three things that feed me
a rotating self-care collection from a trauma-focused therapist
Natural Light, Nostalgic Snacks, and Libby
January 2024: The month of strong New Years intentions that had a good two weeks until the snow came.
I always feel hopeful in January – its blank canvas inviting the question, “What can I make room for this year?” I found my rhythm the first two week, until six inches of snow came to Nashville mid-month. My routine fell to the wayside like some overextension of Christmas break, days where pajamas felt like an actual member of my body.
I guess I can savor the hope of a blank canvas, new year, while bowing to life’s natural rhythm: it is in our nature to start over again and again. As it was this January, so it is in recovery. It’s never too late to start again.
Three things I am starting this year with and making room for: natural morning light, nostalgic comfort food, and stories for story’s sake.
First Thing
Natural Light > Phone Light First Thing in the AM
Morning sunlight is my daily vitamin these days, especially in the winter which takes my SAD for a joyride. Letting my body take in the natural light first thing has helped me:
- Regulate circadian rhythm, the internal master clock and biological cycle that manages sleep, metabolism and hormones
- Support mood and manage stress (because waking up to look at my missed texts and emails doesn’t do either of those things)
- Ease into my morning slower, which seems to set the rhythm and tone for the rest of my day
Check out more of the science behind this practice.
second thing
Cinnamon Toast on Homemade Gluten Free Sourdough
A childhood favorite I’ve reinvented in my husband’s cast iron skillet. He actually makes it best, but I think there is psychologically something behind food tasting better when someone you love prepares it for you.
Use the bread of your choice (sourdough, especially this recipe if you are gluten free, works best), lather both sides with butter, sprinkle with a white/brown sugar + cinnamon mixture, and toast on your skillet for 3-5 minutes. The ultimate comfort snack.
Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread
Recipe by Bakerita
third thing
The Libby App
As a kinesthetic learner, audiobooks can do nothing for me in terms of helping me retain information, so I reserve them for anything purely enjoyable and non-educational that I can plug in and out of while on neighborhood walks, longer drives, or building IKEA furniture, which I’ve done an unusual amount of lately.
As a newbie in the world of audiobooks, I love the option of renting them from the library using the Libby App.
Self Care & Self-Compassion
Self-care is a regular part of the work I do as a trauma-focused therapist, with the ultimate goal of helping each client build a home within themselves that feels safe and empowering. If you are interested in working together, send me a message to get started.
Don’t go through it alone.
Holistic mental health therapy, rooted in self-compassion.