Mini Routines That Keep You From Feeling Behind During December

Okay, so we’ve talked about why December feels like a runaway train. Now let’s get into the stuff you can actually do, the tiny routines that keep your days from spinning completely out of control.

These aren’t elaborate schedules or Pinterest-worthy systems. They’re small, doable habits that give you a little breathing room. And yes, they really work, whether you’re juggling kids, work, social events, or just trying to survive the holiday traffic here in Hammond, Covington, or Mandeville.

1. Pick ONE Morning Anchor (Seriously, Just One)

Your Mornings Don’t Need to Be Perfect
They just need one small habit that starts the day on a calm note.

Some ideas:

• Unload the dishwasher before the day begins

• Make the bed (trust me, it’s a tiny win that changes the whole room)

• 5-minute countertop tidy; pick up random stuff from the night before

• Write your top three priorities for the day

That’s it. One little thing to give your morning a sense of structure. Don’t overthink it.

2. Do a 10-Minute Nightly Reset

Here’s the game-changer: spending just ten minutes before bed resetting the main areas of your home saves you a ton of headache the next day. You’ll wake up to a clear, tidy space instead of a disaster that immediately triggers stress.

Try these:

• Clear kitchen counters

• Fold blankets and fluff pillows in the living room

• Move laundry from washer to dryer

• Pack lunches or snacks for tomorrow

• Lay out clothes or backpacks for the morning

• Restock anything that disappears fast (coffee, snacks, water bottles, pet food)

It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to prevent things from piling up so fast that each day feels impossible.

3. Keep a Running Weekly List (Not a Rigid Schedule)

December will not respect your color-coded planner. Plans change. Weather changes. Life changes.

Instead of stressing over a strict schedule, keep a running list of things you need to do during the week:

• Errands

• Grocery needs

• Household to-dos

• Gifts

• “Don’t forget” reminders

Then plug them into your day when it makes sense. A running list keeps you organized without making you feel like you’re failing every time life flips upside down. Writing it all down also gets it out of your head, a surprisingly effective way to release some mental load.

Why These Mini Routines Matter

These three simple habits help your home run smoothly and your mind stay sane:

• You spend less time catching up

• You feel less frazzled at the end of the week

• You stay flexible when plans change (because they will)

• You create space to actually enjoy the holiday season

This is what it’s all about: surviving December without losing your mind—or your sense of calm.

Next in the series: weekly touchpoints, the twice-a-week mini check-ins that prevent December from completely taking over your life.

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