“We don’t need to be more productive. We need to feel more alive.” – Ali Abdaal

Last Tuesday, I was buried in laundry, had a blog post half-typed on my laptop, and couldn’t stop thinking about our overdue family budget. Relatable, right? As a housewife, blogger, and the go-to “financial cheerledaer” in our household, I was feeling seriously all over the place—until I stumbled on Ali Abdaal’s Wheel of Life in his book Feel-Good Productivity.

This wasn’t just another productivity trick—it felt more like a gentle nudge to pause and take stock. It helped me see where I was flourishing (like in planning meaningful family getaways) and where I’d quietly been neglecting myself—especially in the soul-care department. Today, I’m sharing how this framework, along with the downloadable Wheel of Life Kit I’ve put together, helped me realign my days with what truly brings purpose and peace.

Part 1: The Wheel of Life – A Housewife’s Review

Ali’s Wheel of Life isn’t just for entrepreneurs or high-flying executives; it’s a profound tool for anyone seeking a richer, more balanced existence. For me, a mindful, home-based housewife, adapting his framework has been nothing short of transformative. It’s helped me see my daily routines not as chores, but as opportunities to nourish every facet of my being.

Let’s roll through the spokes of my wheel and see how Ali’s wisdom, combined with a sprinkle of my own “Anisti” touch, has truly made a difference:

Health: The Foundation of Everything
You know how I always say that without our well-being, everything else crumbles? Ali emphasizes this beautifully, and it truly resonated with me. For so long, I believed “health” meant grueling gym sessions or restrictive diets. But he, and my own experience, showed me it’s about sustainable, joyful movement and peace of mind.

Body: “I turned my mornings into movement with meaning—gentle walks, mindful cleaning, and yoga to ground my soul.”
These days, movement is my morning prayer. I rise at 4:15 AM, prepare breakfast in stillness, and walk at dawn while the world is quiet—just me, my breath, and gratitude. Cleaning the house becomes a form of mindful service, and a 20-minute yoga flow before lunch prep centers me for the day ahead. It’s not about intensity, but intention. Each movement is a reminder to honour this body, this season, and the blessings in my daily rhythm

Mind: “Each night, I ask myself—what quietly lit up my heart today?”
Since 2018, this has been my sacred little ritual before sleep. Instead of ending the day with overthinking or to-do lists, I open my journal and reflect on three simple moments that brought light to my day. It might be sunlight on the kitchen table, a warm laugh with my husband and friends, or a quiet whisper of insight during prayer. This nightly pause helps me shift from worry to wonder, and gently trains my mind to see beauty in the ordinary.

Soul: “My quiet time with coffee and a good book has become my sacred pause.”
This is where I reconnect with the deepest part of myself. No noise, no screens—just a warm cup of coffee, a meaningful read, and a few moments of stillness. I let my thoughts settle, breathe deeply, and give my soul space to just be. It’s a daily reset, not just for my mind but for my spirit—helping me return to my roles as wife, mother, and creator with calm, clarity, and intention.

Work: Redefining ‘Productivity’ as a Digital Nomad
As a digital nomad, “work” doesn’t always follow a clear structure—and that used to leave me feeling scattered. But through Ali’s insights, I began to shape my own definition of productivity—not based on how much I produce, but on how much meaning and joy I find in the process. It’s no longer about ticking boxes; it’s about creating value that feels aligned and purposeful, wherever I am.

Growth: “I leaned into what excites me—sharing soulful travel stories and earning through posts that feel true to me.”
For a long time, I felt like I had to do everything to grow—learn every tool, chase every trend. But when I really sat down and listened to what brings me joy, it was clear: I love writing about travel in a way that feels intentional and inspiring. I started sharing my experiences mindfully—where I stayed, what I loved—and naturally, affiliate links and thoughtful posts followed. The best part? I’m earning in a way that aligns with my voice and values. It’s not just about growth anymore—it’s about growing in a direction that feels good.

Money: “Small, steady steps with money go further than drastic overhauls.”
As someone who loves cheering others on in their financial journey, this idea truly resonated with me. Instead of flipping our whole budget upside down, we focus on gentle, doable shifts. One week, it’s reviewing unused subscriptions; the next, it might be swapping one takeout meal for a cozy home-cooked dinner. These little choices add up—and more importantly, they feel sustainable. It’s not about perfection, but progress. Building financial confidence, one calm step at a time.

Mission: “If it doesn’t help a busy woman feel more at ease with her finances, it doesn’t get posted.”
This has become my personal compass for everything I create—whether it’s a blog post, a social media caption, or a resource I’m sharing. Before I hit publish, I pause and ask: Will this bring clarity, comfort, or confidence to someone juggling life and money? If not, I let it go. That simple filter, inspired by Ali’s emphasis on intentionality, keeps me grounded in my mission—to serve, not just post. It’s not about being everywhere, it’s about being meaningful where it matters most.

Relationships: The Quiet Strength Behind It All

The people in our lives are often the quiet foundation holding everything together—offering love, support, and shared joy. Ali’s framework reminded me to care for these connections with more intention, treating them not as background, but as essential to a life well-lived.

Family: Deepening Our Connections
Our dinner table has always been a place of warmth and togetherness. Recently, we’ve added an intentional layer to it with simple “connection questions” we ask each week—like “What made you smile today?” or “What’s something you’re proud of this week?” These gentle prompts open up beautiful conversations and remind us to truly listen to one another. Ali’s framework was a lovely nudge that we’re on the right path—valuing presence, not just presence at the table, but real, heartfelt connection.

Romance: “In a high-tech world, we choose high-touch moments.”
Instead of letting screens steal our evenings, we’ve made it a habit to step outside together after dinner for a quiet walk around the neighbourhood. No phones, no distractions—just fresh air, shared footsteps, and unhurried conversation. It’s our way of staying present with each other in a world that’s constantly buzzing. A simple practice, but it keeps us connected—heart to heart, not just screen to screen.

Friends: “Less scrolling, more heart-to-heart moments.”
Instead of passively liking posts from friends far away, I’ve started sending voice notes—short, heartfelt messages while folding laundry or walking around the house. Just a couple of minutes to say, “I’m thinking of you,” or share a little story. It’s a simple act, but it feels more real, more us. This small shift has brought a deeper sense of closeness to friendships that distance once made quiet.

Part 2: When Feel-Good Productivity Meets the Wheel of Life

Ali’s approach gently reshaped the way I move through my day. Instead of chasing productivity for its own sake, I’ve begun to ask: How can this feel lighter, truer, more joyful? Now, each part of my life—the spokes of my personal Wheel—feels more intentional and alive.

The Joy Check: Does This Nourish or Deplete Me?
Before saying yes to anything, I pause and ask: Will this lift me up or wear me down? That one question has helped me say no with more grace. Like the time I walked away from a shiny collaboration that didn’t feel aligned—because protecting my energy means I can keep showing up for the things (and people) that matter most.

The Power of Small Moments
Perfection used to stop me in my tracks. Now, I let micro-moments count. A quiet breath while my coffee brews, a few minutes of stillness between chores—these small pauses have become mini reset buttons for my soul. I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

Flow Over Force: Working With My Energy
By noticing when I naturally feel most focused or relaxed, I’ve started organizing my day in a way that feels more human. Mornings are for writing and creative work. Afternoons are slower, better for admin or lighter tasks. Aligning my day with my own energy has made work feel less like a push, and more like a rhythm I enjoy moving to.

Final Thoughts: Gently Returning to What Matters

When we think about productivity or personal growth, it often feels like adding more to our already-full lives. But what I’ve discovered—both through Ali Abdaal’s insights and my own experience with the Wheel of Life—is that it’s not about doing more. It’s about pausing, noticing, and making room for what truly matters.

The Wheel isn’t a checklist—it’s a compass. It reminds me where I feel grounded, where my energy naturally flows, and where a small shift could bring more ease or joy.

As someone who used to chase the myth of perfect balance, learning to embrace the ebb and flow has been a relief. Balance isn’t a destination you arrive at—it’s a quiet practice of returning to yourself, again and again. A gentle realignment. A soft check-in.

So here’s to tending your own Wheel with kindness. May you keep choosing what feels nourishing, and find joy in the little pivots that bring you home to yourself.

With warmth and mindfulness,
✨

Anisti Riris

P.S. I’ve created this Feel-Good Productivity Kit just for you—a gentle guide to help you tune into what truly matters, without the hustle. Pour a cup of tea, take a breath, and explore the pages at your own pace.