Savoring the small stuff
Dear cozy readers, It’s been a chaotic stretch: my birthday just passed, Mother’s Day is almost here, and I’m gearing up to travel across the world to visit family I haven’t seen in 10 years. It’s an exciting time, but my to-do and to-buy lists seem endless. Sometimes, I just want to lounge on the couch and exhale. During times like these, I think it’s even more important to savor the small stuff and find moments of calm in chaotic everyday living. 📖 Soft Reading: Njuta: The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment I’ve always had a soft spot for Scandinavian culture and am always trying to incorporate their healthy and low-key social habits into my life, especially as someone who often opts for bed-rotting. This little book is a reminder that joy doesn’t have to come from big gestures or perfect days; it’s about noticing the small pleasures: eating and making simple foods like bread, embracing nature, incorporating movement and connection in little ways, etc. 🧩 Mindful Pastimes: Memory exercises Here’s a confession: My brain often spirals with health anxiety, particularly around longevity. It’s not the most fun headspace, but it’s comforting to realize that the small, playful habits we do everyday can support long-term well-being. One of my favorite memory games is this JetPunk quiz on naming as many of the world’s countries as you can (in your own time). It’s surprisingly meditative, and it scratches that nerdy little itch in my brain while helping with recall. 📱 Wholesome Scrolling: Sugar and Sloth on Instagram Follow Sugar and Sloth for the cutest, most affirming content you didn’t know you needed. Their posts are designed to help anxious overthinkers live happier lives, and they hit that perfect note of uplifting without being unrealistic and cringe. Think: adorable illustrations, gentle pep talks, and reminders that you’re already doing your best. 🎬 Calm Viewing: Romeo + Juliet (1996) I’ve been begging to see this movie pop up on streaming and it’s finally on Hulu! This adaptation is SO campy: Shakespearean language meets 90s aesthetics, Leonardo DiCaprio embodying broody emo boy feels, and Harold Perrineau’s iconic Mercutio portrayal. The first scene alone (a gunfight at a gas station) is pure, glorious absurdity. If you’re looking for a cozy movie night with a chaotic and beautiful film, this is it. 🍪 Simple Bites: Trader Joe’s Ube Tea Cookies I like to occasionally go to Trader Joe’s just to browse and discover new snacks; maybe that’s a Mindful Pastime to include in a future newsletter issue. I am a huge fan of all things ube-flavored, so these cookies were a must to try. The verdict? This is the perfect snack to pair with tea or coffee (perhaps over fika, as Swedish culture calls for). 🧴 Comfort Finds: Supergoop! Sunscreen Wearing sunscreen makes me feel oddly safe—like I’m doing a tiny protective ritual every time I leave my house. Supergoop! has been my go-to for a few years now; it’s light, blends in easily, and reminds me that caring for myself doesn’t have to be complicated. SPF = self-care. 💭 Warm Thoughts: "You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are."— Fred Rogers Take care, and may you find tiny pockets of joy on the busiest days 🌸
