love-it list: social distancing edition

When we were first all stuck in our homes, I was a little bit relieved. Not for all of the terrible aspects (and there were many) but because I was a tired, burnt toast version of myself. I made a goal to be holistically healthy (mentally, physically, and emotionally). I started a new morning routine, workflow, and loose exercise regime.

It’s just me and my tennis shoes, baby. Speaking of which….

1. These Brooks Tennis Shoes are saving my high arches (That aren’t used to running. Ever.) Highly recommend for beginning runners whose arches are (painfully) high.
2. Collagen really makes my hair thicker and shinier. I see such a difference when I use it, but most brands are so too expensive for my book-loving budget. Thanks to my sister, I get this amazing but cheaper collagen.
3. This Target water bottle is only $5.99 and I love it. I have the tendency to lose my water bottles and this is a cute, stainless steel option that doesn’t break my bank.

These things have been helping me stay fit mentally:

1. There are bullet-journaling notetakers and then there is me. I don’t even try to color in the lines. But Milanote is a mind-mapping/list-making app that is changing my goal tracking. They have pre-made formats where you can plan out novels, blog posts, etc.
2. Caroline Leaf is one of my favorite writers on neuroscience and mental health. Her 21-day detox app is a huge tool for when I feel stuck. Of course, I would never use this app in place of a good counselor, which is a huge step in healing, but it is a really helpful tool.

Finally, my favorite topic. What have I been reading?

1. The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen. Okay, maybe you’ve already read this. You’re ahead of me. This book is an eye-opening review of what it’s truly like to do ministry today. It rips perfection away to show you the truth: we are all finding our way to Jesus.
2. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. This book has gotten a lot of press since it was released. John Mark Comer is one of my favorite Bible teachers, and this book is an absolute must-read that lives up to the reviews. Make it a priority read if you deal with burnout or life fatigue.
3. This and That are the two fiction books I read before bed every night. Lighter reads for the romantic in us all (or maybe just for the hopeless romantic).

Happy healthy living!