Page 201 – Guideposts Articles

3 Healthy Ways to Miss Someone

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

Recently, my husband was away for longer than the few days he periodically travels for business. I felt confident in my ability to manage our household on my own, and I knew he would soon return and we would ease back into our daily routines. But there was no way around it, I missed the man!

I took this as a good sign of our loving relationship, but also as a reminder that even so-called “negative” emotions can be part of walking a positive path. This got me thinking about what it means to miss someone in a healthy way.

1) Focus on What You Appreciate About the Person
“Growth in love comes from a place of absence,” says the writer Coco J. Ginger. When someone you care about is not available for the daily check-ins, chats and just moments of quiet presence, your sad feelings reflect just how deeply you appreciate them when you are together.

2) Try Something Unexpected
When my husband was away, I started an art project with my son, experimented with some easy weeknight dinner ideas and did other things inspired by the break in my routine. Playing with new ways of moving through my day had the added benefit of keeping my focus on positive opportunities (rather than just on what was missing) in his absence.

3) Feel Your Feelings
If you have experienced grief and loss in your life, you know that missing someone during a temporary absence is a privilege. But it is still permissible—and important—to acknowledge that when someone is away, you can expect moments in your day when you wish they weren’t. When feelings of sadness or loneliness come up, let yourself experience them, and then visualize them floating away like a cloud across a breezy sky.

What are some healthy ways you cope with missing someone who’s away?

3 Free and Easy Ways to Practice Self-Care

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

Do you take care of yourself?

It seems like a simple question with an automatic answer. Many of us would say, “Yes, of course.” But what if the follow-up question was, “How? What do you to make sure your needs are being met?”

At its core, that’s what self-care is.

You’ve probably come across the word while reading your favorite glossy lifestyle mag or browsing a popular healthy living blog but for so many people, defining self-care, and actually practicing it, are difficult things to do. Maybe that’s because society has taught us that success is synonymous with happiness, maybe that’s because you were raised to think of others before yourself. Whatever the reason, self-care is something that’s fallen by the wayside for many of us. Fortunately, we’re finally cluing into the positive benefits of looking after ourselves.

What Is Self-Care?

It might be easier to first define what self-care is not. Self-care is not selfishness.

“Many women confuse self-care with being selfish — that somehow taking care of ourselves is self-involvement or a selfish act instead of a self-respectful act,” Helen L. Coons, a clinical health psychologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Colorado tells Good Housekeeping. “Self-care is one’s action is around our physical, emotional, relational, perhaps professional, educational, and, for some people, spiritual well-being that reflects the way that we take care of ourselves on the most fundamental levels.”

Self-care is, simply, looking out for your own needs. It’s tuning into the important things in your life, trying to focus on what makes you happy, what brings you stress and adjusting your habits accordingly. Practicing self-care enables you to live a more fully-realized life, to appreciate the gifts you’ve been given, to make room for others. In a sense, self-care is inherently unselfish. By identifying your values, your abilities, and your limitations, you become better equipped to support others.

Why Is Self-Care So Important?

Self-care isn’t just a perk we wish we could afford, it has proven scientific benefits. Being described as a “hard worker” is often thought of as a compliment, but science has proven that overworking yourself leads to all kinds of health problems including exhaustion, anxiety, depression and heart disease. Stretching yourself too thin, forgetting to address your own needs, often leads to a downtick in your emotional well-being which can affect your relationships, and interferes with your moods and your thought patterns.

“The reality is, without taking some time to engage in self-care, you’re burning the candle at both ends. The research is clear: the human brain and body cannot stay focused, productive and effective without taking breaks to recharge,” Clinical psychologist Dr. Chris Friesen tells NBC News.

People who allow themselves breaks throughout the day to recharge, who carve out time to spend by themselves, who dedicate even 15 minutes to doing something they want to do solely for their benefit, are better able to think, communicate, and perform in multiple areas of their lives. The bottom line: self-care makes you a more well-rounded, healthy individual.

How Do You Practice Self-Care?

This is often where the confusion comes in. Self-care is just that, it’s specific to oneself. What makes one person relaxed or happy might not be the same for another. The best way to practice self-care is to identify what brings you joy and set aside time for pursuing it. For some, that means a relaxing massage, an appointment at the salon, a day at the beach, an hour reading your favorite book, a midday nap. For others, it might be a fishing trip, a yoga class, a meditation time, a bike ride in the park. Big or small, whatever activity brings a sense of peace to your hectic day is worth doing and doing often.

Of course, there are plenty of self-care habits that apply to all of us. Eating healthy is a form of self-care. You’re signaling to yourself that, despite lack of time and a busy schedule, you’re invested in nourishing your body. Getting plenty of sleep is another universal form of self-care. According to the American Psychological Association, most Americans would be happier, healthier, and safer if they were to sleep an extra 60 to 90 minutes per night. Gifting your body time to recharge, and your mind to renew itself is one of the easier self-care steps we can all take.

But whatever kind of self-care speaks to you remember, it’s an active decision. You must make time for yourself and to do that, you must fight past obstacles that might stand in your way. For many, that’s guilt. We’ve simply not been taught to think of ourselves first, but by doing so, we’re ultimately better prepared to serve others. Another hurdle is time. We live in a fast-paced world that demands we keep up, but life is also meant to be enjoyed. That’s what self-care can truly teach us. How to enjoy each moment and make the most of it.

3 Easy Ways to Get Overthinking Under Control

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

There is a set of mistakes that we all make when we get caught up in the spiral of overthinking. First, we tend to assume that the worst case scenario is the most likely to come to pass. Second, we underestimate our ability to handle the catastrophe we are sure is coming our way. And finally, we get caught up in the impression that if we just think about it a little while longer, the problem will somehow solve itself.

When I’m not in an overthinking state of mind, I see so clearly how flawed the logic of rumination is. A ruminator is overconfident in their control of the future (“the worst will happen”) but is equally convinced that they are helpless in the face of their own pending trouble (“I can’t cope”). And then, like a nasty cherry on top of this toxic sundae, comes the false commitment to the idea that more ruminating is the answer!

When a cycle of overthinking takes hold, it is all too easy to forget about logic and wisdom, though. So how are we to break free? These three techniques have helped me.

1) Create a Thought-Swap
When you recognize your hyper-vigilance on a topic that’s not getting better with more thought, swap it out for a neutral or positive thought that can occupy your mind and reset your thinking. For example, instead of going over a tense conversation you had with a neighbor over and over again, visualize the spring bulbs you hope will pop up in your garden.

2) Think, Plan and Do
Thoughts that get us stuck in rumination are usually abstract, unlikely to send us in the direction of a thoughtful, grounded action. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, the chair of the department of psychology at Yale University and the author of Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life, told Medium, “Instead of ‘I’m stuck in my career,’ tell yourself or better still write, ‘I want a job where I feel more engaged.’ Then make a plan to expand your skills, network and look for opportunities for a better career.”

3) Look Realistically at Probabilities
Are you sure that your new friend is going to stop talking to you? How do you know your boss thinks you’re slipping at work? What is the likelihood that your upcoming trip will be delayed by the weather? Ask yourself these questions with the precision of a scientist looking for data. The weather might be likely to disrupt your plans—so what is your plan B if that happens? With the friend or boss, likelihood might be hard to accurately identify. So ask yourself what other possible outcomes of the current moment are—and how you would be able to handle yourself if any of them came to pass.

Are you an overthinker? What helps you slow and calm down?

3 Easy Self-Massage Techniques to Calm Your Body and Mind

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

“Self-care” could be a contender for the word of the year, as the pandemic and other stressors linger. Self-care is sometimes associated with salons, spas and retreats. But to truly care for yourself does not require an appointment, a fee or special equipment.

Really, all you need to do to practice self-care is to decide to do something nurturing, refreshing and loving for yourself. Enter self-massage. In a very short period of time—as little as 30 seconds to two minutes—you can signal your mind and body to relax and release tension and pain. Because it’s such a small investment of time, you can easily practice self-massage a few times a day to reinforce its benefits.

Start with these three techniques to soothe places in your body where stress tends to settle.

1) Belly Rub

Lie down comfortably on the floor and take a few slow, deep breaths. With your palm or fingertips, begin to rub your belly in a clockwise circle, starting at your lower-right pelvic bone, moving up over your belly button, and then back down and around. Move slowly and steadily, pressing more or less deeply as your body allows. This technique can encourage smooth digestion and encourage the “knots” that form in your stomach to release.

2) Neck Soother

Necks have a very important job—they’re tasked with holding up our heads, and the precious brains therein. No wonder tension often creeps into the muscles around our necks and into the occipitals, a set of tiny muscles that connect the top of the spine to the skull. The Cleveland Clinic recommends a little exploratory work to find out where your tension is bunched up, anywhere from the very bottom of your hairline on either side of your spine, to the muscles that flow away from your neck toward your shoulders. Use your fingertips or a tennis ball to find and press the tight area, applying even pressure for a few minutes. Repeat three times a day.

3) Foot Freedom

Your feet carry you through the day. Thank them with a soothing rub by sitting comfortably on a chair and resting one foot on the opposite knee. Grasp each toe and gently rotate it clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Before moving on to the next toe, give your toe a gentle tug to align and release it. Finish by firmly grasping each side of your foot with your hands and rubbing from side to side.

3 Benefits of Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Daisy Urgiles

When it comes to exercise, the biggest challenge people face is consistency.

Fitting your new exercise routine into a hectic lifestyle can be tough, but possible; whether choosing to wake up earlier or replacing TV time with physical activity, you’re well on your way to reaping the benefits of staying active.

In addition to achieving your fitness goals, following a consistent workout routine plays a big role in creating a healthier lifestyle.

Here are three benefits of keeping up with a regular exercise plan.

Provides Consistency

A consistent workout plan helps build endurance and leads to better sleep quality, less stress and an improved mood. According to Healthline, a study in which 26 healthy men and women who exercised regularly and were asked to either continue or stop their workouts for two weeks, showed that “those who stopped exercising experienced increases in negative mood.”

You’re also less likely to fall off the exercise wagon when you incorporate a fitness plan into your daily schedule. By adding it to your routine, it becomes a realistic part of your life. Choose specific days and times for your physical activity and stick to them. You’ll no longer have to worry about finding time to exercise, if it’s already on your to-do list.

Achieves Work-Life Balance

When you have a good fitness plan, you’re less likely to feel conflicted between your personal life and your work life. According to The Huffington Post, consistent exercise boosts your levels of self-efficacy, the confidence to get things done. It helps you attain the physical and mental endurance you need to persevere through your day-to-day.

Saint Leo University management professor, Russell Clayton, discussed his research findings of a positive relationship between physical activity and work-home life management. “Through its direct impact on increased self-efficacy and reduced psychological strain, exercise leads to better integration of professional and personal lives,” he said.

Provides Structure and Discipline

Having a workout schedule sets guidelines and expectations that lead to a better, structured life. Everything is laid out for you so you’re not wondering what to do next and in turn, save time for other things on your to-do list.

Keeping up with your fitness will also help you become more disciplined. You’ll find yourself having more control of your day with a stronger focus set on accomplishing your goals.

34 Positive Thinking Quotes from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by The Editors

May 31 was the 122^nd anniversary of Norman Vincent Peale’s birth. Author, minister, and founder of Guideposts, Dr. Peale, is best known as the father of positive thinking. Here are 34 of our favorite sayings from Dr. Peale. His timeless message of how changing your thoughts can change your life still inspires us today. We hope this collection of some of his most stirring, uplifting quotes will help you live your best life.

25 Inspiring Quotes from Influential Women in History

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Ashley Lateef

Musicians, writers, dancers and leaders—all women. Each inspirational in their own right; together, forming a motivational stew, encouraging you to seize life and sprint toward success. Here are 25 of our favorite quotes from these historical figures.

20 Tips for College Graduates

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Michelle Cox

It started with a meow.

On a hot Saturday in Brooklyn, I was about to begin my afternoon run when I heard it: “Meow.” A slim black-and-white cat was staring up at me from the sidewalk. I feed the cats in my neighborhood. This one was shy, always hanging back and waiting for me to leave before eating. Today she seemed different, insistent about something.

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“Meow!”

“What is it?” I asked. “Are you hungry?”

Suddenly she darted down the driveway, stopping next to my car. She meowed again. That’s when I noticed a black lump on the ground. It looked like one of the shingles that sometimes blew off the roof in a storm.

“Meow!” It wasn’t a shingle. It was a kitten! His fur was a dusty black with several patches missing. Both his eyes were closed, crusted over with some kind of nasty gunk.

Good thing I had my running shoes on. I ran inside to fetch a dish towel from the kitchen, scooped up the weak little guy and left him bundled in a shoebox on the floor of my bathroom. Then I ran to the pet store for kitten formula and a bottle. I spent the rest of the day with the kitten in my lap, feeding and cleaning him up. He looked even worse up close. The gunk sealing his eyes shut was greenish—probably infected. I used cotton balls dipped in warm water to wipe the layers away. When he was finally able to crack open one watery eye, he fixed me with what I know was a grateful gaze. Me? I fell in love.

The next day, the vet confirmed that the kitten was only about four weeks old and his eyes were definitely infected. Soon, with the help of an antibiotic and regular feedings, he started to look like a real cat. I didn’t name him at first, thinking I probably wouldn’t keep him. I was a recent college grad, living in my grandfather’s house with my cousin and juggling freelance writing jobs. Who knows where I’d be living in a few months or if I could even afford to take care of this cat?

Yet I didn’t know if I could bear to give him away. We had a connection. “He and I are from the same neighborhood!” I told my friends, only partly joking. “From the same block, even!” I grew up in the house across the street from my grandfather’s. The kitten and I had both started our lives in Brooklyn, on Desmond Court. Desmond…

I don’t think Desmond—Des, for short—thought he wasn’t mine, even for a minute. Over the past year, he’s grown into a friendly, talkative cat, one that even self-professed dog people have been won over by.

And the cat that brought me to him? I haven’t seen her around much since. I’ve often wondered if Des was her kitten or if she just sensed he needed help and knew who to call. All I know is, I was the one who was called. There was definitely a reason for that. Des and I were meant to be.

Did you enjoy this story? Subscribe to All Creatures magazine.

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by jongordon

1. Stay positive.
You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement:
My purpose is_______________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude.
I call it a “thank you walk.” It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are…
…think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Eat…
…breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

6. Remember that…
…adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Focus on…
…learning, loving, growing and serving.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason.
Expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.
Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone…
…and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E’s.
Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember…
…there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom focus.
Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

14. Implement the NoComplainingRule.
Complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2010.
I happen to know of a few good ones!

16. Get more sleep.
You can’t replace sleep with a double latte.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.”
Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for __________.

Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more.
They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride.
You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

20 Beautiful Lent Quotes to Inspire You

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Kaylin Kaupish

Lent is a holy time of spiritual discipline and connection with God. These 40 days leading up to the Easter season can sometimes be trying, as we each pick something to give up in our lives. We might abstain from chocolate, alcohol, social media, negative thoughts or sarcasm. Whatever we choose, we can use Lenten prayers and inspirational Lent quotes to stay on our faith journey.

Inspirational Lent Quotes

Stay inspired throughout the Lent season with these powerful quotes. Think about what the Lent season means to you and how you will spend it. What will you learn about yourself during Lent? What will you learn about your relationship with God?

“Even the darkest moments of the liturgy are filled with joy, and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten fast, is a day of happiness, a Christian feast.” —Thomas Merton
“Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.” —Catherine Doherty
“Hold on dear friend, for this is not the end. You have traveled so far and you have worked so hard. Carry on with courage and do not give up. And not because things will be easy but because these seeds you are sowing matter, and they will grow in time, if you do not lose heart.” —Morgan Harper Nichols
“God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story.” —Desmond Tutu

Saint Quotes on Lent

Let the wise words of the saints guide you through Lent. Each of them lived lives of devotion and sacrifice. What can we learn from their quotes? Perhaps the act of giving something up can also teach us about the act of giving something back.

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” —Saint Catherine of Siena
“Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.” —Saint Augustine of Hippo
“My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice; these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I know it by experience.” —Saint Therese of Lisieux
“Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give.” —Saint Francis of Assisi

Short Lent Quotes

Need a quick pick-me-up of inspiration during the Lenten season? You might be surprised by how much a short Lent quote can help you. Make the micro habit of placing them somewhere you can see them through all 40 days, like in your daily planner, on a sticky note by your desk, or a notepad next to your bed.

“O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.” —Henri Nouwen
“The less we have, the more we give. Seems absurd, but it’s the logic of love.” —Mother Teresa
“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.” —Pope Francis
“Uproot vices and root values anytime, anywhere and any day.” ―Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha

Lent Quotes About Fasting

Fasting from whatever we are giving up during Lent can be challenging. Whether you are giving up sugar or spending less time on your cellphone, quotes about fasting can help you stay on track. See if you can stay inspired enough to continue any positive habits you pick up past the Lenten season.

“Lenten fasts make me feel better, stronger, and more active than ever.” —Catherine of Genoa
“Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.” ―Howard Thurman
“There’s something about it that makes sense, Lent. You give something up, and everything’s more joyful.” —Elaine Stritch
“The Lent period of fasting should be passionately pursued.” ―Lailah Gifty Akita

Lent Quotes from the Bible

The 40 days of Lent signify the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and resisting temptation. Even though the word “Lent ” is not in the Bible, we can still look to Scripture for comfort and prayer as you move through your own 40 days of sacrifice. May these quotes from the Bible keep you motivated through the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

“You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” —James 1:3
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” —1 Peter 5:6
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” —Romans 12:12

READ MORE ABOUT THE LENTEN SEASON:

18 Best Micro Habits to Improve Your Life in Minutes

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Kaylin Kaupish

What are Micro Habits?

Micro habits are small yet meaningful practices that will improve your life when done consistently. They differ from regular habits in that they are simpler, and you can usually do them in a few minutes. But that doesn’t mean they are less impactful. Micro habits can be as simple as stretching for three minutes before work or journaling for five minutes after a hard day. Making positive micro habits and keeping them regularly can be an effective way to improve your life— whether that’s making you happier, healthier, more hopeful, or giving you a sense of purpose.

Benefits of Micro Habits

Why try micro habits? With micro habits, the emphasis is truly on the small. What tiny changes can you add to your daily schedule that will make your day better? How much could your life benefit from doing something positive at least once a day? Benefits of micro habits include:

They are a productive way to make your everyday life better
They only take a few minutes out of your day
You can choose whatever micro habits work with your life
You can easily add them into your already busy schedule.

No need to upend how you spend your day or throw your calendar out the window. They are simple steps that can be taken within your current daily habits to bring more positivity to your life.

Here are some great examples of micro habits you can start today.

Micro Habits for Success

1. Wake Up Earlier

Setting your alarm for even fifteen minutes earlier than usual can help you get a jump start on your day. You’d be surprised how much adding in that small amount of time makes your mornings more relaxed and productive. What will you spend those extra minutes doing?

2. Make a To-Do List

As you sip your morning coffee or tea, make a short to-do list of what you want to get done that day. Whether you are looking for a productive day of errands and chores, or a relaxing day with rest and recuperation, write out your to-do’s with at least three things. A short list is a great micro habit to keep you on task.

3. Read an Inspiring Story

Reading about other people’s success stories can give us motivation and keep us inspired. Look up stories of people helping people or stories of hope and write down what lessons you can glean from them. Many stories can be read in a matter of minutes, making this a great micro habit. How can you bring important life lessons from these inspiring stories into your own life?

Micro Habits for Mondays

4. Say a Monday Morning Prayer

We all know the slog of a Monday morning. It can be hard to feel positive when the fun-filled weekend is over, and the busy week is ahead of you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enter Monday with a positive attitude and some effective micro habits. Start your Monday morning off with an uplifting prayer. Show God your gratitude for a weekend of rest and tell Him what you would like to get done this week.

5. Sing a Song

According to Healthline, singing can relieve stress and improve your mood. Start your Monday morning off by singing one of your favorite songs. Be sure it is an upbeat song with inspiring lyrics. You can sing in the shower or in the car on your way to work. Dropping the kids off at school? Have them join in! Healthline also says singing with others can help us feel more connected to each other.

6. Learn Something New

Fostering a sense of wonder can be an amazing way to bring positivity into your life. What better way to do that than by learning something new? Mondays are a great day to commit to this because you may already be feeling motivated for the work week. Pick out the subject that interests you beforehand, like history, art, science, current news, or spirituality. Then research podcasts or online publications that cover the topics. Many of them offer bite-sized content you can quickly listen to or read during your Monday.

Micro Habits for Work

7. Set a Productivity Timer

Having difficulty concentrating at work? Setting a productivity timer will help you focus on the task at hand. You can set that timer for whatever amount of time you have—fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes—and develop the habit of working consistently during that period. Just remember, it’s not a race. The idea is not to work against the clock, but with the clock. Let these minutes be your time to be positive and productive.

8. Set a Break Timer

Much like the previous micro habit, set a break timer for yourself in between your periods of productivity. Taking a mental rest during work is vital to avoiding burnout. An ideal time to do this can be between meetings or after finishing a task. Set that timer and commit to giving yourself a break. Use that time to step away from your work. If your job has you on your feet, take a rest by sitting in a quiet space. If you sit at a desk, get up and walk around.

9. Stretch

No matter what your job is, we can all benefit from a good stretch. Take five minutes out of your workday to do some low impact stretches. Even just rolling your shoulders and stretching your arms above your head can make a difference. Pick times during the day when stretching will be the most effective for you, whether that’s right when you start work, during your lunch break, or at the end of the day.

Micro Habits for Spiritual Growth

10. Pray or Meditate for One Minute a Day

What if we all took one minute out of our day to slow down and connect with something bigger than ourselves? How could this benefit our lives and the world around us? Take some time to pray or do spiritual meditation daily. Find a quiet place to sit, slow your breathing, and close your eyes. Whether you are reaching out to God with your hopes or looking for a moment of peace, doing just one minute of prayer or meditation can improve your entire day.

11. Step Outside

Even if we have jam packed schedules or the weather is too chilly for a long walk, stepping outside for a few minutes can still do wonders. Look up at the sky—at the sunrise, clouds, birds moving overhead, or the sunset. Breathe in the fresh air and try to pinpoint the smells, like flowers, dirt, bonfires, or the salty sea air. Listen to the sound of nature around you, from the wind moving through the leaves to the dulcet melodies of birdsong.

12. Read a Bible Verse

Looking for some spiritual motivation during a long day? Make the micro habit of turning to the Bible for some inspiration. You can pick a beloved verse to revisit and add it to your daily prayer. Or think about something you want to accomplish that day—whether it’s something productive or taking time for rest—and find a piece of Scripture to guide you through it. Try opening the Bible once a day to a random page and seeing what words God has in store for you.

Micro Habits for Happiness

13. Laugh at Least Once a Day

What you choose to do during your day to day will have an impact on your happiness. Take a few minutes out of your day to laugh at least once. You can do this by calling up a friend to tell them a funny story, reaching out to a family member to reminisce about something hilarious that happened, or even looking up videos of animals doing funny things. The laughs are out there, you just need to make the micro habit of finding them.

14. Text a Friend

As we find happiness in our own life, what can we do to bring happiness to others? Take two minutes out of your day to text a friend and tell them how much you care about them. List out how they have had a positive effect on your life. You’ll be surprised how much this micro habit will bring a smile to their face, and your own. Nothing creates happiness faster than spreading it.

15. Count Your Blessings

Gratitude is an important part of feeling happier in our daily life. Pick a time during the day to make a list of the blessings in your life. You can do it in the morning before your day, or at night before you go to sleep. Keep the list nearby and add to it as you go. Return to the list and reflect on it when you need a pick-me-up. You can even use a gratitude journal to guide your feelings of thankfulness all year long.

Micro Habits for Good Sleep

16. Make Tea

As you wind down for the evening, pick up a mindful practice that will help your mind wind down. Making tea can be a great way to do this. As you take a teacup out of the cabinet and open the tea package, focus on your movements, and calm your breathing. Say a quick prayer as you wait for the water to boil. As you let the tea steep, watch the tea leaves blend with the water. Choose a tea with no caffeine that promotes a sense of calm. Many teas only take a few minutes to steep, so this is a great micro habit before bed.

17. Read One Chapter

Many people try to take up the habit of reading in bed. According to Healthline, reading a book before going to bed can ease stress, help with insomnia, and improve the quality of your sleep. Unfortunately, between cleaning up after dinner, preparing for the next day, tucking the kids in, and brushing our teeth, that habit sometimes doesn’t happen. So, take on the micro habit of reading just one chapter in bed. Even just five minutes of reading before you sleep can make a difference.

18. Relax Your Body One Muscle at a Time

Sometimes when we finally let our heads hit the pillow, our body is still on high alert from a busy day. As you lie in bed, take a few minutes to turn your focus on your body. Mindfully relax each of your muscles, starting from your toes and slowly moving up toward your head. If you find your mind drifting away from the practice, simply bring your attention back to your body and pick up where you left off. This micro habit can be done in a few minutes, all while you are lying down.

You may be finishing this list thinking, “how can just a few minutes bring more positivity into my life?” It’s all about how you spend those minutes. If you commit to doing something to improve your life, whether that is stretching, praying, or making a calming cup of tea, those minutes could be the most important part of your day. And you’ll be surprised how long those minutes will end up feeling. That’s the beauty of micro habits! They don’t require much of your time, yet they can still have a big impact on your life.

READ MORE WAYS TO START HABITS THAT IMPROVE YOUR LIFE:

20 Inspiring New Year Quotes

Posted on March 11, 2026March 12, 2026 by Ashley Lateef

Check out our collection of the best New Year inspirational quotes to begin your year on the right foot! These words of wisdom, encouragement and inspiration will give you confidence to reach for your goals in the year ahead.