News: January 2023

Tiny Joys Add Up!

It's so easy to get stuck on overdrive, guzzling coffee to keep us awake, rushing to get stuff done, and obsessively worrying about the past or stressing about the future. We finally make it through the day only to get inadequate sleep, wake up, and repeat. But is this really how we want to live?

As for me, I don't like the person I become when I fall into this cycle. I'm tired, moody, resentful, and I feel like I have nothing to look forward to except more of the same. But most of us can't just drop everything a take a vacation. We need to work, take care of the kids, answer emails, do laundry, pay bills, etc. That's why I find it essential to insert tiny bits of joy into every day. It's surprisingly simple to do and takes little to no time.

For example, I love milk froth on my coffee, so I bought a little handheld frother and now I wake up looking forward to my yummy frothy coffee. I also love playing Wordle, and am eager to do the day's puzzle each morning. Now that winter is here, I get chilled easily, but I wrap myself in my favorite sweater and it feels like a warm hug. Since I dread doing boring chores like laundry, dishes, and dusting, I listen to audiobooks for entertainment. I even find myself looking forward to housework so that I can find out what happens next in my book.

My family provides daily joys as well. I love making funny school lunch notes for my daughter because I know it brightens her day as well. Another joy is the huge squeeze I get from her every day when she comes home. My husband and I both work from home, so I delight in the quick exchanges we share in between clients/meetings. Silly texts from my sisters also add smiles to my days.

Did you notice how some of my tiny joys are already woven into my day, without any extra effort on my part? Guess what? There are tiny joys already there for you too! You only need to find them and recognize the joy they bring you.

I urge you to find your own little joys in 2023, because the benefits extend well beyond adding some enjoyment to your days (which is worth it in and of itself). Moments of joy add up to a happier you, which can substantially boost your health and wellness. When we're happier, we're in better moods, have less anxiety, stronger immunity, improved heart health, and we tend to develop healthier habits, like eating well, being more active, and sleeping better. Happiness also makes us more optimistic and better problem-solvers.

You may now begin your tiny joys scavenger hunt. Let yourself be curious, open-minded, and creative. After all, who knew a little thing like milk froth would have such far reaching health benefits!

Relieve Sinus Headache with Self-Massage

It's that time of year. If you suffer from sinus headaches, this delightful self-massage is for you! Follow along as we alleviate sinus pain and pressure, release tension from our facial muscles, and breathe easier.

What's new with me ...

This was the first time since 2020 that we got to see our whole family in person for the holidays! Sienna was showered with gifts - mostly American Girl Doll- and Harry Potter-related. She spent her holiday break writing stories and drawing so much, that Jesse and I could hardly replenish her paper supply fast enough.

Jesse, Sienna, and I had a relaxing New Year's Eve together, playing games, making stop-motion films, drawing, watching Matilda the Musical, and having a dance party with Sienna's dolls!