The Importance of Daily Habits: Finding Yourself Again in Tough Times

Life is full of highs and lows, and sometimes those lows can feel like they’ve knocked the wind right out of us. Whether you're grieving, facing a serious family crisis, or simply overwhelmed by the pressures of day-to-day life, it’s incredibly easy to let go of the routines and habits that normally keep us grounded. But through my own recent experiences, I’ve come to realise just how essential those daily rituals are—not just for our physical health, but for our emotional well-being too.

Over the past few weeks, my world shifted dramatically. A beloved family member received a cancer diagnosis, and my focus immediately turned to supporting them with everything I had. I found myself diving headfirst into research, booking consultations, juicing, ordering supplements, working long hours, and keeping the house in order—all while carrying the weight of worry on my shoulders. As a natural worrier, my mind was constantly in overdrive.

In the midst of this whirlwind, prayer became a powerful source of peace for me. It helped calm my spirit and gave me strength during long, emotional days. Still, I noticed something else happening. I had started to lose touch with the habits that once made me feel like the best version of myself.

I paused my own daily routines—things like juicing, meal prepping, moving my body, and even small self-care rituals like waxing my eyebrows or enjoying a soak in the bath. Slowly but surely, I began to feel the effects. I felt drained, less motivated, and disconnected from the vibrant, energised woman I know I am.

I have also noticed that this happens whenever I experience grief too! For some reason I neglect myself and I am sure many of you will relate to this. Grief has a way of doing that. It sneaks in and shifts your priorities, not always in ways that feel rational. You go into autopilot—doing what needs to be done, supporting others, holding things together—and somewhere in all of that, you lose sight of yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s human. And if you've ever felt this way, please know you're not alone.

The thing about grief is that it doesn’t come in a tidy package. It shows up as sadness, anger, confusion, exhaustion—even numbness. And when we’re deep in it, the simple routines that once brought structure and peace can feel overwhelming or pointless. But that’s exactly why they matter.

Keeping up with even just one or two daily habits during times of grief can be incredibly healing. They offer a small sense of control when everything else feels uncertain. They act as anchors—reminders that life is still moving, that you’re still here, and that it’s okay to still care for yourself.

Something as small as making your bed, going for a walk, or preparing a nourishing smoothie might not seem like much, but it’s a message to yourself: "I matter too." These small acts of consistency can bring a surprising amount of comfort. They give your mind a moment to breathe, your body a moment to reset, and your spirit a moment to feel cared for.

Now that treatment has begun for my family member and we have a clearer path forward, I’m gently bringing the focus back to myself. This week is all about reconnecting with those grounding rituals. I’ve started juicing again every morning, and it already feels like a small victory. I’ve set aside this Friday for a proper self-care day—hair, nails, eyebrows, a good workout, and a long, luxurious soak in the bath. Just thinking about it fills me with excitement and a sense of renewal.

These moments of care, however simple, are how we re-energise and reclaim our joy. They help us show up with love and light for the people we care about. And they inspire us to keep going, even when the road feels long.

So if you’re in a season where you’ve been putting yourself last—especially if you're grieving—take this as your loving nudge: it’s okay to start fresh. You deserve to feel your best, and every little step you take can help bring you back to life. Start with one habit that brings you peace or joy—whether it's sipping a green juice, taking a walk in nature, saying a prayer, or dancing in your kitchen.

You’re not behind. You’re human. And every moment is a chance to choose yourself again.

With all my love and light,

Emz x