{Make It}...Relaxing Rice Bag

 I'm not old, nor am I anywhere near there, but after a really long day, sometimes your back hurts. This is probably because I don't sit at a proper desk like I should. There is something very relaxing about a hot compress. Even if you're not sore! (I also like putting them in my bed in the winter. Warm sheets!) I made my own little rice bag to heat up, because I like having fun prints and different sizes. They are so simple! 

You will need:

5 lb. bag of rice

Ruler

Scissor

Sewing machine

1 yd fabric (just in case) - use cotton or flannel

Pins

Pencil

I made mine a manageable size. I measured and marked my fabric to me 13 X 9 inches, which allowed for a seam. 

I then ironed by fabric, folded in half and cut out both sides laying back to back. Keeping it with the patter side in, I pinned three sides (two long, one wide) and went to the sewing machine. I just used white thread, but any color could be fine. 

Sewing the three sides, I made sure to reinforce the ends just in case by doing a back stitch. 

Then...turn the bag right side out so you have a little sack. Fill with rice. I used a lot! Probably about six or seven cups.

With the open end, fold the raw edges inward and pin those folds together. Just run it through the sewing machine making sure to reinforce this seam especially! 

Heat in microwave and enjoy!

I love making these in different sizes, prints, and fabrics! They are also great for a gift. My mom loves hers. I use mine way more than I thought I would. You could also make them in a shape of a neck roll, or even like those collar pillows you use for long trips.

That Tastes Happy

Are you an emotional eater? Many of us know that it's bad. Technically. So we all say, "Of course not!" We think we have enough control, enough self respect and common sense to reasons with our emotions on a more contemplative, logical level. I'll admit it, though...

I do eat based on my emotions sometimes. When I'm feeling sad or blah, I make comfort food. There is not way you can get me to eat a salad if I had a really bad day. If a friend is feeling down, I make a batch of cookies. 

Emotional eating doesn't mean that you gorge yourself on crap only when you feel bad. When I got my college acceptance letter, we celebrated with a fun dinner. When your friend gets engaged, you throw a party complete with food. Having a baby? Throw a shower with light pink macaroons and punch. WE even have food after funerals, or even little snacks at wakes!

So is it really as bad as everyone says it is? Is emotional eating seriously an eating disorder? Perhaps, but if so, then all of America is suffering from a collective eating disorder. I'm not telling you to hide from your feelings through food. But let's not feel bad about that pint of Ben and Jerry's you ate after your last break up. 

It's Therapeutic

Princess and the Pea lies on the therapist couch.

Although life is generally quite good to all of us (we mostly all have refrigerators, shelter, jobs, friends), there are those heinous days, sometimes weeks, sometimes months, where our world simply flips. I've had moments when it rotated 180 degrees and I was suddenly looking at the future I had definitely not been planning. Other times, life has shifted a little to the left and things are frustratingly "off".

It's undeniably stress inducing when things just don't go our way. I'm a creature of planning. The List Queen, you can call me. I rely on structure & often predictability. Therefore, when my life flips, I stubbornly try to refuse it, making everything worse. 

So how do you cope? 

I often admit that retail therapy often helps me. Seriously. It may sound bizarre and financially irresponsible, but I enjoy it. I feel better afterwards, and isn't that what counts? I'm not saying I blow my entire paycheck on a spree. I usually get a few things I've really been wanting, but for some reason just haven't purchased them. In general, what makes me feel better is just being out. Looking at the colors, feeling the textures of everything. I don't have to know anyone that's around me at the mall, as long as there are other people. 

It's therapeutic. Being around other life.

I usually try burrowing myself in blankets, eating ice cream, watching TV in the basement searching for mind-numbing escapism, feeling sorry for myself. No matter how much I want it to work, it doesn't. I feel like a slob, and feel even worse. It's true that a shower can make all the difference. I get up, shower, put on my favorite outfit and do something with other people. Even if it means I'm watching television and eating ice cream with my girlfriends in their basement. 

In general, I'm shy when I first meet people and the life of the party once I know everyone. But that may be residue from high school (aren't we glad that's over.) and is slowing fading. Ultimately, I thrive from the exchange of energy between people. So when I'm feeling down, I go out. 

What do you do to feel better? Do you feel relaxed in big public spaces like the mall? Or is shopping annoying to you? What is your ultimate "feel-good" boost? I'd love to know!


Illustration via