Happy Spring! And yes, summer is right around the corner. We made it through the darker days, and it’s so nice to have more daylight. I love to see the flowers popping up. The season change is a good reminder that the sun always comes out again. Also, that we might as well accept the flow of things and embrace ‘what is’ by focusing on the good parts.
I just got back from a vacation. It was nice to get away, and then nice to be back home again. Here are some key take aways from my experience.
Even good things may be stressful. Packing! It is stressful. I’ve started doing carry-on for weeklong trips, so it limits the ‘just in case’ stuff. Plus, it is a lot getting ready to leave, then getting settled and caught up after. Not big, bad problems, but still stressful on top of everything else.
But it’s worth it! Plus, I usually learn something that makes it a bit easier the next time.
A change of environment is so helpful. It helps me unplug and relax. It reminds me that there is world outside of my bubble – lots of great people, different surroundings, different ways of life. Sometimes it can help us gain perspective on some of our day-to-day challenges.
It helps to communicate with your travel partner. Instead of holding feelings in, I did a better job of being proactive in talking about expectations and what I needed to enjoy my time. We were better able to navigate differences and support each other.
There are so many things to appreciate. I was grateful for the time away, the new experience, my partner, friends, the beauty of the desert and ocean, good food, my dog sitter and airport pick up guy (my amazing son), and for getting home to my home and own bed.
Self-Care Tips
- Find ways to embrace the pleasures of the season.
- Plant some flowers.
- Spring clean and declutter. It is good for our mental health.
- Lighten up your diet.
- Visit the farmer’s market.
- Get out and walk more.
- Plan time with friends.
- Start thinking ahead to summer and finding some vacay time.
- Look for and appreciate the simple things.
- Pause and just breathe…
Interesting Reads:
- I made loads of update to The Shop! You’ll find fresh finds in the Under $100, Spring-Summer and Noteworthy categories. Happy browsing!
- I went back to dinner at Margot which has quickly become one of my favorite cozy spots for dinner in Brooklyn. Get my full New York City Guide.
- These Buffalo Chickpea Wraps continue to be one of my go-to lunches. So easy and full of flavor. And I made these delightful carrot cake bars for Easter weekend and they were so, so good!
- If you have struggled with stress-eating (and who hasn’t), this might be helpful. Why Can’t I Stop Eating When I’m Stressed or Emotional?
- Do you get anxious when you have to make a decision? You are not alone. This offers a good perspective. When in Doubt, Do What’s More Difficult | Psychology Today
- Most of us have heard of journaling and its benefits. I have written about it before and often suggest my preferred version, “brain-dumping”. The neuroscience is interesting, especially the tip about handwriting vs. typing. What Is The Neuroscience Behind Journaling? We Ask An Expert – The Good Trade
- I hear a lot about work stress from clients and nobody is immune. This article offers some good tips. How To Deal With Stress at Work | KCM
Quotes & Inspiration
Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can plant flowers, or you can plant weeds.
Spring shows us what happens when we give life another chance.
“Today I refuse to stress myself out about things I cannot control or change” – Mel Robbins
