5 Senses Set the Mood

Just like creating the right ambiance when the guy you’re dating is coming over (pre-covid 19), starting off with positive energy is key to beginning your day on the right foot. Studies have shown that grounding yourself when anxious can be practiced by tuning into your five senses. Let’s take this to a whole ‘nother level during “quarenteam” and use your senses in guiding self-care from the moment you wake up. 

See

When things are out of your control, it’s important to focus on what you are in control of.

If you’re like me, the first thing you do in the morning is check your phone or turn on the TV. The colorful feed use to serve as a source of inspiration, but recent headlines aren’t quite doing it for me if you know what I mean. You have the choice to cancel out some of the noise and set boundaries, just like in relationships, for yourself everyday.

I challenge you to get out of bed without first looking at your phone. Put it in your drawer the night before and get that old alarm clock back on your nightstand. Instead, take a pen to paper and make a list of ten things you are grateful for, from things like being able to hear birds outside to having cookies in your pantry - chocolate does in fact boost your serotonin, right?  Expressing your gratitude and seeing it written down sets the mood to fall in love with the present moment. 

 Let’s say that despite your phone being out of sight you still can’t get up, the weight of the world is on you and as much as you physically want to get up, you are stuck in your mind. Make a list. This might feel silly but during the darkest of times for me, this is what got me up. Even if it is  - 1. Eat a banana 2. Take a shower 3. Call Bestie – write it down. 

Taking it one-step at a time is all you need to do right now. 

Hear

Get glowing with my personal morning playlist by clicking on the image above!

Set the mood, and start moving, girl! I mean did I say no TV but replaying Homecoming and waking up with Queen B is always a good option. Think: What are the songs that make me feel calm, awakened and ready to start a GOOD morning?

Positive podcasts are everything. Listening to powerful words that might even change the way you view your situation or story, even if it’s just playing in the background of your day, will be effortlessly effective in boosting your mood. 

Mark Groves with Yung Pueblo on Embracing Change and Ladies Like Us with Nazanin Mandi are my current faves. 

Feel

The nice thing about being at home is that there are so many comforting things around us. Throw on your colligate sweater and run your fingers though memories of football games and your greatest accomplishments.

Other cozy companions might be your furbaby which, are the luckiest beings on earth right now to have their humans home with them all day. They need you! If they haven’t already jumped on the bed asking for food, give them pets and then get up, it’s about time you and your fluffy friend get something to eat. 

Taste

The smell and first sip of coffee will evoke the magic this special concoction posesses and back every ounce of motivation. Lately, I’ve been using local Hawaiian honey every time I make coffee. Supporting small business like Anahola Granola and adding the sweetness of islands’ native wildflowers makes every cup taste so much better. Just add a side of Greek yogurt to these must-haves for probiotics and get your daily dose of good bacteria.

Smell

Now that the caffeine has lifted your mood, and you’re aroused with the aroma, let’s make sure all the other scents that will be filling your space are on point. I always like to treat myself to fancy hand soap at Bath & body Works semi-annual sale. Treating yourself by choosing scents that are soothing like French Lavender or nostalgic scents of Watermelon Lemonade makes washing your hands something to look forward to. Burning candles or incense is also a must for me when setting the mood for your most important guest, yourself. A memorable scent that I’ve most recently revisited is vanilla. Philosophy is one of my favorite brands, not just for the beautiful words on each product, but their ability to match scent to feelings. Fresh Cream from Philosophy feels like a cozy day, and it seems to be a favorite among the boys. 

Give kindness to yourself and your loved one’s while being unapologetically you. Just hold on to what brings you peace in the present moment. We got this!