I’m vowing to kick off the new year not with more to-do lists or resolutions or even goals to be a better version of myself. Instead, I’m starting things off by creating my own proverbial cozy corner in my life with healing things that make me feel good, force me to slow down, and remind me that my worth has nothing to do with what I may or may not accomplish this year. If you’re looking to get cozy and reduce your stress levels, here are some things to add to your calming toolbox.
I Bought A Treadmill Desk And Yes, It’s As Life-Changing As The TikTok Influencers Claim
I’ve been working from home for over a decade, and I know that staying active really benefits my mental health, as well, of course, my physical health. So I decided to see if I could pull off the treadmill desk trend I’d been seeing on TikTok. I’m a health writer who does a lot of research for work, so I had some serious doubts if a treadmill desk would actually work for me—but I am happy to report, it absolutely does and I am so happy I made the investment. Here are seven things I learned in trying the treadmill desk trend, including how it’s benefited me personally and some things you should consider before buying one for yourself.
10 Practical Ways I Manage My Crippling Anxiety As a Mom Of Five
I’m a mom with massive health anxiety that’s affected my ability to function. I’ve convinced myself I had various diseases, I’ve had panic attacks to the point I couldn’t breathe, I’ve imagined my future locked away in a nursing home so vividly I sobbed, and even as I write this, I’m not fully convinced I don’t actually have Parkinson’s disease. I am not okay at the moment. But I am learning every day, to truly take life day-by-day, and in not being okay, I hope I can let other moms who are going through similar struggles know that they are not alone. We might not be okay, but we can be okay with not being okay—because we’re truly in this together.
Last Year I Skipped Christmas; Here’s What I Learned
On Christmas Eve last year, after I said goodbye to my five children and husband as they headed out the door to go see my in-laws, I did something that moms everywhere have dreamed about for centuries: spent the evening cuddled up on my couch watching cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate. Completely alone.
Five Pandemic Thanksgiving Traditions I’m Keeping Around
I won’t lie: Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite and after so much togetherness last year, I wanted to try to mix things up a bit on that oh-so-traditional holiday. So I came up with a few new Thanksgiving traditions last year to make the day just a bit more fun. And much to my surprise, they were a success!
10 Things I’m Looking Forward To Doing The Day My Kids Go Back To School
The backpacks are packed, the bedtimes have been moved up, and the calendar date is penned in and circled – that first day of back-to-school is looming.