Let’s all be honest. 2020 has been damn hard. So many people have lost jobs, businesses, moved unexpected, forced into seclusion, and quite frankly scared about the overall health of our global future. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve had just about enough of monumental moments this year. I wanted to share some of the things that have helped me cope this year and hopefully bring some peace to yours as well.

1. Schedule family zoom calls.

   It may sound dumb, but it honestly helps just seeing and hearing loved ones via digitally. It is a safe alternative and helps stop the spread and is just plain considerate for everyone in the world. You may run into some technical issues, but thats half the fun helping others learn in this technologically-advanced isolated society. Just remember to tell your grandparents or parents to turn their phone sideways. It’s about the angles people. :)

2. Unplug from technology.

   I cannot express how important it is for you to unplug from technology, streaming devices, phones, music, etc. Learn to be in quiet spaces and places. It helps to control the flow of your own thoughts outside the influence of others. Positivity focus is key here.

3. Read a book.

   Remember those? Those ancient relics with words, paragraphs, and stories? Lol. Yes, I am guilty of it too… getting sucked into the vortex that is @Instagram, @Facebook, @Pinterest, etc and rarely do I pick up a book (especially this past year). However in the last two months, I have found some seriously good reads. The Institute by Stephen King and Troubled Blood are my top two currently. Check em’ out. Comment below some of your favorite. Definitely would like to add to my holiday reading list!

4. Grab your favorite scent and indulge.

   I absolutely love lavender! So I decided to surround myself with this scent that brings me peace, happiness, and calm. I bought lavender Airwick plugins, lavender bath salts, lavender candles from TJMAX, and even my cleaning products lately have lavender infused into them. It truly is the little things that make you smile right as you walk in the door coming home from a long day.

5. Take vitamins.

   It’s getting cold, lots more sickness in the world right now than ever, and this is an easy way to ensure a healthier lifestyle. I generally take vitamin C & D and a women’s multivitamin to help combat all thats going on around. My favorite brand is Olly.

6. Exercise when you can even if it is sporadic.

   I am really into long walks after work right now and hot yoga. If you are in Nashville, definitely checkout Small World Yoga. They are doing their part at keeping everyone safe and still creating an expressive place for all to practice 6 feet apart. Exercise not only keeps you from going insane inside your house, but keeps you healthy and moving.

7. Learn a new skill.

   I recently started singing lessons again. I’m a bit nervous, but ready to push myself outside of my boundaries! Long ago I use to sing in choir, but have lost most of my skills (especially solo parts) so I am relearning this winter! I am super excited and hope to sing in at least once in a jazz club next year… #goals. So stay tuned.

8. Hydrolate

   Drink that water. At least 60 ounces a day. I try to get between 60-100 ounces daily. I can definitely tell when I don’t drink enough. It makes me feel a bit much more sluggish than normal. On the flip side it does give me some seriously glowing skin of which I so desperatly need during the winter months. Its generally neon lights over here.

9. Treat yourself.

   Treating yourself is going to look different for everyone, but try to at least once a month to pencil it in. I like to get my nails done, bake myself cookies (because it’s my weakness), or take a safe shopping trip to home goods or TJMAX.

10. Lastly, talk about what you are feeling.

    Don’t bottle your feelings up this year. Take a step towards living a healthier safer existence. We all have had to deal with a lot this year. It has not been fun or easy, and has caused a lot of pain for most. Confide in someone you trust, call a friend, family member, or even schedule a call with an online therapist. There is no shame in talking and releasing. It helps you grow and become so much more self-aware.

I hope these little tips and tricks help you this holiday season. I am sending you all so many positive vibes!. Let me know below what you are doing to help you and your loved ones survive the end of 2020. :)