Happy New Year! I hope your first week of 2025 has been wonderful. Instead of dwelling solely on new hi resolutions, I've been thinking about the valuable habits I've already built. Today, I'm sharing ten habits I'm prioritizing this year, some of which are returning favorites.

Taking Micro-Breaks from Social Media

Let's be honest, we all know the struggle: that little voice that whispers "just 15 more minutes" on Instagram, even when our screen time notifications are screaming at us. I'm definitely not immune! This year, I'm prioritizing mindful social media usage, with the goal of cutting back significantly. All that endless scrolling can really hinder our focus and prevent us from pursuing other passions. One habit I'm reintroducing is taking intentional micro-breaks from social media throughout the year. These periods of a digital sabbatical offer invaluable space for reflection, clarity, and a chance to truly reconnect with ourselves. I'm envisioning more of these refreshing breaks, along with more meaningful in-person connections, cozy coffee dates, genuine phone calls and of course, those restorative unplugged vacations we all crave.

Practicing Sabbath on Sundays

Around the midpoint of last year, I felt a strong pull to prioritize a dedicated day of rest, drawing inspiration from the timeless concept of the Sabbath.

• Genesis 2:2-3 beautifully depicts God resting on the seventh day after creation.

• Exodus 20:8-10 reinforces the importance of honoring the Sabbath and setting aside time for rest and reflection.

Experiencing a touch of burnout, I recognized the vital need for both mental and physical rejuvenation. Discovering research that links Sabbath observance to overall well-being further solidified my commitment. Now, Sundays are sacred—a day dedicated to rest and recharging. After attending church, I often treat myself to a quiet coffee, then retreat home to spend quality time with my dog, engage with scripture, and perhaps enjoy a thoughtful sermon online. I find that preparing for the week ahead by completing tasks like laundry, cleaning, and meal planning before Sunday allows me to fully embrace the day's restorative purpose. While some flexibility is always necessary, the core intention remains: to cultivate a sense of peace and centeredness that carries me through the week.

Following the Project 333 Minimalism Method

For those who have been following my journey for a while, you might remember my year of no shopping. As someone who has navigated the challenges of overspending, I understood the importance of gaining greater control over my finances. That year proved transformative, significantly contributing to paying off close to $15k in debt. Last year, a dear friend reached out, curious about my experience and mentioning the Project 333 method. Intrigued, I delved into some research and felt a genuine connection to this minimalist capsule wardrobe approach. So, for 2025, I'm embracing Project 333, which involves curating a capsule wardrobe of just 33 items for three months. I'm excited to document my experience in an upcoming series of blog posts. As I primarily work from home, I anticipate this will be a wonderful opportunity to rediscover and refine my personal style.

Having a Low-Spend Year

Building on the principles of mindful spending, I explored during my year without shopping, I'm embracing a "low-spend year." This involves consciously reducing dining out and eliminating food delivery services, reserving those experiences for truly special occasions. I'm excited to rediscover the joy of cooking at home and experimenting with new recipes. Growing up, our family reserved dining out for birthdays and celebrations, a practice born out of necessity. Now, as I thoughtfully manage my finances and pursue my long-term goals to pay off the rest of my debt, I'm recognizing the significant financial impact of regular dining out.

Journaling

I've recently reconnected with the enriching practice of journaling, something I first explored in middle school. It's become a valuable outlet for processing thoughts, emotions, and reflecting on the day's events.

Daily Steps

Last year, I prioritized incorporating daily movement into my routine by aiming for 10,000 steps. As I've shared in previous posts, this simple habit has had a profound positive impact on my overall well-being. Even during the colder months, I've maintained consistency by walking indoors or utilizing the treadmill.

In-Person Connection Time with Friends

Meaningful connections are so important to me, and I cherish the time I spend with friends. While I often initiate get-togethers for coffee or meals, this year I'm inspired to explore other ways to connect and create shared experiences. Recently, a group of friends and I enjoyed a visit to a local museum. It is a wonderful way to connect while immersing ourselves in local culture.

Reading Before Bed

Understanding the detrimental effects of screen time before sleep, I've made a conscious effort to incorporate reading into my evening routine. Engaging with a good book and spending time in my devotionals has significantly improved my sleep quality and overall sense of well-being.

Being a Good Steward of What I’ve Been Given

I've been reflecting on the abundance of blessings in my life: my home, my car, my career, my health and the cherished relationships with my family and friends. I feel a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to be a good steward of these gifts, expressing my appreciation through mindful care and attention.