Micro Habits: Tiny Moves to Rewire Your Brain and Stay True to You

Big goals can feel like a lot, especially during the holidays when life is extra chaotic. Between gift shopping, holiday parties, and family obligations, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself and your own needs. That’s where micro habits come in. These tiny, low-pressure actions not only help you grow but also keep you grounded in your authentic self—no matter how wild the season gets. Micro habits aren’t a new thing—they’ve been around forever. But recently, authors like James Clear (in Atomic Habits) and BJ Fogg (in Tiny Habits) made them at the top of mind for many people creating the lives they want to live. Their message is simple: instead of going all-in with huge, life-changing efforts, start small. What’s great about micro habits is they let you grow into the best version of yourself without losing sight of who you are. No need to reinvent your whole life overnight. You just start small and let those tiny wins build over time. Before you know it, those little changes add up to something big—and they feel true to YOU the whole way.

Your brain is naturally wired to choose the path of least resistance, and two key areas play a big role in shaping your habits: The Basal Ganglia loves routines and thrives on repetition. It’s the part of your brain that makes curling up on the couch after work feel effortless, especially when that’s been your go-to for a while. The Prefrontal Cortex handles self-control and decision-making. It’s the voice that nudges you to make choices aligned with your goals, like saying no to dessert when you’re focused on eating healthier or going for the walk to exercise both you and the dog. But here’s the thing: it has limited energy and gets easily drained, especially when holiday stress kicks in. To create lasting habits and stay true to your authentic self, you need to work smarter, not harder. Start with habits that are so small and easy that your brain barely notices. This keeps resistance low and consistency high, even when life feels hectic—these are micro habits. 

Micro habits are sneaky—in the best way—because they are so small that your brain barely notices, but over time, they create real change. The holidays are the perfect time to start because they are all about small moments—wrapping gifts, sipping cocoa, decorating cookies. Why not use those moments to build habits that reflect who you are? Here’s the secret— micro habits let you stay intentional without feeling overwhelmed and they remind you that even in the chaos, you can prioritize you.

Holiday-Inspired Micro Habits to Stay Authentic

• Morning Gratitude Check: Before you check your phone in the morning, think of one thing you’re grateful for. This keeps you focused on what matters most to you during the holiday rush.
• Festive Hydration: Love holiday drinks? For every cup of eggnog or cider, drink a glass of water. Staying hydrated keeps you feeling your best without sacrificing holiday cheer—and curbing the sugar with sparkling waters can be a welcomed change.
• Intentional Gift-Giving: While wrapping gifts, reflect on why the person is special to you. This micro habit helps you connect with your authentic, giving self and keep you true to your purpose.
• Mindful Decorating: Turn on your favorite holiday playlist and decorate with intention. Place items that genuinely bring you joy—not just what you think others expect to see.
• Movement Break: During marathon holiday movie binges, take 1 minute to stretch or do a few yoga moves between shows. It’s an easy way to stay active without skipping the fun.
• Holiday Reading Habit: Commit to reading one holiday-themed quote, paragraph, or poem before bed. It’s a small way to connect with the season and yourself.

Micro habits aren’t just about growth—they’re about creating space for your authentic self, even when life is extra hectic. The beauty of starting small is that you’re building habits that align with you—not what society, family, or Instagram says you should be.

So, this holiday season, leave the pressure to do it all perfectly. Focus on those tiny, intentional moments that remind you who you are. After all, the best gift you can give yourself is staying true to YOU. Tiny steps, big changes—and a holiday season that feels authentically yours.