The end… We did it! 2017 ended with a bang and now we’ve got a new year ahead of us. I spent NYE in Atlanta and now I’m hitting the ground running back to work and then on another adventure (to my favorite place, Disney!) in a few days! This time of year is crazy and amazing and freeing and full of new beginnings and fresh hopes, and there’s so much to look forward to. I have big goals for the year, and I definitely keep finding myself with a sense of anxiety at the growing to-do list of things that I want to accomplish ASAP. I just keep having to remind myself that I can only do one thing at a time, and it’s going to take baby steps to accomplish what I’m dreaming of this year! (Like my dad says, you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time!)
Because of all the crazy going on this time of year, taking care of yourself needs to be a top priority! Self care can get pushed to the backburner whenever it seems that everything else is bigger, more important, and more pressing. But the thing is, if you don’t take care of you, then nothing is going to get done! In the last year, it hasn’t been a huge priority for me to make time for myself – I’ve had this (unhealthy) mentality that if I’m resting, then I’m wasting time, and that’s not a positive mindset to be in when what you really need to do is just be still.
SO in 2018, one of my biggest goals is to focus on taking care of myself, resting, and finding time to do the things that I love and that fill me up. I’ve put together a list of just a few of my favorite things that I turn to to relax, but there are literally endless possibilities when it comes to relaxation. Do what’s best for you, what recharges you, and what leaves you feeling rested and ready to take on all those big goals you’ve set for 2018!
Reading
Obviously, this one is a DUH for me. I LOVE reading (just look at my last post). It relaxes me and entertains me in ways that Netflix will never be able to compete. And one thing that I’m really excited about for this year is that I’m trying to dive into non-fiction, as well! I rarely read non-fiction, but I got a few titles that I’ve had on my list for Christmas, so I can’t wait to get started!
Scents
Until college, I was always just indifferent to candles; burn them, don’t burn them, I don’t care. But after moving into my own space and feeling the draw of the TJMaxx home section, I got hooked on candles, and you could say I’m obsessed. If I’m at home, I have a candle burning just about at all times. I love warm, cozy scents more than anything, so you better believe I’m always at the front of the line for Bath and Body Works’ candle sale!
Candles have been my thing for several years now, but in 2017 I also discovered essential oils for myself. To be honest, oils seem like a really mysterious and complicated thing to me – they can cure me and put me to sleep and clean my countertops?! But after some research and talking with my friends who swear by them, I finally made the decision to get myself a diffuser for Christmas and I’m loving it! I’m definitely still a newbie, and you won’t find me swearing off modern medicine anytime soon, but if something gives me a little help to relax or fall asleep, then what’s the harm?
Cozy Loungewear
I don’t know about y’all, but the FIRST thing I do when I get home from work every day is immediately change into comfy clothes. And I’m not talking just putting on a t-shirt and leggings, I’m talking take all my makeup off, hair on top of my head, pajama pants and cozy top and slippers on. Is this normal?! If not, I honestly don’t care, because I look forward to the ritual every day! I just cannot lounge around the house in jeans – no one can make me!!
Right now I’m living in all of my Aerie lounge pants. I got a few pairs for Christmas from my mom and my roommate, and I’ve only taken them off to wash them (confession time: I even wore one of the pajama joggers to work)! They’re incredibly soft and so comfortable, so if you’re in the market for some new cozy clothes, then look no further! Also, my new Old Navy slippers are changing the game for me right now. Growing up, my mom has ALWAYS worn house shoes or just kept her shoes on around the house – she hates being barefoot – and I’ve never understood why because it doesn’t bother me. But these new house shoes from Old Navy make me never ever want to take them off or go barefoot again because they’re just so warm and comfortable! Go get yourself a pair and thank me later
Tea
My beverage of choice is always water (or grape juice or sweet tea if we’re getting crazy), but in college I got into drinking hot tea and I haven’t looked back since! Truth be told, the reason I started drinking hot tea is pretty lame, but that doesn’t lessen my love for it any more. My family was in Disney World – one of our favorite places, we’re heading there again tomorrow!!! – and I was infatuated with the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot. The accents, the colors, the food, and the giant store FULL of tea! I had never even tried hot tea until this trip, and I ended up coming home with probably a year’s supply. I’ve drank it ever since! It’s soothing, makes me feel cozy, and tastes good to boot! I’ve tried tons of flavors, but I like to stick to mainly black teas like English Breakfast (I drink decaf before bed) and add either a flavored creamer or some almond milk and natural sweetener! There’s nothing better, AND it gives me an excuse to grow my insane mug collection, so win win!
These tips may be obvious to some, but it’s amazing how being intentional with such a simple activity, like drinking a steaming cup of tea or burning a candle, can have a really strong impact on how your day unfolds. Try it for yourself, and let me know what works for you! I wanna know your favorite activities to help you rest, recharge, and unwind!
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