This summer looks different from the others, and with everything happening in our world it can be hard to unwind. I have found the importance in honouring my mental health and need to create space to find pockets of peace and joy during this time. Here are some suggestions and things I’ve been doing to protect my peace!
Be in nature…
Going on walks gives me the opportunity to be outside, breathe, spy on everyone’s pretty floral gardens, take in the sounds of birds chirping, feel the wind on my face and Vitamin D sunshine! Being able to get outside has been the saving grace during this pandemic. I remember being in a really anxious place a few years ago and my doctor telling me to go sit in the grass, really touch it and feel it, get present. It’s so simple, but doing something like that is really soothing to me. It makes me feel grounded and close to my Creator.
Step back from the screen…
This is something I am actively working on, but being on my phone and computer less is a goal of mine going forward in 2020. Neal and I want start a true sabbath rhythm once a week not doing any emails, work or social media to really find rest, be present and focus on what matters most. Being someone who has and still does struggle with anxiety, it’s important for me to set screen time and consumption limits. We are consuming at a high velocity, there are all kinds of messages and ideas being thrown at us and I think it’s important to guard our hearts. Do what you need for your mental health — it took me a while to learn this as someone who naturally just wants to be there for everyone — it’s not being selfish if you can’t get back to everyone or be everything for everyone at all times. It’s important and healthy to really honour your boundaries and your capacity. I’ve always struggled with this, not going to lie, but I know how important it is for my mental health, fertility and well-being to have healthy boundaries, especially this year.
Colouring (feel like a kid again)…
This makes me feel like a kid again! It’s also a great activity for when I need to step back from the screens and do something intentional that brings me to the present moment. I love this colouring book because it has bible verses I can meditate on, but there are plenty of other fun ones you can find online! I’ll link a few below!
Christian Colouring Book // Crayola Markers
Plant something…
I don’t have a backyard, but I was gifted a windowsill planter for my condo and you can have little herbs like dill, basil or lavender for cooking, home sprays etc. Something about watching something grow and nurturing it is very relaxing to me. My grandpa had the biggest garden in our backyard growing up, so I’ve always loved watering plants, being in nature, plucking out green onions with him, watering them down with the hose and eating them raw! Gardens, plants and flowers have always brought me a lot of joy.
Create ambiance…
Whether it’s stringing lights in your backyard, diffusing oils, lighting candles, cutting fresh flowers and styling them on your table – I find little details like this really relax me. I love creating a sanctuary for Neal and I to really unwind, feel safe and happy in. I’ve worked so hard on my mental health (still have to) and I find my surroundings can have a huge affect on me. Having a clean space that feels warm and inviting helps me unwind.
Pampas Grass // Similar Mirror // Oil Diffuser – Saje (similar here) // Beads
Pamper yourself with some skincare…
Take a bubble bath, put on a face mask, ice roll your face (my fave when I’m really tense) and chill! I love doing little “treatments” to unwind in the evening. I shared my clean beauty routine in this post here you can check out! Snag 10% off with my code: JOLLY10 on Primally Pure to get a natural face mask with PURE ingredients. Nothing better in the summer!
Hope you found these tips helpful to unwind and feel calm this summer (when I know so much of our world doesn’t feel like it). Hold space for yourself to still find peace and calm, no matter the circumstances the year. xoxo SSJ
