Winter Rut Survival: Simplify, Refocus, & Snap Out of It!

Is it just me, or does winter feel like it lasts for years? I loathe bundling up in bulky clothes just so I can step out the door, so I generally don’t leave the house unless I really need to (even though I know it only makes things worse). Because of that, I find myself restless as all hell. I’ll start working on something and then find 50 more things I could do. Before I know it, I’m driving myself crazy learning things I don’t really give a shit about and stressing over a massively unnecessary task list.

The Struggle is Real. Every year.

Perfect example – The other day, I found myself freaking out about my blog. Am I in the right “niche” for what I want to create? I even went down a rabbit hole about AI agents—do I need one? Do I even know what one is? Researching and tweaking and…all of a sudden I have a task list full of bullshit busywork! Why? Apparently I’m bored!

I slammed the brakes and thought “Does any of this really matter? No? Then fuck it!” In this scenario, all I need to concern myself with is creating valuable content that I enjoy sharing. There’s no reason to overcomplicate that.

Simplify and Break Free

I’m sure you can relate, especially during winter. You have this tired, restless energy, but you have nothing useful to do with it so you just stress yourself out. What can we do?

What matters? Make a list. Keep it as simple as possible. Embrace some selective apathy instead of spiraling and drop the guilt about things that don’t really matter to you.
Create small “chaos breaks”. Dance, wash five dishes, or write out a messy braindump (and then throw it in the recycling bin if it ultimately doesn’t matter!)
Get outside, even for five minutes – just enough to feel the cold slap some sense into you. Like I said, I loathe bundling up, but the crisp fresh air does do wonders for snapping me into a different mindset.
Channel restless energy productively. Work on something that does matter to you, whatever that may be.

Bonus : Create something to look forward to. You don’t need to lock anything in – just let yourself dream a little. Personally, I like to brainstorm ideas for summer travel, tattoos, parties, my garden, local hiking spots, concerts, and exterior property maintenance. Most don’t happen, but that’s fine—I like having options.

Conclusion

It’s normal to feel restless in winter, and it’s ok to feel like you’re in a rut sometimes. Check your priorities, cut the bullshit, and give yourself something to look forward to! And enjoy these times of rest and reflection while they last.

If you liked this article, please give it a “like”, share it with friends, subscribe if you’re new, and leave me a comment down below – What do you do when you’re feeling restless?

Rock on!

Where I’m At #6

Where I'm At

“Where I’m at” posts are just random updates about what’s going on in my life at any random time, based on the areas / roles in my life. Any particular goals I’m working on will be highlighted, so you can easily see what I’m actively working on improving. Leave a comment & give me ideas for things you’d like to see me write individual posts about!

planner : Looking forward to spring! Even though it’s still like 3 weeks away lol!! I have to plan the family party for the month – February’s crockpot potluck was lovely, so I want to do a simple fondue dinner thing for March, but hubby wants to do a murder mystery party. We’ll see! I also want to plan an overnight hotel stay so the girls can go in a pool at some point lol
self (body & mind, emotion & education) : Feeling a little more comfortable in my “mom bod”, but I’m still working on improving my diet with more produce & protein, and I’d like to take more time for exercise because I’m tired all the time heh. Otherwise, I’m doing pretty well. A little frazzled because I want to do too many things, of course, but I just keep stepping back & focusing on my priorities!
marriage (relationship & libido) : Doing pretty well here. I’m learning the art of being a “smart wife” lol. We’re finding more moments to steal for intimacy now that the girls are getting bigger, so that’s pretty awesome LOL
mom (BooBoo & Bubby) : The girls are doing pretty great! They’ve been obsessed with this YouTube Roblox video of “Cutie” playing the walking heads event, & it’s creepy as all hell, but…otherwise they’re good LOL

Why?! Why is this even a thing?!?

teacher (K & PK) : School is moving along fine. BooBoo’s getting better & better at reading, and we’re focusing more on Bubby’s letter & number recognition. BooBoo loves science; we did a “snow” experiment with conditioner & baking soda that they both thought was pretty cool. I can’t wait til it’s warm enough to go outside & explore with them! We’re still debating on whether we’re going to keep BooBoo in karate after she gets her yellow belt, but so help me god, I’m definitely getting Bubby in gymnastics starting in March (she’s so excited, & I’m so excited for her!)
zB : Omg, I’m having so much fun writing posts & creating digital products! I’m super behind this month, partially because of it being a short month, but…at least I’m enjoying it! And it seems to be gaining a bit of traction, so that’s pretty awesome hehehe (HI!!)
homemaker (finance, cleaning, gardening, prepping, travel) : Doing alright here. I don’t have much time for household projects because of homeschooling, but that’s ok. Priorities! Haven’t had a chance to work on gardening ideas yet either, but I do know that I’m not going to listen to Hubby & I’m putting it where I want this year lol. We also need to plan our trips, & I need to nag Hubby to get the bus ready. sigh
witch : I started working on this stuff online more, which has been enjoyable so far! I’m still doing my usual hearthcraft though, of course!
reseller : Yeah. No. lol. I’m SO over it…or am I? I would like to do it a little bit, I just don’t have the time, space, or passion for it right now.

Currently

eating – soup

drinking – spiced wine

watching – Younger, Beast Games, & Sisters Feud mostly

reading – Nothing right now

playing – Sims Freeplay lol. A little bit. I used to be obsessed with it.

buying – Spring dresses on Temu lol

listening to – Green Day & Reverend Horton Heat

celebrating – Spring!

pinning – Green Day, journaling, exercise, home design inspo

planning – a party & a hotel stay, tattoos

feeling – frazzled, excited

Where are you at? Let’s chat in the comments!!

Rock on!

Rebel Self Care : Redefining Love and Wellness for Yourself This February

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Self care has been hijacked by overpriced candles and Insta-worthy aesthetics. It’s time to take it back and make it your own – honest, accessible, and tailored to your needs with unique methods of accepting your authentic self!

What Rebel Self Care Really Means

Rebel self care is about rejecting the cliches by only saying “yes” to whatever fuels you (even if it is cliche). It’s also about rebelling against “hustle culture” and complete selflessness. It’s about embracing boundaries and prioritizing your needs. Self love isn’t narcissistic and self care isn’t selfish, they’re necessary for self preservation.

Create a Self Care Plan That Doesn’t Suck

Step 1 : Identify what drains you

List 3 things you despise doing, and brainstorm how you can minimize, delegate, delete, or make them fun.

Step 2 : Identify what fuels you

Ask yourself “What makes me feel like me?” Make as long a list as you can.

Step 3 : Commit to regular acts of self care

Schedule days, make it a habit, and don’t let anything get in your way.

9 Rebel Self Care Ideas

Physical Wellness Basics Done Your Way

Forget 8 hours & calorie counting – What fuels your energy and makes you feel alive? What is your body asking for more or less of?
Make exercise a celebration, not a punishment – Dance like you’re in a primitive tribe, host a personal silent disco, go for an urbex hike (carefully!), or punch a pillow
Hibernate like a boss or schedule a Do Nothing Day – Rest isn’t lazy, it’s recharging for your next move

Break the Mental and Emotional Self Care “Rules”

Twisted journaling – write angry letters that you’ll never send, list what you won’t do this week, or create a mood board with magazine clippings
Practice selective apathy – Choose where to care and let the rest go
Therapy or vent sessions – Whether a pro or a trusted friend, let it out
Mindful daydreaming – Occasionally indulge in intentional fantasies about your ideal life, overcoming challenges, etc. Positive, productive daydreaming is akin to visualization, which can improve confidence and mindset.
Rage bake a masterpiece – Embrace the inevitable mess and channel some frustration into a chaotic, experimental baking session. Disaster or not, it’ll be cathartic.

Whatever you try, be sure to practice healthy boundaries and responsible self care. Your mental health is not a trend, it’s your life.

Why Rebellious Self Care is Essential

It’s not just about you. When you take care of yourself, you show up better for your loved ones and your work. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Choosing to protect your mental health in a world that wants you burned out is revolutionary.

Conclusion

Rebel self care is yours to define. Reject the cookie cutter version and build what feels true to you.

This February, ditch the rules and create a self care plan that’s as bold and unique as you are. Start small. Start now. Start by putting yourself first – unapologetically.

Hibernate Like a Boss : Why February is the Perfect Month for Rest & Recovery

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While society is always telling you to “hustle harder!”, winter whispers something different – “Rest”. This is permission for you to hibernate like a boss. Rest and slow living isn’t laziness; it’s rebellion against burnout.

Sleep and Rest – Your Secret Weapons

Some people say “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. While that’s true, you’ll die a lot sooner if you don’t get adequate sleep! Your body and mind heal while you get your beauty rest, which boosts your immune system and promotes mental clarity amidst life’s chaos. By resting now, you’re sharpening your edge for spring.

Trees go dormant and many animals hibernate – Shouldn’t we take the hint? I love to indulge in this rest and reflection time of year through couch naps and journaling. Come spring, I plan to emerge as a wiser, bolder butterfly.

Rest As a Ritual – Building an Evening Routine

The strength to conquer each day comes from clarity, not chaos. So it’s a good idea to wind down intentionally and maximize your rest time.

Rebel against your instincts if you need to :

ditch the doom scroll – swap your phone for a journal or a book
incorporate calming habits like herbal tea, dim lighting (warm white Xmas lights are lovely!), gentle yoga in bed, and ambient instrumental music or just white noise
try blackout curtains if you don’t like to see the ass crack of dawn (like me)

Slow Living Isn’t Weakness – It’s Power in Disguise

This is the ideal time of year for a few extra doses of self care. Naps, self reflection, and even occasional creative daydreaming now can do wonders for the busy months ahead.

Ask yourself:

What can I learn about myself right now?
What habits, people, or mindsets can I let go of?
What changes would I like to make this spring and summer?
What small steps can I make now to prepare for a vibrant year?

Conclusion

Rest isn’t just a pause; it’s an intentional rebellion against the constant pressure to always do more. Hibernate now so that you can rise stronger with clarity and purpose come spring.

This February, I challenge you to embrace the power that come from rest. Hibernate like a boss, and be sure to journal about the badass butterfly you’ll become. Take 10 minutes today to plan your hibernation ritual and commit to at least one act of rebellion against burnout.

If you liked this post, please give it a “like”, share it with someone you think would enjoy it too, & let me know in the comments below what your hibernation plans are!

PS – Just for fun, here’s a little coloring book page that you can print out or copy to color, or do with as you please! ❤

Winter Zine 2025

Zines

Here’s my zine for this winter – If you’d like a copy, just print & cut according to these instructions! Enjoy!!

A Guide to Celebrating the Winter Solstice for Inner Balance

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For those living in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice arrives on December 21 this year—a night longer than all others because we’re the furthest distance from the sun that we’ll be all year. Winter is a great season for rest, reflection, and renewal, so here are some ideas for celebrating the solstice with introspective practices, ways to connect with nature, and some nurturing self-care.

Introspective Practices

Meditation – There’s no better way to slow down and absorb the moment than spending some time in meditation. Meditation is an especially wonderful practice this time of year, whether a few minutes of mindfulness or an hour visualizing how you’d like the coming month to unfold.

Journaling – There are tons of year end journaling prompts on the internet (I’ll even be posting some in the coming weeks!), but you could always just freewrite anything that comes to mind. Explore the feelings of the moment, or the season. List your favorite seasonal changes or holiday traditions. You could even script a manifestation for the coming year, or reflect on your progress from the past year.

Gratitude – Write a long list of everything that fills your soul with peace (seriously, the longer the better). Your accomplishments, your loved ones, everything you like. It’s good for your whole wellbeing to be able to see the joy of your life in one long list.

Connecting with nature

Dawn or dusk walk – If you’re nothing like me & can stand to bundle up & trek around outside this time of year, that can be a great way to get in tune with nature. Absorb the smell of the cold air, the sights of tracks in the snow perhaps, & the refreshing feel of a cold breeze on your cheeks. Or, if you are like me, spend a few mindful minutes looking out your window to see what fauna you can spot.

Decorate with found items – Bringing some nature into your living space can be another great way to connect with this time of year. Make a special spot to decorate with pine cones, pine branches, or anything else you find outside.

Stargazing – This is another one for those of you who don’t mind the cold (Hello, I’m the Heat Miser! lol) Even I will find myself pausing for a moment after a late-night grocery run to appreciate the refreshing cold air & a sparkling starry sky.

Self care ideas

Warm bath – Bubbles & bombs or not, soaking in some hot water is soothing to the soul. You can add some essential oils as you fill the tub (bonus points for seasonal scents), light a candle with the intent of rejuvenation, or play some relaxing music. Even a quick soak after a shower is good for you.

Enjoy some herbal tea – Herbal tea doesn’t typically have much (if any) caffeine, so feel free to enjoy it any time of day or night. Keep it on a cup warmer & enjoy it for hours if you like! Doing so will encourage you to pause throughout the time it takes to drink it, & savor the warmth, smell, & taste it provides.

Digital detox, or information detox – Take a break from absorbing the wealth of information & entertainment our screens provide. Indulge in some “analog” hobbies such as arts, crafts, reading a book, playing a board game with loved ones, or any other offline activity that feels good to you. Your peace of mind will thank you!

Conclusion

The winter solstice is a wonderful reminder of the cycles of life & how we each fit into that process. Taking some time for introspection, self care, & getting in tune with the natural world around you are great ways to find some inner balance, especially amidst the busy holiday season.

How do you celebrate the winter solstice? Share your thoughts & practices in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

Do Nothing Day

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I figured this post would be most useful now, before the holidays get too crazy. In other words – IMPLEMENT IT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!! LOL

Every day I do dishes, laundry, & cook food. Except Sundays. On Sundays, I do nothing. And I don’t give a fuck. It’s nothing religious; it’s simply self care.

Why Do Nothing? Because I’ll burn out if I’m constantly doing things, & so will most people. Even nature takes a break once in a while. So I try to avoid the sickness & sadness by scheduling time to do “nothing”.

What is a Do Nothing Day?

A Do Nothing Day is a self care boundary I’ve set with myself & my family. It’s a day full of journaling, yoga, reading, meditation, and whatever other self care activities can refill my cup of energy for the week. If I miss a Do Nothing Day, everyone knows it because I’m dragging myself along all week as a cranky mess. The dishes & laundry can wait, & there’s plenty of easy to prepare food in the house between the freezer, pantry, & leftovers in the fridge that I shouldn’t have to cook a damn thing.

When To Do a Do Nothing Day

When to do nothing depends on a person’s schedule, of course. I’ve found that I can generally get out of doing anything on Sundays because it seems like most people don’t like to do things on Sundays.

Solo Retreats & Such

A “staycation”, a “solo retreat”, a “do nothing day”… There are lots of names for making time to keep your head from exploding. A “staycation” can mean forcing yourself out of your usual routine for a day or more, as if you were going on vacation, but not even leaving your town. Or house, if you so please. A “solo retreat” can mean the same thing, but structuring your time to focus on self care. I like the idea of a “Do Nothing Day” because it’s a weekly date set with my peace of mind.

How to Do Nothing

What refuels your energy? This is different for everyone of course, but consider things you don’t often have time to do otherwise. Some examples could be playing video games, reading a book, or writing in your journal. You could structure your day (or days, depending on how burned out you feel) by setting aside certain times for certain activities, or by including nourishing foods at set times throughout. Or you could just go with the flow, just make sure you don’t get sucked into an activity that drains your energy at a certain point (like video games or watching tv does to me…& most people who are being honest with themselves lol).

So, pick a day & adapt it as needed. Don’t give up on it – you won’t regret it & you know that! Let me know in the comments below what kinds of things you do, or would like to do, on a Do Nothing Day, and let me know if you’re having any trouble with the idea (I’d love to try to help!)

Enjoy the calm amidst the storm!!

Sprint 5 Goal Recap

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I’ve altered my goal planning system quite a bit over the past few months, and one major change I’ve adapted is using the idea of “6 week sprints”, where I work on certain goals for 6 weeks, and then take 2 weeks to wrap things up & prepare for the next sprint. I like sharing my progress with you all, so here’s a recap of “Sprint #5”…

(I definitely took on too much this past sprint – Live & learn!)

Body

I was feeling pretty rough about my physical state. I had been taking medication that caused me to gain 25+ pounds in the course of only about 6 months (despite my physician’s assistant insisting it wouldn’t), and I was ready to start working it off. I managed to maintain a doable exercise routine : 2 days with 15 minutes of cardio, 1 day with 15 minutes of bellydancing hehe, 3 days of arm workouts (it’s a pain point for me), and 1 day of yoga or tai chi; plus a quick workout with my kids for their homeschool days, and a few minutes of yoga to end each night. And 5 squats every time I go to the bathroom (which, surprisingly, really slimmed my thighs!) As far as diet, which I consider more important than exercise, I was initially trying to just be mindful & include more water, produce, & protein in my daily meals. I did fairly well at first, but discovered a lot of problems toward the end. So, this is something I’ll be working on during the next sprint, while I continue my enjoyable exercise routine!

Wife

My husband—boy, do I love him, but he drives me fucking crazy sometimes! He’s retired, so we spend an awful lot of time together. Which is a good thing, but I do appreciate my space. And with two young kids, it’s a lot of finagling.

So, I spent the sprint contemplating marriage advice that I occasionally forget about (patience, compassion, all that good stuff), and journaling my way through difficult emotions as they arose (instead of getting upset). I managed to improve our communication & improve his attitude as a result. I also made a point to be more affectionate & open, using things I learned from the Tantra course I took earlier this year. Everything turned out great! Now I need to maintain it without being a main focus, as far as goals go.

One thing I do still need to work on is my libido. I’ve always had low energy in this realm. So, next sprint I’m going to try to work on that (& I’m sure Hubby will be grateful lol!)

Reseller

Ugh.

I realized I don’t really care about resale anymore. At least, not the way I’ve been doing it. I can’t find the time, energy, or motivation to prep inventory, let alone list daily. So, this goal really didn’t go anywhere. However, I did realize I need to restructure my business plan so that I can do something with this path. I don’t have a massive amount of inventory to taking up real estate in my home, but I do have more than I’d feel comfortable donating. The original idea of starting the resale business was to have fun working with Hubby, but he’s more of an “in person” kind of seller. So I need to restructure to offload the inventory I have (which I’m dreading) so that I can get him focused on working with other items in the warmer months. Yeah. I don’t know. lol. I gotta figure something out though.

Ikigai

On a lighter business note (LOL!)… I started journaling about what I wanted more of in my life, and how I can try to make some money from it. I came to the realization that I love writing & I love helping people. So I need to figure out how to make money doing these things – My passion project. I resituated my blog here (though there are definitely more improvements to be made!), and did a ton of research on the directions I want to go with this “Ikigai” project, including useful products & eventually coaching. I’m kind of just enjoying the process & seeing where it takes me right now. I hope you’re enjoying it with me!!

Next Sprint

So, the main things I’ll be focusing on for my next sprint are my diet & my libido. Hubby’s been nagging me about taking a trip (since I had to scrap plans I’d been working on for months because he wasn’t ready for it, but I digress); so, I’ll have to plan a simple cabin camping trip for the family sometime soon. I should also work on my business plans, both for resale & my Ikigai. I’ll update on these when I can ♥️

How have your goals been going this year? What are you contemplating for next year? Let’s chat in the comments below, or feel free to shoot me an email at zenblitz@yahoo.com if you’d like to say hi in private!!

The only thing that helps me focus…

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We live in a time when seemingly everyone has trouble focusing on any one thing. Multi-tasking has become a skill most people aim to perfect because we live in a fast paced world. But if we don’t slow ourselves down regularly, we will inevitably “burn out”, so we need to make a point to take care of ourselves regularly.

I love me some Zen Habits – One of the things Leo mentions often is making a habit of taking regular mindfulness breaks throughout the day. So, in this article, I’m going to discuss this, as well as ideas on how to practice. (And remember, it’s practice! 😉)

The habit of regular mindfulness breaks

It’s easy for life to pass us by when we’re running from one thing to another, be it work to dinner to school, or whatever. We’re always on the go. Life is a precious & fleeting thing that we’re blessed to be conscious for, so it’s understandable to want to live it to its fullest. At the same time, are we really living, savoring each experience, as we go?? That’s why I think it’s such a good idea to schedule regular mindfulness breaks, whenever they can fit. Of course, it depends on how much time you can spare, whether you schedule a whole day or evening of pampering yourself, or if you can only sit for a minute or two. Depending on what I’m doing, most days I spend a few minutes every couple hours doing some exercise or meditation. If I’ve been particularly busy & need to recharge, I’ll carve out a few hours. But of course, mindfulness can be practiced anytime, anywhere, whenever you just focus on the present moment. 🕉

Acts of mindfulness

Anytime you immerse yourself in the present moment, you are practicing mindfulness. You could do this for a few seconds, or a few hours; it’s quality over quantity. You could immerse yourself in a walk in a park, or for a few seconds at work. Practice focusing on one thing. I do a lot of yoga, especially prior to meditation, because it helps calm my body; I meditate because it helps calm my mind. Really, anything you focus on is a type of meditation, including yoga, tai chi, & other exercises; I listen to a lot of trance music & usually use one of my many meditation beads , but I sometimes do visualizations or mantras.

Self care is a matter of necessity, not luxury

As a caregiver for my elderly father, I learned the importance of mindfulness the hard way. It’s a tough situation to be in, but it is what it is, and I try to grow where I’m planted by way of appreciating what I have each moment & trying to plan for the future. Burn out snuck up on me a few years ago, and regular mindfulness breaks are the only thing that has helped me get my head straight.

What do you do to take care of yourself? Let’s chat in the comments below!! 😉