothes you don’t wear, don’t like, or don’t fit
2. Socks that don’t match or have holes
3. Old underwear and bras
4. Stockings with runs
5. Worn-out shoes or shoes you never wear
6. Purses or wallets you don’t use
7. Eyeglasses or sunglasses you don’t wear
8. Hair accessories you don’t use

Bathroom & Beauty

9. Old makeup, lotion, nail polish, etc.
10. Beauty samples that are expired or you won’t use
11. Your toothbrush (if it’s over 3 months old)
12. Expired or unused medicine and vitamins (dispose of properly or bring to a pharmacy)

Kitchen & Food

13. Condiment packets
14. Expired food (check your fridge, freezer, pantry, and spice shelf)
15. Food containers without lids — or lids without containers
16. Kitchen utensils or appliances you don’t use
17. Cookbooks you know you won’t use

Paper, Media & Miscellaneous

18. Old newspapers and magazines
19. Phonebooks
20. Used-up notebooks and journals
21. Old textbooks
22. Greeting cards (if they’re sentimental, store them in a pretty way instead)
23. Receipts you don’t need
24. Old calendars and planners
25. The paperwork you no longer need
26. Electronic or appliance manuals you don’t need

Tech & Digital Clutter

27. Phone numbers you don’t need anymore
28. Phone cases you don’t use
29. Old chargers, cables, and cords you don’t use
30. Old electronics
31. Emails and email subscriptions you don’t need or want

Hobbies, Decor & Extras

32. Anything broken that won’t be fixed
33. Movies you don’t like or watch
34. Books you don’t like or won’t read
35. CDs you don’t like or listen to
36. Games with missing pieces
37. Old craft supplies you won’t use
38. Pens and markers with no ink
39. Expired coupons
40. Extra buttons
41. Old gift wrap and gift bags you won’t use
42. Decor that doesn’t bring you joy
43. Used candles you don’t like
44. Rubber bands
45. Unused vases
46. Frayed towels
47. Old shopping bags

Mental & Emotional Clutter

48. Things that upset you (old photos, letters, or items tied to bad memories)
49. Negative people or accounts that consistently drain you (in real life or on social media)
50. Anything you’ve been keeping “just in case” but haven’t used in years

If you picked just one category from this list to tackle first, what would it be?

The post Spring Cleaning: 50 Things to Get Rid of Today appeared first on coffee with alice.

When you think about decluttering, you probably picture cleaning out your closet, reorganizing your kitchen cabinets, or finally tackling that chaotic junk drawer.

But when was the last time you decluttered your digital life?

• Your inbox.
• Your camera roll.
• Your apps.
• Your notifications.
• The 37 tabs open on your laptop and/or phone right now.

We romanticize spring cleaning our homes… but we ignore the fact that most of our mental clutter lives inside our devices.

And listen. I avoided this for years.

I always meant to do a digital reset.
But it felt annoying. Tedious. Overwhelming. Like something Future Me would handle.

Until my inbox hit over 1,000 unread emails and I couldn’t find a receipt when I needed it.

That was my villain origin story.

What started as “let me just clean my email” turned into a full digital life reset. And while it’s still ongoing, the difference in my mental clarity has been so worth it.

If your digital spaces feel chaotic and heavy, let’s fix it together.

What Is Digital Decluttering?

Digital decluttering is intentionally cleaning up your digital environments so they feel calm, functional, and supportive instead of chaotic.

At first I thought this just meant emails and photos.

But it’s so much more than that:

• Apps you never use
• Subscriptions draining your bank account
• Notifications hijacking your focus
• Bookmarks you’ll never revisit
• Social feeds that don’t align anymore
• Notes app chaos
• Random files on your desktop
• Screenshots you took “just in case”
• People you follow but no longer want to see content from

It’s about reducing digital noise so your brain can breathe again.

And yes. It can feel overwhelming at first.

That’s normal.

We’re not doing this in one day. We’re building systems.

Make A Digital Declutter List

When I realized how many areas needed attention, I felt kinda frozen.
So I made a list.

Here’s what mine included:

• Phone apps
• App folders
• Email inbox
• Photos (phone + computer)
• Notifications
• Notes app
• Bookmarks
• Subscriptions
• Social media
• Desktop files
• Cloud storage

Once it was written down, it stopped feeling abstract and started feeling manageable.

You don’t have to start with the hardest thing. Just pick one.

Momentum builds motivation.

The Email Inbox Reset

Let’s address the monster first.

I had over 1,000 unread emails in two different accounts.

Instead of panicking, here’s what worked:

1. Unsubscribe Aggressively
If you never open the emails, unsubscribe.

You subscribed for a freebie three years ago.
You don’t need daily 15% off emails and product promos.
Trust me, you will survive without them, LOL.

This alone reduced my incoming clutter by at least 75%.

2. Bulk Delete Strategically
If “select all” makes you anxious, use the search bar.

Search brand names.
Search keywords like “sale,” “newsletter,” “promo.”
Delete in batches.

It feels controlled and safe.

For me, I figured if I hadn’t opened an email in months (or years, oops) it was probably safe to delete.

3. Create Simple Folders
Keep it minimal.

Examples:
• Receipts
• Work
• Important
• To Review

You don’t need 27 categories. Keep it functional, not aesthetic.

Bonus tip: If your inbox allows rules or filters, set them up so certain emails automatically go into folders. Future You will be obsessed.

Phone App Detox

Be honest with yourself.

If you haven’t opened the app in 3 months… it goes.

You can redownload it.
The world will not end.

Then create folders:

• Social
• Finance
• Editing
• Food
• Utilities
• Shopping

And here’s the underrated move: move distracting apps off your home screen. Make your first page calm. Banking, calendar, notes, camera.

Your nervous system will thank you.

Social Media Declutter

Your feed shapes your thoughts more than you realize.

Every 6 months, do a social audit:

• Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison
• Mute people if unfollowing feels awkward
• Remove pages that no longer align
• Clean up your following list

And let’s talk about something people avoid:

You are allowed to unfollow people.

Not because you dislike them.
Or because there’s drama.
Or because they did something wrong.

Simply because you don’t want to consume the content anymore.

Your feed is a curated environment.

If someone’s posts consistently make you feel behind, overwhelmed, insecure, or drained, that’s information.

You can quietly unfollow.
No announcement.
No apology.
Not even an explanation.

If it feels too uncomfortable, mute first and see how it feels.
If you don’t miss it, let it go.

Ask yourself:
Would I choose to follow this account today?
Or am I here out of habit?

Digital growth sometimes looks like pruning.

Also review your own posts.
Archive what doesn’t feel aligned anymore.

Your digital identity deserves evolution too.

The Notes App Deep Dive

The notes app is a time capsule of chaos.

Here’s how to clean it:

Delete old shopping lists
Merge duplicate idea notes
Create master lists (Gift Ideas, Passwords, Recipes, Brain Dumps)
Title everything clearly

Pro tip: If you store passwords, keep it vague and consider using a proper password manager instead. Security > convenience.

Photos & Screenshots (The Sneaky Clutter)

We need to talk about screenshots.

Do you have 400 screenshots of things you thought you’d need?

Same.

Here’s a quick system:

• Delete duplicates
• Delete blurry photos
• Delete screenshots that served their purpose
• Create albums for favorites

Even doing 10 minutes a day makes a difference.

Subscriptions & Money Leaks

Go through your bank statement.

Highlight recurring charges.

Ask yourself:
Do I use this?
Would I sign up for it again today?

Cancel what you don’t need.

Digital clutter isn’t just mental. It’s financial.

Notifications: The Silent Stressor

This one changed everything for me.

Go into settings and audit notifications.

Turn off:
• Promo notifications
• Random app pings
• Social “so and so posted” alerts

Keep:
• Calendar reminders
• Messages
• Important updates

Constant notifications train your brain to be reactive.

Silence is power.

The Real Benefit Of Digital Decluttering

It’s not about aesthetics.

It’s about:

• Reduced anxiety
• Better focus
• Faster access to what matters
• Less decision fatigue
• Feeling in control

Your phone is basically your second brain.

Make it peaceful.

How To Keep It From Getting Out Of Control Again

Because yes, it will try.

Create mini maintenance habits:

• 5-minute inbox reset every Friday
• Monthly subscription check
• Quarterly social media audit
• If you see an app you don’t use, delete immediately

Small resets prevent massive overhauls.

If your digital life has felt heavy lately, this is your permission slip to reset it.

Put on a cozy playlist.
Light a candle.
Make it a ritual.

Your physical space isn’t the only thing that deserves spring energy.

Your digital life does too.

Does your digital life need a declutter? Let’s chat in the comments!

The post How To Declutter Your Digital Life For Spring appeared first on coffee with alice.

Some days, my mental health is low in a way that’s hard to ignore.

I feel drained, unmotivated, and easily overwhelmed, even when nothing obvious has gone wrong. Little things take more energy than they should, and my brain feels stuck on a low setting.

When I’m in that headspace, I don’t want advice or productivity tips. I don’t need to fix myself or push through it. What actually helps are small, familiar comforts—things that don’t ask anything from me but make the day feel more manageable.

These are a few of the things that bring me comfort when my mental health is low. They’re not solutions or cures—just simple comforts that help me get through harder days without making things feel worse.

1. Breaking a sweat

I try to move my body in some way every day. My work is very sedentary, and I really don’t feel good if I’m sitting for 12+ hours a day – and I don’t think anyone does. Breaking a sweat always makes me feel better both physically and mentally. If something is weighing on my mind, getting my body moving makes those thoughts feel less heavy, or at least helps me think more clearly. Remembering how I’ll feel after even a short workout is usually enough to get me started, even when I don’t really feel like it.

Bonus points if I’m getting my exercise outside, because nature is another big comfort for me.

2. Watching comfort shows

Everybody has their comfort shows, right? As a neurodivergent person, comfort shows are a big thing for me. I rarely ever watch new shows . There’s something so reassuring about rewatching a show I already love for the 27,379th time. Most of the time I’m not even fully focused on the TV, so having something familiar on in the background feels comforting instead of overwhelming. When I’m feeling low, letting my tired brain watch something predictable honestly just feels like a hug.

Some of my favorites:

• Bob’s Burgers
• Seinfeld
• Gilmore Girls
• Regular Show
• New Girl

3. Spending time on my hobbies

When my mental health is low, leaning into my hobbies helps me feel more like myself again. Reading, going for walks and taking photos, working on my blog, or crocheting something gives my mind something to focus on without pressure. These are the kinds of activities that let me be present without overthinking or forcing productivity. Even doing them for a short amount of time helps break the feeling of being stuck in my head.

4. Planning, brain dumping, and journaling

When my mind feels all over the place, finding ways to slow it down has been key – not just for feeling better, but for getting anything done. Writing down a to-do list or what I want to accomplish helps me look at things more logically and stops me from panicking. Things can feel incredibly overwhelming when they’re only in my head, but once I write them down, they lose a lot of their power. Brain dumping worries, working through solutions, or just journaling things out in general is surprisingly calming for me. Definitely a big comfort when my mental health is low.

5. Spending time with my pets

Spending time with my pets brings me a kind of comfort that’s hard to explain. Whether I’m petting my cat, sitting with my dog, or just watching them exist in their own little world, it almost always lifts my mood. They move through life without carrying the same worries we do, and being around that kind of calm, uncomplicated joy feels grounding in the best way.

Their presence reminds me to slow down and stay in the moment. When my mental health is low, the love they give so freely makes everything feel a little lighter, even if nothing else has changed.

Final Thoughts

These are some things that bring me comfort when my mental health is low. None of these things fix everything—and they don’t need to. They just make hard days a little more manageable, which is sometimes enough. If you’re going through something similar, I hope you’re able to find one small thing today that brings you a bit of comfort too.

What’s one small thing that brings you comfort on hard days?

The post 5 Things That Comfort Me When My Mental Health Is Low appeared first on coffee with alice.

For a long time, I treated self-care like something you do occasionally — when you’re burnt out, overwhelmed, or already running on fumes.

But over the past year, that mindset stopped working for me. My anxiety was louder than usual, stress was constant, and I realized I needed something steady. Something grounding. Something I could come back to every day.

That’s where journaling came in.

I don’t journal to be productive or insightful or aesthetic. I journal because it gives me space to slow down. It helps me untangle my thoughts, release emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding onto, and check in with myself without judgment. Some nights it’s deep and reflective. Other nights it’s messy and short. Both count.

This small daily habit has become one of the most supportive forms of self-care in my life — not because it fixes everything, but because it helps me stay connected to myself.

That’s why I wanted to share these self-care journal prompts with you.

If you’re craving a gentler way to take care of yourself — one that doesn’t require perfection, motivation, or a “good mindset” — journaling might be exactly what you need.

Why Journaling Supports Self-Care So Well

Self-care isn’t about doing more. It’s about paying attention.

At its core, self-care is the practice of noticing what you need and responding with care. That can look different for everyone. For some people, it’s movement or therapy. For others, it’s rest, creativity, or time alone. There’s no universal checklist — only what actually supports your well-being.

Journaling fits into self-care because it creates space for awareness. When you write, you’re giving your thoughts somewhere to land. You’re able to process emotions instead of pushing them aside, notice patterns instead of staying stuck in them, and slow your nervous system down in a very real way.

Regular journaling can help:

• ease anxiety and mental overwhelm

• reduce stress

• improve emotional awareness

• support better sleep

• release built-up tension

• create healthier emotional outlets

• bring clarity to thoughts and feelings

When your mental and emotional health are supported, everything else tends to follow. Your body feels calmer, your reactions soften, and your days feel more manageable. It’s all connected.

Turning Journaling Into a Self-Care Ritual

Journaling doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming to be effective. What matters more than how much you write is how safe and supported you feel while doing it.

If you want to build journaling into your self-care routine, start by choosing a time that feels realistic. Morning, night, or somewhere in between — consistency matters more than timing. I personally journal at night because it helps me decompress and transition into rest.

Next, think about your environment. Self-care journaling works best when your body feels relaxed. That might mean journaling in bed, on the couch, or in a quiet corner of your home.

You can make the experience more inviting by:

• using soft lighting

• playing gentle music or ambient sounds

• lighting a candle

• wearing cozy clothes

• writing in a notebook you love

• letting it feel imperfect and unstructured

Self-care is still a habit — and habits are easier to maintain when they feel comforting instead of forced. The more you associate journaling with calm, safety, and ease, the more naturally it becomes part of your routine.

36 Self-Care Journal Prompts to Support Your Mind, Body & Soul

1. How do I feel right now — physically, emotionally, and mentally?

2. What does my body need today?

3. What helps me feel well-rested and restored?

4. What has been draining my energy lately?

5. What fills my cup?

6. How do I like to recharge after a long day?

7. When was the last time I felt calm or at peace?

8. Where do I feel most safe and comfortable?

9. How does my body feel when I’m at home?

10. What does self-care mean to me in this season of my life?

11. How am I currently taking care of myself?

12. What small change could improve my daily self-care?

13. Have I been taking on more than I can handle?

14. What would help today feel a little easier?

15. What brings me comfort when I feel overwhelmed?

16. Write about something that feels soothing or familiar.

17. What’s a comfort movie, book, or show — and why does it help?

18. What activity helps me relax the most?

19. What’s my favorite way to move my body?

20. Describe my ideal morning.

21. Describe a slow, peaceful weekend.

22. Write about a place that feels calm and grounding to me.

23. What small rituals make me feel cared for?

24. What habits support my mental health?

25. What boundaries would help me feel more balanced?

26. What am I grateful for this week?

27. What is something I’m proud of myself for?

28. How have I been feeling over the past week?

29. What values matter most to me right now?

30. What hobbies bring me joy — and why?

31. What am I looking forward to in the next month?

32. What long-term goals feel meaningful to me?

33. When things don’t go as planned, what can I remind myself?

34. Write about a time I felt overwhelmed but made it through.

35. What does mindfulness look like in my everyday life?

36. Write a letter to my future self about how I’m feeling right now.

Which prompt stood out to you the most — and why?

The post Self-Care Journal Prompts for Mind, Body & Soul appeared first on coffee with alice.

Be honest—how many times have you told yourself “just one more episode” or “I’ll go to bed after this video” or “once I’m done with this chapter” (like me)… and then suddenly it’s way later than you planned?

Staying up too late has a way of sneaking up on you. The day finally slows down, everything gets quiet, and suddenly this feels like the only time that’s really yours. So you scroll a little longer, watch one more thing, or stay up thinking about everything you didn’t have time to process earlier.

The thing is, most of us aren’t staying up late because we want to be exhausted the next day. It usually happens for softer reasons—wanting peace, distraction, creativity, or just a moment to breathe. And once you understand why you’re doing it, it becomes a lot easier to change.

Here are three very common reasons you might be staying up too late, plus a few simple ways to gently break the habit—without turning bedtime into something you dread.

Problem 1: You’re Stuck in a Scroll, Show, or “One More Thing” Loop

This one is probably the most obvious—and the easiest to fall into.

You start watching Netflix and think, just one more episode.
You find a new YouTube channel and suddenly want to watch every video ever uploaded.
Or you’re clicking around online and honestly don’t even remember how you got there.

Electronics keep your brain stimulated when it should be winding down, and time tends to disappear at night.

Solution:

1. Set a nightly “power down” alarm.
Set an alarm for 30–60 minutes before bed that reminds you to turn off electronics. Not as a punishment—just as a cue that it’s time to slow things down.

Those shows, videos, and tabs will still be there tomorrow. You’re not missing out on anything life-changing at midnight.

2. Keep electronics out of the bedroom (even temporarily).
Try one week of charging your phone outside your bedroom and using a regular alarm clock instead. You might be surprised how much easier it becomes to actually go to sleep when your bed isn’t associated with scrolling.

3. Use a distraction blocker if willpower isn’t enough.
If you tend to ignore alarms, tools like Freedom can help limit access to apps or sites during your wind-down hours. Sometimes removing the option entirely makes the choice easier.

Problem 2: Your Brain Finally Gets Loud at Night

As soon as the day gets quiet, your thoughts get loud.

• You replay conversations.
• You worry about what’s coming up.
• You think about what you should have done differently.

A lot of the time, we try to distract ourselves from these thoughts (hello, scrolling), but that usually makes it worse—not better.

Solution:

1. Do a nightly brain dump.
Write everything that’s swirling around in your head onto paper. When thoughts stay trapped in your mind, they multiply. When you put them somewhere else, they loosen their grip.

Keep a notebook by your bed and make this part of your routine.

2. Give yourself time to actually unwind.
Your brain can’t go from full-speed to asleep instantly. Try something calming before bed:

• reading
• a warm bath
• light stretching or bedtime yoga
• a short meditation

Even 10 minutes can make a difference.

3. Separate what you can control from what you can’t.
If something needs action, write down three steps you can take tomorrow.
If it’s something you can’t change, practice letting it go—remind yourself that the present moment is all you actually have control over right now.

Problem 3: You’re Inspired, Motivated, or Racing a Deadline

Sometimes staying up late doesn’t feel bad—it feels productive.

You get hit with a great idea.
You’re deep in a project.
You’re trying to meet a deadline.

You don’t want to stop because you’re afraid you’ll lose the momentum.

Solution:

1. Make an after-work to-do list.
Most people plan their workday, but not their evening. Before you’re done for the day, write down 3–5 things you want to accomplish before bed—and give yourself clear stopping points.

2. Set a time limit and write a stopping note.
Give yourself 30 minutes to work, then stop. Write down:

• what you finished
• where you left off
• what the next three steps are

This makes it much easier to walk away without feeling anxious or unfinished.

3. Know when to let it happen.
If late-night inspiration doesn’t happen often, it’s okay to lean into it occasionally. Just make sure you write everything down instead of telling yourself you’ll remember it later (you won’t).

Staying up too late usually isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline—it’s about habits, overstimulation, and timing.

You don’t need a perfect routine or extreme rules. Small changes, done consistently, make the biggest difference.

Start with one thing from this list. That’s enough.

The post 3 Reasons You’re Staying Up Too Late (And How to Stop) appeared first on coffee with alice.

People get so excited when a new year begins because it represents a fresh start. And honestly — I get it. There’s something comforting about the idea of turning a page and beginning again.

But I don’t believe fresh starts are limited to January.

A new month, a new week, or even a new day can be an opportunity to reset, refocus, and realign with what matters most. That’s why the beginning of each new month has become my favorite time to pause and check in with myself.

We’re given 12 months every year — 12 chances to learn from what didn’t work, build on what did, and intentionally move forward. And when you think about it, 30 days is plenty of time to create meaningful change, especially when your approach is realistic and aligned.

That’s where a monthly reset comes in.

A monthly reset isn’t about fixing yourself or doing more. It’s about creating space — mentally, emotionally, and practically — so you can move through the month feeling clearer, more prepared, and more grounded.

Below are 10 intentional things you can do as part of a monthly reset. You don’t need to do all of them every month. Take what feels supportive and leave the rest.

1. Reflect on the previous month

Before planning ahead, it’s important to look back.

Reflection helps you identify patterns, celebrate progress, and understand what needs adjusting — without judgment. Also, this step turns experience into insight.

Try asking yourself:

• What goals or intentions did I set last month?
• What went well?
• What felt difficult or draining?
• How was my mental and emotional health overall?
• What did I learn about myself?

This reflection helps you move forward with clarity instead of repeating the same cycles.

2. Choose one primary focus for the month

One of the biggest mistakes we make in self-improvement is trying to change everything at once.

Instead, choose one main area of life to focus on this month. Focusing your energy allows for deeper, more sustainable growth.

For example, possible focus areas include:

• physical health
• mental or emotional well-being
• relationships
• career or education
• finances
• spirituality
• social connection

Your focus doesn’t mean ignoring everything else — it simply acts as a guiding theme for your decisions and goals.

3. Set intentional goals (less really is more)

Once you’ve chosen your focus, the next step is to set goals that support it.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a long list, aim for 1–3 meaningful goals that feel achievable within the month.

Helpful questions to guide this step:

• What would make this month feel successful?
• What outcome matters most right now?
• What’s actually within my control?

Also, writing your goals down makes them more tangible and easier to revisit throughout the month.

4. Plan and organize the month ahead

Planning isn’t about filling every moment — it’s about reducing mental clutter.

To organize your month:

• do a brain dump of everything currently on your mind
• identify key priorities, deadlines, and commitments
• add important dates, appointments, and events to your calendar
• break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps

This helps you enter the month feeling prepared instead of reactive.

5. Review your finances mindfully

This step might not be the most exciting, but it is important.

Take time to:

• review how much you earned and spent last month
• notice spending patterns without guilt
• adjust your budget if needed
• account for upcoming expenses (birthdays, bills, appointments, etc.)

Approach this with curiosity rather than criticism — awareness is the first step toward improvement.

6. Create a simple, realistic meal plan

Next, meal planning can make life much more simple.

Even a loose plan can:

• save time
• reduce daily decision fatigue
• support your physical and mental well-being

Try choosing a few go-to meals, saving new recipes you want to try, and creating a grocery list based on that plan. The goal is support, not perfection.

7. Choose one growth resource for the month

Personal development doesn’t have to be intense to be impactful.

Choose one resource to focus on this month, such as:

• a book
• a course
• a podcast series
• a 30-day challenge
• a workbook

If possible, pick something that aligns with your focus area. Consistent, small learning moments can lead to big mindset shifts over time.

8. Reset your environment

Your environment plays a huge role in how you feel.

A monthly reset is a great time to:

• declutter one area of your home
• refresh your workspace
• swap out seasonal decor
• deep clean spaces you use daily

Even small changes can make your space feel calmer and more supportive.

9. Clear out digital clutter

Physical clutter isn’t the only thing that affects our mental space.

Consider:

• unsubscribing from emails you no longer read
• unfollowing accounts that negatively impact your mood
• deleting unused apps or files
• organizing photos, documents, or inboxes

This step often brings immediate mental relief.

10. End your reset with something enjoyable

Finally, end your reset with something enjoyable.

Do something that brings you comfort or joy — a cozy night in, a favorite treat, time for a hobby, or a slow morning.

Self-improvement shouldn’t feel like punishment.

Celebrating yourself reinforces the idea that growth can be kind.

If you want a simple way to walk through the core of this process each month, I created a monthly reset checklist you can download and use anytime you need a fresh start.

Just click the image below to join my newsletter, and you’ll get a link to my always-growing freebie library full of resources for building a life you love.

The post Monthly Reset Routine (With Free Worksheets) appeared first on coffee with alice.

While I absolutely love sharing pieces of my life here and connecting with you across my blog and social media, I’m always aware that what you see is only a small slice of the full picture.

Most of the time, that feels totally okay (because truly, no one needs front-row seats to me rotting on the couch in my pajamas). But every now and then, I find myself wishing I could share a little more of the quieter, everyday moments too — the ones that don’t always make it online but still make up so much of my life.

Not the highlight-reel stuff. Not the perfectly productive days or carefully curated routines. Just the simple things I reach for when I have a bit of free time — the hobbies, habits, and little comforts that help me unwind and feel like myself again.

So today, I wanted to do exactly that. I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in my free time. Nothing impressive. Nothing life-changing. Just the things that genuinely bring me joy lately. Think cozy, creative, and very real.

10 Favorite Things to Do in My Free Time:

1. Blogging

Blogging has been something I’ve loved for years now, even if it’s looked a little different at every stage. I think it really started back when I was posting on Tumblr — writing little thoughts into the void without really thinking of it as “blogging” at all.

Now, this feels like my first real blog. A place I’m intentionally building, but still writing in the same honest, reflective way. It’s comforting, creative, and one of the few spaces where I feel like I can fully think out loud.

2. Reading

Reading has always been part of my life, but it’s especially become a nighttime ritual. Most evenings, I read before bed — even if it’s just a chapter or two.

It helps my brain slow down after a long day and gives me something calm to focus on before sleep. There’s something so comforting about ending the day inside a story.

3. Taking Photos

I love taking photos — not in a polished or professional way, but in a quiet, noticing-little-moments kind of way. I’m drawn to cozy corners, soft light, books, coffee, and everyday scenes that feel comforting.

Taking photos helps me slow down and appreciate things I might otherwise rush past, and I love looking back on them as little reminders of how moments felt.

4. Watching YouTube

I almost always need background noise to focus, and YouTube fills that role perfectly. Whether I’m cleaning, crocheting, writing, or just sitting around, it’s usually playing in the background.

And yes — I’ll admit it — YouTube drama commentators bring me an unreasonable amount of comfort. Slightly embarrassing? Maybe. But it makes everything feel less quiet, and I’ve fully accepted that about myself.

5. Walking / Hiking

Going for walks or easy hikes is one of the ways I reset when my thoughts feel loud. I don’t track steps or try to make it productive — I just walk.

Sometimes I listen to something, sometimes I don’t. Either way, being outside and moving my body helps me work through things in my head without forcing myself to figure anything out.

6. Crocheting

Crocheting feels especially comforting because it reminds me of my childhood. My mom was always crocheting when I was growing up, so it’s something I naturally gravitated toward over time.

Now, working on projects little by little feels cozy and familiar. It’s slow, imperfect, and calming — which honestly makes it even better.

7. Baking

I’m definitely not the most experienced baker, but that’s part of what makes it fun. I enjoy trying new recipes, experimenting a little, and seeing how things turn out — even when they’re not perfect.

Baking feels creative in a slower, more hands-on way, and the process itself is just as enjoyable as the end result.

8. Watching Movies with My Bestie

Ordering takeout and watching movies together is one of my favorite traditions. We try to make it a regular thing when we can, and it’s genuinely one of the highlights of my week.

It’s never fancy — just comfort food, familiar movies, and time spent with someone I love. Simple nights like that are the ones I cherish most.

9. Journaling

Journaling is something I come back to whenever my thoughts feel tangled or overwhelming. I don’t use prompts or follow any structure — I just write whatever needs to come out.

Some entries are thoughtful, some are repetitive, and some are complete chaos. But letting it all exist on the page helps me check in with myself in a way nothing else really does.

10. Making Playlists

Making playlists is one of my favorite quiet hobbies. I love curating songs based on moods, seasons, or phases of life.

I tend to listen to the same few songs on repeat until they start to feel like a chapter of my life, and I love how music can set the tone for an entire day.

What are a few things you naturally reach for when you have a little free time?

The post 10 Favorite Things to Do in My Free Time appeared first on coffee with alice.

If you’ve ever thought “I want to start journaling, but I have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to write,” you’re not alone. Like… at all. Starting a journal sounds simple in theory, but the blank page can feel weirdly intimidating.

A lot of us had a diary at some point — maybe in middle school — where we wrote about our day or vented about whatever was stressing us out. And while that totally counts, journaling doesn’t have to look like that anymore (unless you want it to).

Journaling today can be so many different things. There are bullet journals, art journals, prompt journals, brain-dump notebooks — honestly, there’s no single “right” way to do it. The only thing they all have in common is that they’re amazing for helping you organize your thoughts, check in with yourself, and support your mental health in a way that actually feels doable.

The best part? You don’t need to journal every single day, write pages and pages, or be “good at writing.” You can start with a few minutes a couple times a week and still get real benefits from it.

In this post, I’m breaking down why journaling is worth starting, how to begin a journaling habit without overthinking it, and exactly what to write when you’re staring at a blank page.

Thinking about starting a journal? Let’s talk about it first.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a journal but keep putting it off because you don’t know how to do it “right,” I need you to hear this first:

There is no right way.

You don’t need a fancy notebook.
You don’t need perfect handwriting.
You don’t need to journal every day.
And you definitely don’t need to know what you’re doing before you start.

Most people don’t avoid journaling because they don’t want to do it — they avoid it because it feels weirdly intimidating. Sitting alone with your thoughts can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re already overwhelmed. But that’s also kind of the point.

Journaling isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about giving your thoughts somewhere to land.

Your brain isn’t broken — it’s just overloaded

We’re constantly thinking. About what we need to do, what we should’ve said, what we’re worried about, what’s coming next. When all of that stays in your head, it can start to feel heavy fast.

Writing things down doesn’t magically solve everything, but it does slow your thoughts down enough for you to actually look at them. Once they’re on paper, they’re easier to understand — and a lot less scary.

You don’t need to eliminate negative thoughts (that’s not realistic anyway). Journaling helps you notice them, question them, and stop letting them run on autopilot.

Journaling isn’t just venting — it’s checking in

A lot of us think journaling = complaining about your day. And sure, it can be that. But it can also be a place to:

• process emotions you don’t have words for yet

• work through decisions without outside noise

• track patterns in your mood or mindset

• capture ideas before they disappear

• reflect instead of immediately reacting

It’s basically a conversation with yourself — and honestly, that’s something most of us never make time for.

You start understanding yourself in a way you never really have

When you journal consistently (even casually), you start to notice things. What drains you, what excites you, what you keep avoiding. What you actually care about versus what you think you care about.

That self-awareness is powerful. It helps with confidence, boundaries, decision-making, and growth — without forcing you into some intense self-help routine.

It creates a judgment-free space (which we all need)

Your journal is the one place where you don’t have to be productive, positive, or put-together. You can be messy. You can contradict yourself. And you can change your mind.

That kind of freedom is rare — and really good for your mental health.

Over time, journaling can help you release grudges, work through guilt, and soften the way you talk to yourself. Not because it fixes everything, but because it gives you room to process instead of suppress.

And yes — it can help with goals, creativity, and growth too

If you want to use journaling to set goals, practice gratitude, stay organized, or get more creative, you absolutely can. But none of that has to come first.

The habit itself is the win.

Once journaling feels safe and natural, everything else tends to follow.

How to start journaling (without overthinking it)

If journaling sounds appealing but also slightly overwhelming, that’s totally normal. Most people get stuck on the same questions: What kind of journal should I use? What do I even write about? When am I supposed to do this?

Let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t make it feel like homework.

First: choose a format that actually feels fun

There’s no rule that says journaling has to look a certain way. You can go digital or pen-and-paper — whatever you’ll actually use.

If you like things neat, organized, or always with you, a digital journal might be your thing. If you love the feeling of writing, doodling, or decorating pages, pen-and-paper is probably a better fit.

You can use:

• a classic lined journal

• a bullet journal

• a sketchbook

• a plain notebook

• or even a notes app or document

Some people also like more “niche” journals — like gratitude journals, reading journals, dream journals, or faith-based journals. If something specific excites you, lean into that. If not, keep it simple. You can always change it later.

Then: decide what journaling looks like for you

A lot of people imagine journaling as long, emotional diary entries. And it can be that — but it doesn’t have to be.

Some people love stream-of-consciousness writing, where they just write whatever pops into their head until they feel lighter. Others prefer focusing on specific topics, like goals, relationships, or mental health.

You can also use your journal for:

• brain dumps

• lists

• planning

• doodles or sketches

• goal check-ins

• gratitude

• brainstorming ideas

Personally? A mix of everything usually works best. Your journal doesn’t need to be deep, poetic, or profound. Some days it might be one sentence. Other days it might be a messy page of lists and thoughts. That’s still journaling.

And if your mind ever goes completely blank, journal prompts are your best friend.

How to turn journaling into a habit (without pressure)

Journaling works best when it’s consistent — but consistent doesn’t mean every single day forever.

Start small. Aim for 2–3 times a week for 10–20 minutes. That’s more than enough to build the habit without burning yourself out.

It also helps to pick a general time of day. Mornings can be great for clearing your head and setting the tone for the day, while evenings are perfect for reflection and letting go of stress. Choose whatever fits your life.

If you need reminders, add it to your to-do list or set a phone alarm at first. Once it becomes part of your routine, it’ll start to feel natural instead of forced.

A few gentle journaling reminders

• Try different styles until something clicks

• Keep your journal nearby — inspiration shows up randomly

• Reduce distractions so you can focus

• If it helps you stay motivated, make it fun with cute supplies

• Don’t worry about doing it “right” or perfectly

Honestly? The best way to start journaling is just to start. You’ll figure out what works as you go.

What does journaling look like for you right now — or what do you want it to look like?

The post How to Start Journaling (Without Overthinking It) appeared first on coffee with alice.

There was a point not that long ago where I realized I was running on empty… but still expecting myself to function like everything was fine. I wasn’t falling apart in some dramatic way — I was just tired in that quiet, sneaky way that makes everything feel heavier than it should.

Self-care gets talked about a lot, but no one really tells you what it looks like when you’re just trying to get through your days without burning out. It’s not always face masks and perfectly planned routines. Sometimes it’s drinking water before your coffee. Sometimes it’s putting your phone down at night even though you don’t want to. And sometimes it’s doing one small thing for yourself and letting that be enough.

That’s why I put together this 30-day self-care challenge. Not as a reset that demands everything from you — but as a gentle structure you can come back to when life feels a little too loud. Each day is meant to feel doable, flexible, and human. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to catch up if you miss a day. Really, you just need to show up for yourself in whatever way you can.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’ve been pouring into everyone else but yourself — this is for you. Think of this as a friend sliding you a warm drink, sitting beside you, and reminding you that you’re allowed to slow down and take care of yourself too.

Here’s my 30 day self-care challenge, plus a free printable!

30 Day Self-Care Challenge:

1. Make a short list of realistic goals for the month

2. Drink at least 5 glasses of water today

3. Spend time outside

4. Go to bed earlier than usual

5. Start a gratitude jar or list 5 things you’re grateful for

6. Declutter or get rid of 5 things you don’t use

7. Create a new feel-good playlist

8. Take a long shower or hot bubble bath

9. Wear your favorite outfit or favorite color

10. Call, text, or FaceTime someone you care about

11. Cook or order your favorite meal

12. Have a pamper moment (face mask, nails, skincare, etc.)

13. Read something just for fun

14. Unfollow accounts that bring you any negativity

15. Try a new workout, stretch, or yoga session

16. Switch coffee for tea (or slow down your morning drink)

17. Light a candle, put your phone down, and relax

18. Have a pajama day or cozy night in

19. Journal about your day or how you’re feeling

20. Create something (art, writing, crafting, anything)

21. Make and enjoy a smoothie or fruit-infused water

22. Have a no-TV or low-screen night

23. Write 3 positive affirmations and put them somewhere visible

24. Declutter and organize your phone or desktop

25. Put fresh sheets on your bed

26. Buy yourself something small or meaningful (flowers totally count)

27. Watch the sunrise or sunset

28. Write 5 things you love about yourself
29. Take yourself out — coffee, a drive, a walk, dinner, whatever feels nice
30. Reflect on how this challenge made you feel

You might like: Self-Care Journal Prompts for Mind, Body & Soul

If you want to make this challenge easier to follow (or come back to later), I made a simple printable version you can save or print out. There’s no pressure to be perfect — use it in whatever way works best for you. Click the graphic below to join my newsletter and get the printable sent straight to your inbox.

Be honest — when was the last time you actually did something just for yourself?

The post 30 Day Self-Care Challenge (Free Printable) appeared first on coffee with alice.

Hey, friends!

Self-care has always been something really close to my heart — not because I have it all figured out, but because I’ve learned firsthand how much it matters. Life gets overwhelming so easily, and when things start piling up, taking care of ourselves is usually the first thing to fall off the list. I know that’s been true for me more times than I can count.

I’ve realized that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to actually make a difference. Sometimes, it’s the small, comforting things that help the most — especially on days when you’re feeling overstimulated, emotionally drained, or just off for no obvious reason. That’s where the idea of a self-care box comes in.

A self-care box is basically a little collection of things that help you feel grounded, safe, and supported when you need it most. It’s not about perfection or aesthetics (although we do love a cozy vibe). It’s about having something you can reach for when your brain feels loud or your energy feels low — without having to think too hard about what you need in the moment.

I’m a big believer in building self-care into your everyday life, not just saving it for emergencies. But even with a solid routine, there are still days when you need extra comfort. A self-care box bridges that gap. It’s part practical, part emotional support, and completely customizable to you.

Self-care also isn’t one-size-fits-all.

What helps one person reset might not work for someone else at all — and that’s okay. We’re all wired differently, and we all need support in different ways. That’s why I love the idea of creating a self-care box that focuses on more than just the physical side of things.

Instead of looking at self-care as one single category, we’re going to focus on the five different dimensions of self-care. Because taking care of yourself means tending to your body, your mind, your spirit, your relationships, and your emotions — not just one or two of those areas.

I’ll be sharing what I’ve included in my own self-care box as inspiration, but this isn’t a checklist you need to copy exactly. Think of it as a starting point to help you build something that truly supports you on both the good days and the hard ones.

So grab a cozy drink, take a deep breath, and let’s make a self-care box you’ll actually use.

How to Make a Self-Care Box

One of the most important things I’ve learned about self-care is that it looks different for everyone. What helps one person feel calm and grounded might not work at all for someone else — and that’s not a bad thing. We all have our own little comforts, routines, and rituals that help us feel more centered and whole.

When you’re putting together your self-care box, try to give yourself permission to think outside the box (no pun intended). This isn’t about following strict rules or creating the perfect setup. It’s about choosing things that genuinely help you feel supported — especially on days when everything feels a bit heavier than usual.

If you can, aim to include items that touch on each of the different dimensions of self-care. But it’s also completely okay if your box leans more heavily into one area than another. Your needs might shift over time, and your self-care box can evolve right along with you.

When you’re deciding what to include, it can help to slow down and really think about what actually makes a difference for you — not what sounds like self-care, but what truly helps you reset. Here are a few questions to guide you as you build your self-care box:

• What never fails to help me calm down and relax?
• What activities or exercises help me feel more grounded or centered?
• What kind of pampering leaves me feeling refreshed and taken care of?
• What items make me feel comforted or safe?
• What things help me feel inspired or uplifted?

You don’t need perfect answers to any of these — just let them spark ideas. Your self-care box should feel like a quiet reminder that you deserve care, rest, and kindness.

What to Put in Your Self-Care Box

When you’re building your self-care box, think of it as creating a little support system for yourself. You don’t need everything listed here — these are just ideas to get you thinking about what helps you feel more grounded, comforted, and like yourself again.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care is often the easiest place to start because it’s all about caring for your body and creating moments of comfort.

You might include things like:

• Face masks or facial peels
• Nail polish
• A dry brush
• A cozy sweater or pair of socks
• Lotion or hand cream
• Your favorite lipstick or lip balm

For me, physical self-care usually looks like a little at-home pampering. Painting my nails or putting on a face mask always helps me feel refreshed and soothed — like I’ve hit a reset button. And lately, I’ve been living in cozy pullover sweaters, because comfort truly makes such a difference.

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional self-care is one of those areas that can change depending on what you’re feeling and what you need in the moment.

Some items you might add are:

• Tissues (because sometimes you really do just need a good cry)
• Headphones for listening to music
• A journal
• Stress-relief gummies
• A stress ball or fidget item

You might like: Self-Care Journal Prompts for Mind, Body & Soul

Listening to calming music helps me slow down and reconnect with my emotions, and journaling is another tool I always come back to. It might be trendy right now, but it genuinely helps you process what you’re feeling — whether that’s stress, sadness, frustration, or just a lot of thoughts swirling around in your head.

Social Self-Care

Social self-care can be a little harder to physically place in a box, but there are still ways to include it intentionally.

Here are a few ideas:

• Note cards or stationery
• Letters or notes from friends
• A reminder to call or text someone you love
• A plan for a coffee date or catch-up
• A reminder to shut your phone off and unplug

One of my favorite ideas is keeping note cards in your self-care box so you can write little love notes to friends. It feels good to express appreciation, and it’s such a simple way to nurture your relationships. And when you’re dedicating time to self-care, giving yourself permission to unplug — even just for a little while — can be incredibly grounding.

Intellectual Self-Care

Intellectual (or mental) self-care doesn’t have to mean learning something huge or intense. It can be gentle, creative, and low-pressure.

You could include:

• A book on self-improvement or mindfulness
• A puzzle (jigsaw, crossword, sodoku)
• A coloring book
• A reminder to listen to a favorite podcast

Sometimes intellectual self-care looks like engaging your mind in a calm, creative way. Putting on a podcast while coloring or painting can be such a soothing way to feel mentally stimulated without feeling overwhelmed.

Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-care is another area that looks different for everyone, and that’s completely okay.

Some items you might include are:

• A Bible or spiritual text
• A devotional
• A prayer or reflection journal
• Meditation prompts or guided meditations

For me, spiritual self-care often centers around prayer and studying the Bible. I also really enjoy practicing yoga — not in a mystical way, but as a way to focus on mindfulness and grounding myself in the present moment. Time spent in prayer or gentle movement always leaves me feeling calmer, more centered, and at peace.

What’s one thing that would definitely be in your self-care box right now?

The post How to Make a Self-Care Box (That You’ll Actually Use) appeared first on coffee with alice.