Let me preface this post by saying that we are all on our unique and personal "fitness" journeys. I realize that "fitness" can be loosely used to define the condition of someone's physical health, but can be more broadly rejected for its way of standardizing what is determined as "healthy" or "toned" or "strong". For the purposes of this post, the word "fitness" to me is unique to my own experiences with feeling good in my body and the progress that I'm making every day to achieve it. Hence, my "imperfect" fitness journey felt suit to my current feelings about my physicality and overall wellbeing.
This has been one of the most physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing year for all of us. Days where I would digress into negativity and forget to treat myself well before serving others. I found that what I needed was a new grip on strengthening myself in more ways than one. I lost a part of me that I used to love, cherish, and commit too. But I also gained a part of me that allowed for rest, self-forgiveness, and a moment for me to realign with what truly mattered to me and my body in that given moment.
Exercise, for one thing, has been a way for me to cope, release these pent up emotions, and do something bigger and better for my body and mental health coming out of a time that was and still is bearing a weight on all that we do. So, my imperfect fitness journey—throughout this year and many years—has brought forth a few honest takeaways. Ones that I hope will inspire the inner warrior in all of us.
Above all else, commit to yourself
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you have to be your own cheerleader and advocate for the betterment of yourself. It starts with how you envision your best and most healthiest self. Yes, you could scroll on every single fitness guru and influencer's Instagram hoping to manifest whatever good juju they're running on OR you can focus on what will truly help you in reaching realistic and mindful goals you want to achieve. This starts with choices.
Tiny tiny choices that have big big big impact. Switching sugary cereal with protein packed breakfasts. Choosing water over soda. Getting to bed earlier than usual. Doing one more rep. Or deciding that today is the day you'll go back to the gym. It's all about perspective and active choices you are making in the present moment. But sometimes, these choices are indulging in delicious pasta, having an extra cocktail, sleeping in until noon (or five, you choose), and these choices shouldn't be something you base your "fitness" on but rather how good doing these things make you feel. Check in with yourself, set your limits, establish healthy boundaries and stick to it. Above all else, listen to yourself and do what works for YOU.
The environment that we're in has a remarkable effect on our current feelings about ourselves and what makes us feel good. We all know the saying that the people we surround ourselves with reflect on us and our own self perceptions. But this time, I mean it in a good way. For many, like myself, we've been home alone and remiss of social interactions—positive, motivating, and encouraging social interaction. With REAL people! Whether it be in your inner circle or at work, there are always opportunities to find those select few who will also be your cheerleaders when times are tough.
Your fitness journey does not have to be a lonely one. You can competitively connect with friends on your Apple watch, social distance run with your dad, or join a virtual fitness group that constantly meets. There are many people trying to also better themselves and feel good, so why should you be alone in the process? In my experience, group workouts and team exercise has been the most empowering when it comes to finding the power within myself to stay motivated, challenged, and to be honest, less bored because of it. I'm rooting for you and so many other people are, too.
Keep Showing Up
When waking up at 6 in the morning sounds like an utter nightmare, let alone having to run at 6 in the morning. If there's anything I know to be true, it's that no matter what I do and at what energy or motivation level, there is always something to gain from showing up. Knowing that I was able to make time to focus on one part of my body, one mental issue I was dealing with, or zoning out in my tired mind and putting in the work just because I was there and didn't want to waste my membership. It's time to accept that all of your days, workout days, are going to be different. Things are going to hurt, things are going to swell, things are going to ache, but things are also going to feel good as hell. You need to be one with the process and be able to forget achieving perfection and achieve for progress. Taking each new day as a reset button and doing the most you can!
There will always be fear when it means making yourself vulnerable, specifically pushing your body in ways you never have before. I understand it's different for everyone and is definitely something I constantly feel and face when I'm experiencing a new workout, trying a new yoga pose, or going past a limit I know I may or may not be capable of. What we've learned from this year is that we are afraid of everything that is uncertain to us—isn't that how fear works? To hell with fear!
We have learned so much this year about how to adapt to uncertainty. At times, getting too comfortable in our bubbles, but mainly because we had to! We are coming out of our cocoons, not really knowing which direction to go in, but yet we go anyway because anywhere is better than that depressing and claustrophobic cocoon of comfort. Take a leap of faith and have trust in yourself and the process. There may be dust in the wind for sure, but getting through it is how you grow into a beautifully independent and empowered butterfly that is you!
Breathe and Let Be
You are exactly where you were meant to be. Your time will come and it's okay to let yourself take a moment to pause. And do what you need to do in this exact moment. More stretching less pressing, smaller reps, a slower pace, one less mile, and all at one step at a time. You will have moments of doubt, regret, anger, jealousy, you pick your poison. Acknowledge it. Use it.
Breath has the power to transform your mindset, your strength, and motivation. Use your breath in harmony with and not against your progress to becoming a better you. Scream. Literally scream. You'll feel much better, I swear ;) You are going to have really rough sets, lousy reps, and just outright lazy days. Recognize how it makes you feel. Reflect and use this frustration or self-doubt to drive positive and more considerate thoughts. Breathe in the good and out the bad. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.
There is only one way to go—forward. No matter how you get there. Working out and focusing on your personal fitness, however you define it, doesn't have to be justified by measure of appearances or fulfilling a standard of what you "think" being fit is. Ultimately, the goal of reaching your best fitness is treating your body in ways that, at the end of the day, make you feel bubbly inside, smile more, and feeds your soul!
My fitness journey doesn't speak to everybody's, but if I can lift just one person up to make the next best moves for themself, I hope we can all radiate a collective understanding and tolerance for accepting our truest selves. By becoming vulnerable to our strengths and weaknesses, finding encouraging support systems, and trusting the process of each of our unique and imperfect journeys.
Whether or not this blog post was something just to cross off my to-do list or not, I think it's valid to say that talking about productivity versus progress is definitely a start. Now that I've come to establish some sort of routine that "works" for me at home, the lines are blurred between what work is actually productive and what tasks are actually making progress for myself and my goals. Here's the quick distinction between the two:
"Productivity is merely the ability to create or generate goods or services. Progress is the more important activity of moving toward a goal."
And you may be thinking, Natalie, isn't being productive also making progress? Well, in some ways yes. But let's just say, for example, you've added all of these things to your to-do list (vacuum, take out the garbage, dust, answer emails, submit final draft etc.), are you actually paying attention to what really needs to get done (i.e. that final draft)? It all depends on how you approach the things you want to achieve. Nowadays, we're all looking for new ways to boost our productivity, but it shouldn't mean overloading our plate and mis-managing our time just to do it all.
We can make as many long to-do lists as we want, and manage our time as efficiently as we can, but it shouldn't be the only meter for success we use to determine whether or not we've done enough or the most we could that day. I fall into the trap of making myself busy, but blindsided by tasks that could lead to progressive next steps to achieving my goals. Sometimes, this means reframing your priorities or focusing on what's truly important long term. And that goes with being present in your given task and acknowledging how it's going to effect your progress.
How can we make progress?
When you've come at a stand still with the work you're doing, ask yourself:
- What am I really chasing after?
- How am I constantly measuring my progress?
- How is the current work I'm doing fulfilling what I set out to achieve?
These are just some broader questions that you can ask yourself when you are finding that your busy work is fading away the long term goal you set out to achieve. Whether you're trying to answer every single email, apply for a job, or tweak every single detail in a project. I do this a lot. I'm the type of person who likes to get every tedious task out of the way before tackling a bigger one. Usually, it just fuels the procrastination even more and my motivation is depleted by the time I set out to start it.
I find that when I feel like these tasks are taking out the time I need to reach my goals, especially if it isn't immediate or time sensitive, I'll feel way better later knowing that I was able to directly focus on things that needed the most time and energy. This doesn't necessarily apply to every single time you're working, but I would definitely re-visit these questions when you feel a sense of overwhelm or like you're just ticking stuff off your list at an abnormal speed.
Working faster or harder doesn't always mean efficient...or progressive for that matter. Rather than setting a stop watch every day for yourself, try to take a step back and pause. Re-evaluate what needs the most attention. I think being at home and having much more time to do more things on our computers diminishes the pause we allow ourselves to breathe. In fact, I listen to less music now because I'm not commuting into the city. So, whatever you need to do: scratch off some items, take a dance break, get some fresh air, do it so that whatever you set out to achieve is the next step to making more progress.
Positive conversations nowadays are forth coming. It seems as though that just this time last year people were panicking, also in disbelief, about our surroundings. It's amazing to see the growth in just one year—how we've moved so much, but yet at the same time, it feels like we were just trying to figure everything out and are still figuring things out.
Just my mental state alone has been challenged so much this year, but I think that's just the truth of life—we're hit with curveballs left and right. There's no set path, there's no need for approximations or expectations. All we have is the here and now. I think I've come to terms with it. At least, there's so much more to look forward to. Rather than sulking in the unknown, here is why I am hopeful this month...
Beginning a New Chapter...
The timing couldn't be better. A year that was spent focusing on myself was time that I will be grateful for. Not only was I able to reassess my goals, but also recognize the faults along the way and how I've internalized my own struggles. I have been able to adapt to extreme change, and I think I've grown to be a calmer, more collected person because of it. As I try to enjoy the last ten weeks of my senior year year of college, I don't think I would have wanted this learning and growth process to have happened any differently.
I was able to learn how to stay true to myself, even when the world was falling to pieces left and right. I let myself breathe for a change. I was also able to realize the importance of upholding your autonomy, getting comfortable with the unknown, and realizing that I'm going to be with myself for the rest of my life so I better shape up my attitude! For lack of a better comparison, I'm blooming into the person I want to become—no matter the setback. So, I'm ready. For whatever life brings: graduating from my backyard, conducting a lengthy job search, working more hours than I'm used to, living at home for a couple more months if it means banking on my future, who knows! What's ready for me will come and I'm just one with the process, as you should be too.
Creating Boundaries for Myself
There's no doubt that I was stuck in limbo for quite some time trying to balance school, work, and personal life all from the four walls of my bedroom. I didn't quite understand the power of separation and making the time to detach from everything that ranks #1 on my priority meter. The truth? Nothing is more important than time for yourself. Yes, life would be so easy if we could just get through all of the hard sh*t and enjoy everything we love at once, but proactively realizing the need for slotting time off your calendar to improve your wellbeing is something I will never take for granted.
Whether it be joining a gym again, cutting out milk, reading before bed, or buying that really expensive face mask you've been dying to try but have been juggling whether or not it's worth rewarding yourself with it for no good reason. News flash—you deserve it. You could mope and stress about all of the things you need to get done OR you could pour yourself a glass of wine and get through it one sip at a time.
Reflecting the Good on Others
I think the saying is true that we reflect our emotions on others. You send out the positive vibes and they'll come right back to you. I get it, not every day is sunny and I can fully confess that I've been a negative Nancy—Natalie—here and there (and we have every right to be), but I've realized just how much this negativity has impacted the people around me. Whether it be a simple annoyance (taking out the dog...again) or something that has been brewing inside of me. Lashing out does me no good and it does no one in my family any good, either. We can wallow, we can dwell, or we could find the brighter side to things, move on, have a laugh, and know that we'll get through it if we just fix our attitude. Your reaction to your current circumstances are the make or break of living a happier and all around more positive life. Hey, maybe I should become a self-help book author. In retrospect, what goes around comes around (and I hope it's just positivity this time).
I'm no buddha or therapist, but in a way, I've become my own mental trainer. Some days are kick-butt mental trainings and others are full, unapologetic cheat days. Reaching for perfection is never the goal, but progress is. Taking the necessary steps for you to live a better life moving forward is all we really need. Now, where's that glass of wine I was talking about?
Looking Ahead...
I keep thinking back to the first phases of quarantine and what my "old life" was like before all of the chaos ensued. A time of great uncertainty, and even after a year, I am still finding myself exhausted, defeated and latching onto any little piece of hope and happiness I can muster up as this season begins to bloom anew. I have ten more weeks of my senior year of college, and as awestruck and unreal it is, this time has been an integral pause for me before a much deserved chapter comes to a close.
Even though winter has dragged on, things are finally beginning to slowly open up, more people are getting vaccinated, and it feels like we can kind of claim our lives back. I have noticed that my mood is brightening, my energy is lifting, and I am ready to take what I've learned during lock down and shape a new life for myself in the months to come. We've learned to be true to ourselves, slow down and take care of our mental health and wellbeing, and hold on to our close-knit support systems—so I'd love to chat about some positive parts of this new life that I want to take with me this year.
01. On patience and gratitude. Everything felt like a waiting game, and in isolation, the walls were coming down on me. There was no way in telling when things were safe, when I might be able to go back to school, move out, when I might be getting vaccinated, or what the future would hold past college. However, knowing these privileges already have humbled me during this time in knowing that some day at some time things will be a lot more certain. What felt like a dreadful waiting game, was my inability to just accept what my current situation was and why I was there. It can be so clouded when your perspective is limited to your parent's house, but I've come to appreciate all of the things that are never thought about like having the bare necessities and being able to work and go to school in the comfort and safety of home. I need to continue to broaden my perspective, be patient, and go with the flow. Because what is waiting for me will come.
02. Embracing this time to myself. I am definitely more of an introvert, but I think lock down has turned us all into introverts? I had just went downtown Chicago for the first time in months and there were people eating outside together and it's just a whole new world to me. Social gatherings weren't always my forte anyway, but I've realized that since I'm going to be living with myself for the rest of my life, this independence has been otherworldly to my personal growth and love for who I am. Not only that, but finding what makes me tick, what I need to improve on mentally, and to just not feel like I need to have all of these people surrounding me to feel validated. I've been content in discovering who I am and on my own time.
03. Leaning on true friends. I feel like we may have found out who are real friends are through all of this. You know, who checked up on you. Who FaceTimed you. Who sat in the back trunk of their car to chat (socially distanced) with you. For those who checked up on me and were a constant presence and support during this time, I am forever grateful for you. But hey, I won't hold it against you if things became distant, either. I know we've all managed to hide into our hobbit holes and deal with our own sh*t. So, I've learned to live and let live with friendships that are blossoming and friendships that are fizzling.
04. Body positivity and putting my motivations towards self healing. Over the course of lock down, I had told myself that I would stick to a strict diet and work out routine, doing online yoga videos and making sure I wasn't sitting around snacking all day. To my demise, that motivation plummeted about a month after. Without group classes and going out, I just never felt it necessary to workout every day—and guess what? That was okay. I've let myself rest. I've let myself recover. I realize that my body is in the shape it needs to be in and while I treat it well, I cannot let exercise be a coping mechanism for everything that needs to be worked out in my head.
We still have an inch of snow in Chicago, but this time of year is when my wardrobe starts to transition from snow boots to bikini shopping—and I'm here for it. As much as I love layering in the fall and winter, I am also looking forward to much simpler, bright and breezy outfits as the sun begins to outlast the days ahead. The last time I wore a skirt was probably early in high school, so I'm excited to switch up my look a bit with new and refined spring staples this year.
A Simple Pair of White Kicks
I never got hooked on the Nike Air Force 1 trend, but have always loved the way white sneakers look (after I got over the fact that they are, eventually, going to turn yellow). I'm a true stan of Adidas sneakers mainly because their cloud foam soles are the best for wide feet. These are the Adidas Advantage Sneakers and I am being so cautious not to step in any rain puddles. They're a classic pair of white sneakers, but with an added touch of personality with the gold panel on the heel.
Flowy tops and Bottoms
Echoing the growing trends of athleisure and sweatpants that winter and this pandemic brought, flowy skirts, dresses, and tops achieve the same form of comfort and movement we all need this spring. I have always loved a cute and simple peasant top, but never a cropped version. I love this Wild Fable Puff Top and the square neckline that I see everybody sporting nowadays. Pair it with some flared or skinny denim and you're all set for a Mamma Mia remake.
I've have been averse from wearing skirts, just because I never knew what types of tops I could wear them with and I also had trouble finding skirts that complimented my waistline. However, we are not limited to miniskirts, ladies! Go out and grab this Madewell Georgette Tiered Maxi Skirt while it's on sale now! It's the perfect breathable length for us tall chicks who can't be seen in short shorts or miniskirts. It's versatile and can be worn casually or dressed up! I am also in love with this New Connection mustard button down dress I bought in France two years ago, and found a similar cami version on Amazon, here. Don't worry, this one also has pockets—a must have.
Everything Sage Green
Green has always been my favorite color, hence the color of my room, and I am thrilled that it is back in style this year. Nail polishes, sweat suits, and sneakers galore are coming out with this subtle sage green color, so when I saw these Universal Thread Adelaide Sandals at Target, I had to pick them up. I never spend too much on strappy sandals, mainly because I own a bunch of them and wear them out. I'm curious to see how these elastic straps will last and I'm excited to not have to buckle them every time I put them on!
Pair your look with an essential leather crossbody and some sweet shades—you look stunnin' honey! March is a month of promise and less sweat pant wearing indeed. I'm always one to find a bit more playfulness with my looks during the springtime, so I hope this edit has inspired you to get out the shorts and sandals after springing forward this weekend. What's on your spring fashion wishlist?
The one thing inherently stable in my life at the moment is my love of organizing. If there's anything I can control and manipulate in this current moment, it's the four corners of my bedroom. As a kid, I was always in love with feng shui and the power of transforming a space that fits your comfort, creativity, and mentality. I have always loved interior design. It's a hobby of mine that I haven't quite been able to pursue, but within my personal space, I have found that there's power in the ability to create a space that fills you with joy. Scratch that. "Sparks joy".
However, I've also noticed that this sense of control over my surroundings has become toxic at times. When something isn't quite right within my space, I tend to dwell on it: clean it, reorganize, or move things around at a ridiculous rate. My mom will ask me, "didn't you just vacuum?". And while those are probably words that every mom would prefer saying to their child, I have found myself rearranging or cleaning things just to cope with whatever is happening in my head or things I want to avoid. It's a blessing and a curse really.
So, I've come to terms with my love of organizing and catering the space to my needs. I love the way my room looks and how I've been able to express myself within it. It has truly become a place of solace over the years, and while I do not plan on living in my parents house in the future, this is where I am in my life and so I feel it is best to reassess how this room—this space—has molded the person I am today.
Whether it be the mindfully stacked books on my shelf, the color coded closet, my mini botanical window sill, or the perfect trio of pillows on my bed. It all serves a purpose. I know that not many people think twice about what shade of blanket they have on their bed or what white space is filled perfectly on their wall, but to me it signifies balance, cohesiveness, creativity, and well—me.
Perhaps creating an aesthetically pleasing room is just a facade, but to me it represents so much more. It's my safe space, my happy place, and where I can cope with everything else that needs to be organized in my head. Having a type-A personality has allowed me to feel structured, but at times, I am in need of that release from perfection, from clean lines, and from comfort.
I guess that's what being stuck in a room for over a year does to you. There are things we have to let be and we can't control everything. But if it means living in a space that I love and where I can find some sort of control—well, I'll just be here re-organizing my bookshelf.
It felt like just yesterday we were going into lock down, being introduced to face masks, Tiger King, and were given the promise of what was supposed to be a two-week break which turned into a year of struggle, sadness, and anger. I always come back to my blog in reflection of this year because there was just so much that tested me and my mentality that writing it down seems to be the easiest way to cope and grow from it all. As I'm writing this, I'm listening to Kacey Musgrave's "Rainbow" and one of her comforting lyrics struck a cord in me:
Well the sky has finally opened
The rain and wind stopped blowin'
But you're stuck out in the same ol' storm again
You hold tight to your umbrella
Well, darlin', I'm just tryin' to tell ya
That there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head
No matter the dark clouds we face, there will always be sunshine waiting for you on the other side. As we near into the season of blooms, rain, sunshine, mud, and everything in between, I am looking forward to this new change in seasons no matter what turbulent weather it brings. No matter what disaster of a year we face, there is always something to look forward to. And I'm marching towards it with a spring in my step. Here are some things I'm looking forward to this month:
01. Brighter days and longer evenings are an uplift from the seasonal depression that isolates us indoors at 4 o'clock, not to mention winter. Everything looks so drab and dreary around my neck of the woods, so in its most simplest form, blooming nature and sunnier days are going to keep me motivated.
02. Rotating my wardrobe. I have been wearing the same three pairs of pants this winter because my endeavors are limited to grocery shopping, dog walking, and the occasional trip to Starbucks, but other than that I don't think I've been around enough people for them to notice that I've worn the same pair of jeans over and over. Spring just expands the options from jeans and a sweater to a possible dress and a sweater or at least a blouse of some sort. I'm ready to put the snow boots away!
03. Developing a new fitness routine that I'm actually motivated to do. I spent so many years doing yoga that I think I dreaded doing it in my basement these past few months. Going to a studio acted as a place of solace and routine, so the thought of having to try and continue to be motivated in my freezing concrete basement was never something I succeeded at. I started running, which I found to be a great way to decompress and just release my emotions through a blasting Lizzo song. Perhaps this spring will be a time to try something new, I need to get out of my comfort zone (safely, of course), so I want to make it a goal to at least find a new type of exercise or activity that I can routinely enjoy doing this spring.
04. Continuing my reading journey. In 2020, I read 17 books in total. Most of them were a blend of non-fiction and fiction, so I've been proud of my openness to try so many different genres as well like historical fiction, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, and much more. This year, I want to read at least a book a month. I am currently reading Yaa Gyasi's Transcendent Kingdom which is an emotionally raw and intimate book about a Ghanaian family living in Alabama. The main character, Gifty, is a sixth year PhD candidate in neuroscience at the Stanford University School of Medicine who studies the neural circuits of depression and addiction in mice. Their behavior mimics the same experiences she has faced with her brother, who suffers from an OxyContin addiction, and mother who suffers from a deep depression. It parallels between mother nature and human nature through science and religion in a refreshingly relatable way.
05. I am finishing my second to last quarter of senior year strong. With 24 more days to go, I am reflecting on the good ol' days as a freshman and how I imagined I would spend my last year of college. Probably partying or thinking about jobs, but mainly focusing on the latter. It has been great being able to put my energy towards figuring out what I plan to see myself doing, and the support from my professor's and past employers has helped immensely. For my last quarter of senior year, I will be taking copywriting, advertising campaigns, climate change communication, and of course, wine education and management. An elective that only seniors (of age) can take, but since it will be virtual, I'm curious if we will be able to try any of the wines. Perhaps ordering a bottle or two will be considered our "reading material". I'm excited to have a laid back last quarter and celebrate by learning something new about the drink that has gotten me through this year. Cheers!
What are you looking forward to this month?
We are on the verge of spring cleaning season, so I thought it was about time to do a beauty clear out. I've been holding onto products from high school and old red lipsticks that I just will never wear, but fantasize about some sort of grand event I might need to wear it to. We can dream, right?
I really haven't been wearing makeup this year, but you might notice that my hair care collection has definitely expanded since the beginning of quarantine. I thought I would pile together some of my favorite products that have gotten me through the beginning of this year—out with the old and in with the new! It's about time for me to switch things up and give my look a refresh as things start to brighten up.
For the hair...
Speaking of a refresh, I have been loving giving myself blown out waves and curls recently, so using the Verb Ghost Dry Oil has maintained the style and body throughout the day. It gives you a beautiful, silky blowout without frizz and the perfect amount of conditioning.
If that isn't enough, I've been loving Living Proof products. Especially, the Living Proof No-Frizz Instant Defrizzer which has also been really good for dry wintery ends and also provides UV protection which is great for the summertime. Occasionally, I need to give my hair an extra conditioning boost, so I'll use the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray to save the damaged strands and brush through my hair smoothly after I shower. I have combo straight and wavy hair, so sometimes it can be nice to have a 2 in 1 detangling spray when I need it.
For the Face...
Okay, I admit, I gave into Tik Tok's trending L'Oreal Infallible Foundation in a Powder. I kid you not, this is one of the best full coverage powders. I've been through all the matte BB's and translucent powders, but this does not cake, it does not sit into fine lines, but smooths, blurs, and feels like the most weightless powder I've ever used. If that description doesn't sell you, watch the Tik Toks.
I have always been interested in trying things from Charlotte Tilbury, so when I received this sample from my last Sephora purchase I was excited to have a go at it. I rarely wear liquid foundation, but if anything is marketed as "airbrushed"—I'm all in. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation will become your best friend. If you're feeling like death before Zoom, this foundation will revive you. Pores are magically gone, it stays all day (even if you're just sitting on your couch), and has a natural matte finish so no shifting on your face. We don't want that!
These were just some of my favorite beauty finds from this month, and I'm excited to really get some use out of these products even if I'm just going to the grocery store! What have been your beauty faves this month?
Restful sleep. What a concept.
The boundaries between home life and work life couldn't be more blurred. It doesn't help that the sun goes down at 5 o'clock or that there's not much else to do when it's negative zero outside after a long day of Zoom meetings. I have always been good about my sleep, or else I'll have to suffer the next day and no one wants a grumpy Natalie. As a college student, I've also realized that I have way more energy and motivation to do things at night, but I fall the brunt of not giving myself the time to wind down, decompress, and fully relax.
With everything going on in the world, I have revalued my need for a restful sleep, coming to terms with those thought clouds, and maintaining a routine that actually works and allows me to wake up fully rested and ready to get on with whatever the day may bring. I would consider myself as someone who wants to make the most of my days. If I sleep in too long, I'll feel unproductive, guilty, and like I can't get into the rhythm of whatever I need to accomplish. However, I also know that I need to allow myself to rest when I really need it. Establishing these boundaries, especially for sleep, is something that a good friend taught me—I think we can all adapt healthier and more mindful ways to get some more hours to snooze.
Before Bed...
I've shared some of my past bedtime routines and they usually consist of doing the normal humanly tasks: brushing my teeth, getting on comfy clothes, putting on some yummy lotion, maybe making some tea, doing a face mask etc. I try to make sure I allow myself some time to just prep for a good night's sleep. Refilling my water, playing some lo-fi tunes, and grabbing as many extra blankets I have on hand is always a bedtime necessity. Sleep is such a normal thing, so why should it be so hard to do sometimes?
Well, as someone who has struggled with mental health blips and anxiety, I find that dealing with the never-ending cycle of flurrying thoughts in my mind can be put to rest if I focus on my breathing and remember that I have no time to waste on dwelling on what I can and can't control. The mediation app, Headspace, has really helped me focus on my breathing, putting the traffic of my thoughts in front of me, and watching them drive by until I am sound asleep. I've even fallen asleep during a guided meditation, so I can whole heartedly say that this app is worth it.
Sometimes when my bedtime routine needs some reinforcements, I like to read myself to sleep. So, instead of staring at Tik Tok before bed and having the blue light over stimulate my mind, I've been really into reading lately just to get my head ready for bed. I've also heard a lot about the Olly Sleep Gummies which are naturally-derived melatonin supplements and they have really made a difference in allowing me to get to sleep quicker and wake up refreshed, too.
If catching some Z's is hard for you, I get it. This past year has altered all of our normal routines, so I would highly recommend creating boundaries for yourself before bedtime. Allot a couple of hours to decompress, do some self care, and remember that sleep is a necessary thing for us to live and function at our fullest potential. I know a lot of people who LOVE sleep, and I have to give it to them, a warm and cozy bed can cure anything. What's your bedtime routine like and how has it changed?
A Never Ending Story...
Like thousands of millions of people, finding a job during the middle of a pandemic is stressful to say the least. I feel for many people who have lost their jobs, been furloughed, and who have to now adapt to working remotely. This process is never a light undertaking and in fact, as a college senior, I have been more overwhelmed trying to navigate career options.
As internship applications and entry level job opportunities roll out come spring, I have been making the most of the hyper-virtual landscape we're living in to best optimize the job search. In all honesty, I have no idea exactly what I want to do, but I have a few ideas of where I want to start. As a major in public relations and advertising, most entry level jobs are on the Assistant Account Executive level in a lot of mid-size and large PR agencies.
With Chicago being the epicenter of public relations agencies and communication firms, there are a lot to choose from. I'm lucky enough to have been able to facilitate close relations with employees through PRSSA, which has allowed me to develop a close-knit network and get to know some of the HR recruiters pretty well. At this point, I am weighing all options and with an open mind. I realize, though, that not many people have those resources, so here are a few things I've been doing to get my career options on track that I've found to alleviate the stress and pressure in finding job opportunities fully remote.
Sprucing Up my Resume
One of the easiest things you can do that will make you stand out to recruiters is updating your resume and work experience on a document that is cohesive and easy to read. There are a lot of companies that can provide resume reviews and even your college's career center can be a big help with them. I think color and a unique font that is readable and sophisticated is a great way to stand out as recruiters go through hundreds of them a day.
I was thinking of doing a blog post solely on creating a great resume, so stay tuned! It's always important to start compiling your past work and education experiences so that you can develop a sense of what transferable skills you've learned and how you can elevate your experiences to cater to a position you might apply for in the future.
Maintaining Relations Within my Network
One of the best ways you can stay connected is through LinkedIn. There's also Handshake and the new app, Clubhouse, where you can stay up to date on all things in your desired industry. You can connect with people who work at places you dream of working at, start a conversation with an intern to get a feel for the work they do, or share your portfolio with prospective recruiters, too!
I always try to follow up with people I've met at professional development events, conferences, or who I worked with in previous roles to maintain those relations and perhaps increase my chances of finding an opportunity through those connections, as well. While it's great to build your professional connections, you treat these people as friends, mentors, and guides. You're able to display your authentic self and make your personal brand known.
Creating Informal Coffee Chats
Something I did that extremely helped with keeping in touch was setting up virtual coffee chats with every entry level employee, strategic planner, AAE, and recruiter I have met (or have not met) to get a feel for what has changed within the industry, how the company is adapting to the new landscape, and what future opportunities or roles might become available in the future. Not only are you getting to share more about you and your experiences, recruiters and fellow employees can put a face to the resume when applying comes around. It will be one of the most important ways to let recruiters know you're dedicated because you actively reached out and pitched yourself to people you don't even know.
If you do even just these three things, I am confident you will find opportunities come your way. If there's anything I've learned the most throughout my public relations career so far, it's that developing a network is so important and crucial to building a career in a field that requires you to be a go-getter. I am ready to take on any job at full force, wherever it may lead me.
The start to the year has definitely given us all more promise. January was spent reorganizing, reorienting, and coming to terms with the struggle of a year we had before. It always takes me a while to get back into the swing of things after the holidays, but this time around I was more eager to get my life back in order after a much needed break.
One of the hardest things to do was to focus on the good that I had surrounding me, even when times were so bleak and uncertain. I'm still staying at home, working at home, and finishing my senior year online at home. There's a lot of work I need to do—within myself and for others. My goal for this month is to focus on the good and to continue to choose optimism, as all people should.
This eagerness to start the new year on a good foot brings high expectations, so much, that I think we dwell on making the new year as perfect as we imagined it to be. However, I think the imperfectly wholesome moments are what I need to focus on. Not holding myself accountable for taking the time to take care of myself when I need it the most. Perhaps it means letting go and being able to fully feel and be emotional at times, but to also cut myself some slack. A slower pace is something I chose to manifest.
01. Investing More Time in Myself
Last year was a year to worry about others. When everything went wrong, I was always looking for ways to find compassion and be there for others. Suffice to say, I have always been one for self-care, but didn't realize how much I needed a pause. I needed to not feel the urgency to attend to people's needs before myself every single minute. While this is one of my greatest personality traits, it has its downfall of making me invest everything into the people I care about, even if they don't reciprocate the care back. No more of that this month or this year. ¡Adios!
02. Dedication to Meditation
The calm, cool, and collected side of me would digress into a lonely, anxiety induced shell and I couldn't figure out why. I had terrible sleeping habits, and that's when I realized just how much my body and my mind depended on yoga and mediation. Taking an hour out of my day to focus on myself, my growth, and clearing my head of all the negative thoughts that accumulated in 2020. This year, I have even signed up for a two credit yoga class as one of my last classes to take my senior year. I'm excited to start this journey again after not having been to a yoga studio in a year.
03. Listening to My Creative Passions
This blog has saved me in more ways than one. I really want to invest my time into the creativity that I had when I first started. Whether it be coming up with more unique blog ideas, showing different parts of my life that I haven't before on this blog, or just continuing to be constantly inspired and let the creative juices flow. Whatever it may be, I want this month to be filled with having a new outlook and discovering unique perspectives. Possibly even challenging me to get out of my creative square a bit!
As the months go by and I come to finishing my senior year of college and begin a new chapter of my career, I want to remember what I've accomplished and also hone the skills and strengths I've fostered over the years. February is the month of love and changes, but I realize the importance of finding and cultivating a love for myself above all else. I feel 110% when I am confident, grounded, and motivated in my own creative momentum, so this month will be about just that.
It's that time of year when the Chicago winter chill is excruciatingly unforgivable and all you want to do is snuggle up with your pup. I am prone to dry skin during the cold months, as you might know, but I've also had to manage my acne prone skin without using products that are going to overly scale and dry out my skin as most acne products do. It's the constant struggle, but I am loyal to the brands that I've been using and have mastered using small amounts here and there. I used to be the type of person to glop everything on and hope for the best, but piling on product can do much more harm than we think.
Using a light, foaming cleanser has helped keep my skin hydrated and also helps gradually treat my acne. I have always heard praise about the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser which has three percent sulfur to help with blemishes and doesn't overly dry out the skin either. When I'm looking for an even deeper clean, which I would say is once a week or so, I will use the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Red Clay Mask around my T-zone and the more oily-prone areas of my face. I love it because it is a gentle peel off mask to help get rid of pesky black heads!
After my face is all cleansed, I have been using very light moisturizers so that I can regulate my skin's oiliness. I have always been a huge fan of Clinique because of my sensitive skin. The Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is my go-to during the winter months. If you are trying to minimize pores, reduce acne, and also tackle dry skin, this is a great lightweight moisturizer for it!
I can never leave out my dry eyes. I always have extremely dry eyelids in the winter because there's no humidity and there's nothing worse than not being able to open your eyes in the morning. It's the worst, itchy feeling, so I always make sure to have an eye cream on hand. I've used the Cera Ve Eye Cream, but at the moment I am using the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream that helps moisturize, firm, and get rid of dark under eyes. The perfect Zoom meeting savior.
When I am really feeling like a self-care night, I will bust out the Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub to refresh and exfoliate my dry skin. It smells like a tropical vacation in a pot! With grapefruit oil, coconut oil, and avocado butter, it's the perfect, mineral rich product. It is coarse, hence the sea salt, so personally I would not recommend using it on your face (as it might scratch delicate and sensitive skin), I like to use it on my arms and legs the most!
I love sharing the evolution of my skincare routine. Honestly, because I can recall what I liked and didn't like as my skin ages and also when the weather changes. I have had to become more mindful about how much I put on my skin, but also what I don't put on my skin. For someone who has combination skin that is sensitive and at times, uncontrollable, I have also been talking to a dermatologist since middle school and that has definitely helped with my hormonal acne. What are some ways you take care of your skin this time of year?
The possibility of home school never dawned on me until my college started offering online classes to freshmen who were looking for ways to manage their workload and also not have to commit to time management when they could do their work whenever they wanted. I refused to take online classes because I thrive in learning environments where I can see and talk to people. All of that has changed and I wouldn't have thought that finishing my last year of college fully remote was the reality I am now living.
I have always been one to have a well-managed routine and a pretty good way with a planner or two. So, as surprised as I am to say this, online learning is probably one of the best things that has happened to me. As a daughter of two teachers, I understand the value of the classroom (as I loved being in one years before), but there is just something so empowering about being able to tackle the work I want to do at my own pace. Nevertheless, I miss seeing my friends and collaborating with classmates the most, but since we all have to be somewhat active online, I can become more active in reading about people's lives, the work they're doing, and be more mindful about the way I respond to others.
It took a while for me to find a place where I could separate work and school from everything else. Our house is already extremely cozy and humble as it is, so when my sisters are home it is really hard to separate and find a place to focus. My bedroom, of all places, was the only option. Thankfully, I have this really nice desk that I've only ever used as a vanity and now converted to my classroom, event "space," and tutoring desk. Every now and then I would leave my room and tutor at the dining room table, but I found the most effective area I could do work at was in my room.
When I was at school, I would spend hours at our college library and just cram or hash out a paper. It was a place where I could focus and detach from feeling like I could do work on my bed and not be as productive as I would at a sturdy table. The atmosphere makes all the difference. Keeping your workspace clean is also another motivator, so be sure to have some sort of organizer system to keep your notebooks and things!
Becoming a Mindful Responder...
There were a lot of times during my in-person college days when I just could not function. Usually Mondays, but depending on the time of day, I would just melt into my desk and fear I'd have to participate. It's not something I do on the regular, but we all have those days. Now that I'm learning online, I can make time for myself to actively and mindfully respond to classmates over discussion boards or giving accurate and effective tutoring feedback on papers. I've noticed that I am more willing to respond and also I can choose what I want to respond to. Not only that, but within emails too. I am not just responding to respond, like I would on a day in class where participation felt forced at times.
Keeping in Contact...
I'm extremely grateful to have had the opportunities to connect with so many amazingly talented and dedicated people during college. But the social life of being a senior this year is non-existent. When a lot of people might have been tailgating, not cramming for finals, or having the common case of senioritis set in, it's been hard to find that sense of community online. Keeping in contact with my past roommates, friends, and even professors has been the most helpful in relieving that sense of isolation.
You have to put in the effort, but I've definitely had a few wine nights and happy hours with friends, coordinated time to decompress with past professors, or made more time to meet up with my co-workers or meet some new members of organizations I'm in through our mentorship programs. The social dynamic has changed, but I feel more supported than ever.
Those were just a few tid-bits of how I've been able to remain grounded and active with my last year of college. I am remaining grateful for those developing three years and am lucky enough to have been able to establish myself and make the most of the opportunities at DePaul. While I begin to focus on the next steps of my career during my time at home (and having the perks of saving on rent), I am looking forward to celebrating this chapter and am optimistic for what's to come.
I've been at a bit of a crossroads with my hair lately. I've managed to change my side part to a middle part, gotten layers, had a balayage, and have worn it down more than I used to. I've shuffled out some of my old products and have been more cognizant of how many times I wash it now that the winter chill makes my hair so dry and dull.
My hair is pretty fine with dry ends — not a great combo! But I think I have this lineup down to a tee. With however many products I've tried and that are on the market, it constantly feels like a treasure hunt. These are some of the products I've found to help create a silky and effortless blowout look.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer - I've always grown up with Revlon hair tools and every Christmas my sisters and I were always gifted a flat iron or curling wand, but this year, I hopped on the Tik Tok trend and gave into trying this 2-in-1 hair dryer brush that has been raved about for creating an effortless blowout in minutes.
And let me tell yuh folks, it works like magic! Probably one of the best things I've purchased last year. There's no fuss with a normal hair dryer and having to hold your arm up with a brush in the other hand. It is truly a game changer.
Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray - I've always loved Amika as a brand, so I thought I would try this spray to accomplish an even better blowout with the Revlon hair dryer. I've also been keen to using heat protectants more again. It gives the perfect amount of texture and volume without build up.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo - I've been through the dandruff shampoo phase and I could never find a shampoo that was free of parabens and toxic chemicals.
So, I was reluctant to find shampoo for dry and itchy scalp, but I happened to receive a sample of this from Sephora and wanted to give it a proper go. I was very skeptical because it seemed almost like a face mask.
The texture is infused with charcoal that helps exfoliate and remove dead skin. It also fills your shower with the scent of peppermint and spearmint oils and my head always feels so clean and healthy after!
Verb Ghost Dry Oil - I recently got onto the Verb train and am glad I did because I found this perfect finishing spray for blowouts.
It acts as a spray-on conditioner, adds a lot of shine, and de-frizzes which is something my hair always does, even during the winter. I'm not a fan of using hair spray, especially when I'm just working at home or don't mind my style falling a bit throughout the day. This is the perfect final touch for my hair.
Living Proof Instant De-Frizzer - If you're looking for a product solely for de-frizzing, I would recommend the Living Proof one!
I used this a lot during the summer, even on my natural hair and without styling it. It leaves your hair silky and smooth and is the perfect touch up during the day when you don't have time to get the flat iron out.
What do you normally do to maintain your hair during the winter?
I think we can put a whole new meaning to New Year's resolutions, but maybe this year we can scrap them and focus on gratitude. I've talked a lot about gratitude, mainly because it's the one thing that has kept me grounded and rooted with perspective. As I look forward with optimism and the desire for a slower pace this year (as I'm sure a lot of people are yearning for), there's so much to be grateful for and I think creating a habit of remembering and being content with what you have can help resolve feelings of emptiness that 2020 was so generous for gifting us with.
The beginning of the year had a lot of promise, like many new years usually bring. I was finishing up a campaign for a competition class and looking for summer internships, little did I know that everything would change come March. I left my apartment at school, had no plans for work or summer, and had to learn how to adapt to staying at home. I know my experiences this year were the least of struggles and hardships many other people have gone through, but I think it's fair to say that we all struggled on our own fronts. I would find myself constantly drained, tired, and worrisome, but being at home alone allowed me to grow and learn how to survive this past year in many ways.
Tuning into Little Joys
In desperate times, I've found that the cure to the emptiness, loneliness, and anxiety that most of us have felt this year is to tune into the things that we love, the people that we love, and realizing that there is so much more to be thankful for in the small and even trivial things. Such as the roof over your head, a jammin' Harry Styles playlist, perhaps good wifi connection, or even your health. Such things go unnoticed or thought about because we're so used to having things be certain, permanent, and constant in our lives. When life becomes interrupted we all freeze—those joys freeze—and we forget just how important they are to keep us sane and moving forward.
Using Compassion to Bring Certainty
Last year felt like digging into quick sand trying to find a more optimistic way of thinking when you were hit with terrible headlines everyday. It felt like if you didn't make sure someone was okay and alive in an email, they'd think you'd already lost it in believing everything was normal. I found that using compassion and being considerate always brings a bit more certainty, humanity, and just common courtesy to any interaction, in person or virtual. We could all use a little more compassion and patience these days without assuming someone's situation. Choosing kindness above all.
Letting Myself Rest
I found myself extremely restless knowing I was stuck at home and not out and about working or being as productive as I would be in the city. I found myself resorting to a state of comparison (bad Natalie) and in a social media hole. None of it made me feel better and none of it helped me get the rest that I truly needed. A slower pace is something that I wish we can all root for this year. Not holding people accountable for not responding to an email immediately after you send it or keeping people on Zoom for over an hour. All of these things that were once part of my go-go routine and have now been put on pause won't hurt me, won't determine my worth, or stop me from achieving my goals. We're all at our own pace. You shouldn't feel bad or guilty for giving yourself a break once in a while. No more burnout. I repeat. No more burnout.
Find some time right before you go to sleep to write down one simple thing you're grateful for or even think about it on your commute home from work (that is, if you still commute). Taking a moment to practice a positive mental habit, one that can tremendously improve your outlook on life, is just one way I can grant myself gratitude. What have you been grateful for lately?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons