- Shot on Location at Smith-Perry Berries
- @themattsfamily
Lauren Matts and her husband, Chris, made the leap from city living to the country four years ago and haven’t looked back since. Today, the couple runs Sunny Hill Farm, where Matts works as a full-time homesteader – raising animals, growing her own food, and sharing it all on social media. Here, Matts shares how she weaves health and wellness into her lifestyle and how intentional living has made all the difference in her journey.
What is your approach to wellness? How has that changed over time?
My approach to health and wellness has changed drastically over the years – and honestly, it’s still evolving. What once looked like quick fixes, convenience foods, and chasing trendy diets now looks a whole lot more like dirt under my fingernails, meals made from scratch, and listening to what my body really needs. Today, my idea of “a healthy life” is a lot slower, simpler, and so much more nourishing. It’s about meals made from scratch, getting outside and breathing in fresh air, and staying active by pulling weeds, hauling feed buckets, and chasing after chickens! Don’t get me wrong – I still enjoy a good gym session – but this lifestyle offers a whole new take on fitness. It’s not about quick fixes or trendy diets, it’s about intentional living, every day.
What does your daily routine look like?
I like to start my mornings slow with a warm drink and a few quiet moments outside before diving into the day. Most mornings are spent on small homesteading tasks like collecting eggs, feeding animals, or watering the garden. No matter how busy my day is, I try to take a walk every day, even if it’s short, just to step away from the to-do list and enjoy a little peace. After that, it’s back to the rhythm of the day – tending the garden, working around the farm, or preserving food when I can. Eating well is also a big part of my routine. I cook most of our meals from scratch with whole, real ingredients. It’s something I genuinely enjoy and that helps me feel my best. My days stay pretty full, which is why having simple routines in place is so important – they help keep things steady and make everything feel a little more manageable.
How do you approach emotional well-being?
For me, emotional well-being comes down to intentionality. I focus on slowing down, checking in with myself, and making time for things that nourish my body and mind, like daily walks, time with those I love, and making sure I fill my body with things that don’t fog my mind. I also prioritize carving out space for myself, even when life gets busy, to recharge and stay grounded.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s simple, but it has stuck with me: “Just start!” So often we wait for the perfect timing, the right resources, or to feel “ready” – but the truth is, waiting for the perfect moment usually means never beginning. Whether it was beginning my homesteading journey, starting a garden from scratch, or creating content to inspire others, I’ve learned that progress comes from taking the first step. Even if it’s messy, even if you don’t have it all figured out. Starting is where confidence is built, momentum kicks in, and real growth happens. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or fail a few times – that’s exactly how you learn and gain the experience and knowledge you need to keep going!
What have been some of your recent challenges? Have you found any solutions? If so, what are they?
It can sometimes feel like there’s not enough time in the day to focus on everything. A solution I’ve found is learning to prioritize and break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By setting clear goals for each day or week, I can focus on what needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed. I also try to be mindful about taking breaks and stepping away when needed, so I don’t burn out. By staying organized and giving myself permission to not do everything perfectly, I’ve been able to keep moving forward without feeling like I’m losing balance.
