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Life today can often feel like an endless whirlwind, can’t it?
Between work commitments, maintaining our homes, and simply trying to find a moment for ourselves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and fatigued.
Trying to juggle it all and keep up with every wellness trend out there, only to find myself exhausted and even more disconnected from the calm, intentional life I craved.
If you’re feeling this too, let me reassure you: creating a holistic lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming. It’s truly about the small, affordable swaps that make a lasting impact over time.
Today, I’m excited to share seven simple, budget-friendly changes that helped me shift toward a more holistic way of living.
1. Swap Plastic Bottles for a Water Filter + Glass Jar Combo
It might sound simple, but this swap made a surprisingly big difference in my daily routine.
Hydration is crucial for your health, clarity, and vitality, but bottled water is often filled with unwanted toxins and microplastics, not to mention the environmental cost.
Instead of grabbing plastic bottles, I invested in an affordable water filter pitcher. Pair it with a reusable water bottle for on the go or mason jar or a glass bottle from a recycled juice or kombucha container, and you’re already making a huge impact.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a natural spring, this is the ultimate in clean drinking water. Natural spring or artesian well water has not been treated by any municipality and has no added chemicals like fluoride. You can purchase bpa free 5 gallon water jugs to collect the water and use a ceramic canteen dispenser.
This tiny act makes drinking water intentional and enjoyable, giving you the clarity of mind knowing you’re nurturing yourself and the planet.
2. Trade Seed Oils for Grass Fed Butter or Avocado Oil
Nutrition was one area where I felt most overwhelmed.
I knew I wanted to reduce inflammation and feel lighter, clearer, and healthier, but where to start? It turns out one of the simplest and most impactful changes I made was swapping out inflammatory seed oils like canola and sunflower oil.
Instead, I switched to cooking with grass fed butter, tallow and avocado oil. Yes, they can sometimes seem pricier upfront, but purchasing them in bulk from places like Costco, Thrive Market, or a local co-op brings the cost down significantly. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Starting with something as easy as making homemade salad dressings or sautéing veggies in avocado oil is a perfect first step.
3. Ditch Synthetic Scents for Essential Oils
Synthetic fragrances can be harsh on your nervous system, causing headaches, fatigue, or irritability without you even realizing the connection. When I learned this, it became clear why scented candles and room sprays always left me feeling off.
Instead, I began diffusing essential oils. Lavender and cedarwood quickly became staples in my home, especially for winding down after a long day. They offer the calming atmosphere I crave, without the harmful toxins.
Creating your own blends is also surprisingly affordable. Just pick a simple diffuser, and choose a starter pack of essential oils. Your space will transform into a serene sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Here are 10 unique essential oil diffuser recipes to create a calming, natural scent atmosphere in your home.
4. Replace Harsh Cleaners with a 5-Ingredient DIY Kit
Cleaning supplies used to stress me out, especially those intense chemical smells. Not only were they tough on my respiratory system, but I worried about the hidden toxins lingering in my home.
A non toxic DIY cleaning kit using only five simple ingredients changed everything for me: white vinegar, castile soap, baking soda, essential oils, and water. You can clean just about anything safely and effectively with these basics.
It’s healthier for your family, your pets, and they actually clean better than chemical laden cleaners.
5. Upgrade Morning Cereal to Oats or Smoothie Jars
Breakfast used to be rushed for me, grabbing whatever was quick and easy, often sugary cereals or processed bars. This left me feeling sluggish and anxious by midday.
Switching to whole foods like overnight oats or simple smoothie jars was a game changer. Oats are inexpensive, nourishing, and easy to prepare ahead, making mornings calm and predictable.
To simplify things even further, prep three or four jars of overnight oats or smoothies on a Sunday. This small act feels like nurturing yourself, setting your body and mind up for steadiness and clarity throughout the week.
6. Replace Fast Fashion Hauls with a Capsule Corner
I used to fall into the trap of fast fashion with quick impulse buys that left my closet cluttered and my bank account depleted.
Shifting toward a capsule wardrobe approach changed my entire perspective. Not only does it declutter and organize my small closet, it takes away decision fatigue I often had in the mornings when trying to choose what to wear.
Building a capsule corner doesn’t mean throwing away your clothes and starting from scratch. Instead, you can start by simply curating a small collection of the timeless pieces you already own and love, ideally from natural fibers. Donate what you don’t wear to a charity shop.
Thrift stores are treasure troves for gently used pieces that make your wardrobe intentional, ethical, and affordable.
This swap will help you clear mental clutter, reduce decision fatigue, and embrace simplicity and intentionality every morning.
7. Trade Scrolling for a Nervous System Reset Practice
I never realized how much scrolling social media drained my energy until I intentionally stepped away. Instead of reaching for my phone, I began practicing short, calming activities like box breathing, grounding barefoot outdoors, or journaling for a few minutes.
Box breathing, for example, inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4, exhaling for 4, and holding again, can reset your nervous system in just minutes.
Journaling even a few sentences each morning or evening helps clear mental clutter.
These short breaks are free, easy, and can dramatically shift how calm and centered you feel throughout your day.
For more ways to reset your nervous system, visit my guide, Creating a Nervous System Reset Day.
Choose One Swap, and Let It Lead You
Remember, holistic living isn’t about overhauling your life overnight.
It’s about the small, intentional shifts that gently realign your daily actions with your values.
Whether you start with swapping your cleaning products, breakfast choices, or daily hydration routine, pick just one swap to focus on first.
You don’t need to do it perfectly, I certainly haven’t. Every step, every small change, is a powerful act of reclaiming your sovereignty, vitality, and peace.
