Tag: mental health

The Winter Reset: 11 Simple Rituals to Boost Energy and Calm Your Mind

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Late December hits different, doesn’t it? The holiday chaos slows, leaving that quiet, slightly weird space between Christmas and New Year’s—where you’re halfway between festive and…exhausted.

This is your official invite to winter. Yes, winter—as a verb. The solstice is basically the universe saying: slow down, recharge, and treat yourself like the main character of your own cozy, low-key movie.

Need calm? Energy? Or just a few rituals to make the darkest days feel intentional instead of doom-scroll-y? These 11 winter practices are your blueprint for doing winter right.

1. Cozy Cup Pause
Wrap your hands around something warm (tea, golden milk, or a gentle hot cocoa) and take five deep belly breaths. No scrolling. Let the heat and scent calm your nervous system—it’s like a mini winter hug. Perfect anytime, from morning wake-up to pre-bed wind-down.

2. Candletime Reset
Light a special candle reserved just for “me time” or intentions. Let the scent cue your brain that everything’s safe, abundant, and calm. Start this on the solstice for a season of growth and self-nourishment.

3. Snow Globe Meditation
Imagine your thoughts swirling like a snow globe. Shake, set it down, and watch the flakes settle. Just five minutes to quiet your mind and reset.

4. Night Oil Ritual
Warm a few drops of face or body oil in your hands, press it gently into your skin, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Treat it as a little winter prayer of self-love. Surya Balancing Face Oil is perfect here—packed with Ayurvedic botanicals to nourish and revive winter-weary skin. Bonus: massage your feet and slip on cozy socks for instant calm.

5. Digital Dusk
An hour before bed, dim the lights and switch your phone to grayscale or red tint. Honor the season’s slower pace and cue your body for rest.

6. Morning Sunlight
Step outside for natural light before caffeine. Even cloudy daylight energizes your cells, supports your circadian rhythm, and beats the winter slump.

7. Citrus Diffuser Boost
Drop grapefruit, orange, or lemon essential oils in a diffuser—instant energy for groggy afternoons.

8. Winter Shake-Out
Shake your arms, legs, shoulders, and even jaw like you’re shaking off bad vibes. Thirty seconds to reset stagnation and get your blood moving.

9. Ginger Pick-Me-Up
Juice fresh ginger or use a pinch of powder, add lemon and cayenne, and take it as a fiery afternoon shot. Boosts metabolism and immunity in one go.

10. Warm Bath + Cold Foot Dip
Soak your body in a warm bath, then dip your feet in cold water for 10–20 seconds. Relaxing, energizing, and amazing for circulation.

11. Winter Journaling
Use the solstice to visualize your year ahead. Focus on a goal or project and imagine it going perfectly. The Therapy Journal is ideal for mapping out your thoughts and dreams—planting seeds while giving your mind structure. Screen time down, intention up. Wintering, mastered.

The tips and ideas in this article are for informational and lifestyle purposes only. They’re not a replacement for professional advice—medical, mental health, or otherwise. Everything shared here reflects the author’s personal perspective, and BeautyLeeBar does not specifically endorse any products, services, or practices mentioned. Use what resonates with you, and always consult a qualified professional if you have questions or concerns about your health or well-being.

Italian Girl Slow-Living Habits for a Peaceful, Clear Mindset

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There’s a soft, effortless luxury to the Italian way of living — slow mornings, warm light, and small rituals that make everyday life feel more intentional. When everything starts to move too quickly, and your mind feels overwhelmed, what you need isn’t a dramatic reset but a gentle shift in how you begin and end your days. That’s where Italian slow-living habits come in, offering a soothing yet refined approach to creating mental clarity.

Italy’s place among the world’s happiest countries speaks to a culture that values balance, beauty, and presence above all else. These habits reflect that same spirit: simple, elegant rituals designed to ground your mind, soften your days, and bring a touch of quiet luxury into your routine — no passport required.

5 Italian Habits to Love

1. Sprezzatura – Making something look effortless
This habit embodies the elegant tranquility Italians carry even in the most challenging moments. Sprezzatura is the art of moving calmly, confidently, and with intention. Originating in the sixteenth century from Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier, it describes a carelessness that hides all effort, making everything appear natural and effortless. In practice, it’s about transforming challenges from a place of ease, learning from the process instead of struggling through it.

2. Piano Piano – Little by little
It is practically a synonym for patience; The famous “pian pianito” that we have all heard when we start something new, a course, a project, or a different stage. It is about advancing step by step, without haste and without wanting to master everything in a single day. Because there’s nothing more overwhelming than trying to learn everything, wanting to do it perfectly, and being the best version of yourself in just a moment. This habit reminds us that things well done need calm, apart from enjoying the process, celebrating small daily achievements, and waiting for the results from a comfortable place, knowing that they are already yours by decree.

3. Anni, Amori e Bicchieri di Vino – The years, the loves, and the glasses of wine are never counted
Life isn’t about tallying age, past loves, or possessions. This habit invites living lightly, without unnecessary ties or worries, and embracing every moment with joy. Age is just a number, and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or pursue what matters most. And yes — every celebration is better with a good glass of wine in hand.

4. Il Dolce Far Niente – The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
This habit is all about stepping away from the rush and letting yourself simply be. Italians embrace il dolce far niente as a natural part of their day — not as a reward after endless work, but as an essential moment to recharge. It’s where the mind can breathe, creativity can bloom, and ideas can feel fresh and clear. There’s no “right” way to practice it; it happens while strolling along the coast, watching the sky, or simply savoring the quiet of a slow afternoon.

5. La Vita è Bella – Life is Beautiful
Existing is already a gift, and this habit reminds us to notice it. La vita è bella encourages finding beauty in every detail, practicing gratitude and kindness, and cherishing both small and significant moments. Especially in uncertain times, it’s a conscious choice to see joy, cultivate positivity, and gradually create the life you want — one mindful moment at a time.

Bonus: Mangiare con Gioia – Eating with Joy
Food is more than just nourishment; it’s a ritual of pleasure, connection, and presence. Italians approach every meal with gratitude and attention, savoring the flavors, textures, and company around them. This habit invites you to slow down, enjoy each bite, and treat mealtime as a mindful, joyful experience — turning everyday routines into moments of delight and connection.

The Perfect Wellness Gift for the Person Who Has Everything (and Needs Inner Peace)”

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In partnership with Apothékary. When a wellness brand actually lives up to the hype, we can’t gatekeep it — and Apothékary’s Now & Zen Mini Set might just be the ultimate gift for anyone craving calm and clarity.

There’s something about the holidays that can send your stress levels soaring faster than you can say “add to cart.” Between endless to-do lists, social plans, and the pressure to find thoughtful gifts, inner peace starts to feel like a luxury.

This year, instead of running on caffeine and chaos, I’m taking a different approach — one that actually supports my calm. Enter Apothékary’s Now & Zen Mini Set, a plant-powered trio designed to bring balance back to your body and mind.

Whether you’re shopping for your wellness-obsessed bestie, that hard-to-please family member, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this mini set delivers everything you need to stress less and glow more. Here’s why it’s the perfect wellness gift for anyone who has everything — except maybe a little inner peace.

💛 Why We’re Obsessed

  • Three limited-edition flavors featuring Japanese botanicals, all tucked into one incredibly giftable mini set. Because who doesn’t love a little botanical magic in a box?
  • Extras that feel luxe: recipe cards with dosage tips and benefits, plus a chic gold stir spoon — because even your supplements deserve a touch of glamour.
  • Packaging goals unlocked: the gift box is already a treat, and with the limited-edition Keiko Furoshiki cloth, you can wrap it, tote it, or style it as an accessory. Multi-purpose gifting = win.
  • Daily dose made easy: built-in droppers mean zero fuss, just calm in a sip.
  • Clean, conscious, and cruelty-free: certified organic, third-party tested, sugar-free, alcohol-free after extraction, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and never tested on animals.

⚡ Heads Up

  • Supplements are personal — results can vary, so don’t expect magic overnight.
  • You can’t customize the set — but honestly? With these three botanicals, disappointment is not on the menu.
All of Apothékary’s products are vegan and gluten-free with no added sugars, and always made 100% from plants without any synthetic flavors or colors. 

🎁 The Chill Gift Everyone Actually Wants

Between writing a novel, juggling deadlines, and scrolling through a never-ending “gifts they might like” list, I’ll admit I was skeptical that a few drops could actually help. Spoiler alert: they do.

If your holiday to-do list is feeling like it has a life of its own, the Now & Zen Mini Set is here to rescue you — and anyone on your gift list who could use a little calm. Each tincture is thoughtfully formulated to support both physical and emotional well-being, giving your body a gentle boost when you’re running on empty (hello, holiday chaos).

And let’s talk packaging: the limited-edition Keiko Furoshiki wrap elevates this set from thoughtful to truly luxe. No stress, no guesswork — just a gift that looks beautiful, feels indulgent, and actually makes life a little easier.

The boxed gift set is the perfect size. Small enough to fit in a gift bag or ship (pre-wrapped) to your BFF across the country. 

🫖 What’s in the Set

Whether you’re sober-curious, new to herbal wellness, or just need a little calm in your life, the Now & Zen Mini Set is basically a starter kit for serenity — beautifully packaged, alcohol-free, and totally giftable (even if the gift is for yourself). Bonus points: each herbal drop is a limited-edition Japanese botanical blend, making it a thoughtful and unique present.

This is the kind of gift that works for almost anyone on your list: your friend exploring wellness, the teacher who deserves hazard pay for patience, your partner quietly weathering your pre-holiday stress, or your neighbor who pretends not to notice your creative chaos.

Inside, you’ll find three mini herbal tinctures, each designed to bring balance to body and mind. Need to unwind, reset, or recharge? There’s a blend here with your (or their) name on it.

Rosé-Tinted Glasses® with Cherry Blossom

What it does: Schisandra Berry supports a healthy stress response, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom boosts cognition and mental focus — helping emotional well-being, calm, and even skin health.*
Backed by results: 82% of participants saw mood improvements after a month.
Tastes like: Tart strawberries, floral, and sweet.

Take The Edge Off® with Yuzu

What it does: Passionflower helps relaxation and stress relief, and Skullcap eases occasional tension while supporting natural sleep rhythms.
Backed by results: 95% of participants found it helpful for stressful moments.
Tastes like: Herby and sweet with a touch of citrus.

Wine Down™ with Japanese Maple Leaf

What it does: California Poppy eases occasional discomfort, and Blue Vervain supports relaxation, comfort, and restful sleep.
Backed by results: 97% of participants reported drinking less after two weeks.
Tastes like: Earthy, full-bodied, dark berries.

Each blend is a tiny ritual for the season — from calming frazzled nerves to sharpening focus, these drops deliver moments of balance in an otherwise chaotic holiday.

🌿 The Gift That Keeps on Giving

One of the worst feelings as a gift-giver is knowing the thoughtful present you spent time (and money) on will end up forgotten in a drawer by January. The Now & Zen Mini Set is not that gift.

Opening it feels a bit like unwrapping a tiny moment of calm — the kind you didn’t know you needed. The herbal tinctures pour smoothly from their sleek bottles, and the built-in droppers make measuring your daily dose almost meditative. Following the recipe cards’ guidance, each sip is subtly earthy, layered with gentle botanical notes that feel like a mini reset in a glass.

What I love most? This isn’t just a supplement — it’s a ritual. Taking a moment for yourself, stirring in the gold spoon, breathing, and just being present turns a simple wellness habit into a little act of self-care. It’s indulgent without being over the top, perfect for anyone who could use a few calm minutes in their day.

And yes, it works. Apothékary backs up their formulas with results: 97% of users reported drinking less after just two weeks of Wine Down™, and over 60% saw improved sleep quality within eight weeks. This makes it a gift that truly delivers on what it promises — calm, balance, and a little extra presence in the season’s chaos.

Whether you’re gifting a moment of peace to a sober-curious best friend, a colleague, or even yourself, the Now & Zen Mini Set brings exactly what the holidays usually lack: serenity, self-care, and permission to slow down.

Apothékary

Now & Zen Mini Set

$59

These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I Tried Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder — The Viral Sleep Supplement for Restful Nights, Stress Relief & Glowing Skin

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If you’ve been struggling with restless nights or just craving a natural way to unwind, you’re not alone. Between daily stress and endless screen time, getting quality sleep feels harder than ever. That’s why I was excited to try Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder — a calming, magnesium-based supplement inspired by the viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail that’s been buzzing all over TikTok. Now available to purchase, this powder promises to support restful sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and even boost your skin’s natural glow.

From flavor to results, I put Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder to the test—here’s everything you’ll want to know before adding it to your own nighttime ritual.

How Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder Works

So, what makes this dreamy blend such a nighttime favorite? Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder combines magnesium bisglycinate chelate — a highly absorbable form of magnesium — with antioxidant-rich tart cherry. Together, they help calm the mind, relax the body, and support muscle recovery, making it easier to drift into deep, restorative sleep. The formula is sugar-free, vegan, and gluten-free, so it fits seamlessly into most lifestyles.

Even Serena Williams, Ritual’s new Women’s Health Advisor, is said to love this soothing powder for post-workout recovery and relaxation. Beyond sleep, magnesium plays a role in easing muscle cramps, supporting heart and bone health, and helping with nerve function — all while being gentle on the stomach. (As always, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re on medication.)

My Experience with Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder

One of my favorite things about this magnesium powder is how effortless it is to use. Just scoop about two teaspoons into 8 to 12 ounces of water, stir (or use a frother for an ultra-smooth blend), and you’re ready to sip your way to relaxation. It dissolves easily with just a spoon, which makes it perfect for a quick addition to my nightly wind-down routine.

The flavor is a delicate berry — light, not overpowering — and while I wouldn’t mind a little more punch, it’s refreshing enough to feel soothing before bed. As Ritual claims, I began to notice its effects within about 30 minutes. My body felt more at ease, my mind quieter, and I drifted off a bit faster than usual. I still woke up once or twice during the night, but I’m hopeful that consistent use will help me stay asleep longer.

Overall, Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder feels like a gentle, beauty-friendly way to help your body relax and prepare for a night of deeper rest. It’s a simple yet powerful addition to any self-care routine — especially if you’re chasing that elusive “beauty sleep.” I know I’ll be reaching for it on those restless nights when I need to calm my mind and body before bed.

Fast Facts

  • Serving size: Two teaspoons
  • Key ingredients: Magnesium bisglycinate chelate, montmorency tart cherry, citric acid, natural raspberry flavor, malic acid, silica, stevia leaf extract (Reb-M), organic monk fruit (luo han guo) extract
  • Flavor: Berry

Why It’s Staying in My Nighttime Routine

If falling asleep feels like a struggle or your mind just won’t switch off at night, Ritual’s Sleepy Girl Magnesium Powder might be the reset you’ve been looking for. It’s easy, tastes light and pleasant, and gives your body the support it needs to finally relax. I’ll be keeping it in my bedtime lineup for those nights when I want to wake up feeling truly refreshed.