Just take a breath.

.

 .

 And one more breath...........with a loud SIGH at the end.

.

.

That's better.

.

..

I'm not sure what kind of overwhelm you may be experiencing right now but I'm here to tell you...

IT IS OKAY TO SHUT THE WORLD OUT FOR A LITTLE BIT

.

.

We need to give ourselves time to calm down the nervous system. Give the brain some time off from thinking about what's happening and what needs to be done. To just do what our innermost self needs from us. The one who derives joy and relief from daydreaming and feeling soft things and tasting sweetness and smelling comfort in a cozy pillow nest we make just for ourself.

.

And it feels vital right now.

.

.

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS:

.

1. Gather every available fluffy pillow and cozy blanket you have access to. Arrange the pillows into a cozy nest in a space that feels comfortable for you. Cover the nest with blankets, with the softest and coziest on top. (touch)

.

2. Find a scented candle or perfume or anything that smells like something reminding you of a time or space where you felt completely at home. (smell)

.

3. Adjust the lighting so it is soft and soothing. Think fairy lights or candles or a smart bulb where you can craft your custom calming color light. (sight)

.

4. Find some soothing music, a guided meditation video or a nostalgic movie to settle in with. (sound)

.

5. Put on the coziest things you own. Maybe after a hot soak or shower.

.

6. Take some time setting everything up in a way that, when you have cozied up in your pillow nest, you can comfortably reach everything you've gathered.

.

7. As you do this, put the same amount of care and excitement into it as you would if you were preparing it for someone that you love very much to make them feel nurtured and cared for. GO ALL OUT. HAVE FUN WITH THIS. BE SILLY ABOUT IT.

.

8. Make a snack and a mug of something yummy and soothing that your 6 year old self would have been DELIGHTED to be given when you were needing some extra care. (taste)

.

9. Do what you need to do and tell who you need to tell to minimize outside interruptions for a little while.

.

10. Once everything is set up, DIVE IN. Take time to settle yourself and adjust the pillows and blankets and your clothes until you find the sweet spot. And just enjoy this mental & physical break. You deserve it.

.

 *   *   *.

.

If you need an easy jumping off point right now, I have a soothing music playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxvCZgyT1jEjuNJbg2zm4oyDPSt6vV2hr&si=XO8dbxQqMhBSCewC

a free movie playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxvCZgyT1jEhjO5JFaTbRuKc9lWselqu4&si=CLcUZCxjg6wEorkq

and a brand new playlist with all of the meditation videos I've made over the years: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxvCZgyT1jEgPoVjxy9rmgci0Yn0sRXoj&si=Uf_I63cldiD3GZOf

.

Most of the meditations were made for myself with what I was needing to hear at the time. I needed words of comfort and calm. Grounding words. Words that helped my body and my breath settle. Maybe they'll help for you too :)

.

I SURE HOPE THAT YOU DO THIS AT SOME POINT OVER THE HOLIDAYS!

.

And also share this post with anyone and everyone that you think may be feeling overwhelmed right now and could use this flavor of self care!

.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

💖 Amanda Joy