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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Exploring all our local nature trails with my 2 boys has been bringing me joy. No set plans, rather just following their lead in where they want to go.
My joy comes from tea parties with my 2yr old niece, Eleanor.
Sometimes we all just need a timeout. A quick nap is usually the best reset for when I am in a mood. Call me lazy, but it does bring me joy!
My joy comes from watching my 3 year old son learn, grow, and laugh. He brings simple joys to life. I am so grateful for him and for all he brings to my life.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips Gina! They are very helpful and a good reminder for things we may have loved to do but have been forgot.
I’ve been going to get pedicures every once in a while still! The place I went to was always insanely clean with no refillable foot baths or shared equipment, and with the health guidelines I’m seated more than 6 feet from the next person with my mask on. It has been such a nice way to have a little bit of self care in a world where I rarely leave my house!
I’m making an effort to call my friends more often and get outside at least once a day!
It hasn’t been easy! I’m trying to take time everyday to be outside, in nature. I feel like getting out of the digital/virtual environment and outside to breathe fresh air and not hear news updates, really helps me relax and stay somewhat calm and grounded.
Love this so much! I try to take time every day to count my blessings and remember all the positives in life. My baby girl is 7 months old and she as born right before all this craziness! So I’m grateful for her every day!
I want to try the vitamin c serum!!
My joy has been horseback riding (my Instagram feed has way too many “between the ears” photos). Thanks for these tips — I have slacked in the hydration lately and can feel it. Time to remedy that!
Even with winter approaching, I am trying to go for a walk outside everyday.
Thank you for the ideas. I have found that some of the self care things I have done during the pandemic (like allowing myself treats – which honestly is also a good thing to role model for our young daughters) – give me a sense of calm that will be of benefit even in regular times.
This would be an amazing pick me up package!!
I’ve been making sleep a priority and meditating at night has made a big difference – it just puts me in the right mindset I suppose. I’m also finding joy in rewatching some of my favorite shows like Schitt’s Creek. I need happy, light hearted things right now and an episode or two of a comedy has been a lovely way to unwind at night.
Oooooo I really like your eat the cupcake, drink the wine bulletpoint 🙂 Although today on Halloween can it apply to “eat the fun size candy, drink the wine AND pumpkin beer?” =)
cuddling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and some treats!!
Chatting with my husband at night when the kids are sleeping brings me joy. ❤️
Something bringing me joy lately is being able to take naps with my son every once in a while. We snuggle together in bed and it is just the sweetest thing ever. I also love getting home from a long day at work and getting on the couch with a warm blanket and watching something on Netflix 🙂
I loved this podcast episode! It’s nice to hear from you and get an update on what’s working for you and your family. Your doing a great job! I Listen to the podcast as soon as I see it pop up on my feed. I also adore your friday favs posts! I just started watching Emily in Paris on your recommendation- so fun!
Keep up the good work! Your a great mom and your still creating awesome content for your followers!!! Now- is it time for some Michael Buble or what??!!!!
Taking my dogs for long walks and using my foot sauna at night while watching tv are some of the highlights of my days 🙂
Getting enough sleep is SO key for me!
Would love to win!
I need to try Beautycounter!
Loving being able to get outside to walk the dog each day – fresh air always helps!
Relaxing with a warm drink.
My joy lately is my kitties and getting my sweat on at my Zumba class.
Getting outside as much as I can has helped a ton!