10 Things That Calm Me the F*ck Down
how to get more chill vibes
I am super open and honest when it comes to my anxiety.
I’m also an empath. I feel a lot and can take on other people’s energy. It’s an amazing skill to be connect with people on a deeper level and be a wonderful friend. But a hinderance where I find myself needing to recharge on a daily basis.
I’ve spent years managing and looking inwards to grow as a person, and now 2020 has personally brought on a whole other level of emotions, am I right?
Regardless if you identify with stress, anxiety, or being an empath, I’m sure you could use a new tip or trick that might ease a bad day or worrisome situation in your life. I hope some of these you haven’t heard of and help!
1. Happy Light
I bought one of these a few months ago and it’s a game changer for those cloudy or blah days.
IMPROVE SLEEP, MOOD, FOCUS, ENERGY - Light therapy provides signals to the body to help you feel energized, focused, and revitalized. It’s proven to improve sleep, mood, focus, and energy.
I’ll put it my desk and hang with it for 20 mins or so. Or, I’ll lay in bed and have it next to me for 10 mins. I swear it makes me feel better and calms me down immediately. Mine is on sale 30% off right now at $34.97.
2. Most Effective Blue Light Glasses
I listened to a podcast by wellness influencer Arielle Lore saying that wearing blue light glasses was the most positive wellness changes she noticed in her body all year! She was less anxious and her eyes/brain felt less foggy and overhwhelmed.
Light thought leader Andy Mant, the founder of BluBlox was on the episode and explained that getting any old pair on Amazon is not the same and will not stop all the bad “light rays”. If you’re gonna invest in them, get ones that make the actual scientific difference.
“BluLite is the only daytime computer glasses to “filter down” across the entire blue light spectrum – important for any digital device user that wants to see benefits.”
They’re also the most fashionable blue light glasses I’ve found. Follow my link below and right now it’s 20% off sitewide,
3. Sleepytime Tea
I’m a big believer that your morning and night time routine should be as calming as possible for your emotional wellbeing.
I’ve been a fan of drinking this tea before bed for years and years. It’s beyond cozy to cuddle in bed with a warm cup of this and reflect on your day and think about your goals for the next.
It’s herbal and whether or not it’s a placebo effect from drinking something warm and soothing, you’ll be glad you tried it. It’s a fun thing to incorporate into your routine on a day you need extra zen.
4. Natural Sleep Vitamin
I’ve never been a great sleeper, but 2020 has thrown an extra wrench into that game. I went to a vitamin store during lockdown because I was at my limit for insomnia and discovered this. I hate taking medicine so I wanted something super SUPER natural.
More so, I did NOT want to feel groggy the next day whatsoever. This stuff relaxes me at bedtime. L-Theanine helps stop your mind from racing, it has a very very low dose of Melatonin (only 2g) and Magnesium so that helps get you tired, and Ashwagandha for anxiety. Overall, I just feel calm and ready for bed when I take it.
5. Favorite Sleep App
Transport yourself to the French Lavendar fields, at rain ride through the english countryside, or listen to celebrities with amazing voices like Stephen Fry or Matthew McConaughey tell bedtime stories.
There are also sleep meditation episodes broken down by time frame.
My favorite one is “getting back to sleep” which is one that actually helps me fall asleep when I wake up in the middle of the night. Below is my referral link where you’ll get a 30-day free trial. I think I only get 5 or so, so I’d download it fast. :)
6. Best Bathtub Book
A follower on Instagram sent me this book (beyond sweet) a few months ago. She said it was one of her absolute favorite personal growth books.
Written by famous columnist Cheryl Strayed, each chapter is written in the “Dear Abby” style. She covers all life scenarios from being cheated on, low self-worth, friends talking behind your back, feeling lost in your career, etc.
I find it extremely therapeutic to read because it reminds me that we all experience many of the same life experiences and struggles as part of the human condition.
It’s a good reflecting book to take into the bath and think about life and how you can grow as a person.
7. Small Aromatherapy Machine That Works
I wanted a small aromatherapy machine to put by my bed at night to read. I didn’t want it to take up space but I was worried that it wouldn’t put out enough smell.
This one works really well. I got a few essential oils from Whole Foods (lavender being my fav). Put a few drops into this with water and it’ll go for 3-4 hours from a few feet away.
It’s such a lovely touch to your night routine. Imagine this: lavender misting your room, new sheets, and a warm tea in hand? That’s my kinda party, lol. #thisis30
8. Perfume Oil Before Bed
If you’re on my twice monthly email list you know about my secret perfume oil by Riddle I put on before bed. If you’re not on the list and want to be click here.
For ultimate night time luxury, I take a hot shower or bath and then put this on my pulse points (wrists and neck) before crawling into bed. Did you know that smelling something you love releases dopamine and serotonin increasing your happiness before slumberland?!
On top of that, this is my new ride or die perfume I wear during the day. I’ve had 5+ friends copy/buy the same within the first month of wearing it. It has pheromones in it that “scientifically attracts others”. It is formulated to mix with your personal chemistry and create a signature scent unique to you. It’s also cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
The original version is sold out almost everywhere but I found it here:
9. Calling A Female Figure
I know it’s cliché but whenever I’m alone with my thoughts or find myself ruminating on a particular subject, calling an outside figure (usually my mom or best friend) helps ease the stress.
You’ll feel supported, listened to, and sometimes that’s even better or what you really need rather than finding the exact solution.
I’m way more of a texter than phone person but picking up the phone and just chatting for ten mins with a friend will improve your mood. Prove me if I’m wrong! :)
10. Taking a 20-minute Nap
Groundbreaking? No. Helpful? Yes.
According to Pyschology Today, “Between the hours of 1-3 p.m., body temperature drops, and melatonin levels rise. Both are cues for sleep. Even though our modern culture doesn’t support daytime naps—it actually frowns upon them—our bodies remain hard-wired for a midday recharge.”
Research suggests that naps can help improve emotional regulation (aka stress). They can also increase your ability to tolerate frustration.
Don’t ever feel bad about taking a quick snooze mid day. Think of it like taking a water break or a meditation, and your work will thank you for being your most alert and grounded self.