11 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Winter

From Fall foliage to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Holy Grail of cute winter things: Christmas ---Winter is the most wonderful time of year... Except when it's not. 

Don't get me wrong. I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Cranberry Sauce and Michael Bublé's Holiday Pandora station as much as the next girl. Let this be a disclaimer that I am not the grinch. But let's face it. We've all thought it, and now that I'm saying it - we can come clean and admit that winter isn't just hard because it gets cold outside. 

The further you get from the care-free summer days, the more stress seems to pile on. For me, it's in school (Work generally holds a regular level of stress year-round.) For you, it may be work, health, weather, ect. 
Theeeeeeen, you add in the holidays. Again, don't get me wrong. I've been listening to that special Pandora station since September. (Not ashamed.) And I love stockings and Christmas trees and cookies. But I don't love holiday stress, I don't love anxiety, I don't love emotional drainage. Those are all prices to pay in this time of year. 

Don't fret though, friends! I, the QUEEN of self-care, am here with gentle reminders that you too can practice self-care to get through the blues of winter.

1. Breathe. Start by taking a few deep breaths now and then. You'd be amazed what a little extra oxygen can do for your brain and mood.

2. Tea. Soothe yourself with your favorite warm cozy drink. And if this means treating yourself to Starbucks during a Target run, then so be it.

3. Sleep. This one should seem obvious, but how many times have you yawned today? Probably too many. Naps are a good thing. Early bedtimes are a blessing.

4. Practice Hygiene. I'm sure (or I hope) that yo do not completely neglect basic showering and teeth brushing come winter. But when was the last time you did it just for yourself and not because it is part of your rushed morning routine? Take a bubble bath. Put on your favorite music and sing as loud as you can while you deep condition. Give yourself a facial or a DIY sugar scrub (omg, I'll so do a post on this. Stay tuned.) 

5. Self Soothe. This can be different for everyone. Music, lotions, mediation. Whatever eases your mind and heart. You cannot go wrong.

6. SAY NO. It is way too dangerously easy to stretch yourself too thin at this time of the year. You are not a bad person for not picking up an extra shift for someone or for not making a donation to the Salvation Army (actually, you should probably Google where your money goes if you do make that donation... Just saying.) You are a good person even if you don't go to Aunty Beth's third MaryKay party in two months. Are you getting my vibe? 

7. Exercise. I'm not saying you should convert to being a cross-fit junkie; but take a walk outside. Go to a yoga class. Turn up Justin Bieber's Christmas album and dance in your underwear (I won't tell anyone if you won't.) 

8. Feel Good. Let's go back to the yoga one for a minute. I'm lucky enough that when I was 4 years old, I met the amazing girl who would grow into my life-long best friend and the best certified yoga instructor I could ask for. I cannot say enough good things about her classes. I always leave feeling refreshed. Find your yogi muse (or Zumba or pottery or singing or running) -  if you haven't gotten my message yet, it's whatever makes you feel good.

9. Write. I'm pretty sure there's probably a study out there that says that journaling and writing what's on your mind makes for a better life. I don't know, I said probably. But I've heard plenty of therapists and other emotionally tuned-in people share that journaling (or blogging!) = better emotional state. 

10. ASK FOR HELP. This is another huge one. Even if it's just asking your better half to do the food shopping this week. Or maybe it is having a friend meet you for coffee so you can vent about work. You are not a lone wolf - this life is not a fight to take alone.
10 (and a half) This one is serious. If you get into such a funk that you can't get out of bed, every day feels like constant, heavy sadness, or you feel unsafe: seek out professional help. Find a doctor or therapist or an emergency room. Feeling that low is a sad, scary place and you do not have to stay there or fight it alone. It gets better. (Start by checking out these resources.)

11. Treat Yo' Self. Do something for yourself every day. Even if it is as simple as getting a scone with that drink at Starbucks or taking the long way home to finish jamming out to Taylor Swift. Find something on this list or your own ideas and TREAT YO' SELF, GIRL. 



*Disclaimer* Self-care should be practiced year-round. You are worth it. 

xo, 
Scotlyn 

Things I Love

I feel like this next post is one I always have running in my head. I have a solid reputation for being thrilled by the littlest things. Ice cream? I'm jumping for joy. This was a quick rattle-off of the first ones that popped into my head. I think it is so important to remember these things during the stress and chaos of every day life and seek their joy. 

1) Handwritten notes.
 - C and I wrote each other notes constantly for a number of years. Whenever we were seperated for long periods of time due to the military, we wrote each other daily. Some love letters, some silly letters, some just talking about our days. Having that little piece of him show up in my mailbox every day was so special. I still have every letter saved in a box in our bedroom.

2) PB&J
 - Such a simple delicacy. I can't get enough, lately.

3) Sleeping in a freshly made bed.
 - It is so comfy to get wrapped up in crisp, clean sheets and a blanket. Add in getting out of a warm shower and into a clean bed and this girl is in heaven.

4) Showering.
 - Speaking of showers, I could do it forever. C thinks I'm crazy because I turn the water so hot, but there is something soothing about it.

5) Mountains.
 - Something so natural and so much bigger than you is a treasure. Thank you, nature.

The Happiest Place on Earth - Jefferson, NH

6) Naps.
 - Although I do not get the opportunity very often (Read: Never) waking up in the middle of the day or early evening in that lost, dreamy warmth of a nap is so cozy and wonderful.

7) Nice Pens.
 - I am a crazy lady when it comes to pens. I'm a .5 inky kind of girl. I even have a certain brand that I order off amazon because I like them so much. (and of course I label my name on every pen.)

8) Getting Mail.
 - I covered this a little already, but the feeling of getting a package or letter in the mail is so exciting. (Even more so, sometimes, when it's something you've ordered online and you're anxiously awaiting its arrival.... like pens!)

9) Harry Potter.
 - When I was a little girl, my mom would read a chapter of Harry Potter to me, then I'd read the next chapter to her, and so on. Waiting for the next new book to be released was so special. I still re-read them all the time.

10) Boston
 - I've traveled through so many cities, but I can still attest that Boston is my favorite. It is so small and messy, but also historic and filled with energy and a sense of community.

11) Tea.
 - Iced tea, hot tea, chai tea, sweet tea. I love them all.

12) Dogs.
 - I was raised with dogs and I do not think a home is truly a home without one.

13) Photographs.
 - I love taking pictures and having moments and memories captured.

14) The Boston Red Sox.
 - I was raised by the #1 Red Sox fan in the world. Having those memories of my Dad are so special.

15) Flying.
 - I know flying is such a common fear, but I so enjoy it. I love airports. I love adventures. I love knowing how small I am in the great, big sky.


I could go on forever. Writing this kind of list is such a great way to force a smile onto your face. What do you love?