Winter Rituals at Home
Have you ever enjoyed a Saturday morning so lovely and pleasant that it still stands out in your memory?
This shoot was on one of my favorite mornings. I was still living in D.C. on Capitol Hill at the time, and Saturday mornings were my absolute favorites: dress up (or in winter, bundle and boot up), grab a coffee, visit the markets, read, write, plan a photo shoot. The entire day was mine to enjoy. 2020 was many things, but thankfully among them, a year of embracing having nowhere to rush off to.
If you’re feeling “bleh” and would like a bit of inspiration for the mornings or weekends, here’s what I like to do:
At times, I follow this Tim Ferris morning routine, entertainingly broken down by one of my favorite Youtubers, Sorelle Amore. For the phases when I can do this consistently, this has me feeling, both mentally and physically, like a million bucks, honestly. (Yes, this does include a cold shower. No, I am neither strung out nor off my rocker. Yes, I do recommend it. It’s miserable at first but your body adjusts and it does feel incredible afterward.)
Make the bed. For me, a clean room is calming, and a made bed is a. big part of that. It’s just the correct thing to do first.
Make coffee. If making iced coffee, I’ll either make an iced Americano with two shots of espresso, or use Stok unsweetened cold brew (both with creamer, obviously). Sometimes I’ll make a hot tea or Americano.
Walk the dog. This has been a great way to get out of the house, establish a routine, and warm up. I’ll usually listen to a podcast or watch Netflix while I walk on our walking trail.
Exercise. Early AM workouts are my favorite. I’ve found that lifting and cardio feel great in the morning, while yoga works well as an evening wind-down or a midday break. I shower and get ready afterward and only have to do it once for the day. I also feel alert and happier when having worked out first thing.
Meditate. I use the Peloton app for this, but I also love Headspace. Even 10 or 15 minutes is a great way to start the day focused on my breathing. (I tend to hold tension and stress in my chest, so breathing techniques help me tremendously.)
drink: Pumpkin Cold Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks
blue light glasses: the Bella frames by DIFF Eyewear
scrunchie: Hey Gidget 〢@HeyGidgetShop
Get dressed. This does not happen every day! But even when working from home I do try to change into different clothes to help signal it’s time to start my workday.
Style hair and makeup. If I have plans to go out later that night, I’d rather get ready earlier in the day to avoid being rushed later. Then all I need is a quick touch-up.
Mind you, I do not do all of these things every single day - it takes incredible self-discipline to get as much of these accomplished as I can, but the more I make time for, the better I feel.
I hope these ideas inspire you to look after yourself! Stick around my blog for more fun tips and shares.
bisoux,
Tay