The power of taking small steps for better wellbeing in busy times 

Micro actions for wellbeing 

The holiday season is a time of joy and connection, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. 

From packed schedules to endless to-do lists, it’s easy to put our wellbeing on the back burner. But what if you didn’t need hours of free time to feel better?

One of my favourite methods to use with my clients who are overwhelmed by the busy-ness of life but wanting to make change it to help them find the small, super easy ways to make changes. 

Making it micro, makes it harder to fail

Taking small, manageable steps that can make a big difference and can be  a simple but powerful way to reclaim your sense of balance and thrive, even in the busiest of times.


What are micro actions?

Micro actions are bite-sized, intentional activities that don’t require much time but still have a meaningful impact. Think of them as self-care in small doses.

Here are a few examples:

  • Taking three deep breaths before starting a task.

  • Drinking a glass of water before your morning coffee.

  • Taking a moment to stretch before you head out of the door. 

The beauty of micro actions is their accessibility. No matter how busy you are, there’s always room for small, positive changes.

Why do micro actions work? 

It’s all about creating momentum and building habits over time.

  • Habit formation: By starting small, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed, which makes it easier to stick with new behaviors.

  • Neuroplasticity: Repeating small positive actions rewires your brain, helping you feel more resilient and optimistic.

  • Stress reduction: Even a brief pause for mindfulness or gratitude can lower your stress levels and improve your mood.

For example, research has shown that simple gratitude practices—like writing down three things you’re thankful for—can improve overall wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Micro actions for the holiday season

The holidays come with unique challenges, but small moments of self care can help you navigate them with ease. Here are a few ideas tailored to common holiday stressors:

  1. Feeling overwhelm:

    • Pause for one deep, intentional breath before diving into your to-do list.

    • Take 30 seconds to stretch between tasks.

  2. Managing social  gatherings:

    • Set a quiet intention before entering a social setting: “I’m here to connect and enjoy.”

    • Step outside for a quick moment of fresh air if things feel overwhelming.

  3. Shopping chaos:

    • Before you rush into the next errand, spend one minute savoring a cup of tea or listening to a calming song.

  4. Feeling disconnected:

    • Reach out to a friend or family member. Send them message or a funny meme, and know that you’ll probably brighten their day too!

Integrating micro actions into your life is simple:

  • Start with one action at a time (this is KEY - make it SO easy it’s hard not to do it!)

  • Anchor new actions to existing habits. For example, you could practice gratitude while brushing your teeth or take a mindful breath while waiting for the kettle to boil. James Clear calls this habit stacking.

  • Track your progress to stay motivated—celebrate even the smallest wins! I like to give myself a positive pep talk in the mirror before bed - ‘well done on brushing your teeth’ is a good start!

And most importantly, let go of perfection. Micro actions aren’t about doing everything “right”; they’re about making small, consistent choices that add up over time.

Let’s thrive in the New Year! 

As we close out this busy season, I invite you to embrace the power of micro actions—not just during the extra busy times, but in your everyday life. These small steps can create lasting change, and you absolutely deserve moments of care.

If you’d like to explore how health coaching can help you integrate these habits and thrive in the new year, I’d love to connect. In January, I’ve got 3 spaces left at my 2024 pricing before it goes up in February, so let’s chat about whether I’m the right person to start your year off well!

Remember: small steps, big impact

The holidays don’t have to leave you feeling frazzled and drained. By incorporating micro actions, you can create moments of calm and joy, even on the busiest days.

So, what’s one small thing you can do for yourself today? Take that first step—you’ll be amazed at the ripple effect it can have.

And for now. Before you scroll on. Take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Well done!



Lesley Waldron