Acts of Comfort: Ritual Evening Drinks (not cocktails!)
I’m writing this Wednesday night. I just poured a glass of wine and my husband said “I thought we were only doing that on the weekend?”
My pandemic math tells me this is close enough. ( Husband quote: “It is literally the middle of the week.” )
Here’s the deal though: he leaves the house every day, goes to work, and then returns. There is rhythm. There are boundaries. I, on the other hand, come back to my bedroom after breakfast and work at my desk. (It’s dinner time and here I am again.) Those of us working from home (or not working at all) have less clarity on what day it might be.
Even in non-pandemic time (but especially now), it can help to create a ritual that triggers your brain to switch gears, from “work” to “home” (when those are no longer defined by space or time.) It is even more helpful if that trigger is not net negative (like daily wine.) As such, Lauren is sharing two favorite soothing beverages that you can easily make from scratch at home. God know we need easy right now. These are so simple, I illustrated the recipes with a few pieces of clip art.
And if that is too much work (I see you! I get it!) Here are some favorite loose-leaf teas. We like the idea of elevating this moment to a ritual and taking your time. It is more grounding to fill a tea strainer with leaves and steep.
Links to buy:
Mugs: Links to follow these small makers or sellers on instagram, where most are managing some direct sales with shipping or curbside pick up.
5. Staffordshire inspired cup by Ginny Sims Ceramics. These sell out quickly but new batches are shared on instagram.
6. Mug by Sandwich Ceramics through Golden Age Design. This shop imports and restores Danish modern furniture from Denmark. Watch for new merchandise (and sales) on instagram.
7. RGB mug through Show and Tell Minneapolis (other personalities available as well)
8. This is our daily mug in the office, made by my friend Amy Deystone in Boulder, Colorado! I originally commissioned a planter for the studio but I killed the plant before we settled on final design (see houseplant post, here). I’m so glad I went with mugs instead, since I interact with them daily.
What about you: have you created new rituals to shift gears when everything is happening at home? As the weather improves, I’m considering adding a morning walk to the routine. I would love to hear what’s helping in your household!