They’re inevitable. You know what I’m talking about: those days that have their own special kind of stench. They feel like the silly putty your little brother got stuck all over the house and your mom couldn’t ever quite get up. I’m talking about the days when you and your man get in an argument and you can’t get out of an all-consuming bitchy fog. When you can’t tell if you’re sick or if you are just sick of hating everyone and everything. You’ve bled through your pants and succumbed to your period by wearing an outfit you hate. I’m talking about the days when you spill coffee on your jeans, successfully clean it up, and then proceed to spill guacamole on your brand new mules–that extra charge kind of guac. I’ve had more of these days than I’d like to recently. From a professional shit-day haver, I’ve discovered that even when you have little energy to do much, there are still small things that make me smile almost instantly. They’re indulgent, yet not expensive or time consuming. Here are a few of those ideas…
1. Write A Note
It’s no secret now that a regular gratitude practice is good for you. Repeating things you’re grateful for mentally or listing them down in a journal each day is a great way to start. For an extrovert like me who stay pretty isolated because of my work, I like to reach out to the people who impact me and tell them thank you. A quick note to Mom, your old mentor, or a client is all it takes. I’ve recently gotten a beautiful shipment from Cloth & Paper with gorgeous note cards and fancy pens that make this fun. Sign yourself up for a subscription and get some gratitude notes out the door!
2. Mediate
I’ve practiced yoga for years, so I’ve long known the healing powers of mediation. Since I’ve gotten away from a regularly scheduled yoga practice and head to the gym more often, I don’t find that peaceful place as easily. Thank goodness I discovered Calm. This little app is probably the most used in my phone. It has a variety of guided meditations to use for any issues that’s keeping you down. Bonus, I’m also in love with the Sleep Stories for turn off my brain at the end of a stressful day and the “Focus” category of music when I have a deadline I can’t seem to complete.
3. Purge
Getting rid of sh** you don’t need is incredibly satisfying. It doesn’t take much time and is therapeutic. Also, it’s free. It can even make you money if you have items you can consign. Purging also allows you to remove distractions from your life. It’s easier to get things done when you don’t have useless things in the way. I will turn to anything in my house in times of stress: the kitchen cabinets, my closet, my desk, my boyfriend’s hat collection. See more closet purging tips here, here and here.
4. Work Out
This one might take the most motivation, but man, it’s hard to beat the boost in self confidence and the afterglow of a work out. If you’re short on time, I love the Lazy Girl Challenges. The Instagram account gives me life. These are quick, at-home workouts that make a difference. And it’s made for, well, lazy girls. Or at least lazy days. This year, I’ve tried kickboxing, cycling, barre, and have hit the gym again at the JCC in Richmond.
5. Get Organized
There are lots of things in life we can’t control. Our calendar and our goals are thankfully some of them! I told you all about my favorite planner in January. I found some gaps and holes in this design, though, especially now that I’m getting pretty deep into my second year of freelancing. I think I’d like to take a more customized approach. I also need a planner that is much more durable, I discovered. I can really beat up my stuff traveling and bouncing around from meeting to meeting! I’m drooling over the Cloth & Paper planner collection.
6. Grab a Stack of Mags
I love a good read. I haven’t dug into many books lately and my 20-year old self would be pissed. But I do read a lot of articles and stories online. Sometimes I need to step away from my phone and lap top though. Enter the magazine isle. From Elle to the New Yorker, I’ll drop a few in my basket and head to the register. I grab some chocolate or nail polish on the way if it’s been a bad day. I plug in headphones, head to a rock on the James River or other cozy spot. I get comfy and check in on trends, take notes about writing styles I admire, and judge people who are much more fabulous than me. I have my eyes on this little magazine holder.
7. Plan a Few Outfits
If you follow Sweet Sauce, then chances are you like to get dressed. You like to know you’re going to look fabulous tomorrow, the next day and the day after that. Taking some time to go through your closet and create some looks for yourself if rewarding. It won’t take time and it’ll calm your mind knowing you have a few killer looks picks out for the days ahead. If today was rough, you can make tomorrow look better with this one little hack.
8. Mask it
Hello, face masks. There is something so calming and rejuvenating about face masks. They don’t take long, you instantly look and feel better, and they aren’t expensive at all. I buy a couple a month from Sephora and will pick them up in different places I shop along the way. I have also tried When face masks, which are fun and versatile. If you have dry skin, you have to try this one.
9. Plan a Trip
I don’t care if it’s a day trip to Williamsburg or a week-long getaway to Iceland, planning a trip gives you something to look forward to in life. That will instantly make you feel better. Go solo, call a friend, or chat with your boo and find out where and when you want to go. You don’t have to break the bank. If I need to get on a plane to a desired destination, I start with the Hopper app. The app not only helps you see when flights are cheap, but also gives you alerts when your flight is THE CHEAPEST to actually purchase. I just got $200 round trip tickets to San Francisco, so, yeah. If you’re looking for a packing list for Spain or short weekend trips in Virginia, visit my Travel tab.
10. Upgrade Your Nails
My mom starting painting my nails at a young age. It was always soothing and I always loved looking down and feeling like I had a leg up in the world. I still really enjoy looking down at my nails and knowing they are on point. It makes me feel more confident in meetings and more sexy in the bedroom. I haven’t made it to the nail salon much because of my eczema and because I have been cutting expenses. There’s no reason why I can’t do this little upgrade myself. I hit the store recently and picked up Sally Hansen polish in Rockin’ Hard and in Show Steel-er. I love them both! Bonus: I have to sit still and not touch anything for 15 minutes. I rarely ever do that!
