I spent the whole evening after work on Monday and some of yesterday summarising my January and the fact that it hasn't been a great start, only for my lengthy and detailed post to somehow delete without a trace. Annoyed isn't even the word and I feel like it was written so well, it would be hard to replicate it in the same way. That has never happened to me ever and so you can imagine how disheartened I feel but it's important that I get this out.
Below are some of the unique and very random ways I like to unwind. My toxic trait is that I don't know how to completely relax. I always have to be doing something with my hands and for the first few weeks of the year, I just haven't been as productive as I set out to be. I completely fell off my morning and night time routines - 30 days of yoga, waking up earlier, exercising, journaling etc. Speaking of journaling, remember my previous post about looking for the right journal and being more intentional with that? Well, that didn't happen. I still haven't get one and it's ok - I think I needed a few weeks to not think so much, to do nothing and be content with that.
Having said that, I've actually had time to indulge in all the things that make me feel good and at ease. A random bunch of things, no doubt, but things that make my world a bit more tolerable.
I hope this encourages you to think about who, what and where makes you feel good and how they motivate you to keep going when things are looking bleak.
Here are some of my favourite things to do to unwind:
Photography: To know me, is to know my love for scenic captures and breath-taking views! They inspire me to do more, see more and create more.
It's a reminder that there is so much I don't know and haven't seen on this beautiful planet of ours. I usually post these images on to my stories on instagram (too beautiful not to share!) and explained my reason for posting without context as:
Photo: John Fowler
These pictures do wonders for my anxiety and stress levels. Nothing rivals gorgeous scenery so far away, that you have no choice but to let your imagination run wild.
Photo: NASA
One of my new favourite accounts to follow right now is NASA's official page. It's full of gorgeous satellite images of the moon, space and the like. Also lots of interesting facts and explanations on all things Universe-related.
2. Wunna Live in LA: Hear me out, I know you're probably thinking huh?! but this is one of the best concerts I haven't attended! I don't know if it's the fact this is one of my favourite albums of the last few year or the live band element, but this whole performance makes me so happy! I've come back to watch it so many times, especially for that smooth ass lead up to 'Outstanding' (from 25:25). I've been going to concerts/live shows for as long as I can remember and I will never get tired of the experience of hearing my favourite songs played by a live band. This was created to raise money to tackle injustices in light of the unjust killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmud Arbery and countless others during the global protests of 2020.
It's hilarious that Gunna has turned out to be one of my favourite rappers at the moment, because prior to 'Drip or Drown 2,' I didn't really care for his style of rap.
3. Finale from the Home Alone 2 Soundtrack: This song lives in my head rent free, and has done so for a while.
Let's start with the fact that Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is hands down my favourite Christmas movie! I'm sure it's the reason I love being in NYC during Christmas time and is much more memorable than the first movie.
The components that make a song perfect/popular are when each part marries the other seamlessly and this song is a perfect example of such. The combination of the delicate orchestral strings, angelic choir voices and hopeful and uplifting lyrics instantly makes me feel better, no matter the time of the year. It's like a soothing lullaby that's gentle and light on the ears. 😍
4. Making popcorn: I don't know when this became a thing but now I live for a bowl of hot, freshly popped popcorn on a cold winter evening. I do need to try out some new seasonings and toppings as I tend to gravitate towards the same savoury flavours.
I like to pop my corn with olive oil and once popped, I add some Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, a dash of black pepper and a drizzle of melted butter. Delish!
A normal sized bowl-full is actually quite filling due to the high fibre content - making it the perfect snack! I think it's association with entertainment/watching Photo: Google
movies or going to the fun fair might be
what triggers a dopamine rush.
5. My Moody Playlist: I need to come up with a better name for it but it serves its purpose. We all need a playlist of carefully curated tracks that sum up our mood better than we can explain, particularly when we're not necessarily sad, but not happy either. It never ceases to amaze how much of a healer music can be.
6. Tea Moments: Naturally, I'm a tea person but the way common herbal tea has me in a chokehold right now is ridiculous! Matcha! Ginger! Chai! Echinacea! Sencha! I've been indulging in a hot cup (or if you're boujee like me, glass) way more than usual, likely because I'm spending more time at home. I just think it's the most relaxing thing you can do for yourself, I've never heard of anyone feeling worse after a hot, aromatic cuppa! I don't have a favourite brand, but I suppose you can never really go wrong with Tetleys or Twinings. I would like to brew my own unique blends one day but until then, my fellow tea aficionados, recommendations are definitely welcome!
Photo: Pinterest