Creating Balance with Getaway

It must have been May or June when Getaway first popped up on my radar. Their tiny cabins nestled in nature were instantly appealing to my boyfriend, Aaron, and I – we’re not very outdoorsy, but loved the idea of getting off the grid for even an evening and were thrilled that dogs are welcome. We’d originally planned for a trip timed to the changing leaves in autumn, but life intervened and we weren’t able to make it happen. Lucky for us, Getaway reached out last month to see if we wanted to try out their Beaver Creek outpost in Ohio that’s only a short 35 minute drive from our house.

Our overnight trip was scheduled for early December, the perfect time to sneak away during the holiday hustle. (Also, part of my plan to not over-stress this month!) In the weeks leading up to our visit, Getaway kept us updated regularly, from confirming our reservation to what necessities were provided to which cabin we’d been assigned to the morning of.

Getaway Beaver Creek includes 26 mini cabins grouped together, but you’d never know there were so many. One of the first things we noticed upon arrival were the earthen mounds built up in between cabin to add an extra layer of privacy, as well as the fact that the other guests were respectfully quiet.

When we pulled up to our cabin – Catherine – we immediately felt welcome and like they got us, right down to the dog tether tied around one leg of the picnic table. The mini cabin itself was sleek and minimal from the outside with no extra frills, but with that setup and the view none were needed. The Adirondack chairs spread around the fire pit wouldn’t get used on our December visit, but I don’t think we were inside the door before starting to talk about a return trip during nicer weather.

Our dog-friendly cabin (don’t worry, there are designated dog-free cabins as well!) had two queen size beds, one lofted above the other. If you’re at all familiar with Getaway, you’ve likely seen photos of the gigantic window that’s part of every cabin, and I promise it did not disappoint in the slightest. Our two dogs – Piper and Bebe – were especially impressed, as you’ll see.

The locks to the doors use touch pads, you’ll receive your code a few hours before arrival along with your cabin’s name. All of the cabins are named after people significant to Getaway’s crew, we were assigned Catherine.

This is what awaited us on the other side of that door, a small yet incredibly organized space that didn’t feel cramped. To the left were the two beds, a small table with two chairs, and a built-in bench along the side of the bottom bed. And yes, even a landline for emergencies.

Straight ahead was this well-appointed kitchen that included a small refrigerator, two burner cooktop, and sink with potable water. Along with a kettle, dishes, bowls, cups, mugs, one pot, one pan, and other kitchen tools, there were also various provisions available for purchase that had clearly been chosen with care. Under the sink we found two bowls for the dogs and poop bags, plus paper towels and a small garbage can.

To the right was a small bathroom with a standard toilet, shower stall with shampoo and conditioner, and a first-aid kit. There were fold down hooks both here for towels and behind the front door for jackets, leashes, etc. The bathroom had a narrow shelf on one wall to accommodate toiletries as well as clean white towels stacked up ready and waiting.

The little touches went a long way, like this welcome folder and the s’mores kit awaiting us on the table. Included inside were the outpost’s general rules and regulations, local necessities, and important wildlife precautions. There was also a map, inspiration and ideas for your escape, postcards, and a set of mini colored pencils.

Cell reception in the area wasn’t great to begin with (we weren’t expecting it to be), but if you really want to test yourself and get away from technology there’s a handy Cellphone Lockbox at the ready.

We played music over a small but fantastic Tivoli speaker. Above it sat a small selection of books just right for the low-key environment, along with cards and dice.

A USB-charged camping lantern hung to the side of each bed that could be used as a reading lamp, a nightlight, or carried outside to the picnic table/fire pit area. We also loved that the outlet included USB ports for charging devices when necessary.

Piper and Bebe were obsessed with exploring “the woods” and keeping watch outside of the cabin’s windows. The dark shades came in handy not only during the night, but when they spied a neighboring dog they wanted to say hello to! Each cabin is equipped with both heat and AC, and it was pleasantly warmer than our 119 year old house. The sheets were soft and cozy, the duvet nice and heavy, and the pillows so comfortable (this, coming from a pillow snob). Piper was an especially big fan of the Pendleton wool blanket at the foot of the bed. The pups were so relaxed afterwards that they slept the entire way home as well as throughout the next day.

We ended up setting their dog beds on the large ledge next to the bed when it came time to sleep, and they loved it. It was also a nice spot to lounge and acted as a nightstand.

Dinner was pasta we’d brought from home and cooked there – the pot provided even had a built-in strainer in the lid. Like I said, they really considered and thought of just about everything. (We did forget the pasta sauce and had to make a run to the local grocery, which we knew about thanks to the info they’d provided in our welcome folder.) For breakfast we made some protein pancakes with mix we’d carried along. Aaron enjoyed coffee from the provisions – a one time use, disposable, recycled, pour over bag – while I enjoyed mint tea from home.

Like I mentioned above, we loved the location as well as the drive time to Beaver Creek. All of the mini cabins were organized around this grove of beautiful trees, and we really lucked out with some of the most beautiful weather the area had seen in a few weeks. Getaway has partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a new tree for every cabin that’s booked – so far they’re at +8,500 trees!

I really don’t get much more relaxed than this! And we really are already planning a return trip, there’s a loyalty program in place – The Getaway Often Club – and if you spend seven nights the eighth is free. And as a special treat Getaway has setup a $25 off code – DESIGNCRUSH25 – for you to take advantage of! Whether you’re already looking for a post-holiday wind down or thinking ahead to summer, I highly recommend the Getaway experience.

This post sponsored by Getaway. Thank you for supporting the brands that help Design Crush create fresh content!

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Winter Skincare Routine

About two years ago I started using skincare as a coping mechanism post-election. (I wrote about it here.) I’m still going strong with a morning and evening routine, and continue to search out new products that work well with my finicky skin. Being in the dregs of winter, I thought it would be a good time to share the products I’m currently using with you in case you’re looking to change up your own skincare. The most expensive product here is under $30.

 

I keep my morning skincare as simple as possible to guarantee that I’ll go through with it. A quick wash with Alba Botanica’s Acne Dote Deep Pore Wash gets rid of whatever dirt and oil the nighttime has deposited on my face, followed up with a few swipes of their Deep Clean Astringent. A couple drops of The Ordinary’s niacinamide and zinc serum helps to balance sebum throughout the day and fade dark spots. I finish up with a pump of Cetaphil’s Oil Control Moisturizer to keep my face matte, hydrated, and protected from the sun with SPF 30.

 

My nighttime skincare routine is a bit more involved. I find it’s a great way to wind down and let my body know it’s almost time for bed while also having some me time. I only wear makeup if I’m having a meeting or going out in the evening, so most times I’ll use a Simple Cleansing Facial Wipe to get the day off my face before following up with the same Alba Botanica astringent from the morning. A few times a week I’ll use The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension next to help with brightening, skin tone, and fine lines.

 

If I’m looking to cut some time out though, I’ll mix a big pinch of The Ordinary’s 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder (aka Vitamin C) in with a serum. (Did you know Vitamin C is supposed to tingle when applied to your skin? That’s how you know it has deactivated or gone dormant.) I also alternate through a series of serums throughout the week, starting with this Collagen + Retinol Serum by Measurable Difference. It helps replace dead skin cells, promote elasticity, and combat any pesky (RE: hormonal cystic) acne.

 

The next two serums both get mixed with a few drops of Radha Rosehip Oil when applied for an extra punch of antioxidants and fatty acids. The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is another attempt at warding off aging, while The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 adds a deep layer of moisture.

 

If I’ve had a few drinks or haven’t hydrated enough throughout the day, I’ll add in Pearlessence’s Overnight Recovery Serum to the mix like icing on a cake. You’ve likely heart the hype behind COSRX’s Acne Pimple Master Patch and it’s all to be believed. If I have any blemishes I’ll put one of these patches on before moisturizing and it sucks all of the gunk out overnight, dramatically reducing swelling and redness in the process. Easily my favorite product of the past year! Last I’ll apply the best moisturizer I’ve found yet for my skin – Garnier SkinActive’s Moisture Bomb. This oil-free, lightweight gel leaves my visage as soft as it was pre-puberty.

 

Aside from experimenting with various face sheets (I don’t have a favorite to recommend), I also use Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask twice a week in place of my moisturizer. You just put it on as your last step, allow the invisible formula to really sink in, then wash it off in the morning. Once a week I also try and use the cult classic Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque to get out the set in impurities lurking in my skin.

I’m curious, what are you using and what’s working?

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All About the Face

 

 

Sometime last January I started something that I should have tackled years before: a legitimate skincare routine. As a teen I used the old standbys containing plenty of benzoyl peroxide, and in my 20s I relied on face wash and Oil of Olay. Hardly a regiment that was prepping my face for the years to come or protecting it against the elements encountered on a daily basis. But with the uncertainties looming in 2017 (R.I.P.) I needed to feel control over something, and that something turned out to be my face. According this article in the New Yorker I wasn’t alone either, scores of you turned to skincare as a coping mechanism. My biggest takeaways? That just because your skin may feel oily you still need to moisturize and that serums are worth their weight in gold. Nearly twelve months in and I’m feeling much better about my complexion and continue to search out products to add to my routine. What are your go-tos?

 

1/ Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask  2/ Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil  3/ One Love Organics Brand new Day Microderma Scrub + Masque  4/ Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate  5/ DR JART+ Water Fuse Ultimate Hydro Gel  6/ Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel  7/ Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer  8/ First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm  9/ Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb  10/ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

 

11/ Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask  12/ Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask  13/ Disco Kitten I Dew Care Mask  14/ ILIA Cucumber Water Stick  15/ Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil  16/ Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask  17/ Lapcos Clear Toner  18/ Lovely Day Hyaluron & Bloom Pink Clay Mask  19/ Malin + Goetz Acne Treatment Nighttime  20/ Herbivore Mini Facial Oil Set

 

21/ Milk Makeup x UO Charcoal Cleanser  22/ Herbivore Brighten Instant Glow Mask  23/ Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich  24/ Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil  25/ Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil  26/ Rose Clay Facial Mask  27/ Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Facial Oil  28/ Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask  29/ This Works Stress Check Face Oil  30/ Glossier The Super Pack

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Hearty Molasses Beef Stew

 

Even though the weather is still (oddly) in the 70s, I’m so happy to shift back over to heartier recipes in the kitchen. More Sundays than not I get together with my mom and stepdad for dinner and this is one of my favorite dishes – a thick beef stew with the a touch of unexpected sweetness care of molasses and golden raisins.

Hearty Molasses Beef Stew
• 1/3 C all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
• 2 lb beef roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 Tbsp oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 C beef broth, plus more to keep moist
• 3 Tbsp molasses
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 C golden raisins

Combine flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Toss cut beef in flour mixture. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of beef and brown on all sides, remove from pan and repeat with 2 Tbsp oil and remaining beef. Remove beef and add remaining 1 Tbsp oil, add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth, molasses, vinegar, garlic, thyme, celery salt, bay leaves, and remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then add beef and boil for one additional minute. Transfer to crockpot, cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 2 1/2 hours. Add frozen vegetables, potatoes, and raisins and cook for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves and enjoy! Serves 6 to 8.

 

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Accounting Confessions of a Businesswoman, Part 3

 

I’m filling your screen with pretty home photos because I finished my extended 2016 taxes two weeks ago and I’m still recovering. Putting myself – and my accountant – through that mess only served to support my decision to move on to a more informed process, making this third post about using FreshBooks very timely. Up until this point I think I’ve taken for granted everything that’s going on behind the scenes after I enter invoices, receipts, etc., but now I’m very much looking forward to handing over a completely organized file on time next April.

 

 

But before I get into a few more of my favorite FreshBooks features, I wanted to share a few things I do to get in the right mindset for conquering my arch-nemesis: numbers. Math has never been my strong suit, and even though FreshBooks takes care of the actual calculating for me, it still stresses me out and I want to be as focused as possible when starting.

• Make a cup of tea or coffee, the ritual will help calm your nerves.
• Put on comfortable clothes.
• Light your favorite candle or diffuse some essential oils.
• Turn off the TV and turn on some music, I like classical when I’m working.
• Grab and snack and make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand to avoid interruptions.
• Try to conquer things during your most productive hours – for me it’s early evening.

 

 

Okay, now we’re settled and ready to rock.

As I dive deeper into everything FreshBooks offers, I’ve been using the Projects function that’s a godsend when working with a team or collaborator on blog posts or freelance jobs. Basically, you can invite others in to manage and share information, files and, updates so that you’re all on the same page and no detail gets forgotten. Employees can access the full project, contractors can see steps and invoice you when everything is complete, and clients can share feedback and track progress. I love that it’s a centralized place for files too, no more digging through long chains of never-ending emails!

Projects features: simple project management, collaborate with employees, contractors, and clients, share images and files, centralize conversations, current project overview

 

 

 

As we roll into Q4 I’m also paying way more attention to Design Crush’s profitability for the year. FreshBook‘s dashboard makes it plain as day where things stand so I can take a look at where I can improve or what’s going exceptionally well. Reporting takes care of calculating profit and loss statements and the other small business financial reports that I’ll need come tax time without giving me a panic attack. The numbers are all in one place and my accountant can put the Advil back in the medicine cabinet.

Reports features: clear breakdown of spending, filtered custom reports, summary of outstanding revenue, profit and loss report, expense report, invoice details report, the ability to download reports to Excel

 

 

Our final FreshBooks post will be in January, when I’ll spill my guts about how this past year has really gone financially. If you have any questions about FreshBooks I’d love to try and help get answers for you from their award-winning rockstars in customer service. In the meantime, you can sign up for a free monthlong trial right here!

This post sponsored by FreshBooks. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

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Accounting Confessions of a Businesswoman, Part 2

 

Time once again to drop all pretense for part two of my yearlong financial journey with FreshBooks! In part one, back in April, I shared how I’ve approached the financial side of my business up until this year – in short, it’s not my strong suit and I’m doing all I can to remedy that.

In the past three months I’ve gained so much more confidence when it comes to invoicing, and I’ve also saved time thanks to all of the features I outlined in part one. I love how easy it is to access recurring client’s information as well as the visual representation of how much I’m earning. In the name of transparency blogging is going through a season of change once again, and the green is not as prevalent as in the past. The number one rule of being a blogger is being adaptable, and diversifying my income is a huge deal.

 

 

One way I’m doing that, aside from writing for larger corporate sites, is contacting sponsors directly more often. For a long time I didn’t have to pitch brands, but over time that’s changed and FreshBooks‘s estimate feature helps me navigate the steps that follows. After talking to a new brand – and them hopefully falling head over heels for my pitch! – it’s time to spell out my proposal with a dollar sign in front of it. It’s here that I’m able to outline deliverables Design Crush will be providing and the breakdown of pricing for each.

Estimate features: know when a client has viewed your estimate, add discounts, automatic tax calculations, transform your estimates into ready-to-pay invoices, client approval with one click

 

 

After signing a contract I can kick things off, whether it’s for Design Crush or a graphic design project on the side. With FreshBooks‘s time tracking feature I can map out my day and make sure I’m accounting for every billable hour. This is super helpful to me in a number of ways, especially when it comes to do future estimates for similar projects. I’m forever trying to become more efficient – the thought of hiring someone to feed me three square meals a day while I work has occurred to me – and time tracking is valuable in showing me where I can streamline even further. I can literally start a timer and hit stop when I’m done! When the project is wrapped up I can pull all of the tracked time into an invoice and send it off.

Time tracking features: team time tracking, clear breakdown of your day, view team members’ time, easy to use timer, detailed time entry notes, automatically bill for tracked hours

 

 

I’m already digging deeper into FreshBooks and am looking forward to what the quarter brings in terms of making me feel more like a well rounded businesswoman. If you have any questions about FreshBooks I’d love to try and help get answers for you from their award-winning rockstars in customer service. In the meantime, you can sign up for a free monthlong trial right here!

This post sponsored by FreshBooks. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

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June Favorites

 

1/ Super Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes
I’ve been doing container gardens for the past few years, and this summer I ventured into the world of cherry tomatoes, Sweet 100s specifically. They’re a vining variety that are deliciously meaty and sweet. Last week I was able to start picking a few day as they ripen and my salad game has gone up a notch!

2/ Mom’s Stuff All-Purpose Piñon Salve
I started using Mom’s Stuff a few years ago after meeting Mom’s daughter and trying out a sample. Each jar is handmade from all natural ingredients that deeply moisturize, soothe, and protect your skin and there are no filler ingredients like water, cheap oils, or stabilizers. Lately I’ve been dabbing some on bug bites for comfort.

3/ Illume Candles Vanity Tins
Illume Candles first entered my life back in college, when I bought two delicious smelling candles for more than I could afford. I’m loving the design of their Vanity Tins and the scents are just as good as ever!

4/ Pineapple Sage
It was the pineapple-scented leaves that caused me to pick up one of these to plant this year. In late summer they bloom bright red, tube-shaped blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

5/ La Colombe Draft Latte
This is the treat I’ve been reaching for on hot summer mornings! Lactose-free milk and cold pressed espresso make for a slightly sweet drink without any added sugar.

6/ Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray
Forever on the search for the perfect hair product that will give my fine hair more oomph, and this spray has become the top contender. You don’t need to use a ton, it’s not super sticky, and the smell is amazing.

7/ Lou & Grey Linen Racerback Tank (50% off!)
I picked up black and grey ones a few weeks ago and have been more or less living in them. They hit my short(ish) torso in just the right spot and the cut is super flattering.

8/ Carmex Comfort Care Colloidal Oatmeal Lip Balm
As a lip balm-aholic you can take my word that this stuff is the real deal. Its blend of natural colloidal oatmeal and cold-pressed antioxidant rich fruit seed oil provides long-lasting moisture for visibly smoother lips.

9/ Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
A collection of poetry and prose about survival, about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. And how to find the sweetness in all areas of life.

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A Long Weekend

Selena Kirchhoff

I was down and out all day with a migraine yesterday, so I’m taking it as a sign that I need to make it a three day weekend and take today to get back to 100%. I’ll be here bright and early Monday with a few posts before taking the day to celebrate the 4th Tuesday. Happy weekend!

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Work + Play in Palm Springs

 

That’s not a postcard.

For most of last week I was in Palm Springs for Alt Summit, a conference I’ve proudly spoken at more than a handful of times. I’ve grown used to heading to Salt Lake City every January for the event, so when it was moved to The Saguaro in southern California for 2017 I was more than a little excited. Five days away from the Pennsylvania winter? Sign. Me. Up.

 

 

I opted to fly into San Diego rather than Palm Springs because one of my best friends, who was also going to Alt, lives there. Fly across the country and then roadtrip for two hours? Yeah, sure. And even when it turns out to take three and a half hours because of rush hour it’s okay, because I got to see two Sizzler restaurants. (Did you know they still exist? I didn’t.) That first night there was a lovely poolside party that we lasted about a half hour at before going back to our room where I finished slides for a panel the following morning.

 

 

One of the biggest travel perks for me is not having to make breakfast. And in this case I got to eat it with a (different) good friend before heading over to hair and makeup for my 9am panel.

 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what I look like A) speaking on a panel B) after roughly 4 hours of sleep C) with too much bronzer on D) and my jacket falling off, well, here you go! Dreams do come true.

All joking aside, our talk on making old content new again went fantastically well. I always think a successful panel teaches the panelists as well as the attendees, and this one did just that.

 

Justin Hackworth

The good thing about speaking first is that any pressure is off immediately and you’re free to explore and enjoy the rest of the conference. All of the colors of The Saguaro made for some amazing photo backdrops, and I busied myself popping in and out of other talks, catching up with blogger friends I rarely get to see, and chatting with sponsors.

 

 

 

 

Lunch was always held outside in the California sun, which was still blazing even in 70-something degree weather! One afternoon the parking lot was filled with the most amazing cars, each one armed with a small business owner ready to share their story.

 

Justin Hackworth

Justin Hackworth

The main portion of the conference ended Thursday evening with a great keynote by Todd Oldham. Yup, that Todd Oldham. I’m happy to share that he’s personable, down to earth, and very direct – three qualities I look for in everyone I meet.

 

 

 

I spent the last day hanging out with other longtime bloggers discussing the nitty gritty of our industry. Where it’s come from and where it’s (maybe) going, best practices and new concerns, etc. It rarely happens that so many of us are together and we definitely took advantage.

 

 

 

But my favorite thing, a bucket list item in fact, happened on the drive back to San Diego that evening. A stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs! You might not know, but I am a deep down dino nerd. It was chilly and crazy windy when we stopped, I think we were out of the car for all of ten minutes and I managed to snap at least fifty photos including one of me hugging T-Rex’s leg. If you hop over to Instagram there’s more proof…

Until next time, one of my favorite places on Earth!

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10 Tips for De-Stressing This December with Rescue Remedy

rescue-remedy-3-design-crush

 

I’m so stressed. It’s something we hear someone say or think to ourselves at least once a day. Stress is one of those facts of life that can seem inescapable at times, especially during the holidays. December has been a hot point for me since at least college, when I associated it with finals and traveling. Today the sources are more along the lines of budgeting for holiday gifts and the uptick in Q4 blogging, but it’s there nonetheless, from mid-November through the New Year I just can’t seem to shake it.

 

rescue-remedy-1-design-crush

 

This go ’round I’m partnering with Rescue to try and help ease stressful moments. Developed by a doctor nearly 80 years ago, the Rescue brand aims to help you keep calm, cool, and collected when you’re feeling anything but. I’ve been reaching for three of their products throughout the day for the past month – black currant Rescue pastilles at my desk, Rescue Remedy spray when I’m on the go (I keep it in my purse), and Rescue vitamins by my bedside before bed. Each provides gentle, non-habit-forming stress relief just when I need it. Their lines even includes products for children and pets, so there’s literally something for everyone when they need to calm down.

 

rescue-remedy-2-design-crush

 

Let’s talk about some other ways to step out of the red zone when you feel stress and anxiety make themselves known. Along with Rescue products, my go-tos are pictured through the post – lighting a relaxing candle, making a cup of tea, or taking a moment to pick up some flowers.

Eat well. Your immune system becomes compromised when you’re stressed, making it harder to recover if you come down with something. Reach for dark greens, herbal teas, and proteins.

Go outside. Sit on the porch or go for a hike, just get some fresh air. Be present and try and let go of whatever is getting under your skin, even if it’s only for a five minute walk around the neighborhood.

Learn to say no. Whether it’s to a project or a night out, know your limits and respect them. Mental health is just as important as physical and you need to know those limits.

Try meditation. I’m loving the Headspace app for short ten minute stints. Focusing on little other than breathing does wonders for centering yourself before getting back at it.

Talk it out. Reach out to that friend or family member who inevitably makes you laugh or reminds you how good you have it. In this digital age we sometimes take human contact and its effects for granted.

 

rescue-remedy-4-design-crush

 

List what you’re thankful for. Don’t let negative, stressful feelings get the better of you. Instead take a moment to think of what you’re grateful for, what makes you smile, and what brings you joy. Make it in your head or jot things down to hang up as a reminder when you most need it.

Get moving. In whatever way you feel most comfortable – if you have dogs take them for a walk, if you belong to a gym make it part of your routine, if you like to run chart out a course. By increasing your heart rate you’re like to eliminate built up anxieties in the process.

Stay hydrated. Take a five minute break in between tasks to drink a glass of water. Even better, keep a carafe on your desk so you don’t have an excuse not to. Infuse it with fruits or herbs if plain H2O just isn’t your thing or as more of an incentive to drink more.

Go to sleep. It’s what our bodies require to recover from a multitude of things, including stress. Make sure you’re getting the appropriate amount of hours every night, and if you can swing add in a thirty minute power nap a few afternoons a week.

Put it in perspective. Chances are whatever is stressing you out isn’t the end of the world. Make plans to volunteer at a food bank or animal shelter, make a donation to a charity you believe in, or just realize how lucky you are to have humankind’s basic needs available to you.

 

rescue-remedy-5-design-crush

 

This post sponsored by Rescue, find out where to pick up your own stress relief here. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brand that help Design Crush create fresh content!

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