Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 42 of Life On the Brink!
That is so cool to think about, not only that there’s a catalog of 42 episodes of this podcast, but that we’re about to head into our second holiday season together! I’m someone who loves to soak up every bit of fall (it’s only now starting to look and feel like it here in southeast VA), but, not gonna lie, I’m getting a little excited about the Christmas season to come.
What’s in my teacup? The English Tea Shop’s Silent Night blend, brewed with Pukka’s Three Ginger tea
Things are picking up, and in so many ways. Personally, this fall is the busiest, dare I say most stressful season I’ve had since Covid began. To be perfectly honest, it’s been a tough few weeks.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love our life. Most days I wake up excited or hopeful for the day ahead, but sometimes it’s blended with an anxious sense of urgency with all that needs to get done, and sometimes I am not motivated to do a. single. thing. I know many of you can relate to this as well.
First off, I’d recommend listening to Episode 40 about productivity, as that helps during the time you’re actually working. But today we’re going to talk about little ways you can take care of yourself in the middle of everything to help maintain your sanity. Self care has become quite the trend over the past few years, often in a “treat yo self” way, and I think that’s great; learning to give yourself time sometimes has to be learned. But lately I’ve had a different kind of self-care revelation.
Last week I ended up with a sprain in my foot, and on the same day I burned two of my fingers. I was already in a stressful spot thinking of everything to do with work, and started to feel really overwhelmed. The weirdest part was, I was alone in my apartment, which meant I had to take care of myself. It wasn’t a “treat yo self” moment. As we grow up and become more independent, we all face moments where we have to do things on our own, and those moments can be difficult when we’re stressed.
So now I’d like to share a few simple, tangible things that you can do for yourself (or for someone else) that, I have found, help to de-stress your life and help you feel taken care of.
Life isn’t always glamorous, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be peaceful and enjoyable.
1. Make a cup of tea. You’re already on your way, friend. Tea is never not a good idea, it’s warming and sweet and comforting, and making it yourself is a simple act of love for yourself.
2. Make the bed. This is one of those “keeping your sanity” things. It’s a small thing, but if you can do the small task of making the bed, you can carry on doing the next small thing, and the next, etc. it helps set up your day a bit more.
3. Breathe deep. It should be a no-brainer, but we often forget it. If you start to feel yourself getting overwhelmed, just stop and take at least 5 deep, belly breaths. Relax your shoulders as you exhale. It calms the body and helps you reset.
4. Move your body. This doesn’t have to be a whole workout session (though it can be). A simple walk, a bit of stretching or a calming yoga practice all help to get out of your head and help you feel a little better. If you’re unwell and have been on the couch all day, I’d even put “taking a shower” in this category.
5. Snuggle up and read a cozy book. It’s easy to get lost in screens when we’re stressed, but usually isn’t as satisfying as enjoying a really good book. Take some time away from the scrolling to read a chapter or two, nothing major. See if it doesn’t refresh you!
6. Cook something nourishing. This is like the tea one, only more. Cooking for yourself is a huge act of self care, so take your time and make something that will make you and your body feel good. Soup, curry, and pasta are some of my go-to’s, just add lots of veggies.
7. Get outside. Fresh air does wonders, what can I say. Even if you live in a big city, a bit of connection with the natural world can reset you. The weather is pretty mild in most places right now, so why not take a short stroll, read your book, or even dine al fresco.
8. Be ok with resting. This is a hard one, I know. When there’s lots to do, any moment not spent working can feel “wasteful” or unnecessary, but it is absolutely crucial.
Again, check out Episode 40, I talk a lot about rest and how to best enjoy it.
9. Do something kind for someone else. This is always a good idea, but in terms of self care, it just helps you gain a bit of perspective. Not only do we feel good when we do something kind for another, but it helps us see that there are other people in the world. It helps you get out of the little bubble of stress in your head and open your eyes to others around you.
10. Realize you’re not alone. Last week when I was injured, I called my mom to see what to do about burns (I don’t believe you ever need to outgrow calling your mom), and she actually ended up coming over to bring me lunch and look at my sprain too. Not to mention, once Josh came home from work he was very sweet in helping me. And whether or not you’re married or live close to your mom, you too have people in your life that love you and will gladly help care for you. Ask for help when you need it.
If you think about it, feeling like you can’t ask anyone for help is oftentimes rooted in pride, a sense that you can get along without anyone, when that’s simply not the case. We all need each other, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, dear one.
I hope you are encouraged, friend, and that you’re able to enjoy this day, this week, a bit more.
Remember, whatever it is, it’s temporary. This might be a stressful time, but it won’t stay that way forever. Cherish this fall season in the ways that you can. Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace. You are worthy of your own time.
Here’s a few more episodes full of ways to relax and enjoy this season:
This Week’s Little Joy: If you've listened for a while then you know that I'm finally watching the Harry Potter movies after reading all the books. Well, the best part is that my sister Sarah and her husband Christian have been watching them with us, and Sarah is the only one who doesn't know the stories at all, so I'm watching her figure things out. She's a true Slytherin, and last week when we watched the Chamber of Secrets, I managed to get some good reactions on video. No surprise, she LOVES the Basilisk!
What I’m Listening To: This is a playlist actually made by Spotify called Jazz in the Background. Josh says it sounds a little Christmasy, but I think it's because most of these tunes are just a piano trio with a lot of brushes, which is reminiscent of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Either way, I've been playing it a lot while we have dinner or would just like a little cozy vibe in the background. Also, I learned that Spotify has a crossfade feature in the settings, so it's like one long jazz mood now.
Thank you so much for listening! Please feel free to leave a comment below, and please don't forget to leave a star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, it means the world to me.
Have a lovely week, friends!