So, let's dive in and explore some practical tips to help you find that ever-elusive balance!
Get Clear on Your Values
First things first, let's identify what truly matters to you. Is it spending quality time with your family, succeeding in your career, expressing your creativity, or taking care of your physical health? This is key because once you know your values, you can start prioritizing activities that align with them. Maybe it means setting boundaries at work to make time for loved ones, delegating tasks to free up your schedule, or making exercise a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
Life loves throwing curveballs at us, right? The secret here is to roll with the punches. Rather than getting caught up in a rigid schedule, go with the flow and learn to adjust your plans as needed. It might mean saying "no" to extra commitments when you're already swamped, delegating tasks when unexpected deadlines arise, or simply taking a breather when you need it most. Remember, adaptability is your superpower!
The Magic of Saying "No"
Ah, the power of a simple two-letter word, also a full scentence! Learning to say "no" is a game-changer when it comes to achieving balance. It allows you to take control of your time and energy, protecting them from being drained by commitments that don't align with your values. Sure, it might feel a little uneasy at first, but trust me, it's worth it. When you focus on what truly matters, you avoid burnout and make room for what brings you joy.
Find Joy in the Journey
Balance isn't just about managing responsibilities – it's also about savoring moments of joy and fulfillment along the way. Give yourself permission to indulge in activities that bring you pleasure, whether it's soaking up nature's beauty, diving into a favorite hobby, or simply connecting with the people you love. These moments of joy are like fuel for your soul and will help you navigate the inevitable challenges that life throws at you.
Don't forget, finding balance is an ongoing adventure, not a one-time destination. Take it one step at a time, be kind and patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach when needed. You've got this! By prioritizing your values, embracing flexibility, saying "no" when necessary, and making time for moments of pure happiness, you'll create a balanced and fulfilling life that's uniquely yours.
Let's start this journey together!
Xoxo, Crystal
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So what's inside each kit? A random selection of:
Sheet masks (sun bae, detox, soothe me tea tree, rejuvenating snail, be bright be you, moisturizing & calm, everyday jasmine, ace that face)
Scrunchies and or a claw clip to keep hair in place and out of your face (color varies)
Silk eye mask to keep bright lights out while sleeping (color varies)
Shower carp and terry turban
Everyday Crop Tops (one size fits most, up to 34D)
Tropical Organic Bath Soak
Here's how the giveaway works:
To enter, make sure you're a member of the Daily Ritual Community by creating an account. If you aren't a member, you can sign up HERE. Click the loing/signup.
Head on over to the "Ask A Wellness Coach" space and ask Crystal your selfcare/wellness question.
Make sure to create your account and ask your question by January 27th, 2024 10:00 pm EST.
Four winners will be selected at random on January 28th, 2024 posted via the Daily Ritual Community, and private messaged on the community platform.
Good luck to all those who enter!
Xoxo, Crystal
]]>In our live talk we discuss just a few of the following strategies:
Cultivating a positive vision and mindset toward winter. The season isn’t just a stretch of darkness and cold weather, but as a chance for personal growth and beauty. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine winter as a time of reflection and rest, embracing the gifts of comfort, protection, selfcare, and creativity. By adopting a positive mindset, you can reshape your experience, reducing stress and fostering well-being throughout the colder months.
It’s also important to not overlook the power of aligning oneself with nature's cycles, and accepting winter as an integral part of Mother Nature’s natural order. Spiritual practices, like forest bathing and winter hiking, connect your bond with nature. By spending brief moments outdoors daily, you can tap into the rejuvenating benefits of nature, promoting resilience and harmony with the seasonal shifts.
Navigating through open conversations and social sparks
After acknowledging you are struggling, it’s important to maintain open communication and seek support. Take advantage of discussing mental health challenges openly with friends and family. Simple examples could include having a heart-to-heart conversation with a close friend about the struggles of the season, or reaching out for support when needed. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, you’ll be better able to navigate the winter months with a support system in place, providing emotional and camaraderie.
Be proactive and take control of how you want to feel. Proactive social planning can be a game-changer. Stick to scheduling weekly outings during the winter months. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it could be a trip to the library, trying a new restaurant, checking out an exhibit, thrifting, the list goes on. This not only ensures regular social interaction, but also provides a beacon of joy and connection, helping to lift spirits and combat the isolation that often accompanies seasonal depression.
We are all unique beings with different personalities, likes, and dis-likes. Docs on self-care strategies that match your personality and needs. For a social individual, this might involve engaging in group activities, or joining clubs centered around shared interests. Simple examples could include signing up for a winter sports league, participating in a book club, or attending local events. By aligning self-care practices with your personality and needs, you can find joy in activities that resonate with you, fostering a sense of community and combating the winter blues.
So what’s next?
These are just a few practical strategies that we share in our live talk. I invite you to transform your relationship with winter this year and moving forward by watching the full live talk. Remember, the journey begins by altering your beliefs, identifying/acknowledging your struggles, and taking action. I look forward to hearing your feedback in the comments on the YouTube video. Until then, take care, and I’m wishing you all the best this fall/winter.
Xoxo, Crystal
]]>Bonus, I'll also provide three steps to challenge yourself that you can start today. For the bookworms among us, there's a curated reading list for an even deeper dive!
Golden Nuggets for Sharing Your Voice
Ever felt that little tug in your heart, urging you to voice your thoughts, but found yourself holding back? It's okay. Many of us have been there. Speaking up is a form of self-care, and when you don't, you might feel you're neglecting a part of yourself. Remember, your voice, your thoughts, your feelings—they all matter. To help you become the champion of your own voice, here are nine gems of wisdom:
1. Discover Your Values
When you're clear about what warms your heart and what irks you, you'll naturally find the moments that truly matter to voice out.
2. Be Prepared
If you're a little shy about speaking up, prep in advance. Think of it like rehearsing for your favorite play, so when the scene comes, you're ready to shine.
3. Baby Steps
If the idea of speaking up feels big, start tiny. Like sharing your thoughts with a close friend.
4. Pen Down Your Thoughts
Sometimes, words flow better with a pen. Jot down what you want to say, and use it as your personal script.
5. Grab That Early Chance
The sooner you chime in, the less time your inner critic has to make you second guess. Plus, you get to set the tone of the conversation.
6. It's Okay to Find It Tricky
Speaking up can be a mountain to climb, but the view at the top? Absolutely worth it. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise. (Curious about this? Check out this piece on "Realistic Optimism" HERE
7. Your Voice is Gold
Your perspective is like no other. Treasure it, believe in it, and let the world hear it.
8. Shush the What-ifs
While it's kind to think of others, don't let the fear of judgment clip your wings. If it's important to you, it's worth sharing.
9. Master the Grace of Speaking
Sometimes it's about the message, and sometimes it's about the delivery. Tact and diplomacy can be your best friends.
Get-Started Challenges! 🚀
1. Reflect on moments you held back. How did that make you feel? Jot it down.
2. Mull over something that's been on your mind. Plan a heart-to-heart about it with someone you trust.
3. Next time you're nudged to voice out, even if it's just to say you wanted almond milk instead of oat, take that leap!
Recommended Reading To Strengthen Your Voice:
(includes affiliate links)
Find Your Leadership Voice In 90 Days
Find Your Leadership Voice Guided Journal
When to Speak Up and When To Shut Up
Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up
Ispeaq: How to Speak Up for Yourself
With love and encouragement, embrace the power of your voice. Because you're worth it! 💕
Xoxo, Crystal
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XOXO, Crystal
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XOXO, Crystal
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You're working 50+ hours a week, caring for family members, and trying to keep up socially, just to name a few things on your ever-growing to-do list.
You're afraid to change this narrative, or better yet, don’t believe you can achieve that soft life you want. So you often avoid, and distract yourself, doing all the things and taking care of everyone else.
Stop the presses, we aren't continuing with this scenario! I'm going to be real with you. You're missing one of the most important, and foundational steps to prioritizing self-care. If you don’t get it right now, it could cost you your health and wellness later down the line. It had to be said!
Most women THINK they are too busy, or don’t have time — what they’re missing is this CRUCIAL step, that comes before anything else; you are approaching self-care all wrong. What you need is a mindset change!
You do have the time! You just aren’t implementing self-care that is unique to your Human Design. When you create self-care that aligns with you, it becomes easy. You begin to weave it into your daily life with ease. It’s not something you have to “prioritize”. You start to become, “her”, living the life you envisioned. A life full of comfort and joy!
Without self-care that is unique to your Human Design, you continue to try to prioritize your self-care, but end up distracted, and avoid. You try to make things happen with a quick face mask, bubble bath, Netlifx, and glass of wine… but miss the mark.
What is Human Design? Human Design is a combination of The I Ching, astrology, Kabbalah, Hindu-Brahmin chakra system, and quantum physics, organized in a logical system. By inputting your birthdate, time, and location, the Human Design Chart, also known as the BodyGraph, can be computed to uncover your genetic blueprint.
With Human Design, I've personally been able to find what works best for my body, and better listen to my body's needs. Here's what works for me as an emotional projector:
This is just an example of what has been working for me now that I know what my specific Human Design is. I share all this with you because I want you to be able to find what works for your and your body, just like I have! A life where self-care is easy, and comes naturally. I've spent the last few months creating a guide to help you find your uniquely designed self-care. It's the handbook you've always wanted in life, giving you direction on what works and doesn't when it comes to caring for yourself. All in a ready to download pdf. Take a look at mine (yep I'm letting you get to know me and what self-care looks like for my unique design). Click the image below to browse my own guide.
Each guide is dynamically created based on your Human Design details from over 80 hours of written insights, and worksheets designed by yours truly. The best part is, it's FREE right now during the beta launch! You can grab yours HERE. I'm also offering an upgrade for FREE one-on-one coaching. I look forward to working with you and helping you on your self-care journey!
Xoxo, Crystal
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Tracee mentions several forms of non-physical self-care that are all part of her larger self-care toolbox. This brings me to ask you, are these part of your self-care routine that you practice normally, or prioritize? If the answer is no, take some time to really think of where you are falling short. Make a list of how can you improve in these areas, and how you can make them part of your day to day? I know it's not easy and might take some time, and that's ok. All good things take time 😉
An amazing tool that I have been utilizing to figure out where I’m falling short is Human Design. I've been able to unlock detailed information specific to me, on what I should be doing for optimal wellbeing. You might be wondering, what is Human Design? I'm glad you asked. I like to think of it as your cosmic blueprint. It's literally a blueprint from the universe of how you are made, what your unique makeup is, how to best navigate the world we live in. It covers everything from how you should make decisions, your life purpose, to digestion. Jovain Archive defines Human Design as the following:
...a synthesis of ancient and modern sciences, it offers profound insights into your psychology, along with strategies and techniques for making correct decisions and ultimately leading to a life of more ease and fulfillment.
If you still aren't sure what it is, think Myers-Briggs but utilizing astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah and Vedic philosophy.
Using Human Design, I've discovered that living a slow life is where I thrive! Setting boundaries, and saying no are key in this crazy hustle culture life we live in, my stress levels increase when I don't rest frequently, heart pumping exercises works best for my body, music can positively impact my mood (especially when working out), to keep my mind in tip-top shape I need to not under eat (low calorie diets are out), and creativity/the arts can help me release negative, or pint up emotions. I've taken all this goodness from my Human Design chart and shaped the perfect self-care plan for myself. In just a few weeks I've felt more energetic, I'm content, or rather balanced, and my sleep has improved!
Wouldn't you like something like this? A personal self-care plan, tailored to your unique makeup? Wouldn't you want to feel amazing, and be your best self? This is all possible and within reach! As a part of my expansion into wellness coaching (I'm currently studying to be a certified wellness coach though the National Association of Sports Medicine), I've decided to create two offers to provide uniquely designed self-care and wellness. I'll be offering downloadable self-care plans, unique to you based on your human design, and one-on-one wellness coaching. You can learn more about Uniquely Designed Selfcare Plans here, and One-on-One Coaching here. I'm excited to help you take your self-care to the next level and create a toolbox full of everything you need to feel comfort and joy in your day-to-day life.
Xoxo, Crystal
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1. Goodbye expectations... I was no longer sitting around waiting and hoping for something to happen, or expecting for my partner to surprise me with a lady and the tamp inspired Valentine's Day that he had no idea I wanted.
2. Stopped giving with the hope of receiving... If I wasn't sitting around dreaming about what I wanted to happen out of thin air, I would manipulate that situation and give with the hopes of getting in return. Nope, not any more.
3. I said goodbye to feeling lonely, doubting myself, caught up in my feelings... making myself feel horrible because I wasn't taking part in Valentine's Day (getting a gift, going on a date, being romanced, etc.)
4. Instead of one day of getting, receiving, hoping... I took the entire month to focus on what I needed mentally, physically, and emotionally. I poured into myself to make sure I was rested, comfortable, and full of joy. I loved myself hard. The result... a better me, a happier me, a more productive me, and those who were around me loved my energy, as well as spending time with me.
So how are you going to make the shift and quit Valentines Day? Share what your plans are. Keep the conversation going in the Daily Ritual Community.
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2. Do a puzzle. Work your brain a little bit. It could be a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, Sudoku, or whatever mental challenge appeals to you. Put your brain to work and test its problem solving abilities. It’s a great break to your busy day and a great workout for your brain.
3. Eat mindfully. Pay attention while you’re eating. Put your phone away. Avoid reading or watching TV. Just eat while you’re having a meal. Keep your attention on the process. You’ll eat less and eat better food. It’s easy to eat a lot of junk
while you’re distracted by something else.
4. Spend time with someone that loves you. There’s nothing better for your heart and soul than spending time with those that adore you. They say nice things to you. They’re encouraging. The experience is relaxing and makes you
happy.
5. Stretch. The older you get, the less flexibility you possess. Stretching feels good and is good for you. If you’re watching TV, sit on the floor and spend the time stretching.
6. Compliment yourself. Imagine you were your best friend. What types of compliments would you give yourself? Spend a few minutes looking at yourself in the mirror and let the compliments fly. It’s a little awkward at first, but you’ll enjoy the results.
7. Ask for help. You’re worthy of receiving help from others. You’ll find life is easier when you get a little help, too. In return, others will ask you for help. Your self-esteem gets a boost when you help others. You’ll even make a few friends in the process or strengthen existing relationships.
8. Eat a healthy diet. You’re not taking good care of yourself if you don’t follow a healthy eating strategy.
9. Go to bed early. This is great for every part of your being. Most of us fail to get enough sleep. How early is early? Early is early enough that you’re not tired when it’s time to get up.
10. Take a bath at least once a week. Showers save time and water. However, there’s something unique about a bath. Stretch out and soak for at least 30 minutes. You might turn out the light or read a book. You can close your eyes and just relax. Give yourself this luxury at least once a week.
11. Walk daily. Humans are meant to move. Unfortunately, most of us barely move more than it takes to walk to our cars and back. Use your body each day, even if it’s a simple as taking a nice walk.
People who are busy and stressed are often lacking in self-care. It’s important to pay attention to your needs and to recognize your limits. Good self-care practices can reduce burnout and stress levels. Keep your energy levels high and rejuvenate yourself each day by looking after yourself effectively.
Name: Rhonda
Occupation: I'm a Senior New Business Manager at an influencer marketing agency.
What are some current stressors in your life?
Finding enough time in the day to balance work, family, and social life.
How do you de-stress when life gets crazy?
Since I moved to upstate NY from the city, I've learned to lean into my environment and home to destress. I make sure to get outside as much as possible to get some fresh air and hang out with my dog, cat, and chickens.
What does, "The Art of Relaxing" mean to you?
The art of relaxing means allowing yourself to be present in the moment, and take in the little things in life that bring us joy and put us at peace. Whatever brings you joy, and takes you away from the stressors in your life, give time and energy to it.
How will you look at or turn your typical way of de-stressing into an art?
If I ever find myself stressed out about something, I always ask myself "Will this matter in a month, a few months from now, and year from now"? "Is this is in or out of my control"? Most of the time, the answer is "no". This helps reduce mental stress. The other part is making it a habit to provide an environment for myself that puts me at ease, and make it a practice to take the time to connect with nature. Light a candle, put on some music, take a walk, call a friend - there's always something you can do to destress - make it a habit.
Thanks Rhonda for sharing! You can see, we are all stressed from some of the same things in our day-to-day life, and it's a list! Even though the list might be long, some kind of self-care is being implemented, even if we don't know it. That's why we like turning everyday habits into rituals of comfort and joy. It's an actionable step you can start taking right now. Make it something beautiful that you enjoy, that's where we came up with The Art of Relaxing.
The Oxford Dictionary defines art as, "producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power".
Let’s take a look at the signs in more detail:
Physical Signs
There are many physical signs that tell you something is wrong or off. When it comes to burn out some of the common symptoms include: lethargy, insomnia, muscle aches and headaches. Burnout may also lead to loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, migraines and lowered immunity to disease and sickness.
Behavioral Signs
When reaching the point of burnout, you might tend to react differently in some social situations. You might start to blame others for your problems and feelings and even withdraw from your tasks at home or work. You might self medicate using drugs, drinking alcohol as a form of mental outlet. This could lead to making poor decisions at work due to high levels of stress leading to procrastination, ignoring responsibilities, skipping work or arriving late.
Emotional and Mental Signs
Burnout can affect people's emotional well-being a lot. It can reduce your ability to concentrate and focus, decreasing activity and memory power. You might develop self-doubt, isolation, feelings of failure, sadness, a negative outlook on life and work, signs of detachment, loss of motivation, and depersonalization (psychosis)
Just by looking at the signs you can easily see how burnout can impact your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Left untreated these symptoms can result in a decline in mental/physical health, or even illness. Not to mention it can have a negative impact on relationships.
So now that we know the signs of burnout and why it’s dangerous let’s look at stress. I bring this up because we often confuse the two and surprisingly, they are two different issues, and one can be a result of the other. I invite you to join me as we continue the conversation in our first FREE challenge called, Say Goodbye to Burnout.
Learn how to spot burn out, manage it, while creating comfort and joy this season. Click the below button to get started (just create an account). It's all FREE!
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Nature reduces stress and anxiety
Being out in nature has a measurable effect on your stress levels. They go right down, also lowering your risk of anxiety and depression. Even if you live and work in high rise glass and steel buildings, having a dose of the natural world can help lift your mood, your cognitive function, and your mental health. Whether it’s a walk in the park or even having a plant on your desk or being able to look out of the window, any connection with nature will help.
Connection with nature is healing
Studies have shown that even being able to see a natural landscape can help hospital patients recover faster.
It also helps your immune system function better. Scientists have found more than twenty pathways or connections between exposure to nature and improved health, protecting you from heart disease, depression, and diabetes.
Nature changes your perceptions of the world.
Researchers have found that walking through a rural area changed the study participants attitude toward their to-do list. They saw their tasks as more manageable than participants who walked through city streets.
People who exercise outdoors move faster, have a lowered perception of effort, enjoy their exercise more, and are more likely to stick to their routine than people exercising in a gym.
Nature is great for your mental health
Remember how good it feels to be near the ocean, a river or a waterfall? That’s because the air near moving water is full of negative ions that can act as natural anti-depressants. It’s the same effect as the change in the air after a thunderstorm when the air is no longer oppressive but clear and fresh.
There are now many studies which show that people living in green areas, or who have access to green spaces in cities, have significantly better mental wellbeing than people who live cut off from nature.
Even having an aquarium, houseplants, or a view onto green space can help.
I'm usually on top of things and constantly busy, working full time as a project manager, running the boutique when I'm not at my 9-5, working out, spending time with my family/friends, and so much more. But this past week, I zoned out and let myself succumb to the anxiety, doubt, loneliness, and stress of a medical procedure. Long story short, I had to get a biopsy for an upcoming fibroid embolization. Trying to get to the biopsy appointment, prep for it, find someone to sign me out after the appointment, and get home was stress inducing. Also, planning for the embolization the following got to me. Again, finding someone who would have time to go with me, take me home, and care for me since my fiancée wasn't able to get off work. Not to mention, the procedure would have me out for a week of bed rest.
In order to feel better about the process and de-stress, I needed to snap out of it, and take action. If I didn't help myself, nobody else would. Think of that analogy of putting your mask on first when it drops from the airplane overhead cabin. So that was step one, take action, followed by:
Asking for help. I usually don't, that's one of my character flaws. I couldn't be afraid of asking for help. I reached out to a close friend, and she was more than happy to sign me out and make sure I got to where I was going after the biopsy. Thanks Marie! Crazy how something so simple, just asking a friend, can help and add ease to a tough situation. Also, don't get in your way like I did.
Let my voice be heard. Living in a small town that's almost 2 hours from a major airport can be annoying, especially for those traveling out of state. When asking a family member to help, they seemed hesitant and unsure if they were able to, due to logistics (again living far away from an airport isn't fun, neither is trying to figure out how to commute to the clinic in New York City. I put my foot down and said nope, I need you! I came up with a plan to help resolve the worry about traveling. We talked it out and they agreed to help.
Sometimes bridges need to be burned. Before I even got to where I am, I had to dump my previous provider. Note, this was an all-women's health clinic who promoted putting women and their health needs first. Not that case! When they discovered the fibroids (5 total) after already knowing I had one, they wanted me to just, "keep an eye on them, they shouldn't be a problem as most aren't and take ibuprofen for the pain." Wrong answer, and not acceptable! I said no to that response. I should have been given an ultrasound and scheduled next steps, not small talk. I then shared my family's history with fibroids, my current struggles due to fibroids, and that I needed this resolved. I PUSHED for the care I needed and deserved; I also submitted a negative review after the appointment with no intentions of going back. Two weeks later, they offered a list of providers who could do the procedure, and an ultrasound referral. That was too little too late! I did my own research and found a OBGYN practice that specialized in fibroid removal. Within minutes of calling, I had an appointment scheduled to see a doctor 3 days later.
I had to prioritize me. I've decided to dial back all the things I'm doing and involved in. Every day till the big procedure, I'm going to do something that I enjoy, or pampers my soul. My self-care plan includes: not working out too much/if at all (ya I said it, I'm taking a break), going out with friends, acupressure before bed, prioritizing sleep, luxurious showers, hair treatments, facials, catch up on a few shows, finishing a few books I started, sewing projects, a mani pedi... you get it.
While going through all of this, I realized... advocating for myself is caring for myself. If I didn't, where would I be? I would be worse off for sure, or still stuck in my negative mood. I share all of this to encourage you to advocate for yourself. Take action and prioritize you, it might take some work, but it's work that is worth it!
]]>Many of you are familiar with our humble beginnings as a small Instagram boutique. We offered the latest in fast fashion. Cute and on trend. From there we took a break, and came back with a focus on cute, affordable loungewear. We even graduated from Instagram to a full website. As time pushed on, and we faced a global pandemic, stress started to take its toll. There were lots of sleepless nights, anxiety, stress, cabin fever, and sickness. I began to turn to meditation, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, visualization, movement, getting outdoors spirituality, healthy eating, therapy, and indulging in comfortable clothing, body oils, and showers with music. This got me through and nourished my soul. I was creating moments of joy and comfort in dark times. I took this and passed it on to you, updating the boutique with quality loungewear, and self-care tools/rituals. My goal is to continue this focus and eventually offer wellness classes online, retreats, and even a physical storefront. But for all of this to make sense Douglas Lynn needs to change, we need an update to align with our vision.
On September 2nd we turn the page on a new chapter... what does that mean? A new name and a new logo! Join us, here, this Friday at 10:00 am EST for the next chapter of Douglas Lynn.
]]>🔉 Why It's Important To Let Go Of What Doesn't Serve You
🔉What Does It Mean To Let Go Of What Doesn't Serve You
🔉How To Let Go Of Past Grudges
🔉How Can I Let Go Of My Need For Perfection
🔉Why You Need To Let That Anger Go
🔉Preconceived Notions We Should Probably Let Go
🔉The Types Of Relationships You Need To Let Go
🔉5 Bad Habits It's Time To Let Go Of
🔉7 Personal Belongings We Can Let Go
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If you are up to the challenge of ditching a complex lifestyle full of stress in exchange for a life well-lived, then here are five suggestions to help you succeed:
Embrace the simple life by figuring out your values and then take the necessary steps to live them out. You will be reaping the benefits of this change before you know it.
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Name: Tre
Occupation: Data Analyst
What are some current stressors in your life?
Job Search, child care, pandemic, bills, family, etc.
How do you de-stress when life gets crazy?
Breathing, lavender pills, talk to friends, go for a walk, paint.
What does, "The Art of Relaxing" mean to you?
I have no idea. Lol. Haven't done much of it in the last 4 years.
How will you look at or turn your typical way of de-stressing into an art?
I'm learning to sew and I paint.
Thanks Tre for sharing! You can see, we are all stressed from some of the same things in our day-to-day life, and it's a list! Even though the list is long, some kind of self-care is being implemented, even if we don't know it. That's why we like turning everyday habits into rituals of comfort and joy. It's an actionable step you can start taking right now. Make it something beautiful that you enjoy, that's where we came up with The Art of Relaxing.
The Oxford Dictionary defines art as, "producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power".
1. Block out time for self-care in your schedule. It's not enough to occasionally stop your busy lifestyle and take a walk or indulge in a hot bath. Self-care is an ongoing process. Just as you reserve time in your schedule for other appointments, set aside time to take care of yourself, too. * It's important to adopt self-care habits that you can enjoy on a regular basis. They'll help you avoid burnout, increase your productivity, and allow you to enjoy life.
2. Enjoy your favorite hobby. Whether you love to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen or paint pictures of sunsets, your favorite hobbies can be part of self-care. Hobbies and activities that you already enjoy are easy to select and put into practice. * You just have to find room in your schedule to do them. This is an important step and shows your commitment to self-care.
3. Make note of the compliments you receive. You can enjoy this self-care practice even as you work or run errands! Start taking notes of the compliments you receive. You can keep them in a journal, diary, or online folder. * Your compliment folder can also include emails, notes, thank you cards, and other things that make you smile. * This self-care practice can help you fight negative thoughts. Compliments can serve as reminders that you matter, your existence is important, and someone appreciates you.
4. Remove clutter. Whether you decide to declutter your closet or clean out the fridge, removing clutter will uplift you. Clutter can drain you physically and mentally. It can also make you unhappy as you try to move through your day. * Eliminate the things that no longer serve you. For example, if you're keeping clothes in your closet that you hate each time you open the door, replace them with clothes that you love.
5. Do one selfish act. Living selfishly all day isn't recommended, but doing one selfish act that makes you happy can do wonders. You can enjoy just that one thing without feeling guilty about it! * If you struggle with self-care, it's often because you spend all of your energy and time taking care of others. There's nothing left in your well for yourself. By taking the time to do one selfish act, such as reading your favorite book or ignoring a boring phone call, you'll be restoring your own importance.
Self-care often takes a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. However, without stopping to take care of your mind and body, you're at risk of burning out and suffering from serious health issues. Start making time for your self-care practices today!
Start by getting comfortable in a spot that’s as free of distractions as possible. You want to sit down either on a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground, or sitting cross-legged on the floor. If you sit on the floor, you’ll be more comfortable if you sit on a cushion. It’s important that you can sit in whatever position you choose comfortably and that you’re keeping your back straight. Slumping may make you sleepy while you meditate, and bad posture may cause you discomfort after a while.
Before we start with the actual meditation, let’s get back to distractions. In the beginning, you want to cut as many of them out as possible. Choose a quiet spot where no one will interrupt you. Turn off the ringer on your phone, close the blinds if you think it will help to create a calm and soothing space. You won’t always have to go through all this trouble to meditate because, after a little practice, you’ll be able to do the little meditation exercise I’m about to share with you anytime, anywhere. But like any new skill, meditating can be a little hard in the beginning. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to get distracted. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success by cutting out any distractions you can.
Here’s how to meditate. Sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice how the air flows in and out of your nose and mouth. Try to think of nothing else. This is the hard part and something that takes practice. Start meditating for a few minutes here and there and increase the time as you move along. Don’t judge yourself when your thoughts stray. Keep bringing yourself back to the sensation of the breath anytime you notice that you’re thinking of something else. If you need a little assistance, check out our guided meditation downloads. They will help keep your focus on the task at hand.
That’s all there’s to it. Getting started with meditation is simple, but like any new skill, it takes practice. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Stick with it and keep practicing these new meditation skills. You’ll be glad you did.
If a recliner isn't an option, try creating your own place to sit and relax. Add floor cushions or seat cushions to a reading nook or coroner in your room.
These are only some of the easy ways you can turn your home into a haven for relaxation. And the best part is that you can actually make these minor changes, adjustments and additions on your own. There's no need to get professional help from an outside source.
You alone know what you need to feel completely relaxed and comfortable. Let your home bring you a peaceful feeling every time you step into it!
Bonus, check out how Crystal makes her home a have in her latest Youtube series.
Good luck on implementing these tips and making your space something special!
2. Start with easy wins. Easy wins - or easy tasks - like making your bed will help you start the day off on a positive note.
3. Enjoy the process. Importantly, enjoy the process. If you are too busy to do each part of your ritual each day, be compassionate with yourself. Practice self-forgiveness if life gets too busy for you to complete your morning routine.
Having an intentional morning routine will help you put in that work to become the woman you want to be, feel empowered, and reach your goals.
Use these morning rituals to feel more confident:
1. Make your bed. Successful women and men suggest creating a domino effect of achievement by starting each day with making your bed. Making your bed each morning starts your day with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and encouragement.
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.” Naval Admiral William McRaven2. Drink a glass of water. Overnight, our bodies go eight hours without hydration! Start your morning by waking up your senses and rehydrating with a glass of water.
4. Move. One of the last things you can integrate into your morning routine is movement. Going for a walk or hitting the gym can wake you up and give you energy. The movement will also help release mood-boosting endorphins!
Life is unexpected and you might have other responsibilities. Avoid giving yourself unnecessary pressure to complete your morning routine each day.
Make your morning routine fun - it should be your time to reflect, energize and reset.
Your morning routine is your gift to yourself!
This clean out prompted me to share with you how to responsibly get rid of old loungewear (or any clothes for that matter), while responsibly updating your closet. I also wanted to share with you how Douglas Lynn makes it a bit easier.
How To Responsibly Get Rid Of Old Loungewear
How To Responsibly Buy New Loungewear
Our Model & How We Work Towards Sustainability
We are doing our best to follow a slow fashion model. Read on to see what we are doing.
Hopefully this helps you with getting rid of old loungewear (clothing), but also get you thinking about how to buy new loungewear (clothing). If you have any questions about what we are doing, or suggestions, leave a comment.
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Recently, I decided to start taking my skincare regimen seriously, especially after becoming lazy during the pandemic and turning the big 40. At first, it was a goal, but quickly turned into a ritual that calmed my mornings and evenings something to look forward to while giving me a sense of calm. The simple steps of caring for myself, taking time for myself, pampering my self felt good.
To really make my ritual something special, I enlisted an amazing line-up of only the best products. Today I'll share them with you and why each makes me feel pampered, taken care of, and calmed.
You would be surprised that this is sold by Stella & Dot, don't let that throw you off. It's been the best luxury skin care system I've used! Within just a few weeks my bumpy skin has smoothed out, my acne scars are fading, and I have an effortless glow. No makeup needed anymore, just tinted moisturizer! The Pure Results Regimen - OILY that I use includes:
I also added on a few extras for specific needs like dry spots, random acne, dark spots and dry lips:
Learn more and shop Ever Skincare here. *this is a referral link
Aromatherapy Associates Rose Shower Oil
Talk about a de-stressor and "Calgon take me away" moment! It's not just oil in a bottle. This will change how you shower!!! You cup a small amount of oil in your hands, inhale deeply and massage on your body. It then transforms into a cleansing milk, and provides aromatherapy.
Warm Damask Rose, known to be a natural anti-depressant, is combined with pure essential oils of Geranium & Palmarosa, working together to create a powerfully therapeutic blend that uplifts your spirits and enriches your skin.
One bottle provides up to 20 shower experiences, and is a steal at $39 a for an 8.4 oz bottle. You can purchase yours HERE.
Oskia Renaissance MaskIt's more than a mask, they call it, "a peel in a balm". It's a luxurious pink balm that glides onto the face gently and smells like a burst of roses (heaven). It's been great for resurfacing and brightening my skin. The scent alone calms me and I love how it feels. I feel so luxurious after using it once a week. Click to purchase and learn more.
You can't go wrong with a quick break for yourself and skin. My go to is a good face mask. I would like to introducing our new Pamper Me Kits, that includes 7 masks that cover you from head to toe. One of those masks includes are popular 15 Min. Eye Mask.
It's a professional facial at home! I swear!!! I wake up in the morning after using this and the results are speechless. There is noticeable improvement in my scaring, acne, and rough/bumpy spots. Healthline does a better job explaining this than I could:
Derma rollers can allow skin care products to penetrate deeper, producing more powerful effects.
I use mine twice a week, no more. This is the recommended amount so you don't cause any additional trama to the skin. You can pick one up on Amazon. I love the Sdara Skincare Derma Roller.
Bonus, I'll show you how I turned my weekly skincare treatment into an at home spa moment that I look forward to each week. Hopefully it will inspire you to make a few changes to your self-care routine and turn it into a ritual you love!
What skincare do you use in your daily ritual? Will you be looking at your skincare regimen differently, I hope so! It's a treat and something so simple that we can give ourselves daily.
So what does it look like to relax?
re·lax
/rəˈlaks/
"Rest or engage in an enjoyable activity so as to become less tired or anxious" ~ Dictionary
The team at Douglas Lynn considers relaxing to be an art, it's not something you just do. It's the time you spend enjoying what you are doing, and something that should be planned and executed to it's best. So, how do you relax? What does it look like when you plan time for yourself? Think about it, and then create a plan that is full of joy!
"My favorite way to relax is setting up a clean quiet space, with soft relaxing music, and diffusing essential oils or a candle. I then work on my beauty routine which can include an at home mani pedi, and face mask. I also like to grab a copy of In Style to read. I end the day with a movie that's on my watch list. " ~ Crystal Gardner, Owner | Douglas Lynn
So... how do you relax? Take some time to think about it and make a plan. Plan that time into your schedule and be purposeful about it.
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What you need:Traditional Medicinal Organic Spearmint Tea
1. Boil a pot of water
2. Cut strings off 3-4 tea bags
3. Place tea bags into 800 ml mason jar or pitcher
4. Pour in boiling hot water and let brew till cool
5. Place jar or pitcher into fridge overnight
6. The next day you are ready to drink and enjoy your refreshing beverage. Add a little lemon or honey for additional flavor.
💕 Sit back and enjoy!
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