Health & Wellness

5 Ways to Clear Mental Clutter

Easy Ways to Weed Out Unnecessary Thoughts & Worries
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

May marks Mental Health Month.  But before I go any further, I must admit to you all…up until recently I would have immediately tuned out anything with “mental health” related to it.  I would have dismissed it because I didn’t think it had anything to do with me.  But the more I’ve read about wellness, living intentionally and being more present, I’ve found that learning about mental health and finding ways to improve it (whether that’s through big improvements or adopting small habits) is something that should be on all of our minds. 

Mental clutter is a lot different than physical clutter (which we recently addressed thanks to MKR’s March read of Marie Kondo’s bestselling book).  Mental clutter can be linked to anxiety, poor time management, procrastination and stress, and it can wreak havoc on our creativity, productivity and every day outlook.  It’s exactly as it sounds: all that junk floating around in your head, disrupting your routine and bogging you down with detrimental thoughts.  

Like pretty much anyone reading this, I had to admit that I’m guilty of letting my thoughts and worries run rampant, sometimes causing me to lose sleep or pick a fight with a loved one.  I read a great piece on Fast Company the other day which shared 5 ways we can “rest and digest” the mind to counteract all of the distractions we face in a day.  It got me thinking about simple changes I can implement in my day-to-day routine to help clear my own mental clutter, like putting my iPhone down more often (understatement of the year).  I’ve listed them in the slideshow above, but I’d love for you to share any additional ways you’re able to do the same.  Cheers, Kat

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Reschedule Unnecessary Tasks

Reschedule Unnecessary Tasks

Step back and ask yourself what is REALLY necessary to accomplish today. Focus on the important task(s) and reschedule the rest. By learning how to say no, you empower yourself to call the shots on your schedule (and stress). If saying no is hard for you (like it is for many), check out these great tips.

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VIA GLITTER GUIDE, BY DULCET CREATIVE
Tackle One Important Task at a Time

Tackle One Important Task at a Time

Scientific research suggests that only 2% of the population can multi-task properly. As we try to do many things at once, we're actually a lot less productive with the tasks we have on our to-do lists. Seems straight-forward enough, but it always helps to have a reminder of this in order to cut down on the extra junk racing around in your head.

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, BY RUSTIC WHITE
Take Several Deep Breaths

Take Several Deep Breaths

Don't forget the power of deep breathing. Think long, deep breaths that sound like the ocean.
In the Fast Company article, Scott Eblin points out how deep breathing can be done wherever and whenever you wish, making it one of the simplest ways to get your mind back on track. I especially loved this thought: "Breathing is like doing reps in the gym for your biceps. The more reps you do, the stronger you are. Paying attention to your breathing increases the attention muscle in brain."

VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, PHOTO BY KATHRYN MCCRARY
Put the Cell Phone Away

Put the Cell Phone Away

It's easy to get wrapped up in the status updates, notifications and messages. But by putting your phone down, you are able to not only be more present in the moment, but also more productive with less distractions that lead to the mental clutter.

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VIA THE TEACHER DIVA
Find Time Alone

Find Time Alone

By allowing yourself to have alone time, you give your mind the chance to wander in unconscious thought and reset. Our worlds are becoming increasingly faster and noisier, and finding comfort in solitude can help keep the mind clear of clutter.

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VIA THE PETTICOAT

Featured image, Dulcet Creative via Glitter Guide

11 Little Luxuries Worth Indulging In Today

Celebrating the little things with a few lovely must-do's
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

These days, I’m amazed by how everyday indulgences can make me feel so good.  I’m talking about the simple, little luxuries that take only a little time and usually don’t cost much to to enjoy. Think lighting a lovely fragranced candle, buying yourself some fresh flowers, lounging in pajamas, reading your favorite magazine cover-to-cover, trying a DIY hair mask…little things that can give you so much joy. 

The root of this joy for me, I’ve found, is the intention of setting aside the time to do something for ME, with attention to the details.  Click through the slideshow above to find 11 little luxuries worth indulging in today, and tell me what you love to do, too!  Cheers, Kat

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Drink a Glass of Wine

Drink a Glass of Wine

I never need an excuse to pop open a bottle of wine, but after reading The French Beauty Solution, I'm quick to pour myself a glass to enjoy wine's antioxidant-rich goodness for my skin, of course. One glass and I'm nice and relaxed!

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VIA LAUREN CONRAD
Relax with Your Favorite Face Mask

Relax with Your Favorite Face Mask

Whether it's a simple DIY formula like this one, or your favorite product you've used for years, a face mask can feel like such a treat to yourself.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
Pour Yourself Some Hot Tea or Good Coffee

Pour Yourself Some Hot Tea or Good Coffee

I know I'm not alone in feeling instantly content with a cup of hot tea or good coffee in-hand. And with our recent Matcha Tea Latte recipe as you saw on the blog, I can take my time in the ritual of making it, and truly relax.

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VIA KATHRYN MCCRARY FOR WAITING ON MARTHA
Light a Candle

Light a Candle

The simple act of lighting a candle always feels luxurious to me, inviting me to relax and unwind. It always helps if the candle is as delicious smelling as this one!

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, BY RUSTIC WHITE
Eat an Ice Cream Cone

Eat an Ice Cream Cone

Such a simple pleasure, yet it always makes me happy. Instead of ordering a cup, I opt for the waffle cone!

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VIA @THEPINKDIARY
Give Yourself a Facial Steam

Give Yourself a Facial Steam

I recently had my first facial (which was AMAZING), and might now be hooked on doing anything that can help out my pores. This easy at-home facial steam is perfect for a relaxing night in.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
Indulge in a Pillow Mist

Indulge in a Pillow Mist

Did you know a subtle spray of a pillow mist can help you sleep better? Try a few drops of lavender essential oil or this DIY mixture before you get some shut-eye.

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VIA A BEAUTIFUL MESS
Try a Hair Mask

Try a Hair Mask

I recently tried a DIY hair mask, and loved how it made me feel luxurious (and it made my hair so soft too!). Whether it's DIY or store-bought, this is definitely worth indulging in once a week.

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VIA REFINERY 29, BY ALEXANDRA GAVILLET
Buy Yourself Fresh Flowers

Buy Yourself Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers NEVER fail to put a smile on my face, and they're something that's always worth it in my book.

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VIA ANTHROPOLOGIE, BY WHITE LOFT STUDIO
Give Yourself a Mani

Give Yourself a Mani

There's just something about having clean, manicured nails that makes you feel like you have your life in order. Too often I don't let myself set aside time to do them myself at home, and it's worth it every time I do!

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VIA GLITTER GUIDE, BY MONICA WANG
Take a Bubble Bath

Take a Bubble Bath

Ah, yes. Maybe my favorite indulgence of all, and exactly what I do when I'm needing a little "me time."

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, BY RUSTIC WHITE

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

Almond Milk Matcha Tea Latte

A Dairy-Free Take on Enjoying Matcha Tea at Home
Filed Under > Breakfast & Brunch

2016-03-24_0002Making a matcha tea latte at home | waitingonmartha.com Matcha tea latte recipe | waitingonmartha.com Hot matcha tea at home | waitingonmartha.com

Matcha, the finely ground powder of green tea, is the star of today’s recipe, and a fast-new favorite ingredient of mine.  I’m sure you’ve seen it around the web and your Pinterest feed like I have.  With its vivid green color, strong aroma and high, grassy notes with a subtle, lingering sweetness, matcha has been served and prepared ceremoniously for centuries in China and Japan.  And while I’ve had it loads of time while out and about I’ve never, until now, began making it at home. In fact, matcha tea has become part of my weekly routine in latte form in the morning or mid-afternoon, but you can see just how new it all is to me since I whisked it in my cup rather than the bowl.

Matcha got my attention when I caught wind of its world of beneficial effects on the body.  As one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, I knew it was widely known for its power to give us a little healthy energy boost.  But thanks to Thrive Market, I recently learned that green tea can also help with cardiovascular problems, terminal illnesses and even bad breath!

But nutrition aside, perhaps my favorite part about making matcha tea is the ritual.  The simple art of making the tea requires you to take your time; there is no “instant” in matcha tea.  As opposed to regular tea where you steep the tea leaves in hot water, matcha tea requires a suspension of the powder in the hot water. You achieve this by whisking the loose powder with a chasen, or bamboo whisk, in a tea bowl known as a chawan.  A sifter will help break apart any clumps in the tea powder as you use the chashaku to carefully scoop the powder into the chawan.  If you’re like me, you’ll find these traditional parts of the process make the slow ritual of making matcha tea as relaxing as the drink is satisfying. 

You can drink matcha tea both warm and cold, by itself or with accompaniments like almond milk, half & half and honey or agave sweetener.  I prefer mine as a Matcha Tea Latte, thanks to Bon Appetit; enjoyed warm with a dash of almond milk, making the drink completely dairy-free.  As you’ll see in the recipe below, there’s room for a little experimenting on what flavor and temperature you prefer to enjoy yours at home. 

Lastly, upon my recent infatuation with all things matcha tea, I stumbled upon this great post that goes into further detail about the nutrition side of things, as well as the importance of storing your matcha tea carefully, as its sensitive to light and it’s actually quite delicate. Definitely worth a read as you welcome matcha tea into your daily and weekly routine.  Truly, MKR

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Click Here for the Recipe

Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

AS PICTURED: CUTTING BOARD (similar here) | MATCHA TEA SET (similar here) | HONEY DRIP | CREAMER PITCHER | MUGS | NAPKINS

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