10 Things That Make Me Feel Great
Today, I want to share 10 things that I just plain love doing. Maybe you will love doing them, too. Maybe they will remind you of something you already love and spark a new flame to pursue and old passion. I feel that hobbies, developing skills, and spending time doing things you enjoy on a regular basis is so helpful wherever you are at in life, but especially when dealing with Depression or Anxiety (in general or post-partum). This list is not really in any particular order…just things I love!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to some things I love. I receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no additional cost to you) and it helps support this blog and my family! Thank you for being a part of the rooted tribe!
10. Dancing
I just love to dance. Seriously. I am a crazy lady with arms and legs flying everywhere and I am convinced I look like a prima ballerina. It’s fine. My favorite dance music lately is Hollyn. I just love it. “Alone” and “Steady Me” on their self-titled album is the shiz. Yep, I said the shiz. I am choosing to own that.
9. Creating Art
Acrylic paint, watercolor bush pens (these are my favorite, especially for the price!) or a good Micron Pen are my favorites, but a pencil or sidewalk chalk works for me, too. Sometimes, my stuff is beautiful and I share it on Instagram, sometimes it is just pencil on paper with a little piece of my heart and I will probably still share it on Instagram. Cuz, life ain’t perfect. And as long as my art has my heart behind it, that is all that matters.
8. Organizing and PURGING
I really want to emphasize that second part. Organizing is great, but what the last decade has taught me is that even if all the “things” fit and they look alright, if it is stuffed to the brim, it will not stay that way. As they used to say at our junior high church dances, leave some room for the Holy Spirit, y’all. Donate it, give it away to someone who actually needs it, sell it if you can, or throw it away if it is broken or trash.
7. Doing My Nails
Fun colors, silly designs, files, glossy finishes…ahhhhh. I just love it. I do my own gels most of the time. I recently started taking turmeric supplements, recommended from my friend and neighbor, Aimee, over at her blog, Eating Healthy, Spending Less, and they are getting so much stronger! I use this at home gel set for my nails (it lasts for way more than 10 manicures!) and this is my favorite color right now!
6. Playing With My Kids
Like, really playing. Tickle fights, dance parties, digging in the dirt, rollie pollie hunting, flips on the swing set: these are things that make me feel like my hero cape is flying and that I flat out enjoy as much as my kids do.
5. Kissing
Okay, so this is a lump sum one. Date nights, making out…maybe some other stuff *wink* It is all good. Dive into deep engagement with your spouse and do whatever your thing is together. And make out like you did when you started dating. That is the good stuff, my friends. Check out my list of Date Night Ideas, if you need a little help!
4. Gardening
There really is just something holy about digging into the dirt to make a home for seeds or a plant, isn’t there? Even when I know my black-ish thumb will kill it soon, I enjoy process anyway!
3. Makeup
I know, I know. Beauty is on this inside. TRUE!! But, seeing my face get all the goodies and looking alive instead of my usual “my kids woke me up 18 times last night and I forgot what the back of my eyelids even looks like.” Plus, sometimes, it is just nice to feel girly. This is my favorite makeup! And this is my favorite lip stain. It stays on through all the aforementioned making out, so I feel like that really counts for something.
2. Laughing
This one feels obvious, but some days I do not genuinely laugh and I feel like it really takes a toll on my heart! If you can laugh with your family, that is the best, but sometimes you need to get some help. Flip on the show that always makes you bust a gut or do something ridiculous and laugh at yourself. Or do what I do and watch Jim Gaffigan doing stand up. **hoooooottttt pockets**
1. Praying
Last, but absolutely not least, I feel great when I give my heart to God. It does not really matter what I am doing, just that God is getting a piece of me and I am able to soak up a little of Him.