Self-care stories from Team FP…

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Whenever I feel stressed/overwhelmed (oh, you too?), I tend to step outside. And look up.

Stopping to notice the clouds passing overhead, the birds conversing, the stars burning bright -- the best reality TV, IMO -- immediately restores a sense of peace and calm to my mind. It’s a grounding experience, for sure, and one that reminds me that I am just one so-small component in something so much more grand.

With this sentiment in mind, I’d like to introduce you to eleven of my friends -- and co-workers -- who were kind enough to share some sage advice about how they find solace in their respective day-to-days. And, if you’re like me, you’ll feel a bit calmer just by knowing you’re in their good company.

KRISTINA, MOVEMENT

I prioritize finding quiet time (literally). We are bombarded by noise all day -- in the traditional sense and also visually -- the sense of constant stimulation. That noise can crowd your thoughts, leaving little space for deeper thought or just letting your mind drift. I find time to be in complete silence. I live in the city so it’s not always easy, but it can be as simple as turning off the music/radio during a drive, taking a longer shower. There’s no pressure or agenda on this quiet time but I tend to find this is where I have my best ideas, or my mind drifts to the good things -- a memory of a friend I’ve been meaning to call or something I’m excited about.

MEREDITH, PLANNING

Currently I think it’s really easy to lose track of the little fun things we do. It’s far too easy not to try to plan something nice. So what I do to counteract this: I’ve bought a paper monthly planner where I can both look forward to a few things in the future -- even if it’s small like a little hike, a Zoom with a friend, someone’s birthday to send them a card -- and to look back at the last month and remind myself that I did find some joyful moments, and remember how bright they were.

And imagine hugs!! We all miss touching people and, if you can picture those lovely hugs, you still get a tiny portion of the effect.

HILLARY, BUYING

Between working and running after a toddler, maintaining my self-care regimen has been put on the back burner. I know that getting moving for me is the best way for me to release stress (I typically opt for a quick run outside!), but even finding 20 minutes has been tough (and the winter weather hasn’t helped!) So I’ve turned to another way to release tension: my Surfer. I don’t know what magic Smile Makers weaved when they made this but, whatever the Surfer does, it does it extremely well, which is to help relieve the tension that builds up in my mind and body. So I can get back to the business of work and life with a more relaxed mindset.

LIZZY, GRAPHIC DESIGN

Self care is taking a moment to revisit my routine -- thoughtfully -- and what I put on my skin, without the old rush-out-the-door mentality. I used this time to transition into natural deodorant (cue SUMMARY). I was nervous about making the change, but it was pretty seamless and holds up to sweaty at-home workouts and everyday hustle! I've also introduced a retinol into my routine, taking advantage of my downtime so that my skin can handle the purging that usually comes with it. This one by Maya Chia is very gentle, and I love that it’s dissipated some of the anxiety I had around the “retinol uglies.” [Editor’s note: more about retinol in the weeks to come!] I also love that this time has allowed me to initiate new routines for my hair, pulling it back into a hair mask before conquering a day of Zoom calls. None the wiser! 🙂

EMMA, DESIGN

I’m a skincare junkie. Following a skincare routine that really just makes me happy and relaxes me allows me that ‘me time’ I need to start my day bright and bushy-tailed.

I love a double cleanse – a double cleanse is really fun and you can reap the benefits of 2 different products.

TONE TONE TONE!

I then usually mask, 4-5 times a week. ME TIME CENTRAL. (I like to make my own mixes of different masks depending on what I feel I need that day.) I usually apply treatments and serums to really give my skin that extra that it needs.

Then moisturize, and always sunscreen after that!

GLOW STATION/SELF CARE STATION.

Also, lots of snuggles with my man William!

HAILEE, MERCHANDISING

I am lucky enough to live with someone who I love -- and 2 cats (1 of which we rescued this fall, so playing with and taking care of a kitten has been fun and fulfilling...most of the time 😉) -- which makes laying low and being at home a little more fulfilling. Maggie and I made it a point last year to get outdoors as much as possible, so we’ve been camping a LOT. There’s something about sleeping under the stars and waking up to clean crisp air that feels like nothing else, and proved a huge reset for me before another workweek... But sometimes you need a little extra help to stay focused. So I started taking supplements every morning and dropping a mushroom tincture into my coffee, and saw a huge difference in my mood, energy and focus. I really love them and have been exploring more natural remedies than I ever have.

CANNON, BUYING

I keep Calm Sweet Calm at my desk, and have to use some serious willpower to not eat the entire jar (you’re only supposed to eat 2 a day). These gummies are now part of my regular routine, and not just for moments of stress. I like to eat them as a reminder to myself to take a deep breath and let the ingredients (ashwagandha + L-theanine) do the rest to help keep me calm. Plus, they actually taste GOOD! Too good.

KRISTAL, MOVEMENT

Truly caring for yourself is found in the small moments of life. Giving yourself compassion when you see/feel you are struggling, being soft on yourself when things get tough, and treating yourself with love at any opportunity. I find that immersing myself in the natural elements is a simple and direct way to deeply connect to the heart, to the earth, and to let the stresses of the day go. I often do this by walking in nature with mindful awareness. Really paying attention to the beauty I see, on the leaf blowing in the wind, the sound of the trickling stream, the budding flowers just coming out of the ground, the birdsong in the distance, feeling the fresh air fill your lungs.

BRIGID, BUYING

The biggest self-care tip I learned in quarantine is to, no matter in what capacity, just move my body. I’ve also been loving Melissa Woods’ guided meditations -- they have really centered me. So my two essentials would be 1. Her app and 2. My running shoes. 😊

KOA, MARKETING

We cannot underestimate the power of rest. I mean full, horizontal, fuzzy blanket, rest. Giving our bodies and minds time to unwind, breathe, read, journal, drink some tea, and just be with ourselves is so essential to my self care. This practice is harder than it seems in a world that’s always on the go, and it has taught me to respect the boundaries and capacity in my body as the beautiful spectrum that it is. One of my dear friends has a beautiful quote that I love, she says “I’m sorry I can’t be there for you, but if I can’t be there for you, it’s because I’m being there for me.”

NOELLE, MERCHANDISING

Much to my own surprise, over the course of quarantine, I’ve become a “bath person.” This is honestly something I would’ve never imagined myself saying, as before I began this ritual, it had been 10+ years since I’d indulged in one. But yes, I am now sold on sitting in steaming hot water to relax and wash the stress away. To me, it doesn’t take much to “set the mood” for the perfect bath, but I DO love natural Epsom salt bath bombs as a way to step up my soaking game – my favorite is the Lavender + Chamomile. Dropping one of these in the bathwater makes for a soothing, spa-like experience right in your own bathroom. Couple it with a strong cocktail (or a few?) for the perfect evening self-care ritual. 😊