Creating a Relaxing Environment

Hello friends!
I've been really, really wanting to be better at managing my time. Especially when it comes to this blog! I love writing and taking photos, and I've missed blogging! 

My classes require a lot of time outside of class to work on projects and homework, I'm juggling two jobs, and I was just sick all of last week. But you know what? I'm going to get back to it. I have to.

I started blogging to help me when I'm anxious. It's a place I can go to put my own thoughts into writing and to have fun with it. Blogging helps me feel accomplished. And lately, I've been super anxious, but I haven't found the time to write. And it's been hurting me a bit.

I've been trying new things lately in order to care for myself more. I've forgotten how essential writing is for me and how important it is to keep my mind clear. But sometimes life gets messy, and it's a matter of getting back on track.

So with the hectic schedule I'm currently dealing with, I figured I'd show you folks how I at least somewhat keep it together, how I relax amidst the many tasks I have to complete. And a lot of this has to do with my environment. So I hope you folks find some of this helpful!

Tip 1: Make sure things smell fresh 

I've always been a sucker for candles and wax melts. I just love when things smell good! But after an anxious night with my friend Carra, she suggested I try a lemon scented candle. I hadn't really had my own lemon candle before, so I figured I'd try one from one of my favorite candle brands, Herb & Irma. Since having this candle in my room, I've felt more calm. Things smell way more fresh and I feel more awake! This helps me calm down and get productive. Plus, the tin is adorable.

Tip 2: Surround yourself with plants

I'm an absolute sucker for the biophilia effect. If you haven't heard of this, the biophilia effect is a design concept that says environments that hold plants or contain imagery of nature may reduce stress and potentially increase productivity. Personally, I find plants to be absolutely beautiful. I always make sure I keep some kinds of greens in my room with me. Some of my plants are fake, like the succulents I have, but I also have little tree scraps and flowers lying about. Put some green in your work area! I love bringing nature inside with me.

Tip 3: Keep your books out

I feel like it's essential to keep some of your favorite books on a shelf, ready to be reread. I'm not a huge reader, but I love reading books that some of my biggest inspirations have written. Zoella's Girl Online is just a fun, easy read for me. But if I need some wise words, I tend to reach for Estee Lalonde's book, Bloom. Her struggles with anxiety and depression are so similar to my own. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that you're not alone. And Estee's words really comfort me. Besides reading, I find it important to write down little thoughts and ideas in a notebook. I keep a small, marble-looking notebook with me and write down little tidbits when I feel inspired to write a blog post. All of my blog posts and video ideas that I've now published all originally started as an idea that I wrote down in my notebook. Even this one!

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you found these tips beneficial for creating a calm, fresh environment. If you have any other tips or concerns related to decompressing, definitely do comment them down below. Let's talk to each other!

Keep on grinning!

Lydia