Twee Troubles // Overcoming 'The Mean Reds.' Pt 1

You know those days when you've got the mean reds.... the blues are because you're getting fat or maybe it's been raining too long. You're sad, that's all. But the mean reds are horrible. You're afraid and you sweat like hell, but you don't know what you're afraid of. Except something bad is going to happen, only you don't know what it is. ... What I've found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there... ~Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1958


Dearest Holly Golightly, we hear you...


Sometimes the 'Mean Reds' hit us all, unfortunately seeing as we don't live near a Tiffany's or, in fact any luxury jewellery shops that could elevate our mood by filling our tummies with fanciful butterflies while we dreamily gaze at their fine collections, delicious pastry and freshly brewed coffee in hand - perhaps that is why we get the Mean Reds in the first place, sorry, we digress...


So what's a girl to do when she doesn't have a blue box bestowing fantasy shop a short taxi ride away? We recently received some 'funk busting' guidance from some very thoughtful friends, and thought we'd share our top tips for beating those days one would rather stay hidden beneath the sheets than be anywhere else in the world (apart from Tiffany's, of course.)


We've recently started putting these pearls of wisdom into action, making a conscious effort to incorporate this advice into our day to day lives and we thought we'd share what we've learnt from you you...


1. Breath - Well of course, Lola and Rhi, we breath to live, non? How many of us actually take time to stop, slow down, breath, clear our heads, take a moment to ourselves. We swear, making the effort to do this first thing in the morning and unwinding at night has made so much difference (and brings us onto the next step)...


2. Practice Yoga - We kept getting recurring messages (not least Amber's inspiring yoga & fitness tales) that kept hinting at us to take up Yoga -  we started a week or so ago with an amazing teacher, we leave each session feeling so relaxed, and freed of the stresses of day to day life (because sometimes juggling working, toddlers, boys, running a blog and a business and any attempts at a social life can leave us She Dressed in Black girls feeling a little off balance!) - such an enjoyable and peaceful time out of our hectic schedule to realign (mentally and physically - ooh stretch!) 

3. Eat Well  - one of our favourite blogging ladies Kate from Wake Up, Lovely created this wonderful illustration - think its one to cut out and keep on the snack cupboard (and/or the door to the utility which is currently housing about 500 Easter Eggs that have yet to be consumed!) - another thing that is so easy to forget to keep on top of when you're so busy or when you've had a tough day and a freezer meal is all your craving (for easy carby goodness/badness!) - it's not just about not eating junk though, it is, as Kate's illustration says it's about Eating the Food that's Good for You. So pleased the weather is turning and the lure of wintery stodge is lessening, and salads are back on the menu, tasty fruits are in season, it's the perfect time to fill up on the good stuff! 


4. Avoid toxins - We've looked, we can confirm it is not there - the answer that we've all been searching for at the bottom of the wine glass... Avoiding toxins where we can, nothing worse than a serious case of 'wine ouch' the next day to make those mean ol' reds seem 10 times worse!


5. Think (& speak) positively about yourself and others - we try and keep this blog a positive place, it is something that we decided to stick to very early on, so besides from our silly rants about the wind and tea you're unlikely to hear us whine too much - however, scandalous She Dressed in Black confession: and our real life friends can vouch, that when we get stressed out we can rant like the best of them... It's tough to change a mindset, but working on being more positive is really making a difference, instead of complaining we're looking for the good in every situation - less of the 'stinking thinking'. (Kate has some more tips for this too on her blog!)


We'll leave you here for part 1 - there is more to come shortly. Put it into practice today and see if you can feel the difference that we can already!


Much love,
Rhi xx


PS.  To celebrate our first year in Twee Towers on Sunday, we're giving you the chance to win all of our fave twee-treats in a GIVEAWAY! ♥  Remember to check back for your chance to win!