Your Fall Self-Care Checklist

Fall is beautiful, but it’s also busy. Between work deadlines, daycare and playground germs, and the holiday season approaching, it’s easy to let your own needs slide. But self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or three-hour morning routines - here are a few small habits I’m committing to as I reset for the fall.

Hydrate before caffeine. A glass of water in the morning sets the tone for your day and helps fight that dry fall air.

Add movement in short bursts. A 10-minute walk at lunch or stretching before bed counts. Consistency beats intensity.

Protect your skin. Cooler air can be harsh — swap in a thicker moisturizer and don’t skip SPF just because it’s cloudy. This is my current favorite.

Create a five-minute morning ritual. Light a candle, review your to-do list, or jot down three things you’re grateful for. Starting your day on your own terms makes everything feel more manageable.

Plan a mini reset each weekend. Whether it’s washing your hair, cleaning out your purse, or prepping clothes for the week, small resets keep you ahead of the chaos.

Self-care is not selfish. These tiny habits build resilience so you can show up as your best self for your family and your career.

15-Minute Habits That Make Me Feel More in Control of My Day

As a working mom, my days move fast. From getting ready for the day to meetings, dinner to bedtime routines, there’s often very little time left to even think, let alone plan. But what I’ve learned over time is that small, repeatable habits - ones that take just a few minutes - can be the difference between a day that feels scattered and one that feels doable.

While I have started waking up early a few mornings a week, it definitely doesn’t happen every day. So for the days when I don’t have a lot of time, a few well-placed habits help to create structure, calm, and just a little more breathing room.

Here are a few of the 15-minute habits I lean on the most:

• 15-minute clean-up timer after work
  Before the dinner rush starts, I set a timer and do a quick sweep of the house—putting toys back in baskets, tossing laundry into the hamper, wiping down the counters. It’s not about perfection; it’s about setting the stage for a calmer evening.

• Reviewing your calendar and to-do list the night before
  I used to start the day feeling behind before I even opened my eyes. Now, I take 10-15 minutes each night to look ahead. What meetings do I have? What can I prep in advance? This little check-in helps me avoid surprises and feel one step ahead.

• Prepping tomorrow’s clothes after dinner
  It’s such a small thing, but it truly eliminates one decision during the morning rush. I lay out my work outfit and my toddler’s daycare clothes. Bonus: it saves us both the stress of “What should I wear?” at 7 a.m.

• Stretching before bed
  I’m not talking about a full yoga class—just a few simple stretches on the floor to release tension and reconnect with my body. Sometimes I’ll play soft music or listen to a 5-minute meditation. It helps signal to my body that it’s time to rest, and it helps me quiet my mind down before bed.

✨ Why These Habits Work

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or out of sync, it’s often because the day is running me instead of the other way around. These rituals tend to give me back a sense of rhythm and control.

They also anchor me. In the constant swirl of parenting and work, habits are like handrails. They’re small things I can rely on, even when everything else feels chaotic.

Most importantly, they’re realistic. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to feel more in control—you just need to stack small wins.

🧠 Tips for Making Them Stick

• Start with one. Don’t try to add all five at once. Choose one that feels like the biggest relief or the easiest to implement.

• Pair it with an existing routine. For example, stretch after brushing your teeth, or check your calendar right after the kids go to bed.

• Track it for a week. Even a simple habit tracker or checkmark in your planner can help reinforce the new rhythm.

• Give yourself grace. You’ll miss days. That’s okay. The point is progress, not perfection.

❤️ The Bottom Line

Life with a baby or toddler while working full-time is no joke. The pace can be relentless. But you’re not powerless—you can reclaim your day in small, meaningful ways.

So whether it’s a timer, a stretch, or just five minutes of quiet, make space for the moments that help you breathe, reset, and move forward with intention.

Remember: consistency > intensity. A few well-placed habits might be the best self-care you give yourself all week.