I think it’s safe to say the majority of our emotions are all over the place right now. And you know what, that’s okay. What we’re going through is unprecedented, and we’re all doing our best to navigate the craziness that is COVID-19. What’s been keeping us sane is getting outside, yesterday we found ourselves at the local high school and the field was open. Poppy ran up and down the length of the field at least four times. It was such a great way for her to get energy out and a nice break from being inside.
As a mom, I think we have added layers of pressure. Are we doing everything we can to keep our family healthy? Do we have enough food in the pantry? How are we going to spend our days while we’re social distancing? Are our kids doing enough educational activities? Too much screen time? Are you using this time wisely? I feel like I have less time to myself right now….. and don’t even get me started about toilet paper. (Is it just me, or do you go through twice as much tp with kids?) The list goes on and on.
In the midst of all these worries, it’s so easy to forget about one important person. YOU. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t fully be there for the people you love most. So during this time of chaos and uncertainty, I challenge you to take some time each day to do something that brings you joy.
Don’t know where to start? Here are a few of my favorite ways to find a bit of calm in the crazy.
Meditate
If you take anything from this post, I hope it’s this. Meditation is such a good way to get in a healthy state of mind. You don’t have to do it a certain way, you don’t have to do it for a specific amount of time, you can just do it. If you don’t believe me, try it for a few days and just see where it gets you.
Again, you don’t have to do it a certain way, but here’s how I love to meditate. I like to set my timer for 10 minutes. Sit by my window where I can see the sky, I sit cross-legged or lay down and breathe, I try to imagine the breath going into each part of my body and clearing out any negativity that is lingering. I also love to sit in gratitude for all the things that are happy in my life. Just closing my eyes and breathing brings me so much peace.
There are also a few apps I love that can simplify the process:
Headspace: This app is free, but you do have the option for in-app purchases. With this app, you can personalize your meditation plan. I like this personalization option because I think everyone’s meditation practice should work with their lifestyle.
The Mindfulness App: This app is also free with in-app purchase options. It’s a great app for beginners, and it basically introduces you to meditation with a five-day guided practice. You can also choose how long you want your meditation period to be, and you can personalize it.
Calm: The name says it all. This app is great for finding a sense of calm in your life. Like the others, it is free with the option for in-app purchases as well. It includes various features such as calming breathing techniques and exercises. My favorite part? Poppy can use it too! It has a kids section for ages three and over.
Journaling
Feeling like your mind is about to explode? Get it all out on paper, a phone, or a computer. Whatever way works for you! Just don’t keep it bottled up inside. As you write, let your emotions flow and acknowledge how you’re feeling. Not only will it give you a healthy outlet, but it’ll be a record of everything you’re going through. Just like 9/11, WWII, and all the heartbreaking events that have happened before, the COVID-19 pandemic is part of history.
If you’re looking for an app to quickly jot down your feelings in your free time, check out the Day One app. In addition to being able to write in it, you can add pictures, drawings, audio recordings, and more. Plus, you can log in on both your phone and computer. Its helped me process so many things throughout the years.
Download on IOS: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/day-one-2-journal-+-notes/id1044867788?mt=8&at=10lnHI&ct=dayoneappcom
Download on Mac: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/day-one-journal/id1044867788?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Take a Bath
Is it just me, or is taking a bath one of the most relaxing things ever? There’s just something about soaking in warm water that makes everything feel right in the world. Here are a few of my favorite bath-time essentials:
Bath Salts + Bath Bombs: The best part about bath salts and bath bombs is that they not only smell amazing, but they usually have calming benefits too. My favorites are from musee. I met the owner at Alt summit, and she was an absolute angel. All of her products are amazing.
Essential Oils: A quick and easy way to add a relaxing aroma to your bath is with essential oils. A few well-known for their relaxing benefits include lavender, clary sage, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. If you’re feeling brave, you could even mix them. Though I do recommend testing the mixture first before pouring it in your bath. No one wants their bath smelling like an old-ladies perfume haha.
Candles: Lights dimmed, candle lit, audiobook on. Can you think of a more relaxing evening? Seriously though, a candle is the cherry on top of a perfect bath. A few of my go-to’s are:
Amazing Grace
I think the name of the candle says it all. The light, floral scent creates such a calming, peaceful atmosphere.
Voluspa Vermeil Mini Tin Candle Set
Is it just me, or is any candle from Voluspa a home run? I love this set because you can switch it up depending on your mood. You can also place them all over you’re house and let’s be honest, anything mini is just that much better haha.
Voluspa Maison Blanc Pink Citron Maison Metallo 2-Wick Candle
The fruity scent of this candle is a total mood booster. It’s the best blend of grapefruit, cassis, and a subtle hint of rose.
Listen to an Audiobook
You guys know I love my audiobooks, especially if they have a good narrator. They’re such a good way to escape the world for a bit. Here are my recommendations:
I am currently reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle Melton. It’s absolutely changing my life. She has such a beautiful way of storytelling.
Anything from Brene Brown is AMAZING. I just finished Braving the Wilderness and it was so so good!
I also love The Power of Now and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
No Happy Endings and the Hot Young Widows Club from Nora McInerney.
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman has helped me reframe the way I approach teaching Poppy about her emotions and I find us having way fewer meltdowns.
The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz.
Big Magic is amazing by Elizabeth Gilbert.
We’ll get through this, and we’ll get through it together. For those of you trying to navigate everything going on, I’m right there with you. I’ll be sharing my favorite activities for kids, ways to stay sane during social distancing, and more in my newsletters. Next up will be about finding the silver linings in the midst of all this. Be sure to subscribe!