Sunshine is Coming…

Winter Blues? New Year Slump? Lack of sunshine?

Call it whatever you want, but this time of year always gets me feeling meh. All the cozy, warm holidays are behind us….yet, the warmth of Summer nights and beach trips aren’t quite close enough.

Just a few weeks ago, I was making big New Year goals full of excitement and positivity. But here I find myself at the end of March fighting the slump.

I HATE feeling blah. So, I am sharing some of the ways I fight the slump and try to stay motivated, happy, and feeling my best.

  1. Mindset. When I wake up thinking, “I am so tired” or “I am so not feeling this day,” it results in have a terrible day. So, I literally wrote this quote on a sticky note and read it to myself every. single. morning. “I radiate confidence and positivity!” Let your mind tell your body how it feels, not the other way around. I have pinned some of my favorite positive quotes, here!
  2. Personal Development. It sounds super, cheesy…or maybe super, obvious if you’re into PD. While I was pregnant, I fell in love with personal development books. There are some really great, life changing books out there. Yes, that sounds cliché, but it’s true. If you’re rolling your eyes, it’s okay. I get it. I used to do the same thing, I don’t know if I thought I was above personal development books or if I thought they were a scam. But as I write that I cringe, because now I am the biggest fan. If you’re a novice–personal-development-reader (yes, I just made that a thing), start small. I have a board on Pinterest of some of my favorite quotes from some of my favorite authors, you can find here. If you are like me and don’t have a lot of extra time to actually read, I highly recommend Audible. You can listen to audio books before bed, in the car, or while you workout. It’s like itunes for books, you can try for free here! OR there are a ton of free podcasts that focus on personal development, as well.
  3. Move your body. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. Find a home workout you like. Just move. Elle Woods knew what she was talking about when she said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” It doesn’t have to be super intense, you don’t even have to know what you’re doing. Turn on some music and dance around your house, seriously..it’s the cheapest therapy you’ll find. Even better, bundle up and get outside and go for a walk…cold sunshine is better than no sunshine.
  4. DETOX. Detox from the tv, junk food, sitting on the couch. When I feel myself getting in a slump, it’s normally after a weekend of eating junk, not drinking enough water, and lack of sleep. I know what to do to make myself feel better, but sometimes in that slump making the first move is hard. So, I start with baby steps. I’ll drink more water. Seriously, water is the cure to everything…just ask any mom. I force myself to turn the TV off at 10pm. Late night Netflix’ing results in late night snacking and exhaustion. Binge watching Netflix is awesome, once in awhile…but if I let myself do it every single night, I am tired, lazy, grouchy, basically I am not the best version of myself, not even a little bit. When I go off the rails with junk food, I always do a simple, gentle Detox. I’ve talked about it plenty of times so I won’t rant again, but if you’re interested in the deets check here. This DETOX helps me get back on track focused on my health, boosts my natural energy, and clears my digestive tract of the junk. Your “detox” may look different, maybe you go into an online shopping spree or an endless candy crush tournament. So my advice is find the things that weight you down in a slump, and detox!
  5. Change it up. Change your routine. I can’t get out of my slumps when I stick in the same routine. Sometimes that means getting out of the house and doing something fun with Benjamin. Sometimes just changing my normal radio station or podcast can work. If we don’t like where we are at (insert middle of a slump), change it!
  6. Treat Yourself. What would make you feel good? For me, a new pair of leggings, a walk around Target with a vanilla latte or a pedicure. Yep, any of those

would do the trick. I’m not saying to go drown your sorrows with retail therapy. But sometimes a latte and a little you time are all it takes. Check out some of my Amazon Favorites here, including my fave leggings that feel Lululemon soft without the steep price! I am also obsessed with this brand, Rad Vibes Only, that offers apparel with positive, fun sayings! You gotta check them out! You can use the discount count ColdCoffeeGrind for 10% off your order! You’re welcome!

7. Talk about free therapy. As cheesy as it may sound, journaling is therapeutic. There’s so many types of journaling, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sit down as your 10 year old self and document the dramatics of your day. I mean you totally can, and I know a lot of people who thrive for that. For me, I love bible journaling, it’s like coloring for adults. I also found a morning affirmation journal to be helpful, each day I list 5 things I am thankful for and 5 affirmations. I’ll share with you my example for today’s entry, it doesn’t have to be super serious, but I think it’s a positive way to start the morning.

    1. THANKFUL
      1. I am thankful for the sunshine.
      2. I am thankful for a warm car to get Benjamin to and from school.
      3. I am thankful for coffee.
      4. I am thankful for Benjamin’s 3429382 different laughs
      5. I am thankful for audiobooks.
    2. AFFIRMATIONS
      1. I am strong.
      2. I am calm, happy, and at peace.
      3. I am a great mom.
      4. I choose to not criticize myself or others around me.
      5. I am doing my best and that is enough.

These are the ways I work myself out of slump. I would love to hear what helps you fight the Winter blues and stay happy! Comment below with what works for you a#nd remember, sunshine is coming! #allthepraisehands

It always sounds easier than the effort it actually takes, but the first step for me is making the decision the feel better!

Until next time!

xoxo,

Brittany

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When You’re Sick, but You’re also a Mom…

Remember the days when you would stay home, wrap up in a warm blanket, sleep the sickness away, and maybe even catch up on you’re favorite show? I used to LOVE watching old episodes of One Tree Hill. Being sick, was sort of glorious. Fast forward a few years, and being sick is not an option. Or maybe I should say, a sick day is not an option. Whether you’re a mom of babes, teenagers, or somewhere in-between, those darling, bosses of yours are never going to approve when you call in for a sick day.

We have been doing pretty-okay at avoiding too many of the sicknesses going around this year. Especially considering Benjamin is in his first year of preschool, hello ALL the germs. But last week, Benjamin got a pretty nasty head cold. I’m usually pretty immune to his germs. #momlife But this time, my over confidence got me and kicked me down real quick. So, I’m gonna share all the things that helped me be as present as possible while this nasty cold has made my throat feel like fire with a throbbing headache.

First up, hot tea with honey, cinnamon, & apple cider vinegar. I know what you’re thinking. who wants to drink vinegar when you feel sick? This little mixture is a miracle worker for kicking a cold or soothing a sore throat. Just make your favorite tea, add 1 tablespoon of ACV and honey/cinnamon to taste. Here are some of my favorite’s: Tea, Vinegar, Cinnamon, A Feel Good Mug.

Next, a good humidifier with an essential oil diffuser. You can easily google essential oil blends with your symptoms. I love peppermint for a stomach bug, and eucalyptus with orange for a cold. If you’re looking for a good humidifier with the essential oil tray, this is the one I use and love: Humidifier

Third, be comfy! Even if you typically don’t buy into the whole “leggings are pants” debate, when you’re sick there is NO debate… leggings are PANTS! Put on a good pair of leggings and a comfy top. If you can stay in, make it a pajama day at home. I’m sure you won’t hear any complaints. There are my all time favorite leggings, but I also love these budget friendly ones too! Pair it with an uplifting sweatshirt, and you’re bound to feel better soon….or at least that is what I tell myself! I love this sweatshirt, and actually everything this brand. They donate $1 from EVERY purchase to Mental Health America, which is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting overall mental health. I love the cause and think this is SO important and raising aware for those who struggle! I was able to get a 10% discount for my readers so feel free to shop and use ColdCoffeeGrind at checkout!

Next up, I may sound like an 80 year old on this one but get yourself a heating pad. Whether you’re having tummy issues or body aches from a cold, a heating pad can be your best friend. If you’re not about the electric ones, try a microwave heating pad.

I have ranted about this product for your kids before, but it totally works for YOU too. WinkⓇ Immune, an elderberry blend, does wonders for preventing a cold or stop symptoms as soon as they start. I also love their Chest Rub. I use it for sinuses and headaches before bed. I will also try a natural remedies before having to reach for Excedrin. You can shop here and get a 15% discount with the code JessicaS15 at checkout!

And because I don’t want to park my toddler in front of a tv until I am feeling like playing chase, I pull out some of his favorite puzzles, books, and this ABC Case that he is obsessed with right now. Don’t get me wrong, we will also put some TV in there too. He is currently obsessed Peppa Pig and LeapFrog’s Word Factory.

Lastly, I know not everyone has a support system close by, but if you do.. ask for HELP. Asking for help is one of the hardest things for me, so I get it. But when you’re really sick, sometimes what you need is a solid sleep or a few hours of rest. What’s that saying about not being able to pour from an empty cup? Unfortunately, there isn’t a discount code or an Amazon link to fill your cup, but there are plenty of ways to take a moment for yourself when you need it. Even if that means a little extra quiet time than normal or watching an extra episode of Peppa.

I would love to hear how you get through a cold or sick day with kids. Have any favorite products? Natural remedies? Please share in the comments!

As always, thanks for reading and following along!

xoxo,

Brittany

P.S. Check out my Winter Survival Guide for toddlers here!

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