5 Ways to Feel "Better"

5 Ways to Feel "Better"

What a weird time we are living in right now. Both my husband and my full-time jobs are considered essential, so our income and regular schedules have stayed the same. Despite the normalcy, not being able to go to the store whenever I want, buy toilet paper in bulk like I usually do, go in public without feeling like I need to hold my breath plus all things social distancing puts a lot of stress on my mental and emotional health. I wanted to share a few things that I have been prioritizing during COVID-19. These may or may not work for you, and that’s okay!

1. Wash and blow dry my hair

I don’t mean every day, or even every other day. #dryshampooqueen I used to be the worst at doing my hair. I’d walk around with a wet head, still sometimes do, and feel like a slob. There is just something about being able to wake up and straighten my hair for a few minutes to feel semi-put together…even if I’m sporting leggings on the bottom. Side-note: If you don’t know what hair training is, please guide yourself to Google for a quick search and buy some dry shampoo on Amazon (my favorite is Batisse divine-dark). I can make it 5-7 days without shampooing my hair and only having to do a body shower every morning/evening.

2. Go for a walk

Henry and I have put more miles on the stroller in the last 2 months or so than the whole rest of his entire life. When I’m grumpy or feel like I’m going to lose my mind, I know it’s time for a walk. The best thing about a walk is that Henry and I both benefit from it. He naps better and is generally more happy when he gets fresh air. I thrive on those endorphins and the feeling of accomplishment when I hit 10,000 steps for the day.

 My favorite outdoor walk tips:

  • Wear headphones (Airpods are my fave) and listen to your favorite podcast or music. This quiet time gives me life.
  • Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact with strangers on the sidewalk or in cars driving by. #introvertprobs
  • Bring snacks for kids. This is self explanatory.
  • Bonus point if you walk through a drive thru for a treat on the way home. Jimmy Johns cookies and Scooters smoothies are our favorite.

    3. Bought the freaking Nespresso machine

    I guilted myself over this for a while. I bought the cheapest Nepresso machine and some off brand Bestpresso Pods to to pair with the milk frother that I already had. I shortly got over the guilt, because my caramel lattes with a sprinkle of brown sugar on the top bring me so much joy. Your splurge may not be a Nepresso machine, but if you can financially make it work, sometimes you just have a do something for myself (and I give you permission to not tell your husband. Johnny thinks I was gifted it. Shhh.)

    4. Call my mom, grandma or friend

    I've always said that moms make everything better. You might talk to your mom (or grandma or friend) every day, or you might talk to them once a month. Regardless of your situation, call someone you love and just chat. Ask them how they are really doing right now and don't take fine or good for an answer. The only way that we can really check up on each other's overall health and wellbeing is to talk to each other. (Bonus point if you talk on the phone while on your walk. That's my favorite time to call my mom...it also helps my anxiety of being away from home when I can talk to her while walking.

    5. Take 15 minutes to clean in the evening

    Every night I take 15 minutes or so to clean up the living room, kitchen, and bathroom before I continue on with anything else. I’m a 1w2 on the enneagram so I can be a bit um obsessive at times. I feel awful waking up to a messy house in the morning. I have decided which areas of the house will bother me the most so I can focus on them before the less important rooms. Waking up to these tidy areas give me all the life!

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    Well that’s it folks. I’m sure there are a ton of other things you are doing to keep your own mental and emotional health in check. I’d love to hear from you so I can implement your tips as well. Let’s chat on Instagram or shoot me an email at contact@brookecohome.com!

     

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