I’ve been digging into how to create a positive mindset surrounding winter this year, and I have to say it’s going quite well. And one thing that came to mind as I was journaling one morning, surrounded by candles, incense, a hot drink, warm slippers and soft music was how I was attending to each of my senses in one way or another and how calm and wonderful I felt.

So, I kind of set a goal of making it a priority each day to check in with myself periodically to see if I was taking care of each of my senses. And I have found that when I give focus to each one my days are just so much better.

Today I wanted to take you through the different senses and different things I’ll do to nourish each.

Sight |

Let’s start at the top. Every morning I start with around 15-20 minutes of tidying. I find that when everything is in its place my mind is so much clearer. This includes keeping my desk clean throughout the day.

Another thing I like to do when I first sit down at my desk in the morning is light some candles and flick on the warm floor lamp to create a soft, calm glow instead of clicking on the harsh overhead light. I’ve been avoiding the harsh fluorescent lights first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

And finally, I like to decorate my space with things that are going to make me happy. Pieces of “art”, photos, a felt letter board, and a growing yucca plant next to my desk. And since it’s that time of year I turn on my Christmas tree each morning and that always gives me a instant fuzzy feeling inside.

Smell — Moving right along, think of some of your favorite smells, and the feeling they give you. There’s nothing like taking a nice deep inhale of fresh air when you’re outside. Or letting the smoke from an incense waft through your space. Walking into your house after you’ve baked cookies, freshly washed clothes, new babies, the list goes on. Anytime a smell stands out to me (in a good way) I make sure to breathe it in once more and be present with the good feelings floating around inside. In the morning my scent of choice is a nag champa incense.

Hearing — Even though I enjoy driving in silence when I’m alone, I love putting on some easy going background music first thing in the morning when I sit down, or some more upbeat music later in the day when I need a little pick me up.

Podcasts are also growing on my list when it comes to walking places or for those times I don’t want to drive in silence.

Taste — Mmm food. I’ve been doing a much better job the past month or so of eating breakfast. I have to make it a point to make sure I fix something for myself or it can slip into lunchtime before I notice I haven’t eaten.

Another way to hit those taste buds is something to drink. This month that’s been a nice hot mug of herbal tea, it’s normally a cup of coffee, and sometimes in the summer, it’s a big smoothie in a mason jar.

Not to mention stopping for snack breaks and yummy meals throughout the day while I work. And it’s pretty common for there to be a chocolate bar or something similar tucked into a desk drawer.

Touch — And finally, possibly the most important part of being “cozy”. I opt for a simple, comfortable outfit. Jeans and a sweater. And when I’m home that always includes knitted socks made by my mom and my slippers Michael gave me for Christmas last year.

I made sure I got an office chair with a nice cushion for my bum and topped it with a soft pillow to lean back on. If I get extra chilly I will wrap myself in a blanket. Not to mention the space heater I have next to me while I work. Once I flip that on and shut the door my space becomes nice and toasty.

If I find myself feeling out of sorts during the day I’ll step back to assess the situation. Often it’s a simple fix of adding something to nourish a sense I’ve been neglecting. And I know this can sound all a bit woo-woo, but I promise it’s been doing wonders for me.

What are the ways in which you attend to your different senses throughout the day?