The past month has been… a lot.
First, we were out of town in Montana visiting family. It was a wonderful trip, but completely different from our normal routine, and it reminded me how important my habits when life gets messy really are. Then, just as we got home and started to settle back in, my daughter came down sick…
Travel + sick days = the ultimate double whammy for any kind of routine.
The to-do list was untouched, workouts didn’t happen the way I planned, and meals were more about survival than well thought out meals.
But here’s what I did do: I drank my water, enjoyed my morning protein coffee (my favorite collagen and protein), moved my body a little each day, and made sure to take a moment for myself. Not because I had extra time or energy… but because these habits keep me grounded when everything else feels chaotic.
And that’s the thing: life will always get messy.
The habits you keep during those times are the ones that make the biggest difference, particularly habits when life gets messy.
Life Happens (and It Always Will)
We all go through seasons that throw off our rhythm. Whether it’s vacations, sick kids, unexpected work deadlines, or family emergencies.
The common reaction? Put everything on pause until things “calm down.” I get it. But here’s the hard truth… life never really calms down for long. Something else is always around the corner.
That’s why the goal isn’t to wait for perfect conditions, it’s to carry a few simple habits with you through the imperfect ones, especially those habits when life gets messy.
Why Your Habits Matter When Life Gets Messy
• Habits are anchors. They give you something steady to hold onto when the rest of life is unpredictable.
• Momentum matters more than perfection. Even tiny actions prevent the dreaded “start over” feeling.
• Your mental and emotional health benefit. Keeping even one healthy habit reminds you that you’re still caring for yourself, not just reacting to circumstances.
Choosing Your “Minimum Habits”
When life is upside down, you don’t need your full routine. You need your bare minimums.
Think of them as your “non-negotiables” for messy seasons.
Some ideas:
• Drink a full glass of water in the morning.
• Take a 10-minute walk or stretch.
• Step outside for fresh air once a day.
• Write down three things you’re grateful for.
For me, it’s simple: movement, hydration, and me time.
If I get those in, I feel like I’ve still shown up for myself, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet time before the rest of the house is awake.
How to Keep Them Going When It’s Hard
• Lower the bar without guilt. Your 45-minute workout can become a 10 minute stretch. It still counts.
• Stack habits with things you’re already doing. Drink water while your coffee brews. Step outside while your child naps.
• Find accountability. Text a friend, post in a group, or track your habits on paper.
The Payoff
Keeping just a couple of habits in place during chaotic seasons builds trust with yourself.
It makes the return to “normal” so much smoother, because it feels like you never truly stopped.
And maybe most importantly, it reminds you: your habits don’t have to be perfect to be powerful, even when life gets particularly messy.
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What about you?
What’s one small habit you can commit to this week, no matter what life throws at you?
Drop it in the comments — I’ll be cheering you on.
The Habit Mama
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