Are you living in quarantine fatigue?
So am I! When the wind makes you angry, you know you haven’t gotten out much. I also saw a video of people hugging, and I swear I felt my body crave a hug. Like I just wanted to wrap my arms around another being and latch on refusing to let go until this is all over.
I suppose if we’ve learned anything in this time – it’s that humans were designed for connection. We are made for community. Our bodies ache for it. I can officially say it’s turning me into a hugger, and I can’t wait to get back to it.
But for now, let me fill you in on a few things I’m loving!
5 amazing books to read
Do you have the social media timer on your phone? The one that pops up every Sunday giving you a recap of how much time you’ve spent on social media – brutal, isn’t it? But at the same time, I used this conviction as fuel to change.
I know that social media does nothing but make me feel worse when I get off. At it’s best, it leaves me indifferent, but it never fills me up. While I still get on, I make sure to monitor the amount of screen time daily – choosing instead to fill those precious minutes with life-giving and energy filling tasks.
Reading has become that to me. Something to occupy my hands and fill my mind and my heart. During quarantine, I’ve been digging into some books and wanted to share my top five favorites:
- Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Sprial of Toxic Thoughts
- In the Flo: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life
- Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything
- Maybe You Should Talk To Someone
- The Big Leap: Conquer your Inner Fear and Take Life to the Next Level
5 things I’m loving
I feel like I haven’t tried that many new things lately – I’m pretty basic. So I thought I’d share some oldies but goodies.
- I drink a lot of herbal teas and this water kettle has been the best purchase.
- If you’re a tea drinker these loose leaf tea kettles are also my favorite.
- I’m not sure if these are on-trend anymore but they are so comfortable – definitely worth the investment.
- EMF radiation I feel is a big deal – this defender pad for my laptop makes me feel a little bit better about things.
- A friend convinced me to get these slippers and I’m so glad I did. Not too heavy, but perfect for summer house use.
5 recipes I’d eat on Mother’s Day
I may not want to cook it, but I would surely eat it. Here are some delicious desserts I’m requesting for the day!
- This pie gives me all the feelings – and that double crust!
- It’s a lot of work, but it’s always stunning and always amazing. But who doesn’t love Banana & Butterscotch?
- Rhubarb is in, and I’m always a fan of crisp – especially this one with strawberries.
- Do cinnamon rolls count as dessert? I’m in if they do.
- You can never fail with a basic strawberry shortcake.
5 healthy salad recipes to try
The 21-Day salad challenge may be over for now – but it’s only stirred my fire to get more veggies in my daily routine. I’ve been topping my salads with all kinds of different things, from tater tots to chicken salad.
With a million different ways to mix it up, I thought it would be fun to share a few ways to spark creativity.
- Try adding pasta as in this Spinach Caesar Pasta Salad
- Roast chickpeas to add a nice crunch – here is a delicious recipe for roasted chickpeas.
- Pan Fry Gnocchi for a nice crunch – this example looks delicious.
- Spiralize sweet potatoes to roast and add to salads – it happens to be one of my favorite salad toppings.
- Don’t forget the avocado – it always seems to pull it all together.
Need more advice on building a better salad? Learn how to build a better salad here.
5 ways I’m going to love myself this week
This season is hard, and there is no denying any aspect of that. I am currently living in quarantine fatigue like so many other people are as well. We’re just grasping for any sense of human connection we can get.
As quarantine fatigue settles in, I can’t help but think how much more grace I need to give myself. Yes, I feel more tired. Yes, I feel more overwhelmed. Yes, I question what the next few months will bring.
But this doesn’t mean I have to let it control me. Take a breath and choose this week to love yourself, regardless of what season we’re in, and trust that life is never out of control to God. He has us, He loves us, and He will see us through.
So take a break from the Facebook videos that swing in a million different directions. Don’t let the comments get under your skin – remember, we’re all stressed. And stay focused on the most loving thing you can do for your body – one decision at a time.
Remember, if it’s not helpful, then why do it?
Here are five ways I am choosing to love myself this week:
- Scheduling four additional hours of work time on Saturday to play catch-up on all the little things that stress me out that I haven’t checked off my list.
- 24-Hour Food fast
- Batch cooking – I’ve neglected the last few weeks and I ended up eating cereal a few too many times.
- Scheduling one day of learning – no working.
- Going on a date with Payton.
celebrate the small wins
Small wins often get lost in the shuffle of big and grand ones. The problem with this is we often miss a thousand and one small victories when we’re so busy chasing the big ones. But our reality is those small wins are what keep us going.
Tiny habits that are birthed from motivation {desire} and ability {practicality} are the driving force in habit formation. Don’t chase the big things without acknowledging the small wins. There right in front of you every day, and these are the very things moving you forward.
Take all the wins – even the ones that seem too insignificant to celebrate. I promise it makes a difference.
