8 High-Maintenance Things I Do to Feel Effortless
I’m the queen of getting ready in under 30 minutes. I remember getting ready with friends before going out and just sitting there for an hour and half ready while everyone else was barely halfway there. I sat there wondering what million steps I must have left out of my routine.
As I get older, I find myself finding that one of the best things I can do for myself in terms of confidence, ease and joy is to lean into the high-maintenance investments that make my everyday low maintenance.
The upfront costs don’t just mean financial, sometimes it’s in the form of time or effort. They may seem excessive in the moment, but do compound into effortless daily living.
Here are the 8 investments that have transformed my routine from chaotic to seamless:
1. LASIK - Three years ago, I finally got laser eye surgery. Technically, it was LASEK, not LASIK, because I wasn’t a candidate for the Lasik—but the end result was the same: I could finally see. And if you’ve spent years navigating life through a blur of prescription lenses, you know what a big deal that is.
I had been in glasses since the fifth grade, contacts since the sixth, and by the time I got the surgery, I couldn’t even make out what was on my nightstand when I woke up. I don’t miss the days of forgetting to pack contact solution and landing after every drugstore had closed. Or the absolute chaos of a contact popping out during a nighttime drive (if you have astigmatism, you know how headlights turn into a full-blown fireworks show).
Yes, it’s an investment. But when I think about how much I’ve spent on glasses and contacts over a lifetime? Worth it. Even now, years later, I’ll look at something in the distance and think, Wow, I used to not be able to see that. And I know future-me, stumbling out of bed for a 3 AM baby check-in, will be so grateful I don’t have to fumble for my glasses first.
2. Everything Goes to the Tailor - How many times have you bought something, tried it on at home and it fits “fine enough to keep?” And then it just ends up sitting in your closet until the end of time because every time you try it on, it now “doesn’t fit quite right.”
If a new item of clothing comes in and it doesn’t fit like a glove, it immediately goes to the tailor. Yes, it’s an extra step, yes it’s an extra expense when you just spent money on something brand new, but it’s going to be the difference between wearing something where the straps are sliding off throughout dinner or the hem length is slightly unflattering.
It’s built in confidence in the outfit because it fits exactly how you need it to.
3. Laser Hair Removal - The first time I got laser hair removal, it was a college graduation present for bikini line and underarms, circa 2012. And let me tell you, back then? It hurt. Like, make-you-question-your-life-choices level of pain.
A decade later, I went back for round two (lower legs this time), and the technology has improved so much. While laser hair removal is close to permanent, it’s not totally forever—you need maintenance sessions. I ended up getting a Nood IPL device so I can do touch-ups at home instead of booking more appointments.
The best part? Never having to think twice about last-minute plans in the warmer months. Throwing on a dress or skirt without needing a shower? Effortless. Packing for a trip and realizing I haven’t touched a razor in years? Incredible.
4. Daily Meditations
I will go out of my way to make sure I get a TBM meditation in. For me, I prefer to do them on one walk a day and right before bed. This non-negotiable for me is critical in keeping my nervous system regulated. When your nervous system is regulated, you can take the highs and lows of life with much more ease.
We often talk about how important regulating the nervous system is when it comes to navigating the low or stressful moments of life, but I have found that for me it’s just as important to stay regulated when it comes to the exciting moments.
I have this fear of the rug being pulled from under me every time something exciting happens - I immediately go into panic spiral mode because it’s easier for my body to lean into protect myself from disappointment at all costs, rather than riding it out and enjoying the present.
5. Pre-portioned Dog Food Delivery
I never thought I would be that dog mom, but after learning that Ralph was severely overweight, I needed to get better control over his diet. He already walks 2 hours a day so exercise wasn’t the missing piece.
I started him on The Farmer’s Dog and quickly realized how convenient it is to wake up every morning and have the perfect amount of food packaged for him and it takes the guesswork out of making sure he’s getting the exact amount of calories for his weight loss program.
I wasn’t going to sign Remington up for it, but after my mom guilted me for days on how Ralph now gets better food than she does, I caved.
As a nosey neighbor, I have noticed that about 50% of the package room refrigerator filled with dog food is The Farmer’s Dog and the other half is Ollie.
Out of curiosity on Ollie, I decided to have Remi on that instead of The Farmer’s Dog and so far I like both companies equally.
6. Planting Veggies
People will say it’s too much work to grow vegetables, especially on an apartment balcony. And while it does require a level of maintenance and strategy, nothing beats the feeling of when you forgot to buy jalapenos and can run right out to your balcony and pick some.
I’m currently growing about 5 varieties of peppers, 2 varieties of tomatoes, lemon and limes.
7. Boundaries
It is 1000 times easier to allow people’s energy who doesn’t serve us in than it is to put up a boundary that says not happening. It’s something that takes effort and reflects a commitment to yourself in.
Every time you don't set a boundary, you're essentially trading short-term comfort for long-term exhaustion. You avoid the awkwardness of saying no in the moment, but you end up carrying the weight of that decision for days, weeks, or even months afterward.
Setting boundaries is high maintenance because it requires you to:
Notice when something doesn't feel right
Articulate what you need instead of just going along, we’re done being the chill go with the flow girl
Risk disappointing someone or dealing with their reaction
Stay consistent even when it's uncomfortable
Advocate for yourself when it would be easier to just comply
The payoff? Your energy becomes your own again. You stop walking on eggshells around certain people. You stop dreading specific social situations or feeling resentful after interactions. You create space for relationships and experiences that actually add value to your life.
7. Injectables
One thing I noticed after getting a Botox brow lift is that I can go way longer between brow appointments. Since it lifts the brow area, even as the hair grows back, it doesn't create shadows as intensely, preventing that closed-off look.
I recently got Skinvive done for the first time, and as someone with combination-leaning-dry skin, this is exciting. It's designed to add hydration directly into the skin with results that last up to six months.
The common thread in all of these? They require an investment up front. Whether that's money, time, or the discomfort of change what they all do is eliminate daily friction.
What high-maintenance investments have transformed your low-maintenance living?
