Treat Your Body and Soul With a Mindful Manicure

What is anxiety?

Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

​How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

• Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

• Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
  
• Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
  
• Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

• Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
• Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

Make a Playlist Full of Affirmations

Listening to a good playlist full of affirmative lyrics is an instant mood-booster and a super easy way to romanticize your life. From Taylor Swift to Janelle Monáe, there’s so many empowering songs you can add to help you set the tone for the day. If you don't have time to listen to music while getting ready for work or school in the mornings, make sure you download your playlist to your phone so you can listen to it during your commute! Check out 40 Motivational Affirmations To Encourage Youtoo!

Go For Daily Walks

It’s easy to get used to bed-rotting, but nothing compares to getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D via daily walks. The best part about it is that you don’t have to accomplish a 20-mile trek. Simply cruising around your neighborhood or local park one to two times per day counts. Just don’t forget to invest in a great pair of walking shoes!

Learn to Make Your Own Version of the Sleepy Girl Mocktail

You’ve seen the coveted sleepy girl mocktail floating around TikTok and are wondering if it’s worth making. The short answer is hell yes! Some of our team deals with insomnia periodically and have recently found that drinking a sleepy girl mocktail a few times a week induces restful sleep.

Open Your Blinds on Sunny Days

Growing up in a Jamaican household means that our blinds were always open on sunny days because "You need to let natural light come in whenever you can." Whether you heard something similar or not, open windows definitely have a positive effect on your mood. This could be a stretch, but it almost feels like the sun's rays shine their light in as many places as possible! This is just one surefire way to romanticize your life.

Sit on Your Balcony or Patio

Our grandparents had the right idea when they’d use to sit on their patios in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice. Some of my fondest memories involve sitting with my grandmother on her patio and watching cars go by. If we weren’t doing that, I’d sit and watch her prep collard greens to cook later on.

You don't have to prep a portion of your meals while sitting on your balcony, but you can read a book, listen to a couple of new podcasts, or put your meditation skills to use.

Buy Yourself Fresh Flowers

The second Miley Cyrus released “Flowers” and I listened to the lyrics, I knew she was on to something huge. I know it’s romantic to expect a charming prince or princess to surprise you with a lush bouquet of flowers, but it’s just as lovely to buy your own. Before I entered into my committed relationship and baby era, my single girl days were filled with buying fresh flowers to brighten my kitchen. It’s something I still do on a monthly basis because it instantly puts a smile on my face.

Treat Yourself

We know inflation is coming for everyone's pockets, but you should still enjoy nice things from time to time. Since buying yourself flowers is just one way to participate inlittle treat culture, we figure there are other things you can focus on if you're not really into that.

Your idea of a small treat can be everything from your favorite Starbucks drink to that cute new blush you’ve been eyeing at Target.

Invest In Pink Blush

If you haven't already, spring is the best time to invest in pink blush. Yes, we're talking barbiecore pink. The one we can't get enough of lately is Danessa Myricks Beauty's Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed — Matte Color for Cheek & Lip in the shade "IT Girl." It's a cool-toned pink that works for every skin tone and mimics the natural appearance of flushed cheeks.

Paint Your Nails

Romanticize your life by doing an at-home manicure! It's time to break out your spring nail colors if you've been wearing jewel-toned nail polish. While we love a cute pastel moment that mirrors Easter centerpieces, you can easily choose neon pink, green, or yellow nail polish. If you're feeling artsy, try your hand at a few nail art ideas.

Check One Thing Off Your Bucket List

We all have one thing we really want to do. It could be conquering your fear of swimming, bungee jumping, or even learning how to ride a horse. Even though it's not a huge thing, something I really want to get into is rollerskating this spring! My sister and I used to skate as kids, but haven't touched them in years. Whatever your personal thing is, make sure to check it off your bucket list this spring!

Here Are More Ways To Romanticize Your Life: 

When it comes to how to romanticize your life, it's all about creating habits and making memories that feel great for you. From adding ribbons to your spring hair to writing snail mail, let us know which one stands out to you!

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

• The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
• The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie-Yip Williams
• Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
• Patsyby Nicole Dennis-Benn
• The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
• The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
• Late Migrations by Margret Renkl
• Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
• Writers & Loversby Lily King
• All Adults Hereby Emma Straub
• The Comebackby Ella Berman
• Here For Itby R. Eric Thomas
• Transcendent Kingdomby Yaa Gyasi
• The Bluest Eyeby Toni Morrison
• Black Buckby Mateo Askaripour
• The Four Windsby Kristin Hannah
• Send For Meby Lauren Fox
• Great Circleby Maggie Shipstead
• The Turnoutby Megan Abbott
• Beautiful Countryby Qian Julie Wang
• The Lincoln Highwayby Amor Towles
• The Familyby Naomi Krupitsky
• The School For Good Mothersby Jessamine Chan
• Groundskeepingby Lee Cole
• Memphisby Tara M. Stringfellow
• These Impossible Thingsby Salma El-Wardany
• The Measureby Nikki Erlick
• The Many Daughters of Afong Moyby Jamie Ford
• Solitoby Javier Zamora
• The Whalebone Theatreby Joanna Quinn
• The Cloistersby Katy Hays
• The Secret Historyby Donna Tartt
• Samby Allegra Goodman
• Maameby Jessica George
• Black Candle Womenby Diane Marie Brown
• Camp Zeroby Michelle Min Sterling
• Chain Gang All Starsby Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• The Celebrantsby Steven Rowley
• Banyan Moonby Thao Thai
• Summer Sistersby Judy Blume
• Amazing Grade Adamsby Fran Littlewood