Capture some sunshine!
Okay, some days can seem to start out great then flip topsy turvey, leaving me feeling stressed, sad or even melancholy. Those are the days where I just want to go home, pull the covers over my heads and wait for things to get better. While it certainly sounds good, all of us know that things don’t always get better without some effort on our part. One of mottos here at the office is “Fake it till you make it.” I love this because if we smile, eventually someone else will smile back. I love how happiness is contagious.
So, I wanted to ask “What is your go to when you get stuck in a rut or jam?”. Some of my favorite things include a short, brisk walk, hugging my dog and turning on the music. Share some ideas and stories with us! We want to hear them. Katy and I will even put together some goodie boxes for those who share ideas and stories so we can share the sunshine!
When I’m having an “off” day I used to watch soaping videos to try to get myself inspired but found that it didn’t really help my mentality- I ended up comparing my work to the awesome work in the videos, and comparison is never good. The thing I like doing when I need inspiration to get going is watching videos that encourage me to keep making things, like Adam Savage’s Maker Faire talks. They’re very inspiring!
Here are a few: https://youtu.be/kdLky-YkOVw
https://youtu.be/_otrgJ8Lmx4
https://youtu.be/NrRNwLJHxhQ
https://youtu.be/5qAfcyQFk6Y
https://youtu.be/ER7rhQ7N69k
Cheyenne,
Great suggestions! I am inspired by watching things as they are made. I always am in awe that someone thought of those things!
Tina
Because I’m a senior citizen (67) who still loves to make soap and sew quilts for my family, some days are simply very challenging. What I did yesterday (making Christmas soaps….don’t laugh, it’s not too soon…hahaha) I turned on Pandora and his the Rocking 50’s channel. Well, I slept quite well last night after dancing most of the morning away, and succeeding in finishing some very nice bars of soap. I try never to feel sorry for myself, or think because I’m a certain age that I can’t do it. I just do it, and if it doesn’t turn out….well then I know I can’t. Enjoy each day and always try to find the good in everything.
Janet,
Great view on life! Very beautiful!!!
Tina
When I get in a frump, I try and find something creative to do – whether that is crocheting, knitting, cooking, making soap or herbal items, sewing or just doing something to make me forget about feeling frumpy. Sometimes I will turn on some music for my “white noise.” I’m an organization freak so sometimes when I can’t seem to find something that I really want to do, I’ll throw open the cupboards and see what I can re-organize. Right now, I’m making a inventory of all of my food and non-food storage and putting it all into an Excel spreadsheet. That way I can see what I have and know when things are going to go long on time and need to be replaced and such.
I think the best way for me to get out of a rut is to do something for someone else. There have been many times when I will just go downstairs and grab a bar of soap and fold a washcloth into a fun shape and wrap the two up and take to someone – usually anonymously. That is always fun and I can’t help but hope they just know that someone is thinking of them. I’ll usually include a fun note with it telling them that I was just thinking of them and hoped they liked the smellificient gifts. (Yeah, I know, that’s not a word). 🙂
Cindy,
These are great ideas! Would you come here to organize my cupboards?
Tina
This may sound funny…but when I am stressed or have had a bad day, I always feel better if I go out and weed my garden or flower beds. This is always a good de-stresser for me. It’s always great to get some fresh air and walk away from the day to day chaos. It takes my mind off things and I accomplish something at the same time. It always puts me in a good state of mind.
Sarah,
That is a great suggestion! I like how you are not only de-stressing but also productive. Love it!
Taylor