February Feels: Fiber, Flows, and Feel-Good Self-Care

Real self care, is a form of loving yourself.

So February feels like the month of love. You walk into the grocery store and see nothing but hearts, pink, red, and chocolate. But what I want to talk about is self-love. In this issue, I’ll dive into my experience at a retreat a couple of weekends ago, explore some feel good self-care menu options, and introduce Fiber February, plus a little bit of movement-based self-care.

Loving Mobility as Self Care?

Now, it’s no surprise if you’ve been reading my newsletter that movement is key for me for self-care. But that doesn’t always mean killing it on the bike or in the gym. Sometimes it’s a simple afternoon Yin yoga practice, which involves deep stretching, or it might involve a mobility practice.While mobility might not be my first love, it’s definitely a necessity—kind of like certain family members (no need to name names)!

Head over to my Facebook group to check out this short clip of one of my hip mobility videos. Plus you will have access to recipes, tips, etc!

Anchor to Life FB Group

Fiber February

Want to find out some more high fiber foods, check out the blog post below!

So, what’s the importance of all this fiber stuff? There are lots of benefits. If you want to read more, check out this link to my blog post on fiber. Spoiler: fiber is basically your gut’s bestie, and let’s be honest, we all need more friends like that.

Fiber Blog Post

Mood Menu

What Mood is Driving You?

I want you to think of this as going to a restaurant and having things to choose from. Self-care items are kind of like appetizers, mains, and desserts. Well, think about it as a mood menu. So, when you’re angry, what are things that can help alleviate that anger? Or if you’re feeling a little sad, what are things that can uplift you? Much like the movie Inside Out with the different little characters addressing different moods, you can address a mood menu to help lift you out of certain moods or elevate moods you’re already in. Here’s an example of a mood menu that you can use, but it’s best to create one that is catered to you. Like my food reference there? It’s always snack o’clock when it comes to self-care.

🎭 Mood Menu: Pick Your Emotional Recipe

🔥 ANGER (Red - “Anger”)

Cool down and redirect that fire!

• Listen to an “Anger Release” playlist (hello, power ballads and drum solos!)

• Try a kickboxing or HIIT workout

• Take deep belly breaths (inhale for 4, exhale for 6)

• Scribble furiously in a journal, then rip the page up

• Squeeze a stress ball or pop bubble wrap

• Vent to a friend, but set a timer so you don’t spiral

😢 SADNESS (Blue - “Sadness”)

Lean into it, then lift yourself up

• Watch a comforting movie (think Paddington or Legally Blonde)

• Wrap up in a cozy blanket and sip tea

• Listen to a nostalgic playlist and cry it out if needed

• Write a letter to yourself with kindness and encouragement

• Get some fresh air—bonus points if it’s near water

• Do gentle Pilates, yoga, or stretching to reconnect with your body

😨 FEAR/ANXIETY (Purple - “Fear”)

Calm the nervous system and regain control

• Take a walk in nature (woods, beach, or just around the block)

• Try box breathing (inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 4s, hold 4s)

• Do a short guided meditation (Headspace, Calm, or YouTube)

• Make a “Worry List” and then physically cross off what you can’t control

• Snuggle with a pet or call a loved one for reassurance

• Dance it out—movement can shift nervous energy quickly

🤢 DISGUST (Green - “Disgust”)

Shake off what doesn’t serve you!

• Declutter one small space (desk, car, purse—instant relief!)

• Cook a fresh, nourishing meal that makes you feel good

• Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel icky

• Put on your favorite comfy outfit that makes you feel amazing

• Laugh it out—watch bloopers, stand-up, or a funny pet video

• Change your scenery—sometimes a quick trip to a coffee shop helps reset your vibe

😄 JOY (Yellow - “Joy”)

Boost what’s already shining bright!

• Create a playlist of songs that make you want to dance

• Try a new hobby or revisit an old favorite (painting, baking, gardening)

• Call or text a friend just to share something happy

• Do a random act of kindness (it boosts both giver and receiver!)

• Reflect on three things you’re grateful for today

• Have a mini solo dance party—extra points for singing into a hairbrush

Retreating into some North Georgia mountains does the soul good!

Enjoying a hike, getting away from the demands of the real world, and NO SOCIAL MEDIA!

In the theme of self-care and self-love, I went to a retreat last weekend in the North Georgia mountains at a place called Elohee. I highly recommend it. It was my very first retreat. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and, to be completely transparent, I went with the intent of learning more about it so eventually, I can lead a retreat myself.

But what I found out is that I am lucky enough that I will be adding this to my calendar every year. Being able to bond with people that are complete strangers is sometimes more freeing than confiding in a loved one. So, while you may not be able to fork out the coin to attend one of these retreats, you can create a mini-retreat for yourself. Pack yourself a picnic lunch on a sunny day and go sit outside to just eat and enjoy nature. Pro tip: don’t forget snacks. Snacks are self-love too.

Have You Been On a Retreat?

• Change Image

  YES
• Change Image

  NO
• Change Image

  I WANT TO!

I leave you with this quote by Brene Brown: "Talk to yourself like some you love"