15 Whole30 Soup Recipes to Keep You on Track Through Winter

Whole30 dinner recipes that actually comply with the diet's rules are like gold when you've committed to the plan. Warm winter salads are tasty, but if you want something a smidge more comforting, winter soups come in *very* handy. Most importantly, they won't derail the healthy progress you're making. Take a look at this list of Whole30-friendly soup recipes, and you'll be set all season long.


Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place. (via Brit + Co)

Instant-Pot Baked Potato Soup

You’re going to be thrilled with the bacon-y creaminess infused in every warm bite. (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana

Olive Garden is famous for its Zuppa Toscana soup, but it’s not gluten-free or Whole30. Try preparing this diet-friendly version (with coconut milk instead of cream) in your slow cooker. (via Noshtastic)

Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup

Next time you’re craving takeout, toss the menu and make this instead. Your body will thank you. (via Cotter Crunch)

Instant-Pot Minestrone Soup

Dive into a bowl of hearty minestrone with seasonal veggies and chunks of beef. (via Real Food Whole Life)

Carrot Cardamom Soup

When your skin needs a boost of vitamin A, a cup of carrot soup soup will do you good. Top with toasted seeds for an extra layer of flavor. (via The Little Green Spoon)

7. Creamy Cauliflower Soup With Bacon: This soup is so full of flavor that you will think you’re eating at a fancy restaurant. Save yourself a step and use frozen cauliflower rice in a pinch. (via The Endless Meal)

Sweet Potato Chili

This bean-less, sweet potato chili will warm you right up. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Homemade Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soup

This versatile recipe contains no mysterious additives. (via Noshtastic)

Paleo Chicken Pho With Zoodles

Give classic egg drop soup a spicy Thai kick with meatballs and chiles. You can’t go wrong with this one because it’s Paleo, Whole30, and low carb. (via Wicked Spatula)

Authentic Tom Ka Gai Soup

It doesn’t matter how dedicated you are to your lifestyle, sometimes you just get a hankering for an adventurous meal. To help satisfy those cravings, introduce yourself to the flavors of Thailand. This fragrant soup is a beautifully balanced blend of chicken, coconut milk, and veggies. (via Goodie Godmother)

Crock-Pot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup

Cooking for a Whole30 lifestyle can be time-consuming. However, for this recipe, all you have to do is throw handfuls of ingredients into your Crock-Pot and walk away. When you return, dinner is served. (via Real Food Whole Life)

Coconut Milk Fish Curry Soup

This soup will satisfy your needs without compromising your lifestyle. (via La Petit Chef)

Roasted Red Pepper Bisque With Shrimp

Spicy shrimp cut through the creaminess of this soup to create a balanced, healing bisque that will be welcome on any dreary day. (via Cotter Crunch)

Crock-Pot Paleo Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili

When the weather is frigid, you want a dish that’ll heat you up from the inside. What’s better for that task than a spicy sweet potato chili? (via Cotter Crunch)

Some families get together for Easter brunch, while others sit down for dinner. Then there are those who may find themselves eating all day on Easter Sunday. Whatever your plans this year include, find inspiration in this collection of dinner recipes for quiches, vibrant salads, savory tarts, and more. They will hit the spot any time of day and offer up ideas for all season long.

Basil Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Prosciutto

Here's a twist on an Easter ham: make this classic comfort food with warm, crisp prosciutto, Italian-style chicken with basil pesto and bright asparagus. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili

Easter dinner ideas should be light, yet flavorful. For this dish, use cumin and garlic to accent the chili powder in this comforting and brunch-friendly vegan chili. (via GastroPlant)

Black Bean Meatloaf

Whip up old-school-style meatloaf made with protein-packed black beans and quinoa. Serve with your favorite Easter sides. (via This Wife Cooks)

Spring Vegetable Galette

You don’t need to be a pastry expert to make a beautifully cheesy, crispy galette. Don't worry if this doesn't come out looking perfect — the more crags and “rustic” bits there are in the crust, the better it looks. (via Brit + Co)

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs And Feta

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs And Feta

Pair this lemony and cheesy tart with your favorite mimosa recipe for a savory brunch (or dinner!) (via Forks & Foliage)

Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken

Prepare to graze all day over this roasted chicken with fresh rosemary, lemon, garlic, and shallots. It's sure to become one of your family's favorite Easter dinner ideas. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Blend creamy split green peas and golden potatoes for a meat- and dairy-free soup that's so delicious.(via Veggie Society)

Baked Ham With Honey Mustard And Apples

Slather your baked ham with honey mustard glaze, stuff it with apples and bake to perfection! Ham sandwiches for days!(via A Spicy Perspective)

Vietnamese Cajun Shrimp Boil

Break out some Easter bibs for this crowd-pleasing cajun shrimp boil made with juicy shrimp, corn, baby potatoes, and smoked sausages.(via Takes Two Eggs)

Pork Tenderloin with Figs And Balsamic Glaze

A delicious balsamic glaze flavored with seasonal figs make an amazing sauce over pork tenderloin. (via Culinary Hill)

Chicken Pastina Soup

Pastina, or "little pasta," refers to any type of tiny pasta and makes for a kid-friendly Easter or anytime meal. (via Barley & Sage)

Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken

Made with just a few ingredients, this creamy chicken dish should be at the top of your Easter dinner ideas list. (via Salt & Lavender)

Sesame Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

We love this colorful twist on an Easter pasta salad made with crunchy purple cabbage, sweet carrots, edamame and noodles tossed together in a sweet and spicy peanut dressing. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

The lemon dijon dressing is the clincher in this delightful healthy dish made with gluten-free pasta. (via RachL Mansfield)

Brussel Sprouts Pizza With Blue Cheese

Why not pizza for Easter brunch or dinner? Roasted Brussel sprouts, caramelized onions, and blue cheese is a cozy twist and ready in under an hour! (via The Endless Meal)

Baked Chicken And Leeks

Creamy potatoes, lemony leeks, and juicy marinated chicken served with a garlicky greek yogurt sauce is a meal we'd make any time. Just add a glass of wine! (via Cozy Cravings)

Spring Mix Salad With Lemon-Baked Tofu

This colorful spring salad is packed with lemon tofu, edamame, creamy avocado, crunchy radish, fresh mint, and citrus, and will look stunning on your Easter table. (via Two Spoons)

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Carrots, celery, mushrooms, peas and corn are topped with fluffy mashed potatoes made with Greek yogurt in this easy-to-prepare dish that's also so satisfying. It's one of our healthier Easter dinner ideas. (via Live Eat Learn)

Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Ooey, gooey, and filling, this casserole is enough of a showstopper to take centerstage at your Easter dinner, but is also laidback enough to make for an amazing breakfast. We added zucchini, kale, and mushrooms, but feel free to jazz it up with your favorite veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Bruléed Grapefruit Tart

Ok so this tart couldn't exactly stand on its own as an entrée (unless you're having a ton of desserts for dinner, which we're on board with) but it will definitely make for a colorful and fruity addition to any Easter table. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Piccata With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This chicken piccata made with paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and artichokes is keto and gluten-free. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Gluten-Free Avocado Fries

For a healthier take on a fan-favorite finger food (wow, what a mouthful), bake some avocados. This recipe calls for a dash of salt and a spicy aioli, but you can swap for something sweeter. (via Brit + Co)

Blueberry Lavender Fizz

You can't have Easter dinner without some cute Easter cocktails! Whether you sip during dinner or wait until the kids have gone to bed, these blueberry lavender drinks have spring written all over them. (via Brit + Co)

Maple and Pear-Glazed Easter Ham

Ham in and of itself might seem like a pretty simple dish, but in addition to how flavorful this recipe is on its own, there are so many different ways to eat it! Pair it with pineapple, put it on a salad, or have it on top of a biscuit. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs

Your favorite veg, eggs, and cream go into individual ramekins, get pressure-cooked, and come out ever-so slightly soft so you can spread the whole thing over toast. It works just as well for dinner as it does brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Pea Salad

This stunning salad will have your guests’ jaws on the floor. Bonus points if you flourish it with edible spring flowers. (via What’s Gaby Cooking?)

Fettuccine Carbonara

This eggs-and-bacon pasta transitions seamlessly from a mimosa-filled brunch to an Italian-themed dinner, and satisfices any time of day. (via Brit + Co)

Shaved Asparagus and Pea Frittata With Mint and Parma Ham

Breakfast for dinner is always a treat, especially when it comes in the form of a frittata that's packed with veggies and garnished with salty, dry-cured ham. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Sweet Crepes

Round out your dinner (or start your brunch) with some delicious crepes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you overstuffed. Some classic fillings are strawberries and creme, chocolate, or even cheese and jam. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Chicken Spaghetti

Your entire family will fall madly in love with this easy-peasy pasta dish. Tossed with crisp asparagus and tender chicken strips, the spaghetti is fancy enough for Easter dinner, yet quick enough to throw together for a last-minute brunch. (via Dinner at the Zoo)

Potato-Crust Quiche Lorraine

You’ll forget pastry crust ever existed when you bite into this hashbrown-crusted quiche, which is filled with a silky mixture of eggs, half and half, and shredded Gruyère. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Cilantro And Calabrian Pasta Salad

This herb and spicy twist on a classic pasta salad recipe is dairy free, egg free, and packed with more than 11 veggies inside for a healthy meal you'll all love. (via Chef Bai)

Brie, Bacon, and Butternut Squash Risotto

This customizable recipe will be delicious no matter what cheese, veggies, and herbs you choose — just don’t leave out the crispy bacon. You won't think twice about adding this to your Easter dinner ideas notebook! (via Brit + Co)

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This post has been updated.

The most notable news from our resident popstar BFF Taylor Swift (aside from her record-breaking Eras Tour movie, The Tortured Poets Department, and Reputation (Taylor's Version), of course) is her most recent boyfriend update. Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were first linked after Travis tried to give the singer his phone number during one of her concerts this year. And after a few NFL games, getaway car rides, and restaurant takeovers later, it looks like this relationship isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Here's a timeline on everything we know about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship!

A Timeline Of Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship

Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images

September, 24 2023 - Taylor Swift Started Attending Kansas City Chiefs Games

Taylor Swift started attending Kansas City Chiefs games in 2023, seemingly after an indirect invite from Travis Kelce himself. When Taylor played her Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium (the Chiefs' home stadium), Travis tried to give her a friendship with his number on it.

“I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings,” Travis told his brother after Jason during an episode of their New Heights podcast. “I was a little butt hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her.”

Considering Taylor Swift has now gone to many Chiefs games — and nearly broken the internet — we're pretty sure he's not upset anymore!

On September 24, 2023, Taylor Swift watched the NFL game with Travis' mom, Donna. After the football game — in which Taylor sat with Donna, and created (another) pop culture phenomenon with a single photo — not only did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce leave the Arrowhead Stadium locker room together, but they also drove away in Travis' convertible as a pair!

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

October 1, 2023 - Taylor Brought Some Friends To Watch The Chiefs

On October 1, 2023, Taylor was joined by all-star BFFs Sabrina Carpenter, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Sophie Turner, and Hugh Jackman to watch the Chiefs play against the New York Jets. While Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift didn't leave the stadium together after *this* game was over, the fact that Taylor was surrounded by so many of her friends felt like they were there to support something quite special. 💓

We'd be remiss not to mention a few easter eggs from this game while we're at it! This romance feels so much like a callback to Taylor's 1989 era, where she spent a lot of 2013 to 2015 hanging with her friends in the coolest NYC spots. Plus, she's wearing all black (and some edgy accessories on her shorts) while we all speculate on what she's up to and who she's dating, which is not too dissimilar from her Reputation era. 👀

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

October 12, 2023 - Taylor Swift Makes A Good First Impression

We know Taylor always tries to make a good impression (hello "Mirrorball!"), but it turns out, she also makes a good impression without even trying.

The first time Taylor met Travis Kelce's dad, Ed, he noticed how genuine she was when she started helping around the suite. “She gets up to go get a drink or something, and she starts picking up empty bottles, cans, plates that are scattered around," he toldPeople. “And I'm just thinking, 'I don't think she got the diva memo. She didn't get the spoiled musician. She doesn't know how to pull that off.' And that really to me said a whole lot.”

Photo by Will Heath/NBC

October 14, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Were On SNL

Yes, Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce were both on the October 14 episode of Saturday Night Live in 2023. The couple attended the SNL afterparty together and fans were very quick to spot how much the football player took care of the singer. He opened doors for her, made sure she was okay, and reportedly even told a bodyguard that he could step aside. When I first saw the images, they looked so much like a rom-com cover to me that I thought they were photoshopped!

Then on the following Sunday night, Travis and Taylor were seen in New York City again as they made their way into a restaurant (once again holding hands!). It might be important for Swifties to note that both of Taylor's outfits are black, edgy, and very Reputation-coded... I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve!

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

October 19, 2023 - Travis Apparently Plans To Visit Taylor On Her International Tour

At this point, ET had reported that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were "all in" on their relationship, according to an inside source. They told the outlet that Travis intended to head to Buenos Aires, Argentina while he was on a bye-week for the Kansas City Chiefs. We hope he was able to give her those friendship bracelets this time! 😘

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

October 22, 2023 - Taylor Swift Is Improving Travis Kelce's Game

After a 31-17 win on October 22, 2023, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged Taylor's influence on Travis' game during a press conference. He noted that Travis' performance is only improving and that “Taylor can stay around all she wants.”

Image via @chiara_ / Instagram

The October 22 game also appeared to be the couple's official hard launch. Chiefs wide reciever Mecole Hardman Jr.'s girlfriend Chariah Gordon posted a series of photos with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after the game — including this one where Taylor's kissing Travis on the cheek! Swoon!

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Celebrate Halloween Together

On an episode of Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast, Travis said he loves the idea of a dinner party on Halloween night. "Like a Halloween dinner party. Everybody comes in costumes and we have a party," he says in the conversation.

But he also refuses to admit what costume he picked. "I'm gonna let mine be a surprise," he says. "I'll make sure everybody sees it, and we'll talk about it after Halloween."

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship only continues to get deeper in October 2023, especially since a source told ET Online that Taylor could be the one for Travis: "Everyone close to Travis loves that he is happy. He is on the path to finding that special person in Taylor."

However, given the frenzy around Taylor, and the media coverage of their relationship in general, Travis' family is also fairly concerned for their safety. (And after hundreds of fans showed up uninvited to see Taylor attend a private wedding, we kind of are too, TBH).

"They're so appreciative of their fans, but hope to keep some aspects of their relationship private going forward," the source continued. "This level of stardom is something new to Travis, and although he can handle it, he is still getting used to it. Safety is a major concern among everyone, especially given how passionate fans feel about their relationship."

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

November 5, 2023 - Taylor Swift (Virtually) Celebrates Travis Kelce's New Record

After the Kansas City Chiefs game on November 5, 2023, People posted on Instagram celebrating Travis Kelce's new title as the KC Chiefs' leading receiver with 10,941 receiving yards. Taylor Swift liked the post, and considering she's very strategic and intentional about her Instagram activity, Swifites were very excited.

"Me giggling cuz TS liked this post," one user commented. "It’s an interesting time for Taylor & Kelce" another said. "They are both at supremely high career success points. What joy!"

On November 9, 2023, a source told US Weeklythat Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce “actually spend a lot of one-on-one time together and have developed a very real connection," plus the fact that "they have very detailed plans coming up on how to stay together while she’s on tour and he has games.”

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

November 11, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Have A Rom-Com Moment

On November 11, 2023, Taylor changed the lyrics of her song "Karma" from "Karma is the guy on the screen coming straight home to me" to "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me" (a move that seemed somewhat spontaneous considering how surprised her backup dancers were!).

Travis revealed on the November 15 episode of the New Heights podcast that he had a "little bit of a clue" she'd change the lyrics. 👀

"Definitely when I heard it come out of her mouth, [it] still shocked me," he said. "I was like...'Oh, she really just said that, alright.'" He was so shocked in fact, that he didn't even realize Taylor's dad was trying to high five him. "Mr. Swift, I apologize big guy," he continued. "I never miss a high five too, big high five guy!"

And, after the show, Taylor went straight up to Travis standing outside a VIP tent and the coupleshared a kiss. It felt like it was straight out of a rom-com — a pop star running up to a star football player and surprising him with a kiss! The crowd at the concert went wild, but the internet also couldn't stop talking about it!

"This is sooooo adorable," one X user said. "Her little run. His hands behind his back like he’s waiting for his prom date or something. Ughhh they’re both in deep."

Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

November 20, 2023 - Travis Kelce Spills On His Relationship In WSJ Magazine

Travis Kelce once again broke the internet with his WSJ Magazine cover story. In it, he talks about football, his family, and (of course) Taylor Swift. “I’ve never been a man of words. Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f*cking mind-blowing," he says. “Obviously I’ve never dated anyone with that kind of aura about them…But at the same time, I’m not running away from any of it…She’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that I better not be the one acting all strange.”

Even Kelce's mom had something to add! “I can tell you this,” she says in the interview. “He’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time… God bless him, he shot for the stars!”

Fans were also hoping to find out if Taylor and Travis were spending Thanksgiving together. Via Page Six, Taylor was set to fly back from her Eras Tour shows in Rio de Janeiro to spend the holidays in the states before heading back for another show on November 24. TMZreported that the couple "plans to be together for the holidays," which included lining their schedules up to spend as much time together as they can.

Taylor celebrated another one of Travis' milestones on Instagram, when she liked a post from the Kansas City Chiefs. "Fastest tight end to 11k receiving yards AND the only player in franchise history to do it," the post says. According to a Daily Mail source, as soon as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour wrapped up its 2023 dates, she moved into Travis' private Kansas City mansion (which he reportedly bought for them to spend time together) for the duration of her break — which included her birthday and Christmas.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

December 3, 2023 - Taylor Shows Up To The Chiefs Game Looking Festive

Taylor Swift hung out in the box seats with Brittany Mahomes in Green Bay, Wisconsin during the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Green Bay Packers.

Not only is Taylor Swift's jacket KC Chiefs red, but it was also totally Christmas appropriate! "Travis' friends think this is the real deal for him,” an insider told Peopleat the end of November 2023. “They're still a little shocked by all of it — that he's dating the Taylor Swift, but they've seen how down to earth she is with his friends and family.”

But before Taylor donned her Elmo-approved red coat, the couple was already in the Christmas spirit. They showed up to Miracle, a pop-up bar in Kansas City, on December 1, for the Chiefs' holiday party. It appears they were wearing some festive sweatshirts (as well as Taylor's signature red lip). I hope they also got to have some more chicken with "seemingly ranch".

Photos by Inez and Vinoodh for TIME

December 6, 2023 - Taylor Talks Travis In Her TIME Person Of The Year Article

There's been pleeeeenty of speculation about when Taylor and Travis actually started dating. Was it that first Chiefs game? Were they just friends still? Was it before that game? While only the lovebirds know their true timeline, Taylor gave us a peek behind the curtain in her TIME MagazinePerson of the Year article.

According to Tay herself, the pair started hanging out immediately after Travis first mentioned her on his New Heights podcast. She said, “We started hanging out right after that. So we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which I’m grateful for, because we got to get to know each other. By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date.”

Swift continued by explaining that she and Travis "show up for each other" and that they're "just proud of each other." BRB, sobbing.

On December 8, 2023, an insider told Life & Style Mag that Travis is planning something special for Taylor's 34th birthday on December 13. “Travis has something special planned,” they say. “He’s arranged a very intimate romantic dinner just for the two of them, and is also trying to pull off a semi-surprise party with the help of some of her closest friends."

The insider also says Travis could use the evening to propose to Taylor, which we would *totally* be in favor of.

Image via @patty_cuts on Instagram

December 10, 2023 - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Share Some Swoon-Worthy PDA

After the KC Chiefs and Buffalo Bills game on December 10, 2023, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went out with the team to celebrate. They wound up back at the Miracle pop-up bar! The evening was sure to lift Travis' spirits after the Chiefs' loss, and I, for one, need to make Taylor's Christmapolitan drink ASAP.

Thanks to the Chiefs' barber, @patty_cuts, we also have a pic of Taylor and Travis embracing each other at the bar! If you ask me, this deserves to be a movie poster, because I feel like we're living in a real-life rom-com. And apparently, one of their friends agrees!

"We had an amazing time," Chetarah Jackson (a friend of Travis' who sat with Taylor in the suite at the game) told ET. "Taylor and Travis are so in love. It was so cute seeing them together and I can see them getting married."

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

December 17, 2023 - Taylor Swift Gets Cozy At The Chiefs x Patriots Game

Taylor Swift showed up to the KC Chiefs vs. New England Patriots game looking both comfy and cute in a Chiefs sweatshirt and beanie. In addition to Alana Haim and Brittany Mahomes, Taylor's dad, Scott Swift, also showed up to the game, which ended up being a big deal because he wore KC Chiefs gear after he's been a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan! 👀

Scott wasn't the only one having fun with the couple! Kaleigh Teller (Miles Teller's wife and a good friend of Taylor Swift) recently liked a TikTok speculating Travis got Taylor a very special birthday present: the ring Taylor wore during her party. It appears to be an opal stone surrounded by blue topaz, and if that's true, it has so much meaning because Travis' birthstone is opal and Taylor's is blue topaz! Thoughtful gifts are our absolute favorites... and it looks like they're Travis' too.

Travis also told People that even though he had a game on Christmas Day (his brother Jason does, too), the holiday "will be a fun one."

"My brother sent me a text and said he’s going to be celebrating afterwards," Travis continued. He also confirmed that he's planning on celebrating Christmas after the 25th too — hopefully with Taylor!

According to Page Six, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce also spent the rest of the holidays together.

Photo via CBS Mornings

December 22, 2023 - Patrick Mahomes Talks Taylor And Travis 👀

Patrick Mahomes hopped on CBS Morningsin December and gave his inside scoop on Taylor and Travis. While noting how comfortable Taylor is with "Chiefs Kingdom," Patrick also took a moment to recognize her many achievements.

"He's lucky enough to be with a great girl and a great woman, and it's been cool to interact with her because she's top tier of her profession — and how she drives and she becomes that, it's really cool to hear about and to see." He followed up by saying, "I'm glad that she's the person that she is, and that's why I think her and Travis match so well."

Clearly, Tay got the BFF stamp of approval!

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

December 25, 2023 - Taylor Swift + Family Attend Chiefs vs. Raiders

Taylor and Santa... I mean... Austin Swift hung out at Arrowhead stadium alongside their mom and dad, Andrea and Scott. The family had some holiday fun with the Mahomes family and Papa Kelce, with Austin allegedly tossing snowballs to the fans below. Merry Swiftmas to us all!

Image via chrispearson20/Instagram

December 31, 2023 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Share An NYE Kiss

After a Chiefs win, Taylor and Travis stepped out in style at a NYE party with their friends and family. Travis wore a Midnights-esque outfit, in head-to-toe brown courduroy — come on, '70s!

Of course, Taylor made the whole place shimmer in a stunning silver sequin dress by Cleo Peppiatt, paired with celestial hair pins and her signature red lip, which was allegedly smudged later on in the night. 😘

We got a peek at the kiss in question on Instagram, originally posted by @krystenrachelle. It's definitely giving, "I want your midnights!" 😍

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

January 21, 2024 - Taylor Swift Hangs Out With Jason And Kylie Kelce

After months of attending Travis Kelce's games, Taylor Swift was finally in the box at the same time as Jason Kelce's wife, Kylie, and this is a WAG friendship we are *totally* here for.

Despite the media pitting them against each other, the two women were seen laughing and spending time together in the box, which really just leads me to wonder why we're constantly obsessed with women not being friends? "Kylie is so great," a source told People. "Everybody loves her."

The most talked-about moment from the game, however, can be chalked up to Jason Kelce, who jumped out of the box shirtless and started yelling at the top of his lungs. He's since been called the KC Chiefs' “No. 1 hype man,”been compared to Gabriela Montez, and gotten people's hopes up for a very lively best man speech.

Someone also captured Taylor Swift's reaction to Jason's viral moment, and it's just as funny as the moment itself!

Taylor wasn't the only one who knows how to be goofy — Travis Kelce's teammate Patrick Mahomes told People that despite the newfound media frenzy over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (and achieving his "dream" of being on SNL), Travis remains just as fun and down-to-earth as he always was.

“Travis has always been Travis,” Patrick told People. “He still will walk through the stadium and treat every single person like they’re his best friend. And he’s going to be like that in the locker room every single day.”

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

January 28 - Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Celebrate A Chiefs Win... And Break The Internet

After the Kansas City Chiefs won a game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 28, the team was headed to the Super Bowl! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrated with a kiss on the field, and fans have been comparing their total rom-com moment to everyone from One Tree Hill's Lucas and Peyton toA Cinderella Story's Austin and Samever since.

But the biggest moment of the night was when, during their embrace, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be heard saying "I love you." According a post-game video, Travis says, “Tay, I'm going to enjoy with the guys I love you... so much it’s not even funny.” And it appears Taylor responds with “I love you too... I’ve never been so proud, EVER.” Then they go in for a kiss and a bear hug. OMG!

Jason Kelce later went on to add Taylor in with the rest of the family on the New Heights podcast: “We had the whole family down on the field. We had me, Mom, Dad, and Taylor. Everybody was down there.” Stop it right now, Jason!

In addition to a mockneck red sweater, Taylor was decked out in a gold friendship bracelet of her + Travis' initials, as well as #87-themed jewelry to support her BF. I also find it *very* important info that Taylor Swift is a square nail gal (Will this inspire my next manicure? Only time will tell).

I predicted that Taylor would show up the the Super Bowl, despite wrapping up the Tokyo leg of the Eras Tour the day before. I thought this would be a huge moment because, despite being asked to perform multiple times, Taylor has never actually performed at the Super Bowl, so she's never really had a reason to go.

Another popular fan theory is that in the past, this was due to Taylor Swift being a face of Diet Coke (she really is just like us!), while the halftime show has historically had Pepsi as a sponsor.

Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram

February 5, 2024 - Travis Kelce Supports Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poet's Department

After Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, at the 2024 Grammys, Travis Kelce showed support for the new album during a press conference — and he's just as excited about the new music as we are!

"She's unbelievable, she's rewriting history books herself," he said of her fourth Album of the Year win. "I told her I'll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with some hardware too...It's been fun to kind of gather the Swifties in the Chiefs' kingdom and open them up to the football world and the sports world."

"I have heard some of [Taylor Swift's new album], yes, and it is unbelievable," he continued. "I can't wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops."

Travis *also* responded to the rumors that he's looking to propose to Taylor Swift after a reporter straight up asked whether there'd be more than just a Super Bowl ring if the Chiefs won the Big Game.

"I’m focused on getting this ring, and that’s all that my mind’s focused on right now," Travis said.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

February 11, 2024 - Taylor Swift Attends The Super Bowl And Catches A Nail-Biting Chiefs Win

Taylor Swift was there to witness the Kansas City Chiefs spar off against the San Fransisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas and ultimately see Travis' team win the game in overtime 25-22.

Taylor was spotted in box seats alongside her girl gang, Blake Lively, Ice Spice, and Ashley Avignone. Lana Del Rey joined the squad later in the game, too!

Taylor quickly tossed back a few drinks as the excitement ramped up (iconic if you ask me) in the first half of the game. After the big victory, she swiftly ran to the field to celebrate with Travis.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

“Come here, girl," he said to her. They instantly embraced and shared a long kiss in celebration of the Chiefs win. But that wasn't all!

Taylor tagged along with Travis and his teammates to the official Super Bowl after-party at Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas. The couple danced and sang, and the club even played a few of Taylor's hits! The couplekissed during "Love Story"and even pointed at each other across the dance floorwhile a remix "You Belong With Me" blasted. Travis Kelce switched up the lyrics, singing "Are you in love with me?" instead of "You belong with me" — to which Taylor raised her glass, smiled, and danced the night away. 🎶 If you ask me, this viral moment is just the latest profession of love between the two.

“I love how he just came very quickly when your song was on,” model Marianne Fonseca tells Taylor Swift in a viral clip. “That was the most romantic thing ever.”

"We met in the middle, and I was like, 'What is my life right now?'" Taylor jokes.

The power duo left the function wearing matching glittery black outfits, holding hands the entire time. To say we're obsessed is a true understatement.

So, what's next for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?

Taylor will continue to embark on the international leg of her Eras Tour in Australia starting February 16. Based on everything the couple's been through so far, we don't see them going anywhere.

Photos by Amy Sussman and Jason Hanna for Getty Images

February 21, 2024 - Did Travis Kelce go to Australia to see Taylor Swift? Yes!

Our fave couple continues to enjoy their time together. A source told People that they are "really happy" and "having a lot of fun, but they're still seeing where it goes." Travis Kelce also landed in Sydney on February 21 to support Taylor Swift (and our gal Sabrina Carpenter) during the Australian leg of the Eras Tour. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spent an afternoon at the Sydney Zoo, but did they act out any scenes from Anyone But You? We can only hope.

Travis Kelce had plenty to say about Taylor Swift in an episode of his podcast New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. “They helicoptered us! Well, not us, Taylor,” he says. “This is all because Taylor is the biggest and the best thing possible."

While Travis was almost entirely focused on Taylor during the conversation about Australia, he couldn't help but mention his favorite zoo animals. "The kangaroos were pretty sweet, got to see a red panda up close and personal," he continues. "It’s like a friendly raccoon...saw a tiger sitting up in a tree house, that sh*t was f*cking sweet, ain’t gonna lie."

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

February 23, 2024 — Taylor Swift Celebrates Travis Kelce At The Eras Tour

During her first concert in Sydney, Australia, Taylor Swift added a few blink-and-you'll-miss-'em details to her show in honor of Travis Kelce. She ended up pointing directly to him during "Willow," when she sings "that's my man," and during "Long Live," when she sings "when they gave us our trophies" (in honor of his Super Bowl win!). She also changed the "Karma" lyrics to "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me." And when the concert was done? Taylor ran directly to him and gave him a big kiss. Rom-com energy!!

“When she started to come around, it was privately,” defensive backs coach Dave Merritt tells The Sports Shop With Reese & Kmac. “She was coming into the stadiums without people really knowing until the camera put a big spotlight on it.”

"[Taylor Swift] actually affected the team in a positive way," Dave continues. "Everybody was excited that Travis was happy. So when my player, my brother, is happy beside me, that helps me and that encourages me."

And after Travis started dating Taylor, Dave saw even more of a shift! "And so Travis came in there a different man...She won a Super Bowl in her first year in the NFL," he jokes. "How about that?"

Image via Al Bello/Getty Images

March 13, 2024 — Travis Kelce Talks About The Eras Tour In Singapore

It looks like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter are in their lover era because both Travis Kelce and Sabrina Carpenter's boyfriend Barry Keoghan showed up to the Eras Tour in Singapore!

"Fun times in Singapore," Travis says on the New Heights podcast he shares with Jason Kelce. "I got to check out the world's largest greenhouse. How about that? I'm a big plant guy. Loved seeing f*cking enormous trees. It was cool as f*ck, they had the world's biggest waterfall in a greenhouse, too...It was awesome man. Everything was blooming at the same time, it was so f*cking unique and so nice."

But Travis *also* got to go to two Eras Tour concerts ahead of Taylor Swift's latest hiatus (she's on a break until her first Paris concert on May 9th) — and enjoyed the shows just as much as the sights!

"I got to see two amazing shows of the Eras Tour," Travis continues. "The last of the leg that Taylor has until she's back at it here in a couple months. Yeah outside of that, got to eat some lovely Singapore food and just catch the views. Everything over there just seems so nice."

Image via Netlix

March 20, 2024 — Travis Kelce Can't Stop Watching Love Is Blind

After a crazy year of the Eras Tour and the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are focusing on their time together! "They’re focused on rest and recuperation and relaxing at home and having low-key and chill time together,” a source tells Us Weekly. “They are enjoying movie nights in her home theater, catching up on films and shows they’ve missed.”

We're always wondering what our favorite stars are binge watching right now, and apparently, Travis Kelce watchlist includes Love Is Blind. "You gotta watch Love Is Blind," he tells his brother Jason Kelce on a recent episode of New Heights. "It is the worst trash ever — it's worse than Catching Kelce — but it is so f*cking good." (Jason's not so convinced).

But considering Travis almost seems like he's loving the show against his will, it's making me wonder if he's watching it with Taylor Swift — or if Taylor's the one who got him to watch it in the first place. I could totally see Travis and Taylor curled up on the couch with a plate of chai cookies, a blanket, and Netflix. Cozy!

Image via Alex Grimm/Getty Images

March 20, 2024 — Travis Kelce Says He "Can't Wait" To Have Kids

On that same episode of New Heights, Travis Kelce also let it slip he may be ready for kids sooner than later. When the Super Bowl winner was talking about NBA player Victor Wembanyama, Travis joked he was so talented he must have been engineered.

“You can’t tell me that dude wasn’t made in a f*cking lab over there in France," Travis says. “Can’t wait til I f*ckin’ make one.”

“Don’t do this," Jason jokes. "Do not give any of these other conspiracy theorists anything else to latch onto, please.” Oops, it might be too late Jason!

Images via Amy Sussman/Jason Kempin/Getty Images

March 24, 2024 — Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Go On A Lunch Date

After a busy winter, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce finally took some R+R and went on a big trip together! “They vacationed in the Bahamas for several days," a source tells PEOPLE. "It was a much-needed break for both of them. They very much enjoyed it. They are so happy together.”

After their Bahamas vacation, Taylor and Travis grabbed a Sunday lunch in Malibu. They both looked super cute and springy with Taylor wearing a bright blue sweater, a tan skort, and loafers, while Travis wore an oatmeal-colored pullover, hat, and a friendship bracelet.

So, what's the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

According to Taylor herself (via an interview with Time), the pair started seeing each other right after Travis "called her out" on his New Heightspodcast in July.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship continues to get more serious. “They share a strong work ethic and have a huge appreciation for life and their careers, strong family bond and values," the insider tells People.

An insider also shared that during Taylor's break from the Eras Tour (during September and October), she enjoyed catching up with all of her friends and “had fun spending time with Travis.“ We cannot get enough of this couple!

How old is Taylor Swift and how old is Travis Kelce?

Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were both born in 1989. Travis just turned 34 on October 5, and since Taylor Swift's birthday is December 13, she's 34 now, too!

After Travis and Taylor left Arrowhead Stadium together, some Swifties noticed Travis was wearing a blue and white set, and wondered whether it served as a 1989 (Taylor's Version) double release Easter egg.

Check back here for the latest update on Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce!

Lead photo by Elsa/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

No shade to honey-glazed ham or roast leg of lamb, but we totally understand if you're not feeling a formal Easter brunch. No matter what you're planning, you can't go wrong with small plates that showcase the fresh produce of spring. Petite but mighty, these 40 flavor-packed appetizer recipes, ranging from crudité to dips, make for a deliciously informal Easter meal.

Green Goddess Spring Socca

Top this chickpea-flour crepe with the best produce you can find at your farmers market (think greens and avocado) and lots of tahini green goddess dressing. (via The Full Helping)

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry With Thyme Honey

With a roll of store-bought dough, anyone can whip up this impressive appetizer. Consider forming these into smaller bites so your guests can eat them while standing and mingling. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Smoked Salmon Platter

Entice guests with this beautiful platter filled with fresh avocado, juicy tomatoes, and an array of bagel toppings.(via Feel Good Foodie)

Smoked Salmon Bites

These beginner-friendly bites come together with three layers of tortillas, garlicky cream-cheese, and smoked salmon. Speared with toothpicks, they make a classy appetizer that guests will assume you spent much longer making. (via RecipeTin Eats)

Mini Brie-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

No special-occasion meal is complete without potatoes. Stuffed with gooey brie, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp chives, these spuds will get the party started. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Fancy Crostini

These sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy crostini will open your eyes to a world of happiness that is toasted baguette and cheese. We love the combo of goat cheese and smoked salmon, brie and jam, and burrata with sliced fruit and honey. (via Brit + Co)

Bite-Size Eggs Benedicts

Benny bites will make a devoted fan of big-batch cooking. Prep mini toasts and runny quail eggs in the oven, then bind them together with prosciutto and homemade hollandaise. (via Brit + Co)

Honey-Hazelnut Baked Brie

Beautify a wheel of brie by baking it in puff pastry. It gets drenched in honey and topped with roasted hazelnuts for added flavor. (via Brit + Co)

Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini

Anyone can get behind an avocado-slathered baguette — especially one that's adorned with smoky shrimp. (via Salt and Lavender)

Butternut Squash Hummus

With roasted and fresh garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and spices aplenty, this dip is bursting with flavor and begging to be served with whole-grain pita chips or roasted carrots. (via Minimalist Baker)

Southern Hush Puppies

If you love cornbread, you'll love these classic and southern deep-fried fritters. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Lighter Overnight French Toast Casserole

Serve up.a taste of French toast casserole (take your pick: Brioche, Challah, or French Bread) with berries and maple syrup, yum! (via Girl on Bloor)

Vegan Orange and Prune Scones

Spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, these citrusy scones are perfectly fluffy and crumbly. (via Gastroplant)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Make this split pea soup the night before and let your guests self-serve. (via Veggie Society)

Vegan Sausage Pinwheels

These versatile apps are crowd-pleasing even if there are meat eaters in your crowd. (via The Wife Cooks)

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Cook this appetizer in an iron skillet to get the prosciutto extra crispy. (via Olive You Whole)

Kheema Spring Rolls

Serve up these oven-baked spring rolls filled with kheema, or curry with minced chicken, peas and loads of spices. (via Signature Concoctions)

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Serve these crispy potatoes with chimichurri sauce for a delicious vegan starter. (via Two Spoons)

Easy Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins

These moist, crumbly cornbread muffins are only lightly sweetened, which means they can be paired with anything from fruity jam to succulent Easter ham. (via Brit + Co)

Deviled Eggs With Smoked Salmon

Deviled eggs are a timeless Easter appetizer. This version freshens up the classic with smoked salmon, lemon juice, chives, and dill. (via Brit + Co)

Almond Milk Crepes

Start off guests with a delightful dairy-free crepe filled with savory or sweet treats. (via Give Recipe)

Baked Hash Browns

These ultra-thin, crispy 'browns are baked, not fried, and have a little kick to them. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Surprise guests with this deliciously spicy tuna and crispy rice -- so much flavor in one little bite! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Pigs in a Blanket

Just three ingredients makes the most comforting appetizer during this transitional season. (via Culinary Hill)

Bacon Pastry Twists

Puff-pastry wrapped bacon doesn't need a dip to be delicious, but if you have the time, mix up a batch of our creamy beer cheese for dunking. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Bunny Dinner Rolls

Bunny rolls are so festive, they double as decorations. They're plenty buttery, but no one would complain if you served them with assorted butters for spreading, such as cinnamon or chive-flecked. (via https://thefoodcharlatan.com/easter-bunny-dinner-rolls-lion-house-rolls/)

Spinach Artichoke Cups

This deliciously cheesy appetizer is gluten-free and ready in 15 minutes.(via RachL Mansfield)

Bang Bang Cauliflower

These sweet and spicy bites are breaded and baked until golden and delicious.(via The Endless Meal)

Vegan Pasta With Peas

This creamy pasta is dairy-free and takes just five ingredients: green peas, pasta, onion, vegan cheese and your favorite greens. (via The Edgy Veg)

Roasted Garlic Baked Ricotta Dip

This baked ricotta starter uses a whole head of roasted garlic and lemon -- serve up with some crunchy bread. (via Cozy Cravings)

Leftover Mashed Potato Croquettes

Take leftover or premade mashed potatoes, add spinach and cheese, then coat them in breadcrumbs and fry for a comforting starter. (via Live Eat Learn)

Lemon Scones

Start them off with something sweet with these lemon sugary scones. (via Amanda Wilens)

Feta Saganaki

Dip some warm rustic bread into this fried feta dressed with honey and sesame seeds. (via Fancy Peasant)

Earl Grey Banana Snacking Cake

Fluffy and moist tea-flavored cake made with carmelized banana and toasted walnuts will entice their taste buds for sure! (via Munching With Mariyah)

Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach-artichoke dip doesn't have to be served with bread. These low-carb shrooms are cheesy, hearty, and slow-cooked to perfection. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Avocado Fries

Almond meal and gluten-free breadcrumbs yield a crispy crust on these creamy avocado “fries," which are best served with spicy aioli. (via Brit + Co)

Peachy Green Bean Burrata

Top this lovely duo of peaches and burrata with seasonal green beans. (via Allo Simone)

Truffle Beet Carpaccio

This healthy salad is also colorful and full of flavor with capers and pistachio too. (via Chef Bai)

Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

Make the most of this spring veggie (that's actually fun to eat) with a simple recipe that steams them in 20 minutes. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Want more Easter recipes? Check out our Easter page and follow us on Pinterest for more food inspo!

This post has been updated.

Remember when Blake Lively posted a picture from the set of Taylor Swift's "I Bet You Think About Me" music video with the caption "Not a lot going on at the moment?" Well, it turns out she's had a *lot* going on because the actress is now moving to the role of movie director! (Fittingly, Taylor's also directing a moviewhich just proves Blake Lively & Taylor Swift are totally in sync). We've got the full scoop on Blake Lively's movie ahead of her acting roles in It Ends With Us and A Simple Favor 2.

Is Blake Lively making a movie?

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Yes, Blake Lively is directing a movie! Deadline confirmed in April 2022 that the actress and mother would direct a movie for Searchlight Pictures, who's behind Suncoast, Poor Things, and Taylor Swift's upcoming film. While Blake Lively's directed a music video for Taylor Swift before, this is her feature film directorial debut and I can't wait to watch!

Did Blake Lively direct Taylor?

Image via UMG/Taylor Swift

Yes, Blake Lively directed Taylor Swift's "I Bet You Think About Me" music video. The song and video dropped in November 2021 as a part of Red (Taylor's Version), and to this day, it's still my favorite music video the singer has ever released! The video (which stars Miles Teller opposite Taylor Swift) tells the story of an ex getting ready to marry a new partner, and no matter how hard Taylor's ex tries, she "bets" he can't stop thinking about her.

What is Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley about?

Image via Amazon

Seconds is a graphic novel from Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O'Malley. It follows a girl named Katie Clay, who learns that when she writes her past mistakes in a notebook, eats a mushroom, and falls asleep, her problems magically fix themselves. But when she starts using that power in every area of her life, she realizes that instead of fixing her problems, she's just creating new ones — and also disrupting space and time itself. No biggie.

When can I watch the new Blake Lively movie Seconds?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

This new Blake Lively movie is still in the early stages of development as of March 2024, so I'm expecting it to hit theaters in 2026. Until then, catch up on your favorite Blake Lively movies before watching It Ends With Us and the rest of this year's summer movies!

Is there a sequel to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?

Image via Netflix

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, which you can watch on Netflix now, can serve as a sequel to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The anime series features the voice actors from the cult classic 2010 movie (like Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, and Aubrey Plaza), and has a totally different story. Scott ends up disappearing in the first episode, leaving Ramona Flowers to search for who's behind his disappearance while other characters work on adapting Scott's life.

Are you excited for the new Blake Lively movie, especially with Blake directing? What kind of style do you think she'll have? I can't wait to find out!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Chances are, you’re no stranger to the feeling of anxiety. MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine, defined the sensation as “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness,” and the site went on to explain that anxiety “might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress, but for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming.”

Whether you experience anxiety from time to time or have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you know that these uncomfortable feelings can come up unexpectedly, especially when they’re not welcome. The end of the day is pivotal for rest and relaxation; it’s when we’re able to wind down, reflect on events that took place when the sun was still out, and prepare to fall asleep before the next day ahead. However, even if you’ve curated the perfect nighttime routine, there’s a chance that your body is anxious when you’re trying to go to sleep which can get in the way of a solid 8 hours of shut-eye.

We spoke with sleep expert and board-certified physician, Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, to determine 10 signs that your body is anxious when you’re trying to fall asleep. Instead of feeling frustrated because you don’t know what’s getting in the way of quality sleep, we hope that understanding the tells of anxiety offer an explanation and aid in decreasing your pre-bedtime stress.

Sleep Anxiety Signs To Look Out For Right Now

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep Despite Feeling Tired

Dr. Holliday-Bell shared that one sign that your body is anxious when you’re trying to go to sleep is that you find it difficult to fall asleep despite feeling tired. Combat these feelings by incorporating movement into your day via a workout at the gym or from the comfort of your own home.

Photo by Ephraim Mayrena / Unsplash

2. Increase In Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Or Blood Pressure When In Bed

An anxiety-inducing factor could be using your phone and/or exposure to other screens before bedtime. “Light is the strongest factor influencing your circadian rhythm in a way that tells you to be awake and alert, so it’s important to limit light exposure before bed as it can interfere with your natural melatonin release,” says Dr. Holliday-Bell. “Red light, on the other hand, has been shown to more effectively promote natural melatonin release making it easier to fall asleep;” our go-to red light device is the Helight Sleep.

Photo by Isabella Fischer / Unsplash

3. Racing Thoughts That Make It Difficult To Fall Asleep

If your to-do list for the next day is taking up mental real estate and inducing anxiety night after night, it could be beneficial to create a morning routine that you look forward to each day. The repetition will set your mind at ease, and you won’t have any surprises thrown your way when you wake up.

Photo by Poonam / Unsplash

4. Fear Of Not Being Able To Fall Asleep

This could also manifest as a fear of waking up in the middle of the night, but both make it hard for you to sleep at all. “Changes in volume or tone of sounds can lead to disrupted sleep, so listening to a soothing sound like white noise as you drift off to sleep can help prevent those disruptions and make it easier to fall and stay asleep,” says Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell. If you have white noise playing throughout the night, it will likely soothe you back to sleep even if you wake up before your alarm has gone off.

Photo by Kinga Howard / Unsplash

5. Muscle Tension

Muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw when in bed is an uncomfortable side effect of anxiety. To combat this sensation, try a natural muscle relaxer like Magnesium. According to Forbes Health, “magnesium is an essential mineral involved in almost all major metabolic and biochemical processes, including protein and nucleic acid synthesis, regulation of metabolic pathways, neurotransmission, neuromuscular function and regulation of cardiac rhythm.” Taking this supplement before bed can ease tension and send you off to a restful sleep.

Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard / Unsplash

6. Sweating

Sweating before bed is a tell-tale sign of anxiety around sleep. If you experience these hot flashes, try Buffy’s Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets or silk pajamas from Petite Plume which use natural fibers that are naturally moisture-wicking.

Photo by Kinga Howard / Unsplash

7. Feeling Restless Or An Inability To Get Comfortable

If you suffer from anxiety, you may find it difficult to get comfortable in bed. Step one to achieving a more cushy rest is sleeping on the mattress of your dreams (no pun intended). I recently switched to an Emma mattress and have been sleeping through the night – which is rare for me – almost daily.

Photo by Anthony Tran / Unsplash

8. Frequent Awakenings

If you wake up often during the night and find it difficult to fall back asleep once you do, keeping a journal by your bedside could help to alleviate feelings of anxiety. If a blank notebook feels daunting, this journal with guided prompts from No Particular Order feels like a warm hug on nights when your mind is swirling.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius / PEXELS

9. It's Easier To Sleep Anywhere That's Not Your Bed

Prefer the couch to your bed? If you can sleep comfortably everywhere except for your own bed, you could benefit from a repetitive nighttime routine. Dr. Holliday-Bell shared that “ideally your bedtime routine should start about 45 minutes to an hour before your [actual] bedtime.” During this time, suggested activities include putting your screens away, taking a hot bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to a sleep-focused meditation.

Photo by Liza Summer / PEXELS

10. Dreading Going To Sleep At Night

Instead of dreading going to bed, incorporate a treat that you look forward to every night into your pre-bed rituals. Our favorite way to unwind is by sipping on a sleepytime tea; creating a routine that involves curling up on the couch with a warm mug before crawling into bed is sure to leave you feeling blissed out.

Wanna turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis? Check out our storefront for our fave ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image by Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS