062: 5 simple ways to cultivate joy and care for yourself during this time
Hi friends! I’ve got a new short episode up on the podcast this morning. I rarely do solo episodes, so please let me know if you enjoyed this one! If you like them, I can post a bit more frequently since it’s just me. 🙂
Resources from the episode:
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I didn’t download a full transcript for this episode, but jotted down some notes after recording.
5 simple ways to cultivate joy and care for yourself during this time
1. Stay in your own lane. I’m a true believer that comparison is the thief of joy and it’s so easy to feel frustrated right now by what others are doing, and comparing yourself. For example, I see people who are still rocking their online businesses and I feel like I’m dangling by a thread – so much of my day is dedicated to navigating Liv’s distance learning schedule and assignments. I literally watch my inbox build and explode each day and right now, there’s not a lot I can do about it. Instead of panicking, I’ve tried to be really strategic with the small time pockets I do have and just try to show myself grace. Things are challenging, and if you’re having a hard time right now, I see you and I’m right there with you. At the end of the day, all we can really focus on is ourselves and our own families. Try to avoid comparison right now, especially with careers or goals that you’ve set. Everything has shifted and we’re all forced to just adapt and do the best we can.
2. Eat the cupcake, drink the wine. Under normal circumstances, I think it’s important to pay attention to hunger levels and how you’re feeling, but right now, I’m all about taking any step that will bring me a small amount of joy. I’ve had way more sugar in the past 6 months than I have in a long time, and I’ve had a bit more wine. Just do the things that make you happy!
3. Take breaks. I try to remind myself that it’s not the end of the world when Liv misses a class, or we end up skipping an assignment to make up later. Sometimes she’s so fried from the screen time that we both need a break, and I give her time to run around outside and we go for a walk. Don’t be afraid to take breaks for yourself, even if they’re small. I also wanted to tell you guys about basking, which is a technique I learned from my therapist (<— I should ask her to be on the show!) Basking is paying attention to tiny details to become present and enjoy the current moments.
4. Pay attention to sleep and hydration. These are two things that make a significant impact on how I feel, so I’ve been focused on cultivating a true sleep routine and drinking enough water each day. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounce each day, and for sleep, find your magic number. For me, it’s a solid 8 hours and I feel rested and energized. So many restorative processes occur when we have quality sleep, so it’s a nourishing step we can take for ourselves during such a crazy time. Sleep can also affect our immune system; poor sleep can cause us to be more likely to become sick if exposed, and can also affect our recovery rate. As far as hydration goes. it can impact our huger levels, joint and eye lubrication, digestion, our skin, circulation, transporting nutrients, and maintaining body temperature.
5. Take time every day for something you enjoy, even if it’s just 5 minutes. This can be a book, a show, a short walk, meditation, a stretch or foam roll, a dance party, a call or porch visit with someone you love, doodling, journaling, hand knitting, anything that you enjoy that can serve as a reset and a happy distraction.
I’d love to hear about how you’re navigating this time and anything you’re doing to spark a tiny bit of joy right now.
To bring an extra little joy to this post, how about a Beautycounter giveaway? Leave a comment below and I’ll pick a lucky winner to receive a Vitamin C serum, charcoal mask, and some of my favorite healthy treats. I’ll announce this winner in this week’s Friday Faves post.
xo
Gina
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My little spark of joy has been writing in my journal. I’ve never done it before, and I don’t pressure myself to write a lot or even every day, but it’s a very satisfying thing that’s just for me!
My joy- health. That is all we have!
My joy comes from little things, like getting outside with my dogs for a walk, or stepping away from my computer mid-work day for some yoga. I also have been enjoying a glass of wine most nights while I cook dinner, cause it just makes it more fun and relaxing.
A joy in my life currently, audiobooks!! I didn’t think I liked audiobooks, but I have found that I’m loving them and can listen to those while I’m doing chores around the house.
Needed this today. We are moving tomorrow (yay for a bigger house – booo to packing with two kids!), and it’s been hard to find joy amid the stress of buying and selling.
Love the simple ideas. I agree they really do make a difference. I’ve recently been paying more attention to my skincare routine. It’s calming and I also feel better when my skin isn’t a hot mess!
Thanks Gina, all of these things are so important right now. We need to be kind to ourselves.
I have been enjoying writing in my journal every day.
Great tips! For me, getting outside even if it’s just a 10 minute walk or a few minutes of yard work helps me feel better!
Enjoyed the solo podcast. Great tips!
Thanks for this post. I enjoy the podcast and this was a really good and simple one–advice we can all use during this time. Thanks for sharing your positivity as always!
I really have grown to love walking my dog and enjoying the changing leaves and crisp air.
Thanks for these reminders! I’ve been trying to hike as much as possible lately, being in nature feels like a reset button for me!
Thanks for this post and podcast! So very much needed for all of us right now, and it does wonders to know we’re not alone. ❤
My spark of joy has been coming from reading and exercising. Both have been life-savers! 🙂
I am looking forward to listening to this podcast episode when I go on my daily afternoon sanity walk!! The best kind of work break!
Love this! I’ve been paying more attention to my skincare, and reading more books.
My kids are currently doing shortened days at school. I go early to get in line to pick them up. I make myself an iced coffee or latte, turn on classical music, and read a book in the cozy warmth of my car. I relish the quiet, alone time.
These are great tips! I get up extra early before my toddlers just to have the quiet time alone, many mornings I’ve done one of your barre workouts!
I love these ideas and the solo podcasts! Two things I’ve been incorporating into my days to recharge are lunchtime outdoor walks with a podcast and evening Epsom salt baths once the kids are tucked in bed.
Love your tip about basking. I’m sending you a virtual wine glass cheers!
Coffee and reading early before the kids are awake!
My joy has been spending time with my family, phone calls with my sisters who live several hours away and carving pumpkins for normalcy!!
Taking the dog for a walk first thing in the morning (coffee in hand, of course), always starts the day off on the right foot. A simple pleasure, for sure!
Love these! I am trying to treat myself to small things more often than I would before. Like talking a walk to my favorite coffee shop to start the day instead of brewing at home. Fresh air + supporting local business + delicious coffee – can’t beat it!
I have a new baby (3 months!) and despite the stress that pregnancy and a newborn can add to the mix, seeing him grow and also being able to have his dad at home To love on him throughout the day (vs his usual 12 hours at the office Wall St schedule) has been my main source of joy. Having so much joy and love added to my life has kept me going amid the chaos of 2020.
Holidays are stressful even without a global pandemic so thank you for providing this content 🙂
Loved this solo episode! When you don’t have a guest on the show, I would love more solo episodes 🙂 My joy during this time has been sleeping in on days I work from home and putting puzzles together while listening to podcasts (yours included!) to help limit screen time.
Happy Halloweekend!
Getting outdoors even when it’s rainy and cold in Seattle sparks joy for me. And online shopping!
Taking my dog outside mid afternoon so we can both bask in the sun for a few minutes! Such a nice little break from working and a chance to relax a bit.
Some kind of exercise every day-and locking the bathroom door when I shower!
I’ve been making a point to read more each day. It’s such a calming activity and I can’t worry about other things while my mind is wrapped up in a good book! 🙂
My spark of joy is writing down something new I learned each day. Sometimes it is a fact and sometimes it is about a friend/co-worker/student.
My joy – yasso yogurt pops for desert at night!
Aw! I love these tips!
I have been waking up before the kids to enjoy coffee alone in the morning then I do a quick 20min workout while my little one eats his breakfast and it really helps to start my day on a positive note. Thanks for your tips as well!
Thank you for this post! Such good reminders right now – I’m trying to turn my phone off a bit more during the day and just enjoy simple things like walks and coloring with my kids.
My little spark of joy is taking my dog for a walk, but getting in a real sweaty work out brings much more joy, but it’s hard to find that kind of motivation to do when working out at home and running hasn’t been happening as much as I’d like. But remembering that something is better than nothing helps.
Getting out into our state parks with my dog and friend! At least the beautiful outdoors is still open! And, curling up with a good book, I’ve read quite a bit since March and I’ve been loving it.
My morning cup of tea sparks a lot of joy for me especially now that we are getting some cooler weather!
Working out and long walks with my husband are helping me through these strange times. But it’s starting to get cold in Illinois – so the long walks are not quite as enjoyable.
This is kind of doing something for someone else that makes me happy too. My kids aren’t able to see grandparents right now since we live across the country and they are high risk. So of course I send them lots of pictures but also little things that I might not normally do. Like something funny that one of my kids says. Or a song I’m listening to that reminds me of them. A couple weeks ago I was at the mall and there was a classic car show going on. I knew my stepdad would love it so I went around taking pictures of the cars to send to him 🙂 Just trying to help them feel connected during this time when they can’t really have visitors.
My joy right now comes from the baby growing in my belly <3 I’m 18 weeks pregnant with my first and while being pregnant during this time is not without its stressors, I’m so grateful to be able to experience this pregnancy and I can’t wait to meet my little one!
My spark of joy is cuddling with my three year old son!
thanks for the post!
Self care has become a priority for me during this time of stress and uncertainty. I love these ideas!
We are working really hard right now on making our nutrition important…but still want that glass of wine and/or cupcake once in a while 🙂
We are working really hard right now on making our nutrition important…but still want that glass of wine and/or cupcake once in a while 🙂
Hugs from my kids bring me joy.
Adding some cinnamon or pumpkin spice to my coffee adds a little spark of joy for me!
I’m reading a lot more than usual. A little escape from reality!
Afternoon coffee and chocolate while my kiddos are resting!
I’ve still never tried anything from Beauty Counter! Would love to give it a shot. 🙂