New Daily Rituals Featuring Yuzu Soap
A new Joie de Vivre post is finally here. In a poll I recently did on gram-you all were really wanting to see more of these so your wish is my command darlings.
So the days are already getting so much shorter and I am having the hardest time getting to sleep at a decent hour..all though in my defense, Stranger Things 2 has invaded our living room. We are binge watching the season again because I just cannot get enough. I am also finding that it's harder for me to get out of bed before 8 a.m. because it's still dark outside. Annnnnd daylight savings starts this weekend so I know I am going to be all out of sorts.
I am a person who craves routine when it comes to this so I am feeling super defeated. I like being in bed by 10 p.m and waking by 7 a.m. Keeping to a routine makes me feel calm and efficient. So I am now feeling overly anxious, moody, and am not maximizing my time.
At 37, I can no longer compromise that beauty sleep.
I have switched a few things up in my evening and morning routines and am finding some great happiness from it. The mornings are precious hours for me because it's when I am most fluid. I tend to do all of my writing here as it's the most productive for me. I am excited to share and hope you can find some great things to switch up too.
First Thing: I drink warm water with lemon.
The biggest lemon water benefit may be from the temperature of the water and not even the added lemon. Drinking any water, or especially warm water, first thing in the morning can help flush the digestive system and rehydrate the body. It also makes me feel super healthy.
Second Thing: I have a cup of coffee.
I need this to breathe and to handle my stressful days. I just do. I am a caffeine addict and wish I could embrace morning green tea but I just cannot. Coffee is my saving grace. I love milk in my coffee but I am trying to love a black coffee--American style, not espresso....none of this being very French. Sigh.
THIRD THING: Respond to work emails, social media, & Writing
I take about 60 minutes to catch up on emails, social media, and the day's calendar. After taking the dogs for a walk I then begin writing. I typically have things that are due...and most of the time I am at critical deadline. ( I have always been a procrastinator and work better under major pressure) But I am also taking the morning hours where I am fluid and just writing--even when I have nothing due. This has been a huge help with how I am able to create so much content. I get asked this question so much and that's a huge factor in being able to publish to my blog at least 3 to 4 times a week.
I spend a few hours on this before I exercise, however If I am feeling super fluid in my creativity and work--I skip the workout and keep going. That was a tough one for me until about a month ago. I would not miss a workout and my work began suffering. I am still looking to find balance on this one because exercise for me is like therapy, but just being kinder to myself if I can only exercise 3 days a week even from my own living room. I have an addictive personality and can easily do an indoor cycling class 7 days a week. So I just have to sail where the wind takes me. I also have a shooting schedule with my intern and we do that every Monday afternoon so that has helped too in keeping me organized with projects for the blog.
Fourth Thing: Fuel my body
After a work out or a nice productive work session, I make a collagen smoothie. It's delicious and you can find the recipe here. Or I make some avocado toast or a salad. Lin and I try to sneak in a lunch date once a week where we will indulge on something delicious. Or I will meet my friend Katie at our fave Sushi place in town. I am a huge believer in making time for the people who are important to me. You have to cultivate those friendships and also "date" your significant other--especially when you have been together for a long time.
Fifth thing: BATH TIME
This daily ritual is my dearest embodiment of self-care. I typically would take a bath before bed but switching this up to the early afternoon hours has been a game changer. My bath is a time to recharge and shield myself against the stress of the day that has began and the rest of the day that lies ahead. This is my brain's most unproductive hour so soaking in warm water with a charcoal mask is just the most perfect thing for me. I am a Pisces and we need this time in the water.
There are a hundred ways to make it worthwhile—but right now I am loving my new Yuzu Soap products from San Francisco. They create natural and handcrafted items that make getting out of the tub just as decadent as stepping into it. They transform my bathroom into a little uplifting Japanese garden.And a tranquil lavender field depending on what I am needing for the day. Essential oils, set in their soaps and bath bombs, reset my day's intentions. Scent is such a powerful thing.
My fave products are the Japanese Citrus Natural Glycerin Soap With Aloe Vera. It makes my skin so smooth and it's also just simply gorgeous. It's also so gentle that I can use this on my face too. I cannot wait to add these to my loved one stockings this Christmas. The Lavender Sage Bath Bomb Cubes are a second fave. They are rich in moisturizing coconut oil, aromatic essential oils, and natural clay. OMG---the aroma fills the entire house after I use these. And the Japanese Skin & Lip Balm does not EVER leave my side. This skin balm is perfect for moisturizing dry spots and it's so travel friendly. It was my go-to on my Austin adventure. The Japanese Yuzu Skin Balm (Large) is perfect to moisturize knees, elbows, heels and any other dry spots. And this time of year--my skin needs all the moisture it can get. I have a promo code for you too at the very bottom of this post so enjoy!
Sixth Thing: Finish work
Now that I am recharged from my mini at home spa experience, my brain is fluid again and I use this time to work on projects with my clients--Juniper & Ivy being my latest project with my good friend Karen. You can read all about it here. And of course..would love to ship you dears some gems. There is a little something for everyone so take a peek.
Seventh thing-Start Preparing dinner
One of my fave things to do is cook. I throw on some music, pop open a bottle of wine, and just go somewhere else. Check out some of my recipes if you are needing inspiration.
And at last--it is time to wind down and curl up with the pups and my love!!
Cheers to productivity, balance, self care, and more self love.
Happy TGIT!
Enjoy 15% off your Yuzu Soap order using promo code JOIEDEVIVRE .
This post was sponsored by Yuzu Soap but all opinions are mine alone.
xoxooxoxo
SAM