Let’s face it, our worlds are still crumpling in on all of us, piece by piece, like a dollar store tortilla chip in hummus. #ThanksTrump. Plus, it doesn't really help that the holidays are right around the corner. Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like some political divisiveness at my Thanksgiving table. So, to combat all of that, here are my top 5 ways to de-stress and love myself.

1. Stop and literally smell the roses. The olfactory sense is the sense least taken advantage of. There's an almost primal factor of ease and calm that washes over you when you're confronted straight in the nostrils with the scent of warmth, of home, or of your favorite food. Scent has the power to transform your mood and elevate your spirits almost instantly; I dare you to smell gingerbread baking, watch a flame dance, and tell me you're 100% as pissed as you were sitting in traffic.

Check out Soy Much Brighter if you're interested in the calming sensation of scent!
http://www.soymuchbrighter.com/

2. Do something that forces you to think small picture. I actually resent this with every part of my being. Somewhere in the time I've grown up I've began thinking of my time as this precious, ticking clock, and forgotten that slowing down and taking time for things that don't necessarily “matter” but make you feel good are just as worthy. Painting your nails is an easy way to do this; when you're so busy worrying about your cuticles, you're not really worried about the $2.74 in your checking account and the fact that you need to buy $274 worth of presents for the holidays. You know what they say about idle hands, right?

Trust Fund Beauty is great for a focusing on the feel good smaller picture!
http://trustfundbeauty.com/

3. Appreciate your body. Do you take the time to fully love and appreciate your vessel every single day? Probably not; in America we think of showing as utility (the faster, the cleaner, the better). And though you may not have the time for a full-on soak, I promise you have 2 minutes to slather on some lotion. You are not a work in progress, you are perfect as you are.

Remind yourself with a magic infused lotion from Witch Baby Soap. (You're welcome).
https://www.witchbabysoap.com/

4. Check out alternative methods to heal yourself. I'm a huge fan of holistic medicine. Though I'm not going to tell you to hide your Sudafed in a hole next time you have a sinus infection, it might be cool to invest in a crystal that clears your head and throat chakras if this is a consistent problem for you. Those who believe in crystal healing generally feel that a crystal is just as much a living creature as you or I and had plenty of capabilities. And no, you don't have to sport it around your neck if that's not particularly your style. Do your homework, and pick up the stone that you're drawn to first (that's supposedly the way you know you have a connection). I like the selection on Etsy.

5. Find your niche and go for it. There are events out there filled with things you'd probably like, like-minded people you'd adore, in a place you'd probably love, and you just haven't discovered it yet. Spend a few minutes googling something that you're interested in and make a calendar of trade shows or conventions coming up near you after the holiday season, this way that epic end-of-the-year/end-of-my-life slump won't affect you as much as other people. Finding a new community or annual tradition can be a really cool stress-reliever. Bring your sad friends, too, for bonus points.