new year, new approach

Happy New Year! 2026 has me rethinking how I approach daily routines and carving out small, meaningful pockets of time for myself. FYI, I have a super sweet, very active toddler who’s recently adopted an enthusiastic new wake-up time of 5 a.m. While that’s not the worst thing in the world, it’s definitely disrupted my plans for a leisurely morning self-care routine.

Lately my favorite solution has become a quick facial massage — it’s simple, effective, and easy to fit into those early hours. Using a cleansing oil, a nourishing moisturizer, and sunscreen, I can combine cleansing, hydration, and protection with a few minutes of massage to enliven my skin and wake up my circulation. The massage helps release tension in my face and neck (because, yes, 5 a.m. feels very early), lets me work product in more efficiently, and gives me a small, calming ritual before the pace of the day picks up.

It’s funny how the little things—those brief, intentional moments—can really preserve our sanity. How can you maximize the time you spend taking care of yourself? How can you tend more gently to your own wellbeing while still giving generously to others? Those are the questions I find myself returning to most often.

Wishing you a wonderful close to the first month of the year. As always, thank you for reading!