The covid numbers are up and down and so are our emotions.  

If you’re not sick, you’re helping to take care of someone else who is. If you’re not doing that, you’re probably cycling between hypervigilance to avoid getting sick or thinking to hell with COVID19 and all the ish that comes with it. 

I’m right there with you sis.  

Added to that, it’s the beginning of the year and the way January is acting, no wonder everyone expects this is fixing to be round 3 of year 2020. 

This is where is see it differently though. 

I’m pretty sure 2022 is the trick year we’ve been waiting for. I just have a feeling that it’s going to start out all raggedy like the last 2, then spiral into something breathtaking, captivating and downright fascinating,   

Don’t roll your eyes sis, I’m being serious. If however, you’re having trouble sharing that vision right now,, let me suggest 3 easy ways you can keep your mood boosted and get ready for this amazing year to come. 

Change your routine 

Eat, sleep, pray. The simple solutions are always the most powerful. If you find yourself getting into a pissy mood over slight things or you find that your energy levels are low, try switching your routine to include quality sleep, nutrient-dense foods and making time for prayer and meditation. 

Starting a new routine, (not to mention a morning routine) may seem like a farfetched idea, especially if you already feel pressed to make time for the basic things you have to do.

But think of it as taking back some control of your day. You will be putting your foot down and standing up to the clock and all the other things that dictate your time. You will be choosing to spend your time the way you want to – at least for 15 minutes.

Even if you can’t do them all, try adding 1 of the suggestions below to your day. They take only 15 minutes and with consistency, they are surprisingly effective. My favourite is morning yoga. Getting my body moving helps me to feel happy, grounded and connected. 

1. 15 mins movement (morning yoga or bedtime stretches) 
2. 15-minute meditation (guided or sitting in silence)
3. 15 minutes of journaling (check out my joy journal here)
4. 15 minutes reading a fun book 
5. 15 minutes drinking tea (without looking at your phone screen) 

 Shift your focus

Whatever you focus on expands. There is a lot wrong with the world right now but there’s a lot more that’s right. Turn off the CNN (constantly negative news) and tune into things that bring beauty and joy you in your life. Spend time with people you love, work on creative projects or your soak up the sunlight with beach days or gardening.  

As we intentionally shift our focus to positive things, we will be amazed at how much ability for living joyfully we have. If It’s one thing this panny has taught me is, – to do more of what makes your heart happy. Those are the things that truly count. Not CNN, OK 

Just to share, one of my intentions for 2022 was to have more ‘wholeness’ in my life.  I’ve been thinking about ways to improve my home space to reflect that. Last Saturday and came up with a list of over 20 easy and affordable things I could do. For example, I’ve always wanted to have a hanging plant indoors and I finally did it this week by recycling an outdoor planter and using some spray paint.  

Yeah me!! 

 

Brain dump.

Write it all out sis. Sometimes we work ourselves (or someone worked us) into bad mood and we walk around with raging thoughts and emotions, hoarding them as though they are special. 

Let’s get this straight, those icky feelings are important because they give information, but they are not special. 

You are special and you deserve to have a life that is meaningful, vibrant and fascinating. 

Those concerns you have about homeschooling, politics, resentment at work, that annoying person on Instagram, the state of your country or the state of the world maybe legitimate but it is not your burden to carry alone. Sometimes getting all thoughts out on paper can give you a much better perspective to deal with them. 

In their article ‘Journaling for Mental Health, the University of Rochester states that journaling is a helpful tool to help adults manage mental health. It can help with reducing stress, managing anxiety and coping with depression. Take a load off by writing all of today’s ish down. Writing helps you to get it out of your head and gives your mind the space to be free and solution-oriented. 

You should definitely purchase this journal for joy https://amzn.to/3qVCk2c

Use these prompts to help you if you’re not sure where to start. Grab a piece of paper and start writing yourself into a better mood tonight ok. 

Thank you for stopping by this week. Let me know in the comments how you are preparing for the best year ever. 

Follow me on social here: https://bit.ly/3FLQtnY

Keep doing the most y’all!