the ward method

Tag: lifestyle

  • How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    Winter is a weird time.
    The days are shorter, the air is sharper, and everything just feels a little… heavier.
    Your energy dips. Your motivation goes MIA.
    And suddenly you’re wearing the same hoodie for four days and convincing yourself that avocado toast counts as emotional support.

    Same.

    But instead of fighting the season (or trying to pretend I love the cold), I’ve been learning to lean into it.
    To add little pockets of warmth to my day, not just physically, but emotionally too.
    And honestly? It’s been helping.

    Here’s how I’m turning winter into something soft, not suffocating:

    1. Romanticizing my night routine (just a little)

    The sun’s gone by 6PM anyway, so I’ve stopped resisting the early wind-down.
    I light my salt lamp. I take a long shower. Sometimes I read a few pages of a book I’ve already read 3 times (comfort).
    It’s not about doing more. It’s about softening into the evening.

    My new rule?
    Even if my day felt like chaos, I get to end it slowly.

    2. Dressing like i care about myself

    This sounds dramatic, but hear me out:
    Cosy = confidence.

    My go-to right now?
    A hoodie, relaxed jeans, a chunky scarf, loafers, and my oversized coat that makes me feel like the main character of an indie film.
    It’s comfy, effortless, and still makes me feel put together.
    Like I can romanticize the grocery store.

    3. Sweating it out in the sauna (or a hot yoga class)

    I didn’t realize how much I needed warmth from the inside out until I started doing hot yoga again.
    There’s something about stepping into a heated room that instantly shifts your mood.
    You sweat, stretch, breathe, and come out feeling like you just hit “reset” on your nervous system.

    Even 15 minutes in the sauna after a workout? Instant mental clarity.
    It’s like wrapping yourself in heat therapy and walking back into your life a little softer.

    4. Warmth as a mindset (and a bath)

    I used to feel bad about slowing down. Like I had to earn rest.
    Now? I’m making it part of the ritual.
    Slow mornings. Intentional baths. No phone. Just steam, music, maybe a few dramatic thoughts.
    Let your body catch up to your mind. Let your nervous system exhale.

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop rushing.

    5. Winter comfort, but make it breakfast

    Avocado toast. Matcha in your favourite mug.
    Winter makes me crave slow breakfasts with good music playing in the background.
    Food that feels like care.
    It’s not about being aesthetic, it’s about feeling held in the small moments.

    You don’t need to love winter.
    But you can still soften into it.
    You can still find tiny ways to feel warm, even when the air bites back.
    Salt lamps, hot yoga, long baths, your favourite hoodie, a meal that hits just right.
    That’s what this season is about.
    It’s the season of slowness, softness, and layering up (inside and out).

    And maybe that’s not so bad.

  • How I’m actually getting sh*t done.

    How I’m actually getting sh*t done.

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a love-hate relationship with productivity for years. On one hand, I want to feel like I’m moving toward something, like I’m actually making progress on the million goals floating around in my head. But on the other hand… I also want to lie on the floor and scroll Pinterest in peace.

    Here’s the thing no one really talks about: staying motivated is hard when you’re overwhelmed. And trying to do everything is the fastest way to end up doing absolutely nothing.

    So lately, I’ve been testing out a new approach. I stripped everything back and asked myself: How do I make this feel doable, not terrifying?

    Here are the 2 things that have actually helped me get things done (without the burnout spiral):

    1. The “one thing a day” rule

    Forget the mile-long to-do list. These days, I pick one thing each day that moves me closer to a goal. Just one.

    Some days it’s sending that email I’ve been avoiding. Other days it’s writing half a blog post, or even just brainstorming for 20 minutes. The key is making it so doable that my brain doesn’t automatically resist.

    It might not sound like much, but here’s the magic: one thing a day adds up fast. You build momentum without overwhelming yourself, and you don’t feel like a failure when you can’t tick off 12 tasks in 3 hours.

    2. I romanticize the boring stuff

    No one talks about how boring consistency can be. Showing up every day? Doing the same small tasks over and over? Snoozefest.

    So I romanticize it. I light a candle. I put on a playlist that makes me feel like the main character in a movie where I get my life together. I make my workspace cute. I reward myself for showing up, even if I just crossed off one thing.

    It sounds silly, but tricking your brain into enjoying the process makes a huge difference. You stop chasing motivation and start leaning into rhythm.

    So if you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or straight-up exhausted by your to-do list, let this be your reminder: You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to start, in a way that works for you.

    Small wins count. Slow progress is still progress. And getting sh*t done doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace.

    You’ve got this (and if you don’t today, there’s always tomorrow).

  • The realistic habits that changed everything.

    The realistic habits that changed everything.

    by someone who still scrolls Pinterest for 30 minutes before bed but is doing their best.

    Let’s talk about the little things.
    The unsexy, everyday choices that honestly determine how your brain works, how your body feels, and how your life unfolds.

    At some point, I realized that the life I wanted didn’t require a massive overnight transformation. It required better habits. The kind that slowly rewire your self-worth, energy, focus, and even success. The kind that turn “ugh, I feel like crap” into “I actually like who I’m becoming.”

    Here are a few that have changed the game for me:

    1. Becoming a lifelong learner (even if I’m the dumbest one in the room)

    I don’t care if it’s a podcast, a self-help book, or deep-diving into articles about the gut-brain connection, I crave knowledge. And I’ve learned not to let ego get in the way of learning. I like not knowing everything. I like being curious. Reading every day keeps me mentally sharp, humble, and inspired. It’s a form of self-care that doesn’t get enough credit.

    2. Eating what makes me feel good

    Not what’s trendy. Not what Instagram tells me is “healthy.” What my body actually responds well to. I’ve been more intentional with meals, opting for food that fuels me instead of drains me. That doesn’t mean restriction or perfection. It means tuning in: Does this give me energy? Or leave me feeling sluggish and anxious?

    3. Matcha days > overcaffeinated girl meltdowns

    I love coffee. Like, love it. But I’ve started swapping it out with matcha on the days I know I need to be calm, grounded, and focused instead of bouncing off the walls in a jittery spiral. Matcha still gives me a kick, but without the crash. And it’s full of antioxidants, so I get to pretend I’m a wellness girlie while sipping it.

    4. Moving my body (even when I don’t feel like it)

    Let’s be real: I don’t always wake up thrilled to go to the gym or roll out a yoga mat. But I do show up for myself. Not because I’m chasing a “body goal,” but because I know how much better I feel after. Stronger, clearer, and more in control of my day. My workouts have become more about mental wellness than aesthetics. And that shift? Huge.

    The truth is, your habits shape your life far more than your motivation does. You won’t always feel inspired, but you can always choose to take care of yourself.
    Because when you take care of your mind and body, success stops being this distant thing you’re chasing… and starts being a natural byproduct of how you live.

    And honestly? That feels pretty powerful.

  • My winter uniform: comfy, cool, and just a little bit chaotic.

    My winter uniform: comfy, cool, and just a little bit chaotic.

    Winter dressing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort for style, or vice versa. Honestly, my cold-weather style philosophy is simple: if I could nap in it and still look cute on a coffee run, it’s a yes.

    Here’s what I’m wearing on repeat this winter. Call it a uniform, call it a vibe… either way, it’s comfy, cool, and makes getting dressed feel effortless.

    1. Oversized hoodie energy
    I love an oversized hoodie more than some people. There’s just something about being swallowed up by soft fabric on a cold day, it’s a hug in clothing form. Bonus points if it’s neutral, slightly structured, or vintage-inspired. Ideal for layering under coats or pairing with denim for a “yes I tried but also no I didn’t” aesthetic.

    2. The boots that go with everything
    Black, chunky, and walkable. That’s my boot criteria this winter. I want something I can stomp through my to-do list in, something that looks as good with a wide-leg pair of denims as it does with yoga pants. Versatile. Reliable. Down for anything, like me.

    3. Dad cap = mood stabilizer
    There’s just something about a great dad cap that makes me feel like I have my life together. Messy hair? Covered. Bad mood? Hidden. It adds the I’m not trying too hard touch to any outfit and pulls everything together when you’re just not in the mood to “fashion.”

    4. The comfy denim you’ll actually reach for
    Skinny jeans? Couldn’t be me. I’m currently living in straight-leg or baggy denim that feels lived in and easy. A little slouch, a high waist, a good wash, chef’s kiss. These are the jeans I’ll wear all season and never get tired of. They play well with hoodies, knits, and everything in between.

    5. The oversized long sleeve golf-style sweater
    A little grandpa, a little cool girl. This piece is the underdog hero of my wardrobe. Think preppy meets cozy. I throw it over a turtleneck or under a coat, and suddenly I’m in my “I read The Financial Times for fun” era, even if I’m just heading to the grocery store.

    Mix, match, repeat.
    That’s the best part. All of these pieces work together. Hoodie under the golf sweater? Cute. Boots with denim and the cap? Effortless. Throw in a coffee, a puffer jacket, and some good music and I’m ready to take on winter, without freezing or losing my personality to the cold.

    So if you see me in some version of this outfit three days in a row… no, you didn’t.

  • How to make your bedroom more cosy + zen (aka your soft girl sanctuary)

    How to make your bedroom more cosy + zen (aka your soft girl sanctuary)

    Your bedroom should feel like an exhale.
    Not another to-do list, not a Pinterest board you forgot to finish, and definitely not a pile of clothes that gives you anxiety the second you walk in.

    If you’ve been feeling overstimulated lately (read: everyone and their mom on TikTok is yelling about “that girl” routines and productivity hacks), your bedroom might be due for a reset. Because the truth is, your environment plays a big role in how calm (or chaotic) your mind feels.

    Let’s romanticize rest. Let’s bring the softness back. Let’s make your room the kind of space that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

    Here are 4 ways to make your bedroom more cosy + zen:

    1. Lighting makes the mood (literally).

    If your overhead light is giving “pharmacy chic,” it’s time to switch things up. Think: warm lamps, string lights, a salt lamp, or even scented candles (safely, of course). Soft lighting instantly makes your space feel calmer and more grounded. Pro tip? Get a dimmer or plug your lights into a smart plug so you can control the vibe from your bed.

    2. Declutter, but like, gently.

    No, you don’t have to become a minimalist overnight. But clearing out the random receipts, tangled cords, and skincare bottles you haven’t used since 2021? That’ll help. Your space doesn’t need to be perfect, just peaceful. Choose intentional pieces that make you feel good when you look at them.

    3. Add cozy textures.

    Layer your space with soft, comforting materials: plush throws, a fluffy rug, maybe even a linen duvet cover that feels like a cloud. When your space feels good to touch, it’s easier to relax in it. Also, don’t underestimate the power of fresh bedsheets. (Life-changing.)

    4. Create a no-phone zone.

    This one’s hard, but worth it. Try charging your phone outside of your room or setting it on Do Not Disturb after a certain hour. Replace that endless scroll with a book, some journaling, or a wind-down playlist. Your nervous system will thank you.

    The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.
    It’s creating a space that helps you sleep better, breathe deeper, and feel more like you again.

    Because your bedroom should feel like the calm after the chaos.
    A soft place to land. A little pocket of zen, just for you.

  • 4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    Let’s be real: Some weeks feel like they’ve lasted 84 years. You’ve been in meetings, running errands, answering texts you didn’t have the energy for, and just doing the most. And by Friday? You’re a shell of a person who just wants snacks and silence.

    So, here’s your little reminder that the weekend isn’t just a time to catch up on laundry or stress about Monday, it’s also your time to feel like a human again.
    Here are 4 ways to help you do just that:

    1. Romanticize the hell out of your morning.

    Slow mornings are the ultimate act of rebellion in a world that loves urgency.
    Sleep in a bit. Light a scented candle. Put on some Addison Rae. Make your favorite breakfast. Drink your coffee slowly, like you’re in a film set in Italy.
    Put on a playlist that makes you feel like the main character and pretend you don’t have a single worry in the world, just for an hour or two.

    2. Do something fun with zero productivity attached.

    You don’t need to “earn” rest or joy. Pick something that makes you happy and do it just because.
    A cute farmer’s market stroll. A spontaneous drive. An art class. A Pilates session you barely get through but feel cute doing anyway.
    The goal is to do something that feels like you, not just something that looks good on your calendar.

    3. Disconnect to reconnect.

    Yes, I’m talking about a little break from your phone (even if it’s just for a few hours).
    Put it on Do Not Disturb. Go outside. Be with the people you love, or be alone with your thoughts (they’re not always as scary as we think).
    Go touch some grass, take a walk, breathe in the air like it’s your first time on Earth. Nature really is free therapy.

    4. Check in with yourself, gently.

    Use part of your weekend to ask yourself how you’re really doing.
    Not in a pressure-filled, “let’s fix everything” way, just a little mental check-in. Journaling, reading, reflecting, maybe even planning your week softly if that helps calm your brain.
    Give yourself space to feel whatever you need to feel, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Because you are.

    You don’t need a 3-day vacation to reset.
    Sometimes, all it takes is a weekend filled with intention, the kind where you take your power back, even in small ways.
    So go ahead: do less, laugh more, and don’t check your emails unless the building’s on fire.

    You deserve peace. And a pastry. Preferably both.