After finishing the rest of my schoolwork for the year, I’ve finally had the chance to rest and reset. Senior year was the easiest academically, but personally, I felt like I was constantly underwater. Applying to colleges and actually choosing one was definitely a challenge, especially with everything that followed, like scholarships, applying (and being accepted!) to the honors college, and preparing for graduation. It’s all been a whirlwind.
Yesterday, we celebrated Paps’ birthday with a delicious meal from Outback Steakhouse and his favorite German chocolate cake. Spending the day with him felt extra special, I really got to be present, soaking in those sweet, quiet moments together. After coming home from physical therapy, it was the perfect kind of relaxing day, ending with cake and ice cream.
When we’re overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to find what I call the mental essentials, the simple things that help calm the mind and restore the body. My favorite ways to reset often include people I love, family, friends, and my dog, or creative outlets like writing and music. And sometimes, it’s as simple as an extra hour of sleep or a good face wash at the end of the day. Even just taking off your makeup can feel like a small act of reclaiming peace. What matters most is choosing you.
Setting goals for ourselves is important, but so is giving ourselves grace. Physical and mental well-being should always be a priority. Yes, school and work matter, but they should never come at the cost of your health. Daily self-care matters. If you have an “off” day where you didn’t finish as much schoolwork or weren’t very productive, that’s okay. Every new day is a chance to reset, to do better, to just be.
Sleep and rest are what truly fuel our bodies. And in my experience, trying to live off caffeine is… not it. It costs way more energy (and money!) to grab a coffee than it does to get an extra hour of real rest. One of my biggest personal wins has been cutting back on extreme caffeine use. Energy should come from food, sleep, and balance, not just espresso shots.
Some of my favorite mental essentials include: snuggling with my dog, calling friends, playing video games, writing, attempting guitar, and listening to calming music. I even love playing silly phone games before bed. A light workout or some yoga can make a huge difference, too, releasing endorphins is so worth it. There are also amazing self-help and habit-tracking apps that make daily routines easier. My favorite? Callie, a personal care app that helps me stay on track and mindful each day.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as anything else. There’s so much stigma around it, but here’s the truth: just like you brush your teeth, your brain needs care too. There’s no excuse not to take care of yourself, and no shame in doing so. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I challenge you to test yourself. Research and talk about mental health and self care with your family or friends. You deserve kindness, rest, happiness, and love. The only person who can truly give that to you is YOU.
Latte Love,
Jill☕️
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I love reading all of these. I get excited every time you post a new one !!! Love you ❤️ mom
To stay on track start everyday by
Making your Bed
Now you have accomplished the first task of the day
Now go clean up after Millie’s gifts she left in the yard for you
Love Pap