Little Things That Help Me Feel Put Together (Even When I am Not)

By: McKena Pennington

College and figuring out your twenties is hectic to say the least. No matter if I

have a plan or not I never feel like I have it completely together. But sometimes, the

tiniest habits make me feel like I’ve got my life in order, even if I’m spiraling

mid-semester with 64 tabs open.

This spring, I’ve been leaning into small rituals that give clean girl, organized girl,

Pinterest girl energy — without actually having to overhaul my life.

With these mini habitats and a lot of delusion my days always feel productive.

Making My Bed the Second I Wake Up

Now I know this is such a repetitive habit that you read everywhere, but I am

here to say it again. Making my bed every morning gives me the motivation to check

everything off my to-do list and avoid laying in bed for hours. The bed doesn’t need tobe made in a perfectionist way. Just enough to make my room look less chaotic and

more “she’s got things under control.”

Putting Lemon in My Water

Bonus points if it's in a glass cup with a straw! Lemon water makes staying

hydrated feel luxurious. As someone who personally struggles to drink water daily,

adding lemon, and using an aesthetic cup not only encourages me to drink more

water, but I also feel healthy and chic all in one.

Lip Liner and Gloss

I’m obsessed with a good lip combo. There’s just something about the perfect

liner and a glossy finish that instantly elevates any makeup look. It takes me from

feeling blah to ready-to-walk-the-runway in seconds. A solid lip combo never fails me

— it pulls my whole look together, boosts my confidence, and somehow makes me feel

ready to take on whatever the day throws at me.

Picking Out Your Outfit the Night Before

I’m a firm believer in the look good, feel good, do good mentality. Every night, I

make it a priority to plan an outfit that makes me feel both comfortable and confident.

Even when my schedule is chaotic and the stress feels endless, putting on something I

love gives me this quiet power — like I’m one step away from becoming the next big

CEO. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about dressing for the version of myself I’m

working toward.

Clean Nails

I fully get the ick when my nails aren’t clean. I don’t need a fresh manicure every

week, but having well-moisturized, cared-for hands just makes me feel put together.

Like my skincare routine is top tier, my calendar is full of Pilates classes and coffee

dates, and I’ve got my life on lock — even if it’s only an illusion.