In a word, this week has been A LOT for various reasons. I’m sure you can relate.Sometimes it’s so hard for me to remember that ultimately, all I can control are my actions, reactions. And that I cannot pour from an empty cup. And yes, often that is easier said than done as a caregiver who is very caring in all aspects of her life. Not to mention being a black woman in America, which is just hard and challenging on so many levels. But I’m taking baby steps to prioritize myself and my care.Earlier this week, I listened to the Lazy Genius podcast, and Kendra shared a list of things that are saving her life right now (take a listen if you’re curious).She inspired me to create a list. I thought of six things that have helped me recently:🤔 1. Asking myself this question:What is the most important thing for me to do today? I have this set up as an email notification that comes every day at 7 am. And it helps me nail down that one thing that I need to do each day. I do my best to honor my gut response to that question. And sometimes, the answer is rest, which means I may not get as much done that day. But it’s been beneficial.❤️‍🩹 2. Hemp/CBDI hopped on the hemp/CBD bandwagon during the pandemic, and I am a fan. Recess water is an excellent pick me up at any time of day and helps me relax and focus. And the Good Patch is helpful for various things, including managing some of my period symptoms, calming down after a stressful day, and recovering from sleepless nights.💃🏽 3. BeMoved. If you have been in my world for a little bit, you’ll know how much dancing has changed my life. BeMoved is a dance fitness program for folks of all ages and abilities. I can even do it in bare feet post ankle injury. The founder, Sherry Zunker, believes that movement expressed through dance and music can transform a person, and it does. Just being able to go to a class once a week has done wonders for my mental health.🧩 4. LEGOs!And puzzles. Cheers to activities that don’t require a screen, and it’s enjoyable to build things. I just finished this LEGO bouquet which was great to put together. So I’ll be on the lookout for more kits. Since I was a kid, I’ve loved puzzles, so it’s great to infuse that bit of play and nostalgia back into my life.😮‍💨 5. Breathing. Yes, I know that it quite literally saves my life. 😆 But I am beginning to see the importance of breathing more from my belly because I am a chest breather. Baby steps for sure because I cannot stick to meditation, but I’m trying to be more aware of my breathing when I’m feeling stressed. Shout out to Brandy, who shared this wonderful poem about breathing.🥳 6. Doing one little thing for myself every day. I’m trying to be better at this, but I’ve found creating tiny joys in my day helps me and gives me something to look forward to. That could be going to dance class, reading a book, doing a walking meditation, having some ice cream, taking myself out for a cocktail, going to bed early, or watching a show with a friend. What’s saving your life right now? What’s on your list?On to the picks!P.S. I have a few classified and sponsorship opportunities available before #jesspicks takes a holiday break, so let me know if you’d like one. Prices will be going up in January.