TGIM – “Thank God It’s Monday!”
Bet you haven’t heard that one very many times! I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that there’s a massive push to hate on Mondays. Like, sure – they’re the beginning of the work week, but does that mean that we need to absolutely loathe them? Why can’t we find a way to make each and every day its own version of spectacular? Celebrate these Mondays like they’re a Friday night, gosh dangit.
In Richmond, it feels like the rain is never going to end. Albeit, I’m writing this post on a relatively sunny day, but it’s the first one we’ve had in actual weeks – and I’ve been starting to feel as blue as the skyΒ isn’t. On top of all that bummy weather, my fiancΓ© started a new job (hurray!) but it means that I don’t get to see him nearly as often (BOO!), and the stress of the wedding being just a mere 6 months away is definitely beginning to get to me! So let’s be honest here – these aren’t massive crises, but they’re my own little troubles that make it a bit harder to cheer each day when my alarm goes off.
To combat the anxiety I’ve been experiencing, I found a few “solutions” – however temporary – that help me get through each day, so I wanted to share them with you, in case you’re facing your own challenges right now (or for when you inevitably happen upon them).
Outfit Details // top c/o Chicwish | pants | similar shoes | similar bag | earrings
Photos by Lindsey of Seamless Sea
Start each morning with a good stretch or work-out.
I’m beginning my fourth week of BBG (bikini body guide – and no, I’m not working towards a bikini body, but rather a happier and healthier Steph), and I’m already feeling so much better. Getting a good sweat sesh in right off the bat helps me push away the sleepiness and force my “aggression” into something positive for my own body. Sure, I’m sore the rest of the week, but I know my muscles and joints are thankful for the movement and strength training!
Write it down.
I keep a prayer journal by my bed, and every time I feel like my heart is heavy (or happy), I pick it up and write down my thoughts. Sometimes these come in the form of prayers, and sometimes I’m just documenting where my mind is at during the day. It’s helpful to get itΒ out instead of keeping it bottled up inside. If I do that for too long, I end up exploding at the worst moment – like on a date night with B, or while I’m trying to spend some quality time with my mom … not ideal.
Text (or call) a friend you haven’t talked with in a while.
Letting someone else know that you’re thinking about them can be the most meaningful thing in the world. Imagine how good it feels when you get a text like, “hey, I heard this song the other day and it reminded me of that time when ….” It feels phenomenal. So start that conversation with someone else. You never know how it might turn your day around – or focus your attention on caring for their needs rather than your own!
But it’s okay, and important, to care for yourself as well – so pamper away!
Fill up a bubble bath, pour a glass of wine, and soak til your fingers wrinkle and you’re ready to fall asleep in the tub. My key ingredient? Smooth jazz music. Spotify has a trillion fantastic jazz playlists, and I especially love the “coffee table jazz” for when I’m getting all sudsed up. With each note, I can feel my worries drift into the water surrounding me. I also love to enjoy a good book, and escape to a world far away from my own for a bit.
Meditate
I took a poll on Twitter the other day, asking how many people use – or have even heard of – the app calledΒ Headspace. Β I was shocked at how many people were clueless about it! This app is literally my holy grail on a bad day … or really, any day! There are countless meditation sessions you can enjoy if you get a subscription. I never knew how helpful it would be for me, but now I find myself deep-breathing and practicing the styles of meditation even when the app isn’t running. If I’m overworking myself in the middle of the day and need a break, I use the “focus” session. If I wake up feeling anxious, I use the “anxiety” or “stress” sessions. No matter what the day holds, I always fall asleep using the “sleep” mini session – and I’ve never had such peaceful sleep in my entire life!
What are your key ingredients for a happy day? I think French macarons and mocha lattes can cure just about anything as well!
β Pin for LaterΒ β
Carolyn says
These are all great tips! I agree- Mondays don’t have to suck! It all starts in the mind with the right perspective!
Carolyn says
These are all great tips! I agree- Mondays don’t have to suck! It all starts in the mind with the right perspective!
Jessica says
I start my day with coffee. That makes me happy!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Donna says
That blouse is so darling! Steph, your photos are looking better than ever!
Anna English says
Mondays are the worst! This was a great way to start the day!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such a cute photoshoot. Love the look and your tips π
❥ tanvii.com
Carolyn says
These are all great tips! I agree- Mondays don’t have to suck! It all starts in the mind with the right perspective!
Jessica says
I start my day with coffee. That makes me happy!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Anna English says
Mondays are the worst! This was a great way to start the day!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such a cute photoshoot. Love the look and your tips π
β₯ tanvii.com
Oh to Be a Muse says
I start every weekday with a workout and I’m always glad that I do. Then I get some caffeine in me, lol. Totally makes me happy.
Lauren says
Love your tips! I agree with the workout – although I do mine in the afternoon! We have to make Mondays a little bit better!
xx
Lauren
sarah lindner says
Great words of advice! The photos were so nice, that sandwich looked so tasty!
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com
Ashley DTKAustin says
SO many great tips! I absolutely loved this post! I definitely need to get into a workout routine again… That’s a struggle! ha!
sarah lindner says
Great words of advice! The photos were so nice, that sandwich looked so tasty!
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com
Megan says
You are such a happy, positive person! Love these tips for a happy day.
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Kenzi || Life of a Sister says
These are great tips to a happy day! I love the idea of HeadSpace! A favorite podcast of mine talk about this and I’ve heard so many great things!
Celeste Godoy says
Love that beautiful top and OMG that big macaron looks so good!! I’ve also been trying journaling every other morning and dedicating a part of my weekend to self-care and it’s helped tremendously with my anxiety and stress!
Taylor Mobley says
These are amazing tips! What a darling bakery!
Kenzi || Life of a Sister says
These are great tips to a happy day! I love the idea of HeadSpace! A favorite podcast of mine talk about this and I’ve heard so many great things!
Morgan says
How cute is this bakery?! I think if I started my day there, it would definitely be a happy day! π
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Helen says
These are such amazing tips! The pictures you post are also beautiful! Thanks for sharing this to us.
Taylor Mobley says
These are amazing tips! What a darling bakery!
Deborah says
Great tips! I always start off my days exercising by either going for a run or going to yoga first thing in the morning! It really puts a spring in my step on days I work out!
Denise Kokinis says
I just started meditating at night, but I need to think about getting a stretch in somehow! Such good ideas, definitely bookmarking this for the future!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
adriana says
I just love this! Sometimes you just need this little reminder!!
Kelsey says
I always feel better after I workout in the morning! It’s sometimes hard to get out there, but it’ always worth it! xo
Denise Kokinis says
I just started meditating at night, but I need to think about getting a stretch in somehow! Such good ideas, definitely bookmarking this for the future!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Whitney says
These are great tips! TGIM is def a new one to try π
adriana says
I just love this! Sometimes you just need this little reminder!!
Whitney says
These are great tips! TGIM is def a new one to try π
Lavenda Memory says
Your content is always so sweet and uplifting! Great post and content babe.
Lavenda Memory says
Your content is always so sweet and uplifting! Great post and content babe.
Nailil says
These are all really great tips. Cute outfit.
Kristina says
This bakery is the cutest!!
Kristina says
This bakery is the cutest!!
Nicole says
I have never heard of that app called headspace either, but Iβm about to download that right now! My stress levels are crazy high right now with work and four kids. Thanks for the tips
Deddeh says
All these amazing tips, I love them. Iβm that girl that starts my morning with a great workout. Thanks for sharing beautiful.
Ruthie Ridley says
Some prayer, pampering and a text to a friend always does my soul good!!
Nicole says
I have never heard of that app called headspace either, but I’m about to download that right now! My stress levels are crazy high right now with work and four kids. Thanks for the tips
Ruthie Ridley says
Some prayer, pampering and a text to a friend always does my soul good!!