We all have those things — you know the things that I’m talking about. It’s those things that we say “oh yeah, I need to do that” and then totally never think about doing it until the next time rolls around when we label it a “should” all over again. Guilty as charged over here. BUT. What if I told you that within 10-20 minutes you could have several life-changing, relationship-building, self-care indulging things done, crossed off the list, and have you feeling like a productive human for the rest of the day? Well friend, you’ve come to the right place today. I challenge you as you read this blog post to literally stop and do the things I’m mentioning before moving to the next one. A lot can happen in a little time and this post is here to prove it to you!
1. First things first, light a cozy candle — always do this first 😉
Cozy Cabin Candle – LIY15 for 15% off
Estimated time: 15 seconds
I know. It may not feel like much, but believe me, a cozy scent burning in the background can do wonders for your mood and productivity. I function best with a candle near me at all times 😉
2. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for!
Estimated Time: 1-2 Minutes
Taking inventory of what you’re grateful for can truly be life-changing. Our attitudes can shift in a second with a little bit of a perspective change. Maybe you’re tired from staying up all night with your newborn, feeling angry at your co-worker who won’t turn down their annoying music in the cubicle next to you, or sad because the donut you really wanted to eat fell into the toilet on accident [weirder things have happened], but when you shift your focus away from what is going wrong but rather to a place of what is right, good, and well in your world, a lot can happen. Your heart feels lighter, your attitude towards others shifts, and that mundane task of folding laundry for loved ones can suddenly feel like one of life’s biggest blessings. If you don’t have a gratitude journal [then buy ours ;)] take out a random piece of paper right now and simply jot 3 things down! Big, small, it doesn’t matter!
3. Call a dermatologist and schedule a skin check!
Estimated Time: 5 Minutes
I KNOW. This is probably one of the bigger ones on your “oh I should do that” list but listen up, within a few minutes you could have your skin check on the calendar and on your way to peace of mind knowing that your moles are a-okay and while it will require you to be basically nude in front of somebody [reminder: wear underwear, been there done that and yes, it’s awkward — “oops, forgot to put panties on today!], the appointment is one of the quickest, most painless, doctor appointments you may ever have. And yes, scheduling this may save your life. Note: If you don’t know who to go to, simply google “dermatologists in my area” and start calling [or ask a friend or family member who they go to!]
4. Text a friend or family member to let them know you’re thinking about them!
Estimated Time: 2 Minutes
It’s funny how practicing gratitude AND shifting your focus away from yourself to others have similar side effects. I will be the first to say that I can so often get caught up in my own busyness of life that I don’t stop to make the effort to reach out to somebody I love to simply tell them just that. It’s amazing what a sentence or two can do for a relationship. How good would it feel for you to receive a text from a loved one saying “you were on my mind and just wanted to tell you how incredible I think you are and that I hope you have the best day!” Exactly. Create that feeling for somebody else and I have a good feeling those warm, fuzzy, feelings will creep into you as well!
5. Clean out your beauty bag!
Estimated Time: 5-10 Minutes
Last but certainly not least, the power of a good makeup bag clean out sesh. Is it just me or am I the only one who thinks it is necessary to hold on to mascaras that are all dried up, just in case it decides to come back to life at some point in time and have one additional use out of it? For the love Erin. Mascara is not Jesus [close, but not]. Speaking of dried-up mascaras, did you know that your makeup has an expiration date? Don’t worry – we have some handy info for you on that topic here! That foundation that’s been taking up space in your makeup bag for the past two years? Get her outta there. Take the next 5-10 minutes, grab your bag, dump it out, and remove anything you haven’t used in the past 3 months [and check those expiration dates for the things you have been, just in case!] The next thing you’ll be writing in your gratitude journal: Having a makeup bag that doesn’t want to make you kick somebody in the shins.
You’re welcome.
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
