9 Mindful Ways To Add More Self-Care To Your Routine

woman in bed scrolling on phone looking at memeswoman in bed scrolling on phone looking at memes

If there's one thing we've learned in the last year, it's that stress is pretty dang inescapable. While it's impossible to totally remove worry from our day-to-day (after all, some stress is actually good for us), there are ways to minimize its impact and find harmony with it.

One such way is to weave more moments of self-care into our day. These moments allow us to make a conscious effort to ground ourselves and re-establish control over anything that may be increasing our anxiety, particularly throughout the workday. To figure out where to start, we tapped our friends at Boxed Water who know a thing or two about prioritizing one of the most essential elements of self-care: staying hydrated! Ahead, we share nine mindful ideas you can tap into today to bring some zen to your 9-to-5. These self-care swaps will help infuse a spa-like feel to your everyday routine and help you feel relaxed from the AM rush to your midday lunch break, all the way through to your wind-down bedtime routine.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

We know hydration is essential for our physical health, but did you know it's also vital for our mental health and mood too? Level up your water breaks by swapping out sugary beverages or plastic bottled water for one of Boxed Water's new natural fruit flavors. It's a sustainable choice thanks to the plant-based packaging, and a blast of lemon, blackberry, grapefruit or cucumber water will help keep you on pace for your daily hydration goals. Try the new Boxed Water flavors yourself with $5 off a Variety Pack using code BRITCO5!

Indulge in a morning bath

Wondering how to best reclaim the time we used to spend commuting? Dream up some uninterrupted you-time with a morning bath or a calming DIY facial massage.

Slow down your morning with a skincare meditation

It's easy to speed through your beauty routine in the AM, but what if you turned off auto-pilot and took that time to be more intentional in your process? We've got a full skincare meditation tutorial here, but some of the highlights of the 6-minute ritual include thinking about what you wish to release that is no longer serving you as you cleanse and exfoliate your skin.

Get a vitamin D blast

Now that spring is upon us, we can finally get back outdoors and prioritize lunch breaks away from our desk. If you don't have a yard to lounge in (I certainly don't), you can sit on your stoop to soak up some sun or head to a neighboring park for a picnic-style lunch. If your workload has you feeling strapped to your desk, it's even more crucial that you follow this tip to destress, fuel up, and revel in a natural mood boost from the sunshine.

Stretch it out

Ok, so maybe it's not realistic to squeeze in a sweaty workout in between Zoom calls, but stretching can be just as soothing and restorative for the body. Keep a yoga mat handy by your desk and add a 10-minute break to your calendar to work on your flexibility and unfold from your slouched desk posture.

Try a no-phone break

If you step away from your desk, but are still scrolling on your phone reading emails, it's not really a break. Seek out other ways to fill your break time away from screens, like flipping through physical copies of your favorite magazine, reading a chapter in a book, or pressing play on a podcast to give your eyes a rest.

Find your aromatherapy match

Scent is a powerful mood shifter. As many of us continue to work from the privacy of our own homes, there's never been a better time to experiment with scent and find what fragrances speak to you most. Candles and essential oil diffusers are an easy way to create a fresh vibe in your space, but room mists are also having a moment.

Journal your stress away

The benefits of journaling are far and wide: a) it's great for goal setting and manifesting and b) it can help shift your mindset and melt your worries away. Pause your nightly streaming marathon to jot down any stressors you encountered throughout the day, or to set intentions you have for the rest of the week, like making more sustainable choices or showing gratitude everyday.

When in doubt, send a meme

Feeling in need of human connection? Text a friend a meme that made you smile before you get ready for bed. Hopefully, you'll wake up to something positive in return!

Photography by Brittany Dawn. Art Direction and Styling by Kayla Haykin.

It's time to trade your leopard print and moody nails for pretty colors. Now that you're used to Daylight Savings Time, we know you're wearing the cutest spring dresses and spending time in the sun with your friends. What better way to celebrate this than by wearing the prettiest nail designs the season's ever seen?

If you're clueless about what to choose from, we're making things easier by sharing what we've bookmarked!

Scroll to find your the prettiest Easter nail ideas that'll set the tone for the best spring ever!

1. Nail Reformation Fleur De Magnolia 

Nail Reformation

Are you in your dainty girl era? Great, we are too! It's the perfect excuse to wear these pretty press-on nails from Nail Reformation! They feature the familiar French manicure design, but with pastel colors, florals, and cute pearls on each finger.

2. Colorful Arts & Crafts Nails

Sarah Torres/Dupe Photos

Remember when you used to draw abstract doodles in class? Take this as a sign to use your mini drawings as inspo for the easter nails you're thinking about wearing. They'll stand out no matter what you're wearing and may garner a few compliments when you're making your weekly Trader Joe's run!

3. BTArtbox Soft Gel French Press On Nails 

Amazon

This easter nail idea is debunking the myth that French manicures are boring. They're everything but because you can have so much with different designs. Unlike our first pretty pastel pick, these nails feature slanted and complementary colors that give it a modernized look.

4. Artsy Abstract Nails 

Jackie Dewar/Dupe Photos

Abstract nails continue to reign supreme for one reason: they're unforgettable and bring a smile to our face. This idea is perfect if spring makes you want to do as many quirky things as possible. Frolicking in a field of tulips for absolutely no zero reason at all? Make sure these nails graze as many of them as they can!

5. Juicy Fruit Nails 

Alexis Charles/Dupe Photos

Do you get anxiety every time your nail tech asks you to pick a color during your appointment? Pick five bright shades that fit many of your moods. She might not be happy, but at least your nails will look pretty.

6. Matcha Green Nails 

Lara Hayley/Dupe Photos

Are you obsessed with making matcha drinks like we are? Let your love for the green drink show with these pretty nails. They'll look great against your glass cup, making your roommates envious that they didn't consider this shade.

P.S. We won't judge you if you keep reaching for this nail idea off and on during spring.

7. Nail Reformation Garden Of Pearls Press On Nails 

Nail Reformation

Keep your love for green going, but go a few shades lighter with these pastel press-on nails. They're as dainty as Nail Reformation's Fleur De Magnolia nails, but they blend several designs together. From the class French manicure to metallic accents, you'll love watching the sun make them shimmer.

8. WICKED X KISS There's Joy

KISS

If you been watching Wicked all week, you'll love this collab between the movie and KISS. They feature the prettiest floral designs with cute little bees pollinating them. While we can't promise they'll make you get over your fear of the black and yellow cuties, we can all agree you won't be able to stop looking at your hands.

9. Olive & June Bandana Chrome Press On Nails

Olive & June

Instead of checkered print nails, take a walk on the wild side with Olive & June's bandana chrome nails. They're not as "girly" as our other easter nail idea picks, but you'll definitely have a great time wearing them the more you spend time in the sun.

10. Short And Sweet French Manicure 

Brit + Co Courtesy of Bellacures

Skip the acrylic and press-on nails in favor of your own with this short and sweet French manicure. They're a subtle nod to the prettiest season of them all that won't overpower your outfits or cause too much attention at work.

Follow us on Pinterest for more nail art ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Austin Butler as Elvis truly changed Hollywood, because now, not only are we getting Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, but Paul Mescal is also one of the actors leading the upcoming biopics about The Beatles. Each movie, from director Sam Mendes, will focus on a different member of the band — and their unique points of view — but will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety. And it'll be “the first binge-able theatrical experience,” according to Sony's Tom Rothman. But the best news is that we finally just got the full cast.

Here's everything you need to know about Sam Mendes' Beatles movies, starring Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn.

Who is playing John Lennon in The Beatles movie?

Eric Charbonneau/Sony Pictures via Getty Images

John Lennon will be played by Harris Dickinson in the new movies about The Beatles! Director Sam Mendes confirmed the casts for his Beatles biopics at CinemaCon 2025. “We’re not just making one film about the Beatles — we’re making four,” Sam said at the convention. “Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.”

Here's the full cast:

  • Harris Dickinson as John Lennon: The Beatles' founder and one of the lead vocalists.
  • Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney: pianist, and one of the lead songwriters and singers for The Beatles.
  • Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr: The Beatles' drummer.
  • Joseph Quinn as George Harrison: lead guitarist of The Beatles.

Is there a new Beatles movie coming out?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Yes, director Sam Mendes is developing four movies about The Beatles — one for each member of the band. Each individual movie will tell a story from the perspective of one member (including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison).

“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Sam Mendes told Variety.

How many Beatles films are there?

Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images

We're going to be getting four new Beatles films from Sam Mendes and Sony, which are currently slated for April 2028. But you can actually see the real members of The Beatles in a few movies! The band appeared in the following movies:

  • A Hard Day's Night (1964)
    • Help! (1965)
      • Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
        • Yellow Submarine (1968)
          • Let It Be (1970)

          Where can I watch the new Beatles biopics?

          Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

          Each of the four movies will be released in theaters, thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment, and they're currently scheduled for April 2028.

          “You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”

          Who is playing Paul McCartney in The Beatles biopic?

          Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

          Paul Mescal is playing Paul McCartney in the new Beatles movies, and during Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott actually revealed the casting last year! When asked if Paul Mescal was starring in his next film The Dog Stars, Ridley told filmmaker Christopher Nolan, “Yes. Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

          While Paul Mescal's involvement in Sony's upcoming Beatle biopic quartet (say that five times fast) has been around the rumor mill, the news is finally confirmed by the movie studio.

          Check out I'm Drooling Over Jeremy Allen White's First Look As Bruce Springsteen for more biopic movie goodness.

          This post has been updated.

          Yoga class just got so much cuter – our fave drinkware brand, Brümate, launched an adorable collaboration with athleisure brand Vitality that features some stunning insulated tumblers and workout sets, all coordinating gingham and floral prints for spring!

          Whether you’re powering through a workout class or enjoying a laidback spring weekend outside, this collab proves that the practical pieces that make your life easier don’t have to be drab.

          Get your color on with our favorite pieces from the Brümate x Vitality collection below!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 40-Ounce Era Tumbler in Hibiscus Floral

          Reimagined in two playful patterns for spring, the Era tumbler is undeniably luxe when you measure it up against other popular water bottles. Its "totally leakproof" claims actually live up to the hype, thanks to a unique locking feature on the lid. It easily glides into most cup holders, too, since the tumbler is tapered at the bottom. Plus, this insulated baby's gonna keep your drink cold for hours!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Vitality Cloud II Mini Halter Bra in Hibiscus Mix

          Shoppable in the same adorable floral pattern, Vitality popped off with this halter-style sports bra (alongside leggings and shorts) so you can coordinate with your new tumbler and feel oh-so cute!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 40-Ounce Era Tumbler in Pear Gingham

          The 40-ounce Era is also available in this stunning pear-green gingham pattern, which reminds us of all the outdoor picnics we'll be embarking on this season. Luckily, this piece's design is warm weather-friendly, since the insulation keeps ice cold for literally over 24 hours. Score!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Vitality Cloud II Babydoll Dress in Pear Gingham

          You can snag the exact same pattern from Vitality in several different workout-ready pieces, but we're absolutely swooning over this babydoll dress. It's nicely secured with plenty of coverage underneath, thanks to the built-in romper. It also boasts Vitality's "marshmallow-soft, ultra-stretchy" Cloud II fabric for added comfort!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 30-Ounce Era Tumbler in Capri Gingham

          Gingham is clearly a go-to this season – dotted in the same adorable checks, this smaller iteration of Brümate's Era tumbler (30 ounces) stuns in a serene blue.

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 30-Ounce Era Tumbler in Capri Floral

          Shop the same piece in a more floral colorway! What we love most about the Brümate Era is the handle is truly sturdy – other popular tumblers and bottles we've tried can't quite say the same, breaking after mere months of use.

          Brümate x Vitality

          Vitality Cloud II Volley Short in Capri Floral

          The blue floral print looks especially show-stopping on Vitality's biker shorts that seamlessly snatch your waist in without being too restricting.

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 26-Ounce MultiShaker in Pear Gingham

          Gym girls: you can't miss this shaker bottle! It's fitted with a unique built-in agitator that blends pre-workout powders, protein, and other supplements without any clumps. It can be rare to find an insulated shaker out there, and the leakproof lid on this 26-ounce cutie really seals the deal.

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate 15-Ounce Müv Mug in Hibiscus Floral

          For more relaxed sipping sessions, this insulated, leakproof mug is simply perfect for hot teas, hot chocolate, or any other drink of your choice – spring cocktails, anyone?!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Vitality Cloud II Pant in Hibiscus Floral

          These floral leggings truly make a statement and will undoubtedly boost your workouts with biiig springtime energy.

          Brümate x Vitality

          Brümate Hopsulator Slim in Capri Gingham

          This next piece is a true no-brainer for the warmer months. Meant to suit 12-ounce slim cans (think seltzers, canned cocktails, and more), it helps keep the contents of whatever you're sipping on as cold as can be!

          Brümate x Vitality

          Vitality Grid Jacket in Oat

          When you need an easy springtime layering piece, reach for this super-soft jacket. It features plenty of stretch to keep you comfy all day long, plus has several different discreet pockets for your on-the-go essentials!

          Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved fashion, beauty, and home finds!

          Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

          Don't ask us to choose between our love for polka dots or leopard printunless you want us to curl up in the fetal position for two seconds. In all fairness, we think it's time to give moodier styles a break in favor of something lighthearted, so we're okay with focusing on the classic black and white colorway! If you're ready to sashay in this print during spring, we've got the prettiest pieces you should be wearing.

          From tops to swimsuits, scroll to see the best polka dot pieces we've bookmarked!

          The Best Polka Dot Tops

          Abercrombie & Fitch

          Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

          Not only are polka dots popular, but tie-front tops are also trending! Putting both together has to be the work of a marketing genius who knows we're looking for the least complicated tops to wear during spring.

          LOFT

          LOFT Dotted Everyday Relaxed Shirt

          If you'll be logging more hours at work and want to participate in this trend, LOFT's relaxed polka dot shirt help you avoid FOMO. It's lightweight and breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your business casual OOTD.

          Old Navy

          Old Navy V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top

          Give your crew neck tops a break and reach for Old Navy's take on polka dots. Though it's hard to tell, they're actually navy instead of black so you can almost treat it like a neutral that pairs well with a bright red or butter yellow bag!

          Revolve

          MAJORELLE Joy Bodysuit

          Have dinner plans with your girls or that sexy guy you bumped into at Trader Joe's? We suggest you wear this off-shoulder polk dot bodysuit that shows the right amount of skin. Think of it as a peek-a-boo piece that gives you the freedom to add your favorite fragrances near your neck without ruining your top.

          ELOQUII

          ELOQUII Satin Bubble Top

          Say yes to that party invite you just received because we've found the most breathtaking top for you to wear! This satin bubble top feels as flirty as it looks and is guaranteed to have all eyes on you most of the night.

          P.S. Don't be surprised if you get a hot stranger's number while wearing this!

          Ashley Stewart

          Ashley Stewart Polka Dot Poplin Blouse

          If you need another workwear top that aligns with the polka dot trend, reach for Ashley's Stewart's poplin design. It features elasticized cuffs that sit perfectly on the wrist and the overall top has enough stretch in it to keep you comfortable all day.

          The Best Mini Polka Dot Dresses

          The Reformation

          The Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson Cher Dress

          In need of a cute, but uncomplicated spring dress? Reach for this mini polka dot dress that can be worn with flats or sneakers. Besides being pretty, it's also made of organic cotton, lyocell, and other fabrics that cut back on waste.

          P.S. Of course it's possible to be stylish and sustainable!

          ASOS

          Ghospell Ruched Asymmetric Polka Dot Mini Dress

          Where are you going to wear this mini dress? The choice is yours, but we have a few solo date ideas geared towards inspiring you to romanticize your life.

          If you want our honest opinion, we think it's the perfect dress to wear to an art gallery followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant.

          Hollister

          Hollister Crepe Mini Dress

          Not a fan of a brown or deep tan polka dot piece? We understand which is why we came prepared with Hollister's mini dress. All you need is a slightly oversized denim jacket, a pair of Adidas Samba, and your favorite clutch.

          The Best Midi Polka Dot Dresses

          Abercrombie & Fitch

          Abercrombie & Fitch Women's Dipped-Waist Midi Dress

          Slip into a similar, yet longer version of the above mini dress if you're worried about the back of what you're wearing rising up every time you sit or bend over. You'll be saved from accidental exposures should the wind decide to blow strongly the day you decide to wear something that has a shorter hemline.

          ASTR The Label

          ASTR The Label Eirene Polka Dot Midi Dress

          Do we spell wedding bells for someone you know? It's only right you wear this polka dot midi dress that has a lace bodice and shoulder straps. It won't take away from the bride's gorgeous gown, but you'll nice and stylish!

          Lulu's

          Lulu's Black Polka Dot Satin Midi Dress

          On the contrary, this contrasting polk dot dress is another great date night option. Though it seems simple, we know that your outfits don't always have to be over-the-top. Just slide into a great pair of black heels and grab a clutch that has a black strap or gold hardware clasp on it!

          The Best Maxi Polka Dot Dresses 

          Pretty Little Thing

          Pretty Little Thing White Polka Dot Corseted Dress

          We can totally imagine someone taking their proposal pictures in this polka dot corseted dress! It's more structured than most bandeau tops, so your "girls" won't spill out when you bend over slightly to pretend you're fixing your shoe in your pictures!

          Princess Polly

          Princess Polly Marguerite Halter Maxi Dress

          You don't need a reason to wear a polka dot maxi dress during vacation, so we won't give you one. The only thing we'll say is you'll be able to adjust the halter so that it doesn't unravel at the worst possible moment.

          Reformation

          Reformation Naira Dress

          Someone may look at this dress and worry it'll make them look like a "trad wife," but not all traditions are bad. You can pretend you're living in a modern version of Breakfast at Tiffany's whenever you wear it because you are the main character.

          The Best Polka Dot Swimsuits

          Club L London

          Club L London Sheer Bliss Black Polka Dot Swimsuit

          This has retro Betty Boop all over it! From the perfect polka dot print to the organza shoulder ties, we just know you're going to enjoy wearing this. It doesn't matter if you're taking a dip in the ocean or in your own background, we know you'll look amazing in this.

          For Love & Lemons

          For Love & Lemons Denim Dot One Piece Swimsuit

          While you're at it, give this denim polka dot swimsuit a chance. It's equally as gorgeous as the above option and exudes the kind of "vintage" appeal that someone is bound to appreciate.

          J. Crew

          J. Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece

          Take the biggest risk ever and wear this bandeau one-piece swimsuit. The polk dots are slightly bigger, but it works because they give the illusion of a longer torso if you don't have one. Plus, you'll look similar to the 1950s swim Barbie!

          Subscribe to our newsletter to see more pretty spring styles!

          Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

          Trader Joe’s is the premier destination if you’re eating a high-protein diet – you just have to know where to look and what products to shop for! Luckily, as a self-proclaimed protein aficionado, I have a handful of easy hacks that allow you to maximize your protein intake. I eat each of these at least once a week and can verify they’re extremely simple and so tasty.

          From breakfastto dinner (and, of course, snack time!), you’ll definitely want to whip up these Trader Joe’s protein hacks if you’re trying to up your intake.

          Scroll on for 5 Trader Joe’s hacks that’ll help you reach your protein goals with ease!

          BP / PEXELS

          1. Add cottage cheese to scrambled eggs.

          This is one of my favorite things to do if I'm craving a savory breakfast – especially one that’ll fill me up! Adding a heaping scoop of Trader Joe's cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs (just mix it in with the eggs before cookin’ them) not only ups the protein content in each bite, but it makes the eggs super fluffy and never dry.

          Trader Joe's

          2. Use Trader Joe’s high-protein tofu instead of regular tofu.

          Did you know that TJ’s carries a special kind of high-protein tofu? As opposed to the regular variety that has around 9 grams of protein per serving, this pack is loaded with 14 grams of protein per serving! It’s perfect to use for stir fries, tofu scrambles, and tofu fries with an extra boost.

          Trader Joe's

          3. Add Trader Joe’s protein granola to Greek yogurt bowls.

          Trader Joe’s also sells a delicious high-protein granola – and it’s insanely good. I like to top my Greek yogurt bowls with it for breakfast, though you could easily use it as a cereal or just snack on it dry. The Peanut Butter Protein Granola has a whopping 11 grams of protein per serving – the only drawback here is that people with a peanut allergy can’t enjoy it.

          Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

          4. Add protein powder to your morning oatmeal.

          Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry a name-brand protein powder, though the Orgain variety is typically always on shelves when I shop there. The tub they have is actually smaller than most other protein powders you can find elsewhere, too, which is highly agreeable with my lifestyle since I live alone – and don’t wish to spend $30 on protein every time.

          Anywho, I love using this protein powder to ramp up the protein content in oatmeal bowls and smoothies alike. Two scoops delivers 21 grams of organic, plant-based protein that tastes oh-so yummy.

          Trader Joe's

          5. Stock up on TJ’s underrated protein snacks for an easy (yet satisfying) bite.

          If you don’t have the time (or simply the energy) to whip up a high-protein snack, Trader Joe’s actually has plenty of bites to offer. Here are some of my favorites to always keep stocked:

          Subscribe to our newsletter for more high-protein meal + snack ideas!