the plan - february 2026
how I'm taking care of myself this month
January was a terrible year month. My goal for February is to simply survive.
Rather than feeling resentful of the routines that actually work for me, I’m simplifying them and anchoring them with something that I actually look forward to. If I don’t, I’ll abandon them entirely. I learned this lesson the hard way, after processing the sting of losing my 306 day Peloton streak on Saturday.
I’m working smarter, not harder, and pulling this plan from previous months.
I’m maintaining last month’s strength split, and will have a carpal tunnel-friendly option when mine flares up. I added more meals to my regular Splendid Spoon orders, and am solely cooking the meals that my kids will eat without zero complaints. I’m accepting that clutter will pile up, that my entryway will be gross from the salty/slushy dregs of NYC sidewalks, and that the news is going to make me spiral.
‘Accept’ is my new word for 2026, and this month is a chance to put it in practice.
What’s your word for the month or year? I’d love to know.
I use the Peloton app for my meditations and workouts. If you’d like to try it, this link gives you a 60 day free trial.
Bare Minimum Routines
I’m abandoning any goals of excellence when it comes to these routines. This month is about simply showing up and doing it (especially when I don’t want to).
bare minimum version:
breathwork with Open
1 page of journaling.
For the past couple of days, I wrote a version of the Serenity Prayer first, then wrote ACCEPT in caps under it, and listed the things I’m accepting.
My usual MO is to write a stream-of-consciousness - whatever comes to mind.
reading, if time permits. I’ve been waking up a little bit later and jumping into mom mode sooner to give us enough time for breakfast and bundling up before school.
bare minimum version:
I try to do my skincare and take out my contacts while the boys are in the shower, to save a bit more time later in the evening.
at 8 pm, I charge my phone at my desk and turn on a long Forest timer.
watch something with my dad and Sri (currently loving Star Trek: Starfleet Academy or a Hallmark movie)
shower + get ready for bed (I’ll reapply moisturizer and a face oil)
read until my eyes start to close (which has been about 5 minutes every evening)
bare minimum version:
I split the routine across Saturday and Sunday, and tackle my tasks once I’ve brought the kids home from activities and after we’ve had lunch.
I do a ‘happy stack’ with these chores, and watch an episode or two of a show that Sri has zero interest in watching. I’m really loving Glitter & Gold (a Netflix docuseries following the top 3 ice dancing couples), and feel like a Spinning Out re-watch is on deck before the Olympics start.
I let the kids wash my makeup brushes and do the first wipe down of my screens (or I bring my makeup brushes into the shower and wash them while my conditioner is soaking in my hair).
I do my content planning and Sunday email triage at a coffee shop on Sunday, while the boys are in karate. I also treat myself to a mocha and a breakfast taco during this work session.
January workout plan
My carpal tunnel has flared up a lot this week. While I wait to see the orthopedist, I’ve been relying on this wrist rest for my desk and alternating this cold brace and heated one. And ibuprofen, when it gets really bad.
When I’m having a flare, I’m able to handle a bodyweight workout and do any plank related exercises against the wall (or swap a bear plank for a wall plank). Here’s how I’m approaching this month’s strength split:
Upper body: Selena’s 10 minute chest & back, Katie’s 10 minute arms & shoulders
Lower body: Selena’s 10 minute glutes & legs, Katie’s 10 minute glutes & legs
Bodyweight: Tunde’s 20 minute bodyweight strength, Callie’s 20 minute bodyweight strength
I’m lowering my step goal to 7K this month, and will be relying on my treadmill until the snow has melted and the temperatures are consistently above 28 degrees.
Bare Minimum Meal Plan
Last month’s breakfast plan served me well, so I’m maintaining it this month.
Lunches will be a Splendid Spoon meal, or leftovers from the previous night’s dinner. I’m also adding a smoothie as a midday snack, blending it with protein powder (I’ve been liking this unflavored one).
I’m letting the kids pick the specific dinner from our go-to recipes, with the stipulation that they eat their starter plate first (a ramekin of veggies, a ramekin of Greek yogurt, and a snacking cheese).
I just want to get through February. If I make it through steadier than I started it, it’ll be a huge win.
I have to tell you, I was so inspired by all of your 'plan' substacks last year I modeled my January after them, and it's the best start to the year I've had in as long as I can remember! Even the days when I don't sit down and journal my wrap up and make my plan for the next day (a teething 18 month old will do that to ya!), I don't beat myself up or feel like some kind of failure.
We were fortunate enough to go to Punta Cana for a week with friends the second week of January, and I have been telling everyone that will listen that all of us northerners should have a mandated and paid for week in the sun the second week of January. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but that, combined with planning and journaling, completely changed the trajectory of my year!
I really appreciate you sharing your plans every month! I look forward to them!
Hi Hitha, this felt so honest and grounding. I really love how you’re choosing acceptance and bare minimums without guilt; it feels like real self-care instead of performance.