Shoulders down, Deep breaths, & Novels
They often say of March “In like a lion, out like a lamb”. Although the term is usually conveyed related to the weather, I’ve heard it more than once this past week about the way work, school, family, and personal responsibilities have been feeling extra busy, extra crazy, and quite honestly, chaotic day after day.
Same here ~ this week’s been wild. Actually, it’s been wild, borderline overwhelming even, since January and many of us are starting to feel it. Hard.
Which is why today I’m sharing a simple reminder I’ve found myself saying over and over ⤵
Shoulders down, Deep breaths, Carry on
Why is it that our shoulders creep closer and closer to our ears the more we’re thinking about, holding, and carrying? I have no idea, but I’ve caught myself over and over again with my shoulders at an all-time high multiple times throughout the day. Shoulders down, deep breaths. Consider this a reminder.
If you’re there too, you might also appreciate these happiness hacks I shared on the blog last March ⤵
Light: When you see a sunbeam, step into it. Stay.
Warmth: Cozy up to a fire, tea, coffee, a candle. Stay.
Good books: Light reads, happy endings.
Smiles: Give them. Notice them.
Extra nourishment: Smoothies, vitamins, good food.
Cake: Celebrate yourself. Eat happy.
Fresh air: Daily. Hourly if you can.
Music: Chill vibes & playlists.
Vacations: Unplugged ones.
Create: Effort-driven rewards are real ~ It’s chemical.
Extra time: Add a buffer to your tasks.
Perspective: Look at things in new ways.
Check in on your vision board: — Get inspired.
Gratitude: It’s powerful.
Downtime: Do less. Break up with your phone.
Coffee breaks: There’s a reason they exist. Take one.
Time alone: Put it on your calendar. Fight for it.
Chat with friends: Call. Text. Just to say hi.
Uncluttered spaces: — Get organized.
Show up for yourself: — It matters.
And if you’re an Emily Henry fan anticipating the April 22nd release of her newest novel Great Big Beautiful Life the way I am right now, I need to tell you how much I’m loving reading her older novels these days — the ones she wrote before anyone knew who she was. I started with A Million Junes on audio.
It’s breathtakingly good. Next up, Hello Girls, and I might even try Splendor, too. Anything could happen at this point.
Carry on, my friend — you’re not alone.
Shoulders down & happy reading,
💛 Celeste