Category: Health & Wellness

Each of us at Carrie Ann Conversations is on our own path to wellness, and for each of us this has involved or continues to involve going to therapy to help us live our best lives. We know that there are many who are wary of therapy, or who don’t have the means to see a therapist right now, so we wanted to share some of the best lessons we’ve taken away from therapy with you.

1. Avoid “Gaslighting” Yourself.

Welp! I was blown away by this when my therapist told me this. I was so tough on myself in the way I spoke to myself that he considered it gaslighting. Since then I have been very careful about the way I talk to myself. Most of the time I am positive, but deep inside of me there is a very dark, very hurt part that feels like she is not enough. I have struggled with this most of my life. I have always felt different, and unlike other people. I have always known that the way my mind works is a bit different than others. I have come to a peace with this and have learned to accept my ‘different-ness.’ But every once in a while I will have an experience that makes me frustrated with the way my mind works, I get stuck, or caught, or confused and I feel shame about myself and it makes its way into my self-talk. I didn’t realize how incredibly negative my self-talk could be until I shared it with my therapist. He was surprised to find that I had such negative self-talk, but once we shed some light on it and gained an understanding of the thought processes behind it, it became easier to stop the negative pattern in its tracks. It can be so easy to slip into negative self-talk and harm ourselves in this way, and sometimes it can take an outside perspective to show you how warped that self-talk can become. Be careful of the language you direct towards yourself and ask if you would say that to a close friend— you deserve the same love and respect as anyone else! —Carrie Ann

2. “Fight or Flight” Can Actually Help You.

My therapist once told me that anxiety is your brain reacting to normal incidents (a disagreement with a coworker or roommate, an unexpected setback) as if they are physically threatening your safety. Your body releases a lot of adrenaline to help you fight or fly from what it perceives as a very real danger; sometimes physically moving can help you burn off these chemicals and help your heart stop racing. Whether it’s taking a walk or just pacing your room, a little movement can help your brain get back on track. —Becca

3. Check Your Anxiety Against Reality.

If you’re really anxious about something, journaling or listing your worries out doesn’t mean you’re giving them life. Sometimes I have the tendency to go to the worst possible outcome in my head, and my brain can get pretty creative with how something is going to go sideways. By writing your worries down, you have the ability to check back at the end of the week and see if any of them actually came true. Most of the time they haven’t, and this can help retrain your brain to stop the worries in their tracks.— Ellyn

4. Shift Your Perspective Back Onto You.

Often the tendency is for me to go in and talk about things that happened to me, or something that triggered me throughout the week. And an old pattern is to want to say, “Why did they do that?” That is not something anyone but that person can explain, so my therapist isn’t going to be able to answer that kind of question. Instead, he can help me shift my thinking back to what I can do something about, which is my thinking and my reaction, and the “why’s” become more about me and less about them. This shift in perspective always brings me peace because the world feels less overwhelming when I am only worried about my reaction to it rather than worrying how to help, fix, or change everyone else. I was always taught to help others which put me in the background. This tip from my therapist to focus on me may sound egocentric, but it’s actually healthy to look at your actions or emotions when trying to understand why a situation was so painful, difficult or triggering in general. —Carrie Ann

5. Don’t Fight Panic.

I used to occasionally have panic attacks, and once I knew what they were, they became much easier to move through. My therapist told me not to fight them, but to recognize them and know that they would end. If I felt one coming on, I would say to myself “Okay, this is just a panic attack. It will be over soon and I will be okay”. Simply recognizing the fact that it was panic allowed me to focus on deep breathing and not let thoughts like “Oh my god what’s happening!! This is horrible!!” keep swirling through my brain. — Ellyn

6. Have Empathy For Your Anxiety.

Having dealt with anxiety for most of my life, I often deal with anger and frustration over my own anxious thoughts. I often feel like they make me weaker and I’d be a better, stronger person without them. My therapist once told me that having resentment for this side of me and trying to ignore or suppress it isn’t always the best option because these thoughts, to some extent, will always be a part of me. She explained that I developed these thoughts for a reason; my more cautious side is just trying to look out for and protect me, even if it’s not always doing the best job. She told me to thank this side of myself when it brings me things to be concerned about and respectfully tell it, “thank you for bringing this to my attention but I don’t think this is something I need to put my energy towards.” This puts me back in the driver’s seat while treating my anxious side with compassion and respect instead of self-loathing. — Becca

7. Speak Up For Your Inner Child.

Often when we are upset about something, or frustrated, it is because we haven’t spoken up in a way that takes care of the little child inside of us.  As we become adults, we are now in charge of our own welfare.  And it’s important that we speak up for what we need, and to express how we are feeling. It’s important for us to ask, “What is the little child inside trying to say?”  If we communicate out of that desire to take care of ourselves in a loving and compassionate way, we do not need to act out like a child.  If we speak up for them, that child doesn’t have to act out or throw a tantrum, or feel like withdrawing into safety is their only option for coping with the amount of anxiety and discomfort they feel.  When the inner child feels safe, we as adults will feel more connected and cohesive in this world.  And we will be better able to show up in the world in a more honest way.  We all have experienced trauma as children. That’s the process of growing — facing difficult things  and moving through them.  When we speak up for our inner child in a mature and “adult” fashion, we heal.  And we welcome and show that child we love and accept them as they are.  We show them that they are worthy of being protected and that is very healing. — Carrie Ann

8. Add A Little Humor To Your Self-Talk.

If you catch yourself in catastrophe mode, or thinking of all of the ways something could go awry, you can diffuse the situation in your own brain by adding a little humor. Saying something like “Wow you really got creative with that one didn’t you! Haven’t heard that one before. Ok anxiety, I see you,” can really take the life out of a thought. It takes practice to recognize the anxiety in the first place, but once you do, it’s easier to remove yourself from the situation that is your overactive imagination. —Ellyn

9. Watch Out For Black-And-White Thinking.

If your first reaction to a new circumstance, unexpected behavior or new person is to think “is this good or bad for me?” then you might have a tendency toward black and white thinking. It’s a trauma response designed to help us cope and survive, usually forged in times when quickly figuring out whether you are safe or in danger is very important. However, in many situations this need to distinguish can keep us from coming to the best conclusion. I used to spend whole days trying to figure out if a good friend doing something that hurt my feelings meant I could no longer trust them ever again instead of simply realizing that that friend is a human who is neither perfect nor evil and untrustworthy. It can feel safer and easier to put people and situations in big boxes labelled GOOD or BAD but the truth is that most things don’t and you could miss out on a lot by trying to see the world this way.—Becca

10. Sometimes We Need To Connect To Nature To Connect To Ourselves. 

We can often forget how much of a difference it can make to stay grounded. Human beings have been living in harmony with this planet for millennia, walking on the ground and staying in tune with it. While convenient, our modern lives often interrupt our ability to connect to nature in the same way that our ancestors did. Going outside and putting your feet on the earth is so important.  So is seeing nature, inhaling the aromas of the natural world we came from.  When you sit in nature, you remember your place in this world and it can be very soothing.  Whether it’s taking a hike, sitting at the beach, lying in your backyard looking at the stars or just standing in the morning grass with your bare feet… it reminds you of the beauty of the world in which we live and are a part of. — Carrie Ann

The benefits of seeing a therapist can be hard to quantify. The process of therapy can be long and we are all constantly growing and learning new things about ourselves. Many of the ways that therapy is helpful can feel very intangible or abstract; these breakthroughs are crucial and valuable, but there are also lightning-like moments where something finally clicks into place all at once. These are a few of the biggest “aha” moments we had in our journeys; we hope they are helpful for you in your own journey.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just exhausted? This past year has pushed many of us to our limits, and has kept us in a survival mode that can keep us from having the energy to solve problems or try to make even small lifestyle changes. A solution for so many of these issues, from missing sleep to low self esteem, can be found in the simple practice of mindfulness. Meditation can seem alienating and intimidating to newcomers even as it becomes more and more popular. Luckily, a variety of apps is always working to make meditation an approachable and helpful tool whether you’ve practiced for years or have never tried it. Whether you’d like to build a community with others trying to heal, need a simple reminder to check in with yourself or even just want to start making time to separate yourself from your daily stressors, meditation apps have something to offer everyone. If the coming of the new year has made you crave a change, using a meditation app can be the perfect way to find a new start and give yourself space to breathe among the distractions and stressors of daily life.

1. Insight Timer

Insight Timer is one of my favorite apps; it has some of my favorite speakers and meditations that I return to time and time again. I love the meditations by Sarah Blondin, Jennifer Piercy, Kenneth Soares and Jonathan Lehmann. Lisa A. Romano’s meditations for healing from narcissistic abuse were hugely helpful to me while I was recovering from my own experience with narcissistic abuse. If you have experiences with chronic pain, I recommend Carrie Suwal’s meditations on extreme pain meditation. Even though Insight Timer does offer a premium subscription for $9.99 a month, they also have thousands of meditations that are all free to listen to.

One thing I love about Insight is that it’s not just an app but it’s also a community. You can connect with other users who are listening to the same meditations. You can leave encouraging messages for people going through similar struggles and truly feel less alone when you’re going through something. Whether you’re looking for guided meditation, an ambient soundtrack to usher in a moment of peace, or even a yoga practice, Insight Timer has an incredible range of experiences.

2. Calm

Whether you’re looking for a 10 minute dose of daily calm that updates every day, walking meditations, help focusing your attention or sleep stories to help you rest better, Calm has a variety of options. A limited free version or an unlimited $70 version are both available to fit your needs. If you’re feeling lost, Calm offers a good place to start: their introductory 7 days of Calm course invites you back to the app each day to explore the basics of meditation one day at a time.

3. Ten Percent Happier Meditation

Ten Percent Happier is on a mission to win over people who are skeptical of meditation. With simple, pragmatic and goal-oriented meditations like “Getting Out of Your Head” or “Ten Good Breaths,” this app wants to show you that meditation can have a visible positive impact on your day-to-day life. The app can also connect you with real life meditation experts for any coaching you need in your journey. A subscription with Ten Percent happier costs $11.99 a month or $99 a year.

4. Buddhify

Buddhify’s most distinctive feature is its “wheel” of meditation options which lets you intuitively gravitate towards options that suit your needs and state of mind. Whether you’re feeling intense stress or just need a work break, the wheel will lead you to different meditation choices to give you the best experience for your moment. As you get more familiar with the app, you can even customize your wheel for the options you use the most, adding meditations for specific emotions, sleep aids, pain management and anything else you need. Buddhify even lets you give meditations to your loved ones, so if you come across a meditation someone in your life would find helpful they can listen to it even if they don’t have the app. Best of all, the app costs $4.99 to download but doesn’t charge any subsequent fees for subscription or any features.

5. Shine

Shine’s goal is to help users with their mental and emotional health on a daily basis with motivational messages, meditations and journal prompts all infused with a sense of humor. The Shine app features a today tab with an easy-access toolkit of actions users can take; “The app essentially is meant to be your daily self-care check-in,” founder Marah Lidey told Popsugar last year. The simple checklist of options and choices can take a lot of indecisiveness out of the process and help you easily find the right experience for you whether it’s a morning boost, a quick life coaching session or a story to help you sleep at night. Because Shine was created to help increase representation and help for Black mental health, there’s an entire section of its library devoted to topics like burnout, racial equality, and healing from trauma. Shine’s subscription costs $7.99 a month or $59.99 annually.

6. Headspace

Headspace calls itself “Your personal meditation guide to pretty much everything.” Explore a library of options from work and productivity to happiness and self esteem. There’s also an essential meditation section if you don’t know where to start and a bar on the home screen tracks your progress so you can work to build streaks of mindfulness stretching over days and weeks. Headspace even has guided imagery exercises that work to incorporate all five senses for a more mindful experience. A subscription to Headspace Plus costs $12.99 a month or $69.99 annually.

7. Happify

Happify is a great app if you’re intimidated by the process of starting meditation for the first time. Instead of using traditional meditation prompts or guided meditations, Happify uses games to help get you into a positive, meditated state. For instance, in one game balloons will drift by your screen with different words written on them and you are tasked with only choosing the positive words; this will help create more positive connections in your mind. If you love playing games then you’lll love this app. When I first started my journey with chronic illness, I experienced a lot of depression and worry that I wouldn’t be able to live a full life. I wasn’t ready to share about my depression and a tool like Happify that allowed me to help myself was so important. I did this app every single day and it was truly so helpful to me. If you’re not sure where to find help, this app might be a helpful place to start for you too. Meditation can be an intimidating practice to start and a more game-centered, lighthearted experience might be a great alternative to working towards happiness and mindfulness.

For newcomers, meditation can seem unapproachable, intimidating, and can even make you think you’re not the right kind of person for meditation. Luckily, there’s such a wide range of meditation apps that can offer a form of meditation to fit everyone, from the deeply spiritual to the chronically busy to the sleep-challenged. Whether you need a checklist to keep you accountable, a community to love and support you, or an endless library of thoughtful sessions, there’s something in meditation that can serve you and improve your life today.

Looking for more meditation tips? Read expert Cyia Batten’s tips for meditating here.

One of the biggest shifts in quarantine is how small our worlds have become. Because of this, more and more of it is contained within the screens we carry with us at all times. Many of our friends are only available to us through these screens- we use them to keep up with each other, share our lives, feel connected. But our phones aren’t solely for connection. I once heard a friend refer to the constant string of distractions and noise that stream into our brains from our devices as novocaine— a numbing agent. The amount of time I’ve spent addicted to my phone in quarantine, constantly stimulated and consuming and yet never learning or gaining anything from it, terrifies me.

Looking at my phone has become such a reflex; it’s the first thing I do when I don’t know what to do. I don’t want my phone to be my whole world. I want to remember that I have a physical body that exists in physical spaces, that I can experience things in reality instead of through a screen even when my options are more limited now than they have been in the past. Using a phone to catch up with a loved one or check in on the world is certainly a blessing. But if you’ve found yourself reaching for it without thinking, as a distraction from your life, you might enjoy a list of easy alternatives.

Here’s a list of fifty things you can do instead of looking at your phone if you feel like you’re battling phone addiction.

1. Go for a walk outside.
2. Eavesdrop on a conversation and see if you learn anything interesting.
3. Write down the characteristics of birds you see and try to identify them later.
4. Pick a flower or two and press them in a book.
5. Make a quick 5-item list of things you’re grateful for at this exact moment,
6. Practice drawing your favorite animal until you get it perfect.
7. Call a friend on a whim.
8. Stretch.
9. Do five minutes of deep breathing.
10. If you have a pet, spend a few minutes playing with them or brushing them or just showing them some affection.
11. Take any cups, dishes, or finished beverages out of your room.
12. Pick up a book you bought six months ago and haven’t gotten a chance to read yet.
13. Write a letter to a friend just because.
14. Make a collage out of anything interesting you find in today’s paper.
15. Clear out a junk drawer.
16. Plan a fancy meal for yourself.
17. Pick a short mantra and meditate on it for 5 minutes.
18. Paint your nails.
19. Look through any physical photos in your house and reminisce.
20. Write a quick summary of your week so far and keep it in a place where you can keep adding to it.
21. Write down a story about someone you love. If it feels right, consider mailing it to them.
22. Sketch a quick self portrait.
23. Rearrange the furniture in your room.
24. Spend 5 minutes writing about something that’s been troubling you and see if you feel better afterwards.
25. Write down 5 goals you have for the next month or year. Keep it someplace where you won’t forget about it.
26. Make a list of 10 places in the world you want to visit.
27. Open up your fridge and try to invent a meal out of what you have.
28. Write down your 5 favorite places in the world with a few reasons for each.
29. Make a physical list of friends’ birthdays so you can remember them easier.
30. Go through your closet until you find a piece of clothing you love but forgot about.
31. Pick up a craft or hobby you haven’t had time for in a while.
32. Plan 5 nice things to do for yourself this week, whether it’s picking up spa supplies at the store or ordering a yummy meal for delivery.
33. Think up five compliments you could give a loved one or significant other and resolve to share them with that person over the next week.
34. Make a cup of tea and let your mind wander as you drink it.
35. Look through your books and pick one to mail to a friend you think would enjoy it.
36. See how many plants and trees in your yard you can identify by name. Look up any you don’t know afterwards.
37. Pick 5 pieces of clothing out of your closet to donate.
38. Talk to your plants.
39. Pull up a video of any dance and try your best to learn it.
40. Write down 5 or 10 memories you treasure from the previous year. Add to this list again whenever you can until you have a good account of the happiness you felt last year.
41. Try on things in your closet you haven’t worn very much this year and try to make interesting outfits out of them.
42. Start making a list of gift ideas for holidays and birthdays that normally sneak up on you.
43. Make your bed, declutter your bedside table, or rearrange the pillows on your couch.
44. Put on an album you’ve been meaning to listen to.
45. Write down 10 bullet points about what your dream home would look like. See if there are any of them you could incorporate into your current home (get a window-box herb garden, buy one new piece of furniture, look up DIY solutions, etc).
46. Stare at the clouds and count the shapes you can see in them.
47. Look up a tutorial on how to do a makeup or hairstyle you’ve always liked and try it out.
48. Write down 5 things you admire about yourself and 5 things you could improve on.
49. Write down 5 interesting icebreakers to ask the next time you’re on a group call or Zoom with friends.
50. Let your mind go blank and reminisce about someone you love or something you loved doing for a few moments.

When looking at our phone is our default, a small action that is the easiest thing to do at any given time, we start to forget all the other possibilities for that moment that exist. Being present can often feel threatening, especially when our current reality has so much hardship in it that’s hard to ignore. But our imagination, creativity, and happiness are muscles that need to be stretched, and though it may be hard at first to re-train them we’ll often feel better afterwards. I hope you can come back to this list and pick a new item whenever your instinct is to open social media or indulge phone addiction. I hope that it helps you feel more present and alive and helps you remember the gift that is turning your attention and focus away from distractions for a few moments.

Each and every new year, we find ourselves pressured to remember the same few things; we’re told to reflect on the year behind us and set goals for the year ahead. Yet, it feels so easy to let the new year slip by, to make an arbitrary commitment to a resolution that won’t last to February (I’m no stranger to the abandoned resolution!). We’ve heard so much about resolutions each year that the words can start to sound hollow, meaningless, trivial. The concept of the New Year’s resolution might make us feel like we have to focus on our failures and resolve to be better people or stop a bad habit or lose an amount of weight. I think that this year, of all years, we could each benefit from giving our inner critic some time off.

2020 was a challenging year for all of us. Many of us probably saw early quarantine goals, like a workout routine or productivity level, fall by the wayside and might feel bad about it. I don’t think we need to. What if we ended 2020 feeling proud of what we did accomplish or the things we learned about ourselves or the strengths we discovered in the face of an unprecedented threat? You might not have gone running every day or finished a novel as you planned, but did you learn to be kinder to yourself? Did you resolve to check in with your loved ones more often? Did you keep yourself fed, even if the meals were sometimes microwaved or takeout? Did you survive, despite all the obstacles and hardships? Every one of these is a thing you should be deeply proud of. What if each of these lessons and successes were what we took with us into the new year to guide our paths instead of simply mapping out our failures and weak spots? What if we resolved never to forget the strength we showed this year, or vowed to remember the importance of the connections we sustained via Zoom and FaceTime and Skype? What if our resolution was to never stop being proud of ourselves for how well we’ve done, and to remember that anything we accomplish simply adds onto that foundation of growth?

Imagine what life could be like if we counted our victories, both big and small, every year, even when the pandemic finally subsides. If we healed from the trauma and grief but kept the strength and pride in what we had accomplished. This year I hope you can not simply resolve the things you want to change about yourself but also resolve to recognize the things about you that are already amazing and build on those as well. Most of all, I hope you have a very Happy New Year, and are able to rest for a few moments in the hope that always comes from a fresh start.

As someone who lives with with autoimmune disorders (lupus, fibromyalgia, APL, Sjogren’s Syndrome, RA and chronic pain from spinal stenosis), COVID-19 was an illness I hoped I’d never have to face. My conditions make me immunocompromised, meaning I was always at higher risk for serious complications if I contracted a respiratory virus like COVID-19. When I tested positive, I felt so many emotions: sadness, fear, confusion, and loneliness. Something that helped to calm each of these feelings was the advice and insights of others who had gone on this journey before me. Every time a friend or stranger who had already gone through COVID shared their symptoms, experiences and methods for coping, I felt more at peace and less alone. I wanted to do the same thing and share my experiences with COVID-19, not just to urge you to stay vigilant and keep your community safe by wearing a mask and washing your hands (although this is important!) but to help you know that, if you’re going through this, you’re not alone.

Carrie Ann’s COVID Timeline

This photo was taken the day before I tested positive for COVID. I had my regular work on The Talk and a photoshoot after; I started to feel a little off but tried to fight it and stay positive.

Fortunately, nobody on my hair and makeup or styling team was infected even though they had exposure to me; their masks and shields and gloves worked to keep them safe. Remember that these safety measures can make a difference and can keep you and your loved ones safe!

Day 1 – 3

This photo is from just 24 hours later— COVID-19 hits fast, and it hits hard. Day 1 started with some strong fatigue that was more than my usual chronic fatigue. My eyes felt very heavy and I felt aches in my body, more than usual. In general I felt heavy and sluggish. On Day 2 I started to feel like I was catching a cold and a dry cough started— I’m used to having some dry cough from Sjogren’s but this felt different. It felt like something was heading into my chest, like bronchitis. I started to have a headache and general malaise. On Day 3 the fever came in at 102.00 and hovered between 100 – 102. The pain in my head was so intense I couldn’t move my eyes. There was no getting out of bed, there was coughing and congestion, pain and chills throughout my body. Everything hurt. I slept mostly on a heating pad, alternating between putting it on my chest and on my back. I couldn’t smell or taste anything.

Day 4-7

Nausea came along with the congestion and aches. I started to have diarrhea and stomach cramps along with the shooting pains from the fever. The fever stayed around 100 most of the day. I had no appetite. Still no taste and no smell. Headaches and sinus pressure and congestion continued. The dry cough persisted as well. I still felt weak and very tired, but the incredible pain behind my eyes and in my body from the fever had lessened.

Day 8-10

This is when the excruciating and stabbing pain started in my neck and shoulders. It moved to my head and my sinuses. But the worst of the pain was behind my shoulder blades. It was as if someone had a hot poker pressed into my shoulders all day and night. The pain was intense and relentless, so much so that it made me cry. That says a lot because I live with chronic pain and am used to coping with it— this ache in my shoulder blades still made me writhe in pain. It lasted for 2 days and then finally subsided. My fever dropped down to 98-99 (my normal temperature is 97.5- 97.7). I still had a sensitive stomach, but less nausea. I had a hard time keeping my food down; it would get stuck in my throat and then come back up. It was all so strange and I mostly just tried to keep my mind on positive things. My goal was for this virus to stay out of my lungs so throughout the duration, so I steamed every day and drank a lot of hot water. I remembered reading that COVID did not like heat so I tried to keep my body as warm as possible to discourage the virus. I continued to drink hot water and by Day 10 I started to taste and smell again.

Day 10 – 14

10 days out, I received my first negative COVID test. It was a relief to know that my body was cleared of the virus, even if I was still dealing with the aftermath. Congestion and the pain in my sinuses both continued. I still had a cough and my throat was starting to hurt from coughing so much. My temperature would spike up to 100 every once in a while and I felt like I had a cold. Day 10 I had good energy but by Day 11 I was back in bed.

Day 15 – 18

Finally, two weeks out from catching COVID, my energy started to come back. I could taste in the back of my mouth but not in the front of my mouth. Many things tasted sour. I could only smell eucalyptus or lavender if I put it right up in my nose. I still can’t smell a lot or taste everything, but it started improving. The pain in my sinuses and at the base of my skull is still so intense that I have to take Gralise and Hydrocodone to ease the pain. The sinus pressure is very intense. One day I felt like I had very high blood pressure, and my head felt like it was going to explode. Nothing eased that pain, not pain killers nor any massage or amount of water I drank. I was just grateful when it was gone the next morning.

Every day of this virus is something of an adventure. Different challenges pop up without any rhyme or reason so it’s hard to know what to do except to lay down and allow the virus to run its course. There is a lot of discomfort, and a lot of actual pain as well. There is congestion that feels like it will never end and when you can’t smell or taste, you feel isolated. It made me feel disconnected and depressed. I’m very sensitive to smell and am always using scents to change energy or clear energy, so not being able to smell has been emotionally difficult in a way I wouldn’t have expected. It takes an emotional toll.

Fighting back the fear that tries to roll over you when you hear the words “COVID” and “positive” in the same sentence is not easy. I had to truly focus only on healing and doing everything possible to keep this virus out of my lungs. I have scarring in my lungs from the years I have struggled with my autoimmune disease and with bouts of bronchitis so I was truly worried that I could end up in the hospital on a ventilator. But fear does no one any good, so I did everything I could to keep my mind in a positive state. Every day I watched comedies on TV. I watched Fleabag, Crashing, and Kim’s Convenience Store, along with a few episodes of my favorite, Schitt’s Creek.

I remembered a few things I had learned while my mom went through her journey with breast cancer and my father’s journey with esophageal cancer— that an important part of healing was your state of mind. I remember reading that it was helpful to watch comedies, and to laugh a lot. I tried to remember this in my own circumstances. I completely stayed away from the news. As I went through my own journey, COVID was really starting to ramp up in the world and everything in the news was about surging numbers and rising death tolls. Since the election news was dying down the news now fully focused on COVID and the surge. The images on the television were painful to watch: people suffering alone on ventilators, lying in halls, bodies overwhelming the morgues, hospital front line workers exhausted and frightened and frustrated. The vaccine was coming out right as I was heading into my worst days, and while that was good news there were also stories of people getting very sick from the second dose of the vaccine and that mixture of uncertainty with hope was so overwhelming.

I had to actively work to calm my mind with a strong discipline. I used my favorite meditation app, Insight Timer, and did guided meditations by Sarah Blondin, who is one of my go-tos. I also did guided meditations for fear and for sickness and pain. They helped me to pass the time in a way that allowed my spirit to stay as calm as possible. Another emotional challenge I had to face was the worry that I had caused others to get sick. That’s a part of this whole COVID experience that needs to be talked about. I could feel when I first got it that everyone wanted to blame someone, myself included. I wanted someone to blame. But then, at the same time, I felt terribly responsible for anyone who might have caught it from me. It’s a horrible feeling I will tell you, to know you might have caused someone else to feel ill and to feel the fear that this virus causes, not just for the person infected but for all those who love them or are in their family. What I realized quickly was that blame was not useful. That was a waste of what little energy I had at my disposal. I instead focused only on healing and doing everything I could to take care of myself and those I knew who had also caught it, and stay connected. The outpouring of love I received was powerful and it helped me to stay positive. I wrote in my diary and tried to share my journey openly in my Instagram stories to help anyone else who might be going though their own challenges. I kept in close contact with my mom. She was very supportive and helped me pass the time with research. I knew it was killing her that she couldn’t be here with me. But she found her strength after the initial shock and fear washed over her and she has been an amazing support system. I was also fortunate that my boyfriend and I caught it at the same time so we didn’t have to be alone while we were going through it. But I will say that this virus can cause incredible strain, even with the people you love the most. About halfway through this process, we were both feeling so lousy that we were fighting and didn’t want to spend time together. When I was feeling the pain in my back, I just couldn’t deal with anything, not even the man I love. COVID causes disconnection in so many ways, and that is what we need to fight. Even though we have to be isolated in so many ways from the people we love, we have to fight the disconnect because as humans we need connection to survive.

At the time of writing this, I have tested negative for the virus twice so it is out of my system. And for that I am grateful…truly, truly grateful. But it isn’t really out of my system. The lingering effects are still quite uncomfortable. I have sinus pain and pressure that forces me to lay down it’s so intense. It makes me want to claw at my face, to push it out of my sinuses. It’s intense. I’m sensitive to sounds and light, and the cough is persistent and I wonder if it will ever go away. I still don’t taste things quite right, and that has affected my appetite. I’m confused as to when I want to eat and what to eat, but I’m hungry. Food is not satisfying nor is it very comforting at this time. I’ve lost about 5 pounds which in some ways I am not complaining about since I had gained so much weight during the pandemic from my stress eating. Even on the other side of two negative tests, my life is still not quite normal again. Yesterday I was up and doing my taxes and going through receipts from the year, and today I had to lay in bed most of the day. My pain levels were at about an 8, exacerbated by my autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia. My doctors have no answers. When I first found out I had COVID, I called my doctor. This is what he said to me: “If your fever is over 100 for three days, and your pulse goes up to 120 and your oxygenation goes below 93, go to the ER.” Other than that, he had nothing for me. He basically told me I was on my own. I called another doctor that I work with and he checked to see if I was a candidate for the antibodies infusion but I wasn’t. I was all alone with my COVID and my only option was just to wait and see where it went. The nurse that came to give me my tests was my lifeline. She gave me recipes that people had used that seemed to shorten the duration of the virus. She helped normalize the conversation about the symptoms. She was clear and very helpful. I’m forever grateful to her for her clear advice and her care. I felt strange when she would come near me knowing that I had COVID and she did not. I felt a strong sense of respect for her and her courage. It helped me to understand how much courage all the front line workers have had to muster every day in order to help people. I salute all the health care workers during this time. And I appreciate you all. Thank you for helping us in our time of need, for being brave for all of us and not giving up on us.

What I’ve learned during these last few weeks while going through this COVID journey is that love and connection very important. Taking care of each other and ourselves is so important at this time, and that has to include taking care of those who are in need. This is the bond of humanity that will help us all get through this terrible time. “Isolation” is the word of the year and we are all feeling it. COVID has made this year truly a difficult one for all of us. There is no way to sugarcoat how challenging this year has been, the toll it’s taken on our souls and spirits, how costly the isolation and fear have been. I wish I had a simple thought that could help us all deal with it. But I don’t. And I struggle each day right with you to just get through the heaviness. What I can say is this: Life is difficult. We are all struggling. And so, I think we should be kind to each other. Each of us is struggling with something different but know that we are all struggling through these times. We have all experienced loss in some way, whether it’s the loss of life, a loved one, a job, freedom, hope, or the sense of identity that comes from the society we had lived in for so long. That is all gone. Life is changed forever. It’s important to accept this. But it is my hope that we can find a stronger sense of compassion between us as human going through this time. Because we will find a way through this. And we will bear the heaviness because we are survivors. We are so much stronger than we thought. And we don’t need as much as we thought we did in order to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Peace is a choice. These are decisions that we can still make no matter what the news says. No matter what your bank account says. I keep trying to choose peace. I keep trying to choose hope. I sometimes fail. But I keep trying. That’s what we can do. We can keep trying, and we can continue to be kind to each other and lead our lives with compassion because we are all going through this. If you can, help to feed those who cannot put food on their tables at this time. This is something that I believe is important to do. We need to share what we have with those who need it, whether it is love, friendship, compassion, food, money, or shelter. Sharing is indeed caring, and that is what we need to do to get through this. Not only will it help the person in need, but it will lift your own spirits as well.

I’m sending you all hugs and so much love.

I hope that we will all make it through this time. I have hope that my health will return and that I will make a full recovery in time. I know I have to have patience. I thank you for your support and for your love during this time. I sincerely hope that you are all okay and that you can find peace every day even if just for a moment. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Writing this helped me to find my peace today and I’m grateful.

May God keep you safe and may you always know you are loved.

Here are some of the things I did to help me get through my COVID experience; if you’re going through something similar in your journey, I hope some of them can help you as well.

• Tylenol for pain and fever
• NyQuil to sleep and quell the cough at night
• Steam with eucalyptus (even when I couldn’t smell) breathing in through the nostrils and through the mouth.
• Heating pad on the back and on the chest as often as possible
• Neti Pot with warm salt water twice a day
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger root boiled in large pot of water, poured into a cup with lemon or lime and honey for taste ( Although you most likely won’t taste it)
• Garlic and Ginger root tea mixed with honey.
• Lemon and hot water
• Hot baths with Epsom salts
• Get up and stretch if possible at least once a day.
• Afrin for sinus congestion
• Oregano Oil
• Vitamin C and D and B12
• Bayer Aspirin
• Rest as much as possible.
• Drink lots of water.
• Think positively.
• Stay connected to friends and family.
• No kisses for your pets— There are studies that show they can catch it.
• Get some sunshine when you can to help lift your spirits.
• Listen to good calming music
• Watch funny or heartwarming films or series.
• Read uplifting books.

To read more about Carrie Ann’s advice and experiences living with autoimmune conditions, click here.

One of the best parts of winter is getting the cozy feeling of curling up with a warm spirit. This season brings with it so many great flavors and scents; there’s almost nothing that captures them better than the perfect spiced beverage. A cup of spiced cider, hot toddy, or even gin punch can be the perfect accessory to a warm evening in, a way to celebrate with loved ones or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself. Here are 10 recipes for hot toddies and other comforting warm cocktails to keep coming back to no matter how chilly it gets.

1. Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Apple cider is always a seasonal favorite, and its combination of sweet and spiced flavors make it perfect to turn into a nice warm cocktail. Make a classic hot toddy by mixing in warm honey, lemon, and your choice of whiskey or bourbon and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz apple cider
• 1 oz whiskey or bourbon
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey

Heat the apple cider on the stove until boiling, then mix in the other ingredients. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.

2. Butterscotch Schnapps Spiked Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a piping mug of hot chocolate to fight the winter chills? Add a grown-up flare with butterscotch schnapps and a few garnishes and you’ll have a sweet, enjoyable beverage to chase the cold away.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• dash of salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 oz spiced rum
• 1.5 oz butterscotch schnapps
• dash of orange bitters

Mix the cocoa powder and sugar with the salt in a large mug. Heat the milk on your stove and slowly mix it into the cocoa mixture. Next, add the vanilla, schnapps and rum and top with bitters, whipped cream, and any other garnishes you want!

3. Old Fashioned Wassail

Go old-school by creating a homemade wassail this winter! This tasty combination of mulled juices and spices will be the perfect way to warm your entire household or just cap off a particularly wintry evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts apple juice
• 1 quart apple juice
• 1 can pineapple juice
• 1 orange
• 20 whole cloves
• 5 cinnamon sticks

Cut the orange into 5 slices and push 5 cloves into each orange slice. Combine the juices, oranges and cinnamon sticks in a crockpot and simmer on low for half an hour.

4. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy

Strikingly red and seasonably tart, cranberry cocktails can make an atmospheric evening anytime. If you’ve gotten tired of all the sugar this holiday season can bring, you might like the dryer, less sweet option this hot toddy recipe provides.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 small orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 piece of fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 oz bourbon

Heat cranberry juice, half of the orange, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and star anise over the stove until the mixture simmers. Partially cover with a lid and let simmer for 10 minutes before removing from heat. Strain the liquid, return to stove and mix in honey. Pour a shot of bourbon into each glass and add the heated mixture.

5. Warm Old Fashioned

If old fashioneds are your go-to drink, you’ll love this seasonal take on your forever favorite. Orange and cherries combine in this deep whiskey beverage, filling it with flavor and holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar cube
• 3 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• splash of club soda
• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 2 oz hot water

Drop a sugar cube into a serving glass and saturate it with the bitters. Add the orange slice, cherry, and soda and muddle. Remove the fruit remnants and add the bourbon and warm water. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

6. Spiced Pineapple Rum Hot Toddy

A tasty mashup of tropical and seasonal, this sweet warm drink will keep you feeling toasty all winter long. If you’ve been longing for the perfect hot toddy recipe that provides a fruitier zip, this recipe will be the perfect choice for any cold day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp raw honey
• 6 oz spiced rum
• 8 oz ginger ale
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Heat juice, water, ginger ale, and alcohol over the stove and mix in cinnamon and nutmeg. Let simmer for 5 minutes and then serve. Garnish with an orange peel, star anise and whole cloves.

7. Hot Apple Pie

An apple pie in a glass, this super simple beverage is the perfect liquid dessert anytime you need a pick-me-up or a special celebration. It tastes exactly how it sounds; this beverage will taste just like a hot apple pie, with an alcoholic zip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tuaca
• 1/2 cup hot apple cider

Simply heat apple cider, add the Tuaca, garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!

8. Hot Buttered Rum

Harken back to cozy taverns and old-timey carolers with this delicious buttery treat. If you’ve always been curious about buttered rum, this simple recipe will show you why it’s such a timeless favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 6 oz dark rum
• 24 oz boiling water

Mix the softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and nutmeg until all are combined. Combine the butter mixture with rum and boiling water in a large pitcher and mix well; garnish with orange zest, ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

9. Blackberry Mulled Wine

If you love the taste of fresh blackberries this thick, sweet mixture will warm up your night perfectly, mixing the fragrant dark berries with all the spices we’ve grown to love this time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 juiced orange
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Add all the ingredients to a pot and simmer for 30 minutes on a stovetop. Serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

10. Hot Gin Punch

A sweet, fizzy mixture, this punch is full of delicious fruits, spices and garnishes that will bring you cheer anytime.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle gin
• 1 bottle Madeira wine
• 6 lemon twists
• 1 orange slice
• 3 pineapple chunks
• 3 oz honey
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 3 cloves
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Combine the gin and wine over the stove. Add the lemon twists, orange slice and pineapple chunks, then stir in the honey, lemon juice, spices and sugar until dissolved. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain before serving; garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.

A hot toddy can be the perfect way to celebrate the season and warm the chilliest evening. Whether you prefer fizzy, fruity or tart, these recipes will keep you company and help you keep the holidays fun and delicious. Curl up with one of these toddies the next time you need to warm up.

If you have a dietary restriction, you know that it can add an extra layer of stress over the holidays. Having an autoimmune disorder can mean that many of the sugary, starchy holiday staples can have a negative impact on your system and cause painful flares.

The good news is that there are still plenty of holiday foods that fit within the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, which advises you to avoid foods that can cause inflammation or illness and recommends foods that can promote your wellness. Foods that the AIP says can cause inflammation include grains, legumes, nuts, eggs, dairy, processed sugars, alcohol and coffee. Likewise, the AIP recommends sticking to fresh foods with lots of nutrients that can help keep your gut (and the rest of your body) happy and healthy. Leafy greens and many vegetables fit in this category, but they’re not the only things you can have that’ll leave you feeling full and well! The biggest thing you should remember is to always consult your doctor before making big choices about changes to your diet because they’ll have the best advice for keeping you happy and healthy. That being said, here are some guidelines for holiday foods you can eat that will get you into the spirit of the season without compromising your health!

Meals

Even small choices when it comes to cooking can make your food more autoimmune-friendly. When cooking, try to use healthy oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil instead of canola oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil or sunflower oil.

Potatoes are on the list of autoimmune disorder no-nos, which means staying away from mashed potatoes might be a good call. The good news? Mashed cauliflower exists! Whether you make it from scratch or buy it pre-made, well-seasoned mashed cauliflower can fill the potato-shaped hole in your life while keeping you feeling good. Likewise, sweet potatoes are on the AIPI approved list, so making mashed sweet potatoes another autoimmune-friendly option. Craving hashbrowns? You can fry up spaghetti squash until it’s crispy for a crunchy morning treat.

If you’re dealing with an autoimmune disorder, all sorts of yummy veggies are still on the menu. Sauteed broccoli, crispy brussels sprouts, crispy arugula, roasted carrots: if you’re creative, tasty, fresh vegetables can be used to form so many delicious meals over the holidays.

The AIP also recommends avoiding dairy, but the number of plant-based dairy alternatives on the market means it’s never been easier to enjoy all your favorite sides. Substitutes like oat milk, vegan butter, and even coconut milk whipped cream make baking and cooking an easier process all around.

The gluten content in pasta can be inflammatory and the AIP recommends staying far away; luckily, gluten-free pasta alternatives can be found in almost every grocery store. Pastas made with ingredients like chickpeas or yellow peas are an easy switch that might leave you feeling better after your meal.

Sweets

Any time you can use fresh fruit as a treat, you’ll be getting your natural, AIP-approved sugar fix while also getting much-needed nutrients. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, sour cherries, pomegranates and cranberries also have antioxidants and are great at reducing inflammation.

Again, to avoid dairy, try easy substitutes like baking with vegan butter and plant-based milks, eating ice cream made with oat milk (as nuts and soy are both triggers) and you can even find vegan whipped cream for the perfect topping.

Try cooking with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, molasses, coconut sugar and date sugar as much as possible and avoid anything made with high fructose corn syrup to make sure your health stays intact even while you’re enjoying dessert.

If you’re looking for a place to start and an easy, autoimmune-friendly dessert to make this holiday season, A Clean Plate has a recipe for pumpkin pie pudding that’s dairy-free and healthy. DrBonnie360’s recipe for date pumpkin bars and an AIP approved pumpkin pie can also hit that sweet spot.

Drinks

In general the AIP recommends staying away from alcoholic drinks, but there are some choices that might be easier on your body than others. The sugars and sulfites in wine can make them a bad choice for people with autoimmune conditions. The same goes for beer and colored liquors because of the gluten and sugar. Attune Health thinks that clear liquors might be the easier on an autoimmune disorder, and cranberries are on the AIP approved list, so this cranberry pomegranate cocktail from Paleo Effect might be the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while avoiding inflammation or illness. Healing Autoimmune has a whole list of cocktails (and mocktails) that are tasty and autoimmune-friendly so that you can enjoy a drink without paying for it later. Make sure you always stay hydrated though!

Everyone deserves to have a holiday season that’s cheerful, fun and enjoyable. Even if you have an autoimmune disorder, there are plenty of ways to make sure you join in on the cheer of the holidays. It can be such a relief to know what to avoid and substitute to feel better, and I hope this list enables you to build a holiday that works for you.

I’ve been asked a few times to share my skin care routine; my Sjogren’s Syndrome and lupus naturally leave my skin dry and fragile, meaning that I have to work hard to take good care of it. I’m also facing menopause and many of my current medications can cause my skin to dry out even more. I’ve given my recommendations on how to battle dryness when it comes to your hair, but skincare might be even more crucial to living a happy, healthy life when you are dealing with daily dehydration. Whether you’re struggling with autoimmune conditions or not, many of us have to deal with dry skin and know how challenging it can be, so I wanted to share how I keep my skin looking its best.

I grew up in Hawaii, so having good skin has always been important to me, not just because I don’t like to wear makeup when I’m not working, but because of the way that healthy skin reflects both health and vitality. When it comes to skin care there’s no substitute for eating well and getting proper rest, but there are several other ways I keep my skin looking and feeling vibrant.

Skin Care for the Face

Kate Somervile Gentle Daily Wash

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Every day, I wash with Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash. It’s light and smells delicious, with hints of lavender, bergamot and sage. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t strip the natural oils in my face and neck and always leaves my skin feeling fresh.

Dermalogica Precleanse

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On the days that I have a lot of makeup on, I like to use Dermalogica’s Precleanse oil. It melts away everything that’s on my face and somehow always makes my pores feel smaller. I just use one squirt and it removes everything, including my eye makeup, with ease.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm

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If I’m washing my face in the shower, IT Cosmetics’ 3-in-1 melting balm does it all in one step, removing my makeup and washing my skin. The nice, whipped butter consistency is so luxurious and I find it always leaves my skin feeling moisturized. This balm saves space in the shower by acting as a cleansing balm, makeup remover, and de-aging serum all at once, and it’s sulfate free so it’lll never strip your skin. If you want extra hydration, leave it on for 60 seconds.

SISLEY Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream

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Once I pat dry my skin, I apply a layer of Sisley’s Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream. This cream is plumping and gives my skin radiance, but the truth is that I really just love the way it smells. I’m very sensitive to scents and this one is always a pleasure to use. The cream feels great and always keeps my skin hydrated so that my Sjogren’s Syndrome doesn’t eat up the makeup I’m wearing. It’s a bit costly, but the texture is so light and feels like it is cooling even if it hasn’t actually been in the fridge.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Drink Of H2O Hydrating Boost

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My second favorite (and a lot less expensive) cream is Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H2O Boost. I received this in a gift bag once and loved it instantly; if you like moisture that feels like dessert for your skin, this is it! It’s a lifesaver for dry skin and really does feel like “a drink of water for your skin,” as advertised.

A Note On Eye Cream

I don’t use eye cream. Because I have to pull on my eyes when I put in my contacts and apply my eyedrops for Sjogren’s Syndrome, I decided that I didn’t want to introduce lotion to my eyes as well. It felt too irritating, and ultimately I was just too lazy to introduce it into my routine. It’s worked so far, and I’m happy not to have the additional step if I don’t need it.

NanoSteamer Large 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

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To keep your skin in good condition, sometimes you have to do a deep cleaning. I use steam once a week to make sure my skin is healthy. This steamer is fantastic because it can also be used as a humidifier, which is essential for anyone with Sjogren’s Syndrome or dry skin. The steamer can also serve as a towel warmer; you can put your washcloth inside until it’s heated and then rest it over your eyes for better circulation and more moisture in your eyes. It’s a great way to clean the pores and so many other things; I like tools that multitask and this one has an abundance of uses.

URYOUTH 7 Color LED Face Photon Mask

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Because we haven’t been able to go to the spa for any facials this year, I’ve started doing my own. After every facial I use this device. I use the red light for collagen and I always receive compliments after I’ve done my mini at-home facial. I like to incorporate the light skin therapy with my meditation routine; I’ll turn on my Insight Timer meditation app and lay down for twenty minutes to get my daily nap or meditation in as my skin repairs itself. It’s become such a nice way to “get away from it all” without going anywhere.

NuFACE Advanced Facial Toning Kit

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Another tool I use to keep my chin on my face and not on my knees is this facial toning kit. It’s so easy to use that I usually use it on my way to work. Our faces are full of muscles, and just like any other muscle, we need to exercise them to keep them tight and supple. I apply moisturizer to my face and then use this toner on my cheeks, jawline and forehead.

Skin Care for the Body

Our facial skin might get more attention when it comes to our skin care routine, but our entire bodies need care, attention, and nourishment to stay healthy and glowing.

Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower Gel

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This is a staple that I’ve used since I was a kid; it’s gentle, moisturizing, and smells familiar to me. I can also get it in extra large sizes from Costco which is an added bonus 🙂.

Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for Dry Skin

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After showering, I like to apply Neutrogena Body Oil to my whole body to seal in the moisture right away. I put it on while I’m still in the shower, but if you do this be careful because it can make tile extra slippery.

Pure Fiji Coconut Body Butter

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I switch between two creams for extra moisture; this one is my favorite. It absorbs the best and can even prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Made from cold pressed virgin coconut oil, macadamia oil, dilo nut oil and skeci oil, this mixture is pure moisture. My favorite scent is coconut, but there are many other amazing scents including pineapple, orange blossom, white ginger lily, and mango. I use this oil for so many other things as well. I’ve found that if I put it on my feet and ankles before I go to bed it somehow alleviates my restless leg syndrome. When I want to lock in hydration, I’ll wear socks over the lotion while I sleep. I even use it as a styling aid on the ends of my hair when I’m experiencing dryness from styling, medications or Sjogren’s Syndrome. People always comment on how great I smell when I wear this; you’ll love it! It’s heaven in a jar and nothing moisturizes better. It’s free of any harmful chemicals that can aggravate sensitive skin and is definitely my number one product.

Pure Fiji Nourishing Exotic Oil

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For extra shine on my skin, I’ll put on this nourishing oil over the body butter. This is a tip I learned working from exotic dancers; mixing the oil with the body butter helps lock in moisture and gives your skin a dewy look. It also smells amazing.

Authentic German Nivea Creme

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If I ever run out of my body butter, I use Nivea’s Original Cream to moisturize instead. It’s a German brand and the consistency is just thick enough to do the trick. The scent is fresh and if you want to add moisture, you can mix it with Johnson & Johnson baby oil to keep your skin protected and moist all day.

If you have Sjogren’s Syndrome, lupus, or just suffer from chronic dry skin, you know how uncomfortable or even painful it can be when you’re not properly hydrated. These products have helped me treat my skin with love and care every day, keeping myself moisturized so I can face the world with confidence and comfort. I hope some of these products can help you find the same peace and maybe even a little luxury at the same time.