Dancers, we have work to do in the happiness department.
Times are crazy right now (and that’s a major understatement!), and it can seem hard to navigate the new normal. But remember that you are doing great! If nothing else, three major things to focus on right now are to keep going, keep dancing, and keep smiling! But that can be a little tricky, too. Sometimes, staying positive is just about doing the right things with the right people. These activities, inspirations, and essential routines are my current favorites for boosting my spirits. They can help make your day that much brighter!
Turn on your Favorite Song
Music always puts me in a better, elevated mindset. Playing my favorite jams and dancing it out whether I’m in the studio or in the kitchen, is always the best! I sometimes feel like there is magical power inside of a song that can transport me to a happy place or take me back to a memory that made me laugh. (Shout out to all of our favorite artists for giving us that magic.) A vibe is a vibe! So put on your favorite jams and make a go-to playlist for yourself filled with upbeat tunes.
Taking a dance break? I also love to listen to my favorite songs and write. I take my notebook and write out some of the things that made me smile during the day, new choreography I learned or created, my favorite memories of the week, or what I’m feeling extra thankful for. It’s always fun to look back and reread and be happy all over again!
Take Photos with a Disposable Camera
This 90s favorite will never go out of style. Some say it is a feeling of nostalgia. Others say it is an art form. Either way, taking photos on film is the coolest! It is a way to capture a raw moment in an unfiltered and truly authentic way. Looking back on memories always gets me in my feels, and having them on film makes it that much more special. The photos always just feel candid and in the moment (you can’t delete and re-take these!) and so fun.
Not knowing exactly how the pictures are going to turn out until you get them developed is the most exciting part. I always do a little happy dance when I get my film back! You can cheat a little by using a Polaroid camera that prints the photos for you, but film is where it’s at. You can even hang up the printed film pictures on your wall to create a cool art piece full of your favorite memories. From clothing to technology, trends of the past make comebacks and I am here for this one!
Make Flower Arrangements
When I see live flowers, I always have a smile on my face. There is something so special and beautiful about nature! Making your own flower arrangements can be so much fun and soothing. Go down to your local grocery store, market, or flower shop and pick out your favs! When I get home, I love to turn on my favorite Spotify playlist and vibe while I arrange my flowers!
Get creative! You can use mason jars, old bottles, and glass containers for the flowers to go in, anything you can find really. I trim the stems and mix and match the flowers creating different arrangements of all sizes! My favorite flowers to arrange are roses, plumeria, and baby’s breath. I place them all around the house and dance around with a smile on my face!
Cook Something New
Feed the culinary artist inside of you, and while you are at it, your stomach, too! Cooking food makes me so happy inside and out. I love cooking for my family and surprising them with new meals. My current go-to homemade favorite is making my own acai bowls (who said you had to go out for your favorite foods?). I love blending up my favorite fruits and creating different tasting mixtures!
Paint Your Nails
When in doubt, paint it out!
Painting my nails is always an instant game changer for me. I love matching my nail color (or colors! Who said we have to settle for just one?) with my outfits or moods. Some days I like a classic neutral-toned polish to go with whatever I am wearing throughout the day whether it’s an outfit or my dance clothes.
If you want a pop of color, you can try an iconic red nail, fierce neon colors on every other nail, a two-toned pattern, or even go full-out Showstopper pink! It’s funny how easy it is to surprise yourself with a stunning nail look. I forget about my nails, and then I start scrolling on Instagram or hop on my computer and see the bright color. It instantly puts a smile on my face!
What are your favorite go-to activities that put a smile on your face? If you try out any of these ideas, tag me (@royalcouturexo) and Showstopper (@goshowstopper) on social media with the hashtag #RoyalCoutureXShowstopper to show us your what brings you happiness!
Xo,
Christy Lyn
Get the look. The Velvet leotard pictured above is by Royal Couture! Shop the Crushed Velvet styled looks now at RoyalCoutureXO.com, and stay tuned for new COLORFUL Velvet, Prints, and Mesh releases coming out in 2020!
