When life starts to take a toll on me, I do whatever I can to lighten the load, simplify, and remember what’s really important. How good does it feel to close all the tabs, reboot, and start fresh? For me, that means doing everything I can to clear my mind. Stepping away from my laptop, tidying up my apartment, dedicating more hours in the week to things that fill my cup, and moving my body. Sometimes you just need to get back to the basics so you can see clearly. After sharing a sentiment like this last week, a handful of emails came in with questions about getting yourself out of ruts, so I thought I’d share my go-to’s for those who need a life pick-me-up.

Ditch your phone

One of the most obvious culprits for when we are feeling low! As soon as I feel really off, unmotivated, all the “blah” adjectives… this is my first move. I take a step back from IG (I will delete the app sometimes, too, because we are silly little addicts after all). No phone an hour before bed, I swear it! In these times of discomfort, do this for yourself and let it be practice for the long haul. Read a few chapters in a book instead, journal, lay in a sauna blanket, have a self-care spa night. Better use of our time, anyway. This in itself is going to pick you back up.

Food is medicine

Meal plan a week full of food that gives you energy and makes you feel good. I love browsing my Pinterest recipes and trying a couple new ones. A benefit to this, too, is usually when I try a few new dishes, it turns on that part of my brain and I get into cooking mode. Such a therapeutic way to spend an evening, also to help with your personal reset!

Get in nature

Whether a nature walk, sitting on a picnic blanket in the grass, or a daily neighborhood walk to appreciate the beauty. Scientifically proven to bring on the calm, restore focus, and boost creativity. I will go on long walks each week and every time I get home I feel the impact, it’s incredible. What an easy and wonderful way to feel like yourself again.

Simplify

Since we are off the phone, let’s deep clean! Tidy up your home, your laptop, your photo archives, your Pinterest. Have a closet sale. Let go of the fluff. I swear by this bring a little life back. Also maybe write down all the things in life you are allowing to fill your plate… are all necessary? Can you rework it a bit so you are less spread thin?

Make a list of rituals you love

Last month, I spent more time reading, going on a few runs a week, planned healthy dinners, caught up with friends on the phone, read through my favorite magazines and coffee table books– simple uplifting pleasures. We all go through these ruts or however you’d like to slice it. The nice thing to know, is you always seem to find your way out!

So, here’s to simplifying, taking care of ourselves, and remembering the power of being positive…

“Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.” Henry David Thoreau

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