In between these extended hours working from home and full-time motherhood, I’m discovering new accessories with purpose, loungewear that inspires confidence, and important self-care rituals. Supporting small businesses is also more important now than ever. So I had to share a few of the latest mindful must-haves getting me through these uncertain times.

Jewelry with Benefits

In 2005, one of my favorite friends and I once marveled at how wise Lindsay Lohan was to tattoo her inner wrist in white ink with the word breathe. And while we decided not to follow the celebrity trend at age 16, for fear of getting in trouble with our parents, there have been many times that we both would have appreciated a constant reminder to exhale.

Years later, I’ve tried to fall in love with yoga. And I’ve attempted to learn how to meditate. But I only ever feel like myself when I’m running ahead, multi-tasking, and otherwise pulled in a million different directions. It’s arguably an insane concept, but a certain amount of over-stimulation keeps me centered. So this new temporary era of isolation has brought on an unexpected type of anxiety, and there just isn’t enough going on around me to bring me out of it.

Enter: the shift. This necklace that I just discovered simultaneously elevates my at home look and calms me when I need a minute. It also gives me something else to play with that isn’t my phone. It’s a chic accessory that doubles as the additional activity that I’ve been needing throughout this distant time. And it has meditative benefits.

I also reached out to Komuso before I wrote this and learned that the brand was founded in 2017 by a husband & wife who were inspired by the Komuso monks of 17th century Japan who used a similar tool (flute) to meditate. The tool is patented and engineered by a psychotherapist with the circumference & length to support the ideal exhale.

A Power Set

The power set is the new Spring/Summer 2020 power suit. And not just because it can transition from a virtual pilates session to a zoom meeting. Throughout my career, professional style statements have built my confidence and provided me with an outlet for self-expression. So I refuse to give them up even if I’m not leaving the house.

While perfectly suited for extended hours at home, an elevated matching set feels purposeful. And while there are so many options in this trendy category, I have my eye on the emerging luxury ready-to-wear brands that are redefining loungewear.

My goal? To build out an entirely new kind of empowering wardrobe with a hint of the 80s fitness surge and a nod to athleisure. And this suit from Nylora was the first I had to have. It’s comfortable, inspired, and incredibly versatile. It also fits my signature aesthetic – black with a hint of unexpected oomph.

Nylora was started in in 2018 by fashion designer Carolyn Jang. In the brands own words –

Today’s working woman is not bound by the old rules. She seeks balance. Wellness becomes her lifestyle; it falls into the gaps around work and play. Nylora also exists in a space between. Neither active nor ready-to-wear, these versatile pieces feel as good at the gym as they look on the street.

Nylora

A Daily Ritual

And while we all can agree than an indulgent skincare routine might as well be a quarantine mandate, a 5-step process pre-dated COVID-19 for many of us. The solution? Make it a 10-step routine.

I decided to enhance my standard jade roller practice by ordering one that was dual-sided. The studded end supports product absorption and skin elasticity. And the smooth end, which I use after, de-puffs. Together, I swear the extended morning ritual has masked the occasional over-indulgence in wine or lack of qualitative sleep. Either way, the practice gives me some much-needed time to myself every morning. The few minutes alone offer a respite from motherhood and working from home. And while I might still look tired, I feel great.

Next on my self-care list? Attempting to learn how to appropriately practice Gua Sha. Ping me with any tips.