Top ways we like to relax

Life will wind you up, that is a given. Here are some of our favorite ways to unwind and let some zen in.

Jeni:

• Make a list: This may sound silly or even contradictory. My mind never stops and I get overwhelmed easily. One thing that really helps me to relax is to write out lists. It keeps me organized and frees up the space in my head where endless to-do’s swirl around. I try to focus on what I can do that day and let the rest go.

• Take a bath: Baths are my love language. At the end of a stressful day or when Nick gets home from work I like to peace out. Slipping away from the craziness for 20 minutes to soak, listen to some music and maybe even have a glass of wine can totally take me from stressed out mom to carefree.

• Pampering: Who doesn’t love a good massage, facial or pedicure. Such a treat! It doesn’t happen for me often but I love to splurge when I can. Someone rub on me and feed me mimosas, please.

• Cozy clothes and mindless tv: This is probably my fav. I am such a homebody. I love nothing more than putting on a pair of sweats and turning on some trashy tv. Right now I am on episode 4 of Love is Blind and it is reality TV gold. It may even be tied for first place with Married at First Sight for me. Binge them both asap.

• Prayer: I wish I could say this is what I go to first after all its probably the one that helps the most. I thrive on peace. When I am anxious spending time in prayer and giving it over to Him does my heart so much good. I am currently taking a class at my church called Rooted. It has been amazing in so many ways. Writing out prayers has been a big part of the class. This is something I hope to stick with. It helps me to be more thoughtful with my prayers and it pretty cool to look back and see how they were answered.

Paige:

• Meditation: This is a legit art form and takes practice. My ADHD can get the best of me and I can sometimes only make it a few minutes before I start to feel that internal freak out. I have been loving the Calm app which has so many guided meditation sessions to choose from. If you have never studied meditation, it can really change your life and your outlook.

• Reading: Oh great one Paige, I would have never thought of that. But, for real, I usually just listen to audio books while I edit because I’m a multitasking, progress focused nut. Reading actual words to an actual book, whether downloaded or just an old school paperback will take my mind off of the stress. I am currently reading these two:

• TV: Checking out and watching some junk on TV is so great for me. I don’t do it very often, but when I do I like to watch The Bachelor, Kardashians, RHOC and any documentary.

• Massage: A massage wins every time. I am obsessed with Brandon at Milk & Honey in Clearfork. Not only is he super talented, we have so many fun convos during our 2 hour sessions. He’s the man.

• Journaling: My spiritual life coach is having me journal every day. I write down whatever I want. It’s usually how I’m feeling and why, my concerns and just getting stuff out of my head and onto paper. I love these journals, they are small, easy to keep in your purse and nothing fancy. I also write in a different color with my favorite pens every day because I like happy rainbow things.

• Bath: I’m such a bath junkie. Give me bath bombs or bubble bath and leave me alone and I’m happy af.

• Yoga: The best workout to get me feeling centered, less anxious, strong and it’s just fun. I am absolutely in love with Peleton yoga. My favorite instructors are Kristen and Aditi.

• Clean Environment: Something so very important to my mental state is having a clean home that smells great. If my house is a mess, I like to get one room completely clean and light a candle. Then I can be in that room and feel an iota of peace. I have 4 messy kids, a dog that shreds paper and am in the middle of a move. Brain. is. screaming. These are my favorite candles right now. The purple one comes in this fun 90s set and it smells like dream perfume from gap if you remember that!!

When all else fails, I like to get outside. Being in nature can do so much for my soul. I’m lucky to get to work outside a lot with photography, but even just taking my dog for a walk and getting out of my office does wonders.

Deep breaths.

Mercury can go ahead and get out of retrograde any time. Thanks.