My Everyday Non-Negotiables

We all have things we do everyday, no matter what. The things that ground us, ease anxiety, and make us feel safe. These are our non-negotiables.

I’m going to share my 10 non-negotiables that I do everyday, rain or shine. I don’t want to give you what everyone says like “meditate” or “exercise.” Too broad. I’m getting micro and giving the specifics of the 10 things I do everyday.

Morning

1. Make the Bed

This is probably my all time number one. It doesn’t matter how early or late it is, I always make my bed. For some reason, I just cannot get in an unmade bed. Luckily I don’t move a lot when I sleep, so it’s not too hard.

Only one time in the past couple years have I not made my bed. I overslept for my internship one morning, so no, making my bed didn’t make the cut. But you know as soon as I got home I made it, even though I was getting back in shortly!

2. Eat Breakfast

Breakfast always makes the list! It doesn’t matter if it’s a grand meal or a protein bar, I need to eat in the morning. I will never be that person who can skip breakfast or just have a coffee (which you probably shouldn’t be either).

I don’t usually eat as soon as I wake up, but I will always make time in my morning to eat something. The one exception I have for this is if I drank a bit too much the night before and am nauseous, but that’s usually pretty rare.

3. Skincare with SPF

This is a new one for me, but something I’ll do forever! I’ve had quite the journey with acne, where I’m dealing with pretty bad scarring. My dermatologist told me that I have to wear sunscreen if I want to see improvements, so that’s what I did.

People always preach how sunscreen is the most important step of skincare, and I couldn’t agree more now! I use the Cerave Renewing SA Cleanser, prescription azelaic acid, then the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide.

Daytime

4. Leave the House

I make a point everyday to leave my house at some point. This can look like going to school, work, a long walk, or just outside to grab a package. You don’t need to do anything extravagant to get out of the house. Of course, if you’re sick, that’s a different story. If you’re able to get outside for at least a few minutes, it can do wonders for your mood!

5. Water Bottle Everywhere

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’m drinking water. If you know me, you know that I carry my Hydroflask everywhere I go. I probably drink at least 4 of them everyday. Super beneficial for your skin, digestion, and overall health.

Night-time

6. Shower & Skincare

Another huge non-negotiable for me is showering at night. If I’m going out, I’ll shower before, but sometimes I’ll even shower again when I get home. I am not and probably will never be a morning shower gal. Something about getting in bed right out of the shower just hits different.

I also NEVER go to bed without doing my skincare. Doesn’t matter if I’m 3 margs deep, I’m getting that skincare done. My current routine includes the Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, prescription tretinoin, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + 2% HA, and The Inkey List 2% Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment.

7. Something Sweet

I eat dessert every night, and that’s no secret. This could look like an ice cream sundae, piece of chocolate, or cereal. I always need to end my night on something sweet, and my day typically isn’t complete until I do.

8. Reading

This is probably my most variable non-negotiable, but it’s becoming something I do everyday, at some point in the day. Some nights when I get in late and am not “in the right state of mind,” I won’t read. I will say that on the nights I don’t read, I have trouble staying and falling asleep.

Reading is a great way to get you off your phone and winding down. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes, it will certainly be beneficial!

9. Eye Mask

I refuse to sleep anywhere or travel without my eye mask (I know, I’m dramatic). I’ve been sleeping with an eye mask for the past 4 years, and it’s a game changer. Every room I’ve had in college has the brightest lights that will wake me up super early (no thank you).

I use an adjustable silk eye mask, which is super comfortable and allows me to sleep in complete darkness. The one I use is super cheap from Amazon, and it’s lasted me forever!

10. Vaseline ALWAYS

This has been a non-negotiable for me since middle school. I know, vaseline sounds gross and pretty weird. I’m telling you, I must put vaseline on my lips every night, or else I will wake up a different person.

Keep a vaseline next to your bed, put it on every night, and you’ll thank me later. Along with vaseline, I put the O’Keefe’s Working Hands cream on my hands every night. This hand cream has been a game changer, especially with the amount of hand sanitizer I use in the hospitals everyday.

There you have it, the 10 things I do everyday! I hope that this has given you some inspiration for habits to incorporate into your life. Please leave a comment or message me on Instagram with your non-negotiables!

xoxo