6 Habits to Try in July
To feel more present, peaceful, and aligned ✨
Lately, I’ve been craving simplicity.
Not the kind that makes life feel smaller, but the kind that makes space for more presence. More intentionality.
I’ve been thinking about how easily life speeds up in the summer. Plans stack on top of each other, we say yes to everything, and before we know it, another month disappears. So this July, I’m leaning into gentle structure. Habits that make me feel more rooted. Practices that don’t just make me productive, but also help me feel more like myself.
If you’ve been needing a reset, here are 6 habits I’m encouraging us all to try this month:
1. Morning check-ins instead of morning pressure
Instead of diving straight into tasks or trying to “win the morning,” I’m starting with a quick check-in:
How do I feel today?
What do I need?
What would make today feel good, not just successful?
It sounds small, but it shifts me from autopilot into alignment.
2. One small act of beauty every day
Whether it’s buying myself flowers, lighting a candle, curating a playlist, or simply opening the windows, beauty matters. When my space feels soft, my thoughts feel softer too. This habit isn’t about aesthetics, but creating a life that feels worth being in, not just managing.
3. A weekly phone-free half-day
I want to be less on my phone, and other devices this summer. So I want to experiment with half a day each week offline. It’s hard at first, but whenever I do it, I return to myself. It’s teaching me that presence isn’t about productivity, but reconnection.
4. Only 3 priorities a day
I’m no longer romanticizing long to-do lists, they drain me.
Now, I ask: What are the 3 things that would actually move the needle?
I get more done when I do less, and I feel less resentment toward my own goals.
5. A “done” list before bed
At the end of the day, I want to see what I actually did, not just ruminate on what I didn’t finish. Sometimes it’s as small as:
Took a walk
Drank enough water
Went to the gym
Replied to one email I was avoiding
It brings closure to my day and reminds me that I’m not behind, I’m just human.
6. Slowing down when I want to speed up
This is the one I'm currently actively working on, and prioritising this year. When I feel urgency or comparison creep in, my instinct is to do more. But I'm practicing pausing. Not everything needs to be figured out right now. My nervous system deserves more peace than that.
I’m not trying to become a new person, start another glow-up challenge, or make another vision board this month. I just want to live in the present moment and feel like myself every day.
Wishing you a gentle and grounded July.
Stay mindful,
Ieva🪞