The air is getting cooler, the light is fading, and we’re again retreating indoors. Any other year this might mean welcomed cozy conversations by the fire, coffee dates with friends, or attending events and festivities. This year, this 2020 year of shifting expectations, of sudden changes, of making alternate plans or no plans at all… How do we enter into this next season with openness and intentionality when everything around us seems in flux?

We’ve put together 40 (a.k.a. 20+20 - See what we did there?!) ideas to beat the blues and enjoy the moments in each day. We know how much you have on your plate right now. Big plans or lengthy wish lists can be overwhelming, and perhaps disappointing if they can’t come to fruition. Instead, how about taking pause, practicing gratitude, and surrendering to whatever may come? Perhaps with a bit of that beautiful element of empowerment wrapped in…

What will you incorporate into your day, your week, in the next month?

1. Breathe fresh air. (Even if just for 10 minutes. Open a window, step outside, take walk.)

2. Travel around the world by sampling a dish from a different country once a week. (Check out these recipes for inspiration.)

3. Dance (By yourself, with your dog, with your kids, with your partner, with a friend on Zoom!)

4. Practice your squats while loading/unloading the dishwasher or washer/dryer.

5. Make a music play list. (Something you love, just for you.)

6. Mark your calendar (and plan to celebrate) all of these fun and weird holidays. (Did you know “Pickle Day” is coming up?!)

7. Drink a good cup of tea. (There’s something about the process that slows things down and allows space when the day seems to move too quickly.)

8. Join a group. (Pods and virtual groups are forming all the time for all sorts of interests and themes, like moms groups, book clubs, and brunch buddies.)

9. Draw circles. (Yep! This can reduce stress and bring about calm.)

10. Take up a new hobby or a project. (What would give you joy right now?)

11. Tune into your spiritual or religious side.

12. Put on clothes that make you feel good. (Even in the middle of the day. Change it up!)

13. Practice daily meditations, visualizations, or prayers.

14. Brush your teeth. (Freshens things up and may even help to focus on healthy snack choices rather than unnecessary cravings.)

15. Add an aromatherapy shower tablet to your daily routine.

16. Take a nap. (Cozy up in a blanket, rest your eyes and body. Even if sleep doesn’t come, pausing can feel really nice.)

17. Write yourself a “pick-me-up” note. (Or try some of these affirmations.)

18. Rearrange the furniture in your house. (For a change of scenery.)

19. Write a letter to someone who holds a special place in your heart.

20. Bring flowers or elements from nature into your space.

21. Watch the sunrise or sunset. (Focus on the transition and the predictability of the shifting days.)

22. Do a crossword puzzle or another of your choosing.

23. Drink water. (1/2 of your body weight in ounces is a good goal.)

24. Have yourself a treat (I know what we just said about cravings… Choose to have something special and enjoy it!)

25. Call a friend or a family member just to say “hello.”

26. Lighten things up with some harmless pranks. (Definitely not intended to be malicious! Just simple and fun, to liven things up a bit.)

27. Be goofy. (In front of the mirror, with your kids, your partner, on a video chat with your friend.)

28. Rest your brain a bit and take a break from social media. (One hour, one day? One week? Set a goal and use that energy elsewhere.)

29. Play with your dog/cat/pet. (They’re good lovers and know what you need.)

30. Refresh your home with warm and uplifting aroma.

31. Grab a coloring book, some colored pencils, and have at it! (Print out pages of your choosing for free here.)

32. Text a friend or family member just to say how much you appreciate them.

33. Sing! (Whether you consider yourself a “good” singer or not, belt it out to your heart’s content.)

34. If you haven’t had too much of online forums, how about registering for a class? (For fun.)

35. Plant an indoor garden. (Have you seen these AeroGardens? Plants grow incredibly fast and are easy to tend. Little successes can be big wins in beating the blues.)

36. Jump on a trampoline. (Remember that feeling of freedom when you were a kid? There’s something about trampolines, small or large, indoors or out, that inspire a sense of merriment. And gets your blood flowing!)

37. Wear a tiara/crown for the day. (Yep! Dig through the costume bin or make one out of your craft supplies. You might be amazed at the confidence this accessory emits.)

38. Smile!

39. Find a reason to laugh. (How about some funny kids to get started?)

40. Say “yes” to yourself.

At the end of the day, remind yourself that you did the best you could today, and that is good enough. —Lori Deschene

We hope this list will help inspire you to bring newness into the mundane and brighten your day. If you find you are experiencing bluesy symptoms that just don’t seem to go away or can’t be lifted by activities, please consider reaching out to someone for help. No matter what stage of motherhood you are in, postpartum mental health issues can arise. Click HERE for more information and resources provided by Roots Family Collaborative, or reach out to us for direct support.

Written by Kelli Stanley