Welcome February: A Gentle Reset for Self-Care, Motherhood, and Slow Living

Life & Style
Written By Shivangi .

February has arrived, and where I live, winter is still very much here. While we’re currently experiencing a brief warm spell (which I’m soaking up gratefully), this season continues to invite slowness…sometimes whether we want it or not.

If you’re new here, hi. I’m Shivangi! A first-time mom, seven months postpartum, navigating motherhood through winter and learning how to live gently in a season that doesn’t really allow rushing. This space is about slowing down, finding your rhythm, and creating a life that feels supportive rather than demanding.

On my channel and blog, I share reflections on journaling, daily rhythms, intentional motherhood, and spirituality woven into everyday life. If you’re craving cozy, grounding content that feels like a deep exhale, you’re in the right place.

This post is my February reset. Not a productivity-driven overhaul, but a real-life reset that honors postpartum life, emotional bandwidth, and the reality of having a baby.

Choosing Softness Over Fixing Everything

This February, I stopped trying to fix my life and decided to soften instead.

January felt long. Not bad — just heavy. There was rest, reflection, and a lot of emotional processing. Instead of jumping into February with big goals, glow-ups, and pressure to reinvent myself, I asked one simple question:

How do I want this month to feel?

The answer was clear:
Warmth. Presence. Doing less, but better.

Monthly Planning (Without the Pressure)

At the start of each new month, I like to sit down with my daily planner and gently map things out. I use the same weekly layout month to month to keep things simple and familiar.

Here’s how I’m using my planner lately:

  • A notes section for anything that needs immediate attention

  • A meal planning section for myself, my husband, and our baby (who’s just started solids)

  • A habit tracker to gently motivate movement and consistency

  • A monthly overview to track appointments, birthdays, and upcoming travel

Planning like this doesn’t feel restrictive; it actually gives me peace of mind, especially during a season where my days revolve around nap schedules and wake windows.

A Soft February Bucket List (Real Life Edition)

Instead of overwhelming myself with a long list, I brainstormed ideas and then narrowed them down to a handful that actually feel doable, because February only has 28 days, and we’ll also be traveling.

Here’s what made the cut:

🌿 February Bucket List

  • A family outing — either to a farmers’ market or a cozy café

  • A family handprint craft to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day as a family of three

  • A self-care moment for me — booking a massage (because postpartum bodies deserve care)

  • Starting a painting — not finishing it, just beginning

  • Buying fresh flowers for the house

  • Taking my son to a library drop-in program for the first time

This last one feels especially meaningful. In seven months of motherhood, I haven’t yet ventured out alone with my son for activities like this. February feels like a gentle opportunity to build confidence, practice getting out the door, and enjoy something new together.

The goal with this list isn’t perfection; it’s presence.

January Favorites: What Supported Me Last Month

I grew up in the 2010s watching YouTubers share monthly favorites, and there’s something nostalgic and comforting about that format. So here are a few things that truly supported me in January (none sponsored, just genuinely loved).

📓 My Daily Stack

  • Daily planner for structure

  • Journaling as a form of meditation

  • Oracle cards (specifically the Green Witches Oracle Deck) for guidance and reflection

This daily stack has been grounding and has helped me stay consistent with YouTube, home life, and my own mental clarity.

✨ Beauty & Skincare Favorites

🌿 Health & Wellness

👶 Baby Favorite

🕯️ Home Favorite

  • Tobacco Oud soy wax candle from Homesense — warm, musky, and made with cleaner ingredients

A Gentle Close

February doesn’t need to be about becoming someone new. Sometimes it’s about taking care of who you already are — especially in postpartum, especially in winter.

If this season feels slower, heavier, or quieter than you expected, I hope this reminds you that you’re allowed to soften. You’re allowed to move gently. And you’re allowed to choose rhythms over rigid routines.

Here’s to a warm, intentional February — one small moment at a time.

Shivangi . https://wakeandwonderblog.com
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Choosing Rhythm Over Routine: A Postpartum Morning