Small Routines Matter: Tips for Breaking the Cycle and Building Habits That Last

 In the rush of life, it's easy to overlook the power of small habits. Yet, these seemingly insignificant actions can transform how we approach our days, build momentum, and create lasting change. I fell in love with the methodology behind Tiny Habits, pioneered by Dr. BJ Fogg. It focuses on starting small (actually minimal) and celebrating your improvements, which can lead to major transformations over time.

The beauty of tiny habits lies in their simplicity: they fit seamlessly into your existing routine and require minimal effort. I want to explore how to implement small rituals that bring more peace, energy, and intention into your life.

Why We Care About Small Routines

At Damara, we believe in the power of starting small. I've experienced this personally, especially during times when life felt overwhelming. My mornings and evenings were the only moments I had to myself, and creating tiny rituals became my grounding in the chaos.

We're sharing this because we know how hard it can be to prioritize yourself in the hustle of daily life. These small, intentional practices—waking up calmly or reflecting on your day before bed—can remind you that you matter, too.

With this philosophy in mind, we've curated every item at Damara to help you elevate those small moments. A cozy throw, a journal, or even soft loungewear can transform the ordinary into a ritual of peace.

Morning Ritual: Start with Intention

Mornings set the tone for your entire day, making them an ideal time to introduce a grounding ritual.

1- Wake Up Just a Little Earlier

Start by waking up five minutes earlier every few days. Use this time to sit in bed, breathe deeply, and set an intention for your day. There's no need to overcomplicate it—focus on being present and calm.

 

2- Practice a Simple Morning Meditation

Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath or repeating a positive affirmation. Apps like Waking UP,  Calm or Headspace can guide you if you're new to meditation... or simply find Deepak Chopra meditations on YouTube, I find his meditations very soothing. 

 

3- Celebrate the Time You Took for Yourself

Acknowledge your small step as a victory, and enjoy the feeling at least for a second of being grounded, no matter how minor it feels. This reinforces your habit and encourages you to keep going.

Evening Ritual: Reflect and Reset

Evenings offer an opportunity to unwind and prepare for restorative sleep.

1- Aim for Eight Hours of Sleep

Sleep is critical for mental and physical well-being. By giving yourself the gift of eight hours, you're investing in your energy and focus for the next day.

2- Sneak into Bed 5 Minutes Earlier

Use this time to reflect on your day. Think of small highlights—moments of connection, things you accomplished, or even just the privilege of being safe and comfortable in your bed. If you can, write or draw something relevant. Here are some tools to achieve that!

3- Let Go of the Day

If your day was challenging, remind yourself that every evening is an opportunity to reset. This simple acknowledgment of having the privilege of being in bded can be a powerful tool for shifting your mindset.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

"I keep forgetting to do it."

Just tie your new habit to an existing one. For example, reflect on your day right after brushing your teeth at night or whatever you do everyday.

"I don't have time."

Start with 2 minutes. Even a single deep breath in the morning is better than nothing.

"I lose motivation."

Give your self a break and don't judge yourself... just celebrate every small win, like waking up a minute earlier. Tiny victories fuel momentum.

Why Tiny Habits Work

According to Dr. BJ Fogg, the key to successful habit formation is starting small and tying new habits to existing routines. For example:

• When you make your bed in the morning, take two deep breaths to start your intention-setting ritual.
• Before turning off your bedside lamp at night, think of one thing you're grateful for.

These small actions, repeated consistently, create a ripple effect that can transform your days.

For more on this, explore Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, a book that provides actionable strategies for building habits that last.

Sleep: A Powerful Tool for Improvement

Sleep is one of the most effective ways to improve our overall well-being. Research shows that quality sleep enhances memory, creativity, and mood while reducing stress. To optimize your sleep:

• Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
• Limit screen time before bed to reduce blue light exposure.
• Incorporate a calming ritual, like journaling or reading, before turning in.

Recommended Reads

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg

A must-read for anyone looking to make meaningful but manageable changes.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

A deep dive into the science of sleep and its transformative impact on our lives.

Take the First Step

Building habits doesn't have to feel overwhelming. By starting small—waking up a few minutes earlier, sneaking into bed a bit sooner, or reflecting on your day—you can create rituals that bring intention and calm to your life. The journey begins with one small step.

Remember, it's the little things that add up to big changes.

Give it a try!