De-Stress & Reset
I don’t know about you but I already feel like I need to reset myself for 2022. Here are 15 of the trendiest ways I re-center myself and reset my intentions when I am feeling off-kilter.
Yoga
I am not talking for exercise. I am talking about just listening to your body and flowing through the moves. Nothing relaxes my mind more then a good easy flow session. There are some great free videos on YouTube, from beginners through advanced skill levels.
Facial
Obviously a good esthetician facial is nothing short of a god-send, but if every time I had a breakdown I went to the spa I would be flat BROKE! So I will give myself a facial at home. Note, When I say facial at home, I don’t mean put your own homemade masks with avocado, breadcrumbs, and seasonings or whatever. Leave it to the professionals, you aren’t a chicken breast. My go-to routine when I am feeling down?
Facial Scrub - Polishing Charcoal & Black Sugar Gel Mask by Freeman
Pore Strip - Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips by Biore
Mud Mask - Exotic Blends Detoxifying Japanese Matcha Cream Facial Mask by Freeman
Moisture Sheet Mask - I’m Rose by Tony Moly
Under Eye Mask - Eye Bright Undereye Vitamin C Spot Serum Mask by Pacifica
Again, I buy all my products from Ulta. For convenience and all the fun rewards!
(speaking of ulta, have you signed up to our email list for coupon possibilities as well as blog notices)
Massage
Again, if I went to the spa every time I had a breakdown I would be there WAY too often to afford. My cost saving option? My spouse rubs my feet!! Seriously, ask your spouse or significant other to help you out! They are there to share the burden of life with you, and don’t be a prude about it. Trading foot rubs, or any stress reliever in a relationship or marriage is always a fair deal, trust me.
Read a Book
There are several books out there that I have read over and over to put myself in a good mood. I usually use my Kindle for any reading I do, but there is something to be said about a hardcover book.
Strong Looks Better Naked by Khloe Kardashian - I know what ya’ll are thinking…but give it a chance. Her transformation, whether you believe it or not, is amazing. It is an inspiring book on finding yourself when you have been living your life for others for so long.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Obviously a classic but that’s for a reason. If you haven’t read it since your high school AP English class give it another go. Daisy will make you feel like your crazy is normal.
Romance Novels - You know what I am talking about. These are those smutty, graphic, hopelessly romantic novels. They are amazing mind clearers. They set unrealistic goals for men, and life in general, but they are great to relax and free your mind of real world problems. My favorite authors:
Tate James
Caroline Peckman
Candace Wondrak
Organize Your Closet
This may be my OCD but nothing makes me feel more relaxed and re-energized then purging my closet. Or maybe color coding it? Either way, once your closet is organized there is this transitive property feeling that so is your life. Keep in mind, this is not a easy task. If you don’t think it’ll give you any sense of self peace then don’t start it. It may end up causing you more stress and work. I have fully converted one of our guest bedrooms into a closet, I should know. This is why I give multiple options, if something is not for you, don’t worry or stress about it. Just try something different, no 2 people are the same.
Meditate
This is something that is very hard for me. I ALWAYS have thoughts running through my mind about what’s next with the blog, what’s next at work, school, housework, the list goes on. If you are like me, I find it easiest to do more of a dynamic meditation. Follow a meditation podcast or stream-of-conscience words onto a piece of paper. Less of the just sitting with my thoughts and more of focusing my thoughts on something.
Go For A Walk
Being in the flyover states, there is really only a good 6 months that you can walk… or really do anything outside. There are so many good walking areas if you are in the central Iowa area. If you plan to go by yourself BE SAFE, especially if you plan to go in the evening into the night. Take a whistle or mace with you, though all my favorite walking spots are all well known and well lit.
Gray’s Lake
Easter Lake
High Trestle Trail
Brunch With Your Bestie
Your built in therapist…or maybe you should both be in therapy. A vent session with your best friend is so damn soothing. Add champagne and your whole day is just made…..RESET! Check below for some places that have brunch (with great deals) and are places I have already tested out for you?
Fresko
St. Kilda’s
Drake Diner
Keep watching the blog for monthly reviews of brunch locales!!!
Take A Day Off
I can’t stress how important this is! Work is not everything… It’s hard for me to even say that as I am a total workaholic, and if I am not stressed out over work then I almost don’t feel productive. I can’t stress enough how unhealthy that is (I am working on it). You work to live not live to work and it’s important to take a step back and remember that. It is okay to take mental health days and your company should respect that. Even my work from home people, working from home is stressful in its own way. You can almost fell imprisoned when there is nothing to break up the days. Everyone is building up stress no matter your working situation, as the word work is the problem, not where it is at.
Spend Some Time Alone
This can be so hard for some, myself included. I work in a corporate office all day, to come home to my husband and pets, to go to sleep and do it all over again. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything about my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I get little to no time alone. Sometimes I just need to lock myself in the office, do some writing, reading, or just be alone. I will also go and get lunch or coffee on my own. Who said it wasn’t cool to eat alone? I love it!! When I am done, I feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever or whoever else crosses my path that day.
Volunteer At Your Local Animal Shelter
Who could be unhappy if they are cuddling animals? Plus it is for a good cause. If it feeds your soul and heart, then it will most definitely help you reset your intentions for the year. This is one I can’t participate in...because my husband says no more animals and I am such a sucker for a furry face. I have no self control when it comes to any animal, I would walk away with a new pet each week.
Journal
I obviously enjoy writing, but there are plenty of ways you can journal without writing your day’s woes down on paper.
A currently trending journal style is bullet journals. Bullet journals are essentially a checklist of things to do every day that is handmade on graph paper. You track things like water intake, exercise, affirmations, really anything to make you feel empowered over your day.
Calendar journaling is very similar to bullet journals. Tracking daily activities in a calendar format. I have seen people do this on TikTok and Instagram with Emojis. Keeping you accountable for your daily responsibilities.
Maybe writing isn’t for you at all, try video journaling. It’s really as simple as it sounds. Anything you would write in your journal, record it! This can even just be audio journaling, especially if you just took your makeup off and are in bed.
Listen to Music
When I am stressed out, sad, happy, trying to pump myself up for a particularly difficult day, music. Music has always held a special place in my heart. Every memory I have has a song attached to it. Music is my happy place: Headphones in, world out. A great way to just tune into your own self and focus on your intentions and goals while tuning the world out.
Dance it Out
Just crank the music up, pour yourself a glass of wine, and dance around the living room like no one is watching. Favorite dance songs right now?!
The Moto - Tiesto & Ava Max
The Nights - Avicii
Shivers - Ed Sheeran
Taste - Tyga feat. Offset
Color or Paint
For me this means, paint by number or a coloring book. I am totally un-artistic unless it’s a make-up brush. My favorite is a coloring book I picked up at Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando. It was probably an inappropriate amount of money but, it is complex, and time consuming, and just makes my OCD so satisfied.
