Back from the dead (flu) to talk about stress
I thought my Halloween would consist of dressing my 10-month-old as a penguin and baking pumpkin muffins but the flu had more sinister plans for us. We spent the week of Halloween battling high fevers, chills, aches, and a cough that would scare anyone. We’re finally on the other side of illness and I’m happy to be back here in your inbox!
Every year I somehow forget that the two weeks before Thanksgiving are, in my opinion, the most stressful time of the year. In every stage of life, these weeks are fraught with fast-approaching deadlines, travel prep, and social plans you forgot you agreed to.
I woke up from my flu-induced haze to realize that my schedule and to-do list had gotten out of hand.
I used to be someone who would dig in my heels and sacrifice my well-being to accomplish every project and task exactly as planned. I didn’t leave room for anything outside of what I was working on, so my stress came to define me. I don’t want to be that person anymore, so I have to let go of the instinct to be rigid.
If you’re feeling stressed as well, I hope you’ll join me in my challenge to be flexible and let things go. Here’s what I have in mind…
- recognize when I’m being inflexible and feeling stressed
- let go of expectations and allow ideas to change as they go
- leave room for spontaneity and joy
Stress Reducers
Relax, relax, relax…
Ethel Cain’s Album, ‘Preacher’s Daughter’
Haunting and profoundly visual, this album will transport you to Ethel Cain’s emotional world.
Love is Blind Season Three
This show is ridiculous in a ‘can’t look away from a car crash’ kind of way. Needless to say, you do not have to engage your mind in any way while watching but you may have to prevent your jaw from hitting the floor. Watch, and then read Hunter Harris’ hilarious character ranking.
Bath, Bath, Bath
A long, warm soak will always be my favorite antidote to stress. Engage your senses with candles, bath salts, and music to ground yourself in the present moment.
I hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter! Tuesday’s ‘Let’s talk about...’ is all about your Moon sign. See you there!
Ellen