I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been able to escape the overwhelm of Covid this summer and spend time at a cottage in Val-des-Monts that I rented for the season. The cottage has been such a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to rest, recharge, calm my mind and refuel my soul while spending time with family and friends in the beauty of nature.
In these challenging times, it's so easy to become overwhelmed so allow yourself time to recharge. Here are a few ideas to inspire:
1. Don't succumb to the pressure: You don't need to take up a new sport, get into shape, pick up a new craft or start baking bread. Ditch that anxiety inducing noise and just travel at your own speed.
2. Try a digital detox: Limit your consumption. While social media allows us to stay connected with friends and family, it's easy to become overwhelmed about current world events or get caught up in the "why am I not..." compare game. Limit your device time, keep it out of your bedroom, self-impose screen-free time with a digital free day once/week.
3. If you cannot meditate, try something else: While many might find meditation and mindfulness helpful in these times, there are other ways to get grounded and clear your mind. Spending time in nature, walking barefoot in the grass or being near water can be very calming.
4. Spend time with those you love and who make you laugh: Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. Happiness is contagious so spend time with people who know how to nurture and create their own happiness, and how to share it freely. Laughter lifts your spirit, spending time with negative people doesn't.
5. Stop trying to control the situation; Many aspects of what is happening around us is beyond our control, whether it be the pandemic or world events. It's easy to create anxiety and worry when we try to control what we can’t. Instead, try to focus on what you can control.
6. Own your feelings: Don’t obsess over being positive or happy. Take the time to own and express your feelings.
7. Focus on the little things that bring you joy: Keep a daily journal to focus on the small things that bring you happiness. Take time every morning or evening to write three things that you are grateful for. Go back and read and reflect on these things again at a later date.
8. Declutter: You don't need to Marie Kondo your house but clutter makes us feel cluttered. If you are working from home, a quick clean up of your living space may help you love the space that you are spending your days in. It's more difficult to sleep in a messy bedroom, it's challenging to cook in a messy kitchen and overwhelming to work in a messy office.
9. Make time for self care: Self care is self love, not an indulgence. Create beauty rituals for yourself to enjoy. I enjoy a relaxing pre-sleep ritual at the end of a busy day. After cleansing my face with Support Cleanser, I generously spritz Hydrating Elixir on my skin, apply 4 drops of Sun Serum and complete my ritual with a Bian Stone Face Gua Sha massage