My Selfcare Favorites!

For when you need a little reset! Because life is hard. Being a mom is hard. Being a wife is hard. Being a good employee, a good friend, a law abiding, tax paying citizen... the list goes on. There's a lot of terrible stuff that goes on in the world and things go wrong. Big things, little things, things that don't matter and things that do. And all of it can weigh on you.

I have a history of depressive episodes and live with high functioning anxiety. Unfortunately, my life doesn't allow me to just curl up in a ball and be sad when I want to be. So, here are some things I do/use to help cheer me up and get me out of the funk when feeling down - or at least until crawling in a ball is an available option.

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My Go-To Selfcare Activities

Go outside and find some sunshine!

I'm not quite sure what it is but the act of getting myself out of bed or off the couch to go sit in some sunshine somehow immediately puts me in a better mood. Well, I guess I do know - there is tons of research showing the linkage between sun exposure and the increase in Vitamin D production in our bodies! Vitamin D is critical for bones health, reducing inflammation, and supporting our immune system to name a few. Plus being in the sun, especially earlier in the day, helps regulate our circadian rhythm which means better sleep!

I am lucky enough to live in an incredibly sunny state and always try to carve out a few minutes in my morning to sit on my back patio to catch some rays. its incredibly calming for me to sit in nature and also a bonus for all the extra goodness being in sunlight grants us. Just don't forget the SPF!!

Move my body!

Trust me, I know this might sound like the last thing you want to do when you're feeling down or exhausted. But i have truly found joy and peace in moving my body, especially when I don't want to. We all know exercising releases endorphins - which makes us happy. And happy people don't kill their husbands!

Some of my favorite ways to move when I'm in a slump are:

• taking a walk outside with Jackson or solo while listening to a podcast

• going to hot yoga or Pilates to sweat it out

• easy stretching (bonus - do outside on a mat!)

• or going to the gym and lifting weights

After I get done with some movement, I feel really accomplished and in a completely different mental state than I was before. It might take some discipline to get going but i never regret moving my body and am always thankful for what it can do.

Cleaning the house!

I'm starting to think this list may not be very encouraging to people - telling you to exercise and clean your house when in a bad mood... but it's honestly what I do! I told you I have high functioning anxiety and a part of that is being a control freak. And when my house is a mess - I am not always fun to be around. It stresses me out!! I live by organization and structure (yes, even with a one-year-old!) and if my space is a mess then my brain is a mess, and I can't function. Even small activities like making the bed, tidying up the couch pillows or putting away our shoes can make a world of difference for me. But when able, I will take an afternoon before daycare pick up or time during Jackson's nap to furiously clean. Its cathartic and I always feel better.

Watch TV!

Making up for all the physical activity I told you to do - yes, sometimes it's just really nice to veg on the couch and watch mindless tv. I typically go for a show with no real story line or something I've seen over and over again so that way my brain doesn't have to try to keep up with a plot line or feel emotions (my go-to's are British baking show and diners, drive ins and dives). I don't choose this option all the time, because my anxiety makes me feel guilty about not being productive, but it is nice to every now and then just sit there in uninterrupted silence and just be. And you don't need to feel guilty about it!

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My Go-To Selfcare Products!

The LumiSpa iO + My Skincare Routine

Coming as a shock to no one, of course my top selfcare product(s) is the Lumi and my skincare routine!! I have spent YEARS trying to find things that work for me, and it's become a true passion of mine. When I'm feeling down there is nothing better IMO than using the Lumi and taking care of my skin. The Lumi feels good, like a facial massage while getting all the gross stuff out of your face and then I've got my routine down to such a science it is like second nature applying the products. My whole process takes less than 7 minutes and I feel clean, refreshed, glowy, and moisturized afterwards. Not only is this stuff relaxing for me, but I know I'm also taking care of myself/skin and that feels like an accomplishment as well.

The Ultimate "Everything Shower" Line Up!

The term "everything shower" has popped up recently in pop culture and it's so relatable. Everything shower is just that - when you do EVERYTHING in the shower: wash your hair, shave, exfoliate, wash your body - the works. Sometimes I'll even clean the shower when I'm in it (see selfcare item #3 above) which makes it extra productive! You come out of an everything shower a whole new person and my favorite products to use are these:

• Necessaire body exfoliator and body wash - super clean and luxe body care line that i'm obsessed with. Their eucalyptus scent is one of the most calming things to me in the world.

• dae signature shampoo and conditioner - a clean brand that has desert vibes which I love! Their signature shampoo and conditioner smell divine and makes my hair feel so soft and clean. The shampoo lathers up really well which is a must for my thick, long hair.

• dae monsoon moisture hair mask - this hair mask smells great and makes my hair so incredibly soft and hydrated. You want to let it sit for at least 5-10 mins so i'll exfoliate/shave while it's working its magic.

Use a facial steamer!

I got this steamer many Christmases ago and it still works amazingly! Using a facial steamer is so extra and luxe IMO but it's also incredibly calming for me. You can sit down in bed and watch tv while the steam goes and yeah - I'm just a big fan. Opening up the pores and sinuses - this is perfect to do before your Lumi/skincare routine step too if you want to have an at home spa day. Pro tip! Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for an extra calming kick - I personally go for eucalyptus or lavender.

Hope you found some of these selfcare tips useful! These are all things I personally do and love when I need a little pick me up - I would love to hear what you do! And just remember - a bad day doesn't mean a bad life. There is joy and inspiration to be found everywhere, just have to look!