JUNE 25, 2025

How I use my 5 senses to stay grounded, happy, and ME

As a working mom, recreational writer, and wellness enthusiast, I wear more hats than I can count – which is exactly why I’ve learned to lean into the little things that bring joy, calm, and connection to my everyday. One of my favorite ways to ground myself is by intentionally engaging all five senses. It might sound simple, but tuning into what I touch, hear, smell, taste, and see has been transformative to my overall lifestyle.

Here’s how I use my five senses to stay present, sane, and smiling – even when life is a lot.

TOUCH: Because You Deserve the Spa Upgrade

Even if you blatantly “do not have time,” get that pedicure anyway…and opt for the spa version. I’m talking scrubs, massages, hot towels, and stones. Go all in! Your toes (and your mental health!) will thank you.

Put it on your calendar as a non-negotiable appointment. You wouldn’t cancel on your boss or doctor, right? Treat your own peace with the same level of respect. This tiny touch-based luxury reminds me that I’m worthy of care, even when my schedule says otherwise.

SOUND: Turn Up the Calm

I used to save meditation music for, well…meditating. But one day, a coworker had it playing while her students rotated through centers, and it had this ripple effect of calm – even on me! I tried playing it that evening while unloading the dishwasher and again the next morning while packing lunches. Instant zen!

Meditation music is now part of my daily rhythm. It doesn’t just mask kid noise…it transforms the energy of a space. Need more convincing? Calming music has been scientifically linked to:

✔️ Reducing feelings of stress

✔️ Improving sleep

✔️ Boosting focus and productivity

✔️ Lowering blood pressure and heart rate

✔️ Improving mood

✔️ Helping manage pain

✔️ Improving emotional regulation

✔️ Relieving muscle tension

Between this new tactic and incorporating good scents (more on that in a sec), I’m basically creating a spa day vibe during chores. A win is a win!

SMELL: The Scent of Sanity

Did you know that surrounding yourself with good smells can make your life better…and not just because it’s pleasant?

Fragrances like essential oils and candles can actually:

✔️ Boost focus and concentration

✔️ Reduce stress and anxiousness

✔️ Enhance mood and motivation

✔️ Increase energy

✔️ Improve air quality and comfort

Personally, I love diffusing oils while exercising (the combo of peppermint, frankincense, and lavender makes me feel like I’m in a yoga studio!). When paying bills (a full-body stress response for big spenders like me), I always add eucalyptus for that hit of mental clarity.

Are you a fan of essential oils? Candles? Wax warmers? I’m Team All of the Above!

TASTE: The Joy Is in the Bite (Not the Prep)

Let me be brutally honest here: I TRULY despise cooking.

Fourteen years of trying to like it, and…nope. Still not my thing.

But you know what does bring me joy? Watching my family devour a savory meal that I MADE…especially when it’s something brand new. Just recently, I got a “Well done, love” from my husband and a “remarkable” from my pickiest eater (yes, I’m still glowing!)

I aim to cook one new dish per month, and to keep it manageable, I follow these rules:

✔️ Simple ingredients – 5 or fewer, if possible

✔️ Clear, step-by-step recipes

✔️ Total hands-on time under 30 minutes

✔️ Keep the kids occupied with a new book or toy

✔️ Zen cooking environment (“Alexa, play the Meditation Station”)

My two recent favorites? Venison stew and chicken saltimbocca. No accompanying pics…it was inhaled too fast!

SIGHT: Sparkle Therapy with Touchstone Crystal

Sometimes (all the time?), the best kind of retail therapy involves sparkle and shine. Cue my obsession with Touchstone Crystal.

Why do I love it so much? Let me count the ways…

✔️ Every piece is made from top-quality Swarovski Crystal or Zirconia…by exclusive designers

✔️ Its parent company has been the world leader in crystal manufacturing for 125+ years…and you’ve likely seen its glory everywhere from the red carpet to the Rockefellar Center Christmas tree to the movie screen to your favorite influencers’ products (Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS line, anyone?!)

✔️ From simple shimmer to head-to-toe sparkle, there’s something for every woman’s style. The versatility is unmatched!

✔️ You get the brilliance of Swarovski for dollar amounts that won’t make you sweat. There are price points for every budget!

✔️ All pieces come with a lifetime replacement warranty

Honestly? Putting on jewelry – even just to work from home or to run to Acme for my 5 or fewer ingredients – gives me that little extra pep in my step. It’s visual joy. It’s confidence. It’s me, polished and glowing.

Final Thoughts

In a world that’s constantly loud, busy, and demanding, I find real peace in being intentional with my senses. Whether it’s the scent of eucalyptus, the feel of hot stones on my feet, or the sound of calming music while I chop veggies (or sip wine) – I’m learning that wellness doesn’t always mean big changes. Sometimes, it’s the tiny sensory choices we make every day that bring us back to ourselves.

So go ahead – light that candle, wear the sparkle, queue up the spa music. Your senses (and your sanity) deserve it!