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.

There’s a certain kind of day I’ve learned to cherish more than any other.

It’s not the loud, busy, “look how much I got done” kind of day. It’s the quiet kind — where nothing feels urgent, the pace is slow, and I’m free to move through the day without rushing myself. The kind of day where productivity doesn’t come from pressure, but from calm.

These are the days where the sun feels warmer, my mind feels clearer, and even the smallest tasks feel satisfying. I might tidy up a little, plan ahead, or finally get around to things I’ve been putting off — but none of it feels forced. There’s no strict to-do list, no guilt for resting, and no need to prove anything.

I’ve realized that these quiet, productive days are when I feel most like myself. Grounded, content, and present. So I wanted to share a list of simple things I love doing on days like this — gentle ways to stay productive while still honoring the slower pace that makes these days so special.

Here are my 15 tips for quiet productive days:

1. Tidy up your space

Yes, it’s boring. But it works. Put a load of laundry on, fold clothes, take out the trash, give the floor a quick vacuum. A tidy space really does help clear your mind. If it’s warm enough, open the windows for an instant refresh.

2. Reorganize one drawer

Not your entire house — just one drawer. A desk drawer, a junk drawer, or even your underwear drawer. Get rid of anything you don’t use or love. Small wins count.

3. Light a candle or set the mood

This sounds silly, but it makes everything feel more intentional. Soft lighting, a candle, or some music instantly turns basic tasks into something calmer and more enjoyable.

4. Use a whiteboard or visual planner

I genuinely can’t recommend this enough. Write down reminders, upcoming plans, goals, or even encouraging notes. There’s something deeply satisfying about wiping things off once they’re done.

5. Gently plan creative content

If you feel like it — and only if you feel like it — brainstorm blog ideas, plan Instagram posts, or jot down creative notes. This should feel quiet and enjoyable, not like work.

6. Clear your inbox and messages

Reply to unanswered emails, DMs, and texts. Try to have no one waiting on a response from you. It clears your head more than you’d expect.

7. Look ahead at birthdays and events

Check your calendar to see whose birthday or special event is coming up next. Make a note of gift ideas or when to buy a card. Future-you will be very grateful.

8. Sort through physical photos

If you have old photos sitting in boxes or drawers, start organizing them into albums. It’s slow, nostalgic work — and incredibly satisfying.

9. Create a simple meal plan

I love doing this because it removes so much mental effort later. Decide on meals ahead of time so you’re not standing in the grocery store wondering what to make.

10. Declutter your digital life

Clear out your phone and computer. Back up what you want to keep, delete what you don’t, and organize everything into folders. A tidy digital space is just as calming as a tidy physical one.

11. Go through your beauty products

Yes — all of them. Toss anything expired, unused, or forgotten. You’ll enjoy what you own so much more once it’s organized (and you might rediscover favorites you forgot about).

12. Write just for yourself

Journal, brain-dump, or write a few pages with no intention of sharing them. Quiet productive days are perfect for reflection without judgment.

13. Refresh your routines

Take a look at your daily or weekly routines and see what feels good — and what doesn’t. Adjust gently. There’s no need to overhaul everything.

14. Do one small “life admin” task

Update a password, file a document, schedule an appointment, or unsubscribe from emails you don’t read. These tiny tasks add up and feel incredibly satisfying once they’re done.

15. Do something slow and grounding

Read a few chapters of a book, stretch, take a short walk, or make a cup of coffee and actually sit with it. Productivity doesn’t always mean output — sometimes it’s about resetting your nervous system.

Quiet productive days may not look exciting from the outside, but they’re the days I feel most like myself. The days where life feels calm, manageable, and quietly fulfilling.

If you love days like this too, I hope this list gives you permission to slow down — and still feel accomplished by the end of it

What does a quiet, productive day look like for you?

The post 15 Tips for Quiet Productive Days appeared first on coffee with alice.

Let’s be honest for a second.

If motivation were easy, none of us would be googling “how to find motivation” while laying in bed at 2pm, staring at the ceiling, feeling guilty for not doing the thing we swore we’d do today.

And yet… here we are.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. And you’re not “bad at discipline.”
You’re just human — living in a world that asks a lot of you, all the time.

This post is inspired by a video that completely reframed how I think about motivation. Not in a “grind harder” way, but in a “wait… maybe I’m not failing, maybe my brain is just trying to protect me” way.

So let’s talk about motivation — what it actually is, why it disappears, and how to get it back without forcing yourself into burnout or self-loathing.

Grab a drink and get comfy. Let’s unpack this together.

First Things First: You’re Not Unmotivated — You’re Protected

Here’s the biggest mindset shift that changes everything:

When you feel unmotivated, your brain isn’t sabotaging you.
It’s trying to keep you safe.

Your brain’s #1 job is survival, not self-actualization. It wants comfort. Familiarity. Predictability. So anytime you want to do something that involves:

• change
• uncertainty
• vulnerability
• potential failure
• being seen

Your brain goes:
“Hmm… that feels risky – or hard. Let’s not.”

And suddenly you feel:

• stuck
• tired
• overwhelmed
• “meh” about goals you know you care about

That’s not laziness. That’s protection mode.

Once you understand this, motivation stops being a moral issue and starts being a conversation with yourself.

Why Comfort Is Quietly Killing Your Motivation

Comfort isn’t bad. We need rest and safety.

But staying comfortable all the time slowly shrinks your world.

Think about it:

• You want to start something new → it feels scary → you scroll instead
• You want to improve your life → it feels overwhelming → you put it off
• You want more fulfillment → but the couch is easier

Comfort says, “Stay here. Don’t risk disappointment.”

But growth only happens outside that zone.

Motivation doesn’t come before action — it comes after you choose discomfort in small, manageable ways.

That’s the secret nobody tells you.

Step 1: Stop Calling Yourself Lazy (Like, Immediately)

Real talk: the way you talk to yourself matters more than any productivity hack.

If your inner dialogue is:

• “Why can’t I just get it together?”
• “I’m so behind.”
• “Everyone else can do this but me.”

Your brain hears danger. And when it hears danger, it shuts down motivation even harder.

Instead, try this reframe:

“I want this, and I’m scared. That makes sense.”

That single sentence removes shame and replaces it with understanding — which creates space for action.

Actionable step:
The next time you avoid something, write down:

• What I want to do:
• What I’m afraid might happen:
• What’s the smallest version of this I could try today?

Not tomorrow. Today.

Step 2: Shrink the Goal Until It Feels Almost Too Easy

Your brain hates vague, massive goals.

“Get healthy.”
“Start my dream life.”
“Fix everything.”

No wonder motivation disappears — your brain doesn’t know where to start.

Instead, motivation grows when goals feel:

• specific
• low-pressure
• achievable

Actionable examples:

• Instead of “work out more” → “take a 10-minute walk”
• Instead of “blog more” → “open the doc and write a blog post”
• Instead of “fix my life” → “drink water and make my bed”

Tiny wins tell your brain:
“Oh. This is safe. We can do this.”
It builds motivation.

Step 3: Learn to Do Things While Scared

This part is big.

Waiting to feel confident before taking action is a trap.

Confidence is a result — not a prerequisite.

You don’t get confident and then act.
You act, survive it, and then confidence follows.

I wasn’t confident when I started this blog. I’m still not confident sometimes. But I did it anyway, and I’m so glad I did.

Actionable mindset shift:
Replace:

“I’ll do it when I feel ready.”

With:

“I’ll do it scared, and I’ll support myself either way.”

You don’t need fear to disappear. You just need to stop letting it drive.

Step 4: Reframe Failure (Because You’re Not Doing It Wrong)

Most people lose motivation because they secretly believe:
“If I fail, it means I shouldn’t try again.”

But failure isn’t proof of incapability — it’s information.

Every “failed” attempt tells you:

• What doesn’t work
• What needs adjusting
• What you’ve already survived

Actionable reframe:
After something doesn’t go as planned, write:

• What did I learn?
• What would I do differently next time?
• What did go right?

You’re not starting over. You’re starting informed.

Step 5: Connect Your Actions to Meaning (Not Just Outcomes)

Motivation that relies only on results (money, weight loss, numbers) is fragile.

Real motivation sticks when it’s connected to:

• values
• identity
• how you want to feel

Actionable journaling prompt:
Ask yourself:

• Why does this matter to me?
• Who do I become by showing up for this?
• How will future-me thank me?

You don’t need motivation to be constant. You need it to be anchored.

Step 6: Practice Self-Compassion Without Letting Yourself Quit

This part is also super important.

Self-compassion doesn’t mean giving up.
It means:

• encouraging yourself instead of shaming
• resting without spiraling
• adjusting without abandoning

You can be gentle and committed.

Actionable self-talk swap:
Instead of:

“I messed up. What’s wrong with me?”

Try:

“Okay. That didn’t go how I wanted. What’s my next kind step?”

Kindness builds momentum. Shame kills it.

Final Truth: Motivation Is Built, Not Found

Motivation isn’t a lightning bolt.

It’s built through:

• small brave actions
• self-trust
• choosing meaning over comfort (sometimes)
• letting yourself be human the whole way through

You don’t need to overhaul your life.
You don’t need a perfect routine.
And you don’t need to be fearless.

You just need to take one small step, support yourself through it, and repeat.

And, girl?
You’re already doing better than you think.

What’s one small thing you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t felt ready for yet?

The post How to Actually Find Motivation 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.

Let’s be honest for a second. When you’re juggling a million things at once, your health is usually the first thing to slide straight to the bottom of the priority list.

Even if you genuinely care about healthy living. Especially then, honestly. If I’m trying to write a blog post, finish a work project, and keep up with regular life stuff, I’m way more likely to grab a chocolate muffin than thoughtfully prepare a balanced snack — and that’s just being real.

The problem isn’t that we don’t want to take care of ourselves. It’s that when health always comes last, it starts to show up everywhere else. Low energy, brain fog, random stomach issues, and that constant low-grade irritability that makes everything feel harder than it needs to be.

Here’s the good news though: healthy living isn’t all-or-nothing, and it definitely isn’t reserved for people with perfectly structured routines or unlimited free time. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or fall for extreme wellness trends to feel better.

A few simple mindset shifts can make healthy living easier and way more sustainable — without guilt, perfection, or “lose weight fast” nonsense. These are the small, realistic things that actually help you take better care of yourself when life is busy.

Here are five simple things that make healthy living easier.

1. Ingredients matter more than calories

The whole point of eating is to nourish your body and take care of a basic human need. Your body isn’t just asking for calories — it wants food that actually makes it feel good and satisfied. While counting calories can be helpful for awareness, it’s not the best indicator of overall health.

For example, a handful of almonds has roughly the same number of calories as a can of Coke. But those calories don’t work the same way. Almonds contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which help keep you full and satisfied for longer. A Coke, on the other hand, is mostly sugar — so you’ll probably be hungry again soon (and maybe a little cranky too).

Instead of fixating on calorie numbers, try looking at the ingredient list on food labels. Do you recognize most of what’s listed? If not, it might not be something you want to eat regularly. A lot of “low-calorie” or “fat-free” foods are packed with additives to make up for what’s been removed, which doesn’t always make them the healthier choice.

Try this: Next time you’re grocery shopping, pick one item you buy often and compare two versions. Choose the one with fewer, more recognizable ingredients — no perfection required.

2. Exercise to feel good, not to lose weight

When you think of exercise as something that helps you feel better — physically and mentally — you’re much more likely to actually do it. Movement feels a lot more doable when it’s about energy, mood, and stress relief instead of weight loss or punishment.

Even a small amount of movement can make a difference. I know that if I move my body for just 10 minutes in the morning, I feel more energized and focused for the rest of the day. It doesn’t have to be intense or perfectly planned to count.

Another big part of making exercise easier is finding movement you actually enjoy. A lot of us struggle with working out because we’ve only tried forms of exercise that feel miserable. You don’t need to force yourself to run just because everyone else is doing it (I’ve tried for years and still hate it). For me, pilates and kickboxing are the only types of movement that don’t feel like work.

Think outside the “gym workout” box. Maybe it’s dancing, long walks, bowling, or trying something completely new. If it feels fun or energizing, it counts.

Try this: If sticking with exercise has always been hard for you, check out my post on how to stick to exercise. It breaks down how to choose movement that fits you, not what you think you “should” be doing.

3. Healthy should be personalized, not universal

One of the reasons healthy living feels so confusing is because there’s no single definition of what “healthy” looks like. What makes one person feel energized and focused might leave someone else feeling bloated, tired, or just off. That doesn’t mean either of you are doing it wrong — it just means bodies are different.

Instead of chasing whatever version of health is trending online, it’s way more helpful to pay attention to how you actually feel. Food should leave you feeling satisfied and energized most of the time. Movement should support your energy, not drain it. If something consistently makes you feel bad — physically or mentally — it’s probably not a great fit for you, even if it works for someone else.

Healthy living gets a lot easier when you stop trying to copy someone else’s routine and start building one that fits your own body, preferences, and lifestyle. You don’t need to follow rules perfectly — you just need to notice patterns and adjust as you go.

Try this: For a few days, check in after meals or movement and ask yourself, “Do I feel better, worse, or the same?” Use that information to guide small changes instead of following strict rules.

4. Healthy doesn’t have to be expensive

A lot of people push their health aside because they assume it’s going to be expensive or time-consuming. And while your health is worth investing in, you genuinely don’t need to spend a ton of money to make healthier choices.

Some of the most affordable foods at the grocery store are also some of the healthiest. Basic fruits and vegetables — like bananas, apples, carrots, potatoes, onions, and frozen veggies — are budget-friendly, easy to find, and still incredibly beneficial. They don’t need to be organic to support your health, and eating more produce in general is far more important than buying the “perfect” version of it.

Cooking at home more often than eating out is another simple way to save money while taking better care of yourself. This doesn’t mean elaborate meal prep or fancy recipes — even rotating a few easy meals you enjoy can make a big difference over time.

The same goes for movement. You don’t need an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment to be active. Free workout videos, walking, stretching, or moving your body outside all count. Healthy living gets a lot easier when you stop equating it with spending more money.

Try this: Next time you’re grocery shopping, add one affordable fruit or vegetable you already like — fresh, frozen, or canned — and build a meal or snack around it.

5. Someone else’s beauty doesn’t cancel out your own

We’re usually really good at noticing what’s beautiful about other people — their confidence, their body, their style, their presence. But when it comes to ourselves, we tend to be hyper-aware of every perceived flaw. The truth is, someone else looking good has absolutely nothing to do with the worth or value of your own body.

Healthy living isn’t just about what you eat or how you move — it’s also about how you talk to yourself. Constant comparison and negative self-talk take way more energy than we realize, and that mental drain can make everything else feel harder.

Self-acceptance doesn’t mean you have to love every part of yourself all the time. It just means choosing not to tear yourself down. Even small shifts — like acknowledging your strengths, your intelligence, your creativity, or the things your body allows you to do — can make a noticeable difference in how you feel day to day.

Healthy living gets easier when your inner voice is supportive instead of critical.

Try this: Each morning, name one thing you genuinely appreciate about yourself — physical or not. Write it down, say it out loud, or just think it. Consistency matters more than enthusiasm.

What’s one small change that’s helped you feel healthier lately?

The post 5 Simple Things That Make Healthy Living Easier 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.