JOMO: Get Ready For A Big Night In!

Does the state of life, the universe, and everything make you want to turn into an ostrich? Forget FOMO and embrace your inner JOMO. The ‘joy of missing out’ means to derive pleasure from spending your free time doing whatever you want to do, often in a quiet and independent way, without worrying that something more interesting is happening somewhere else (bliss!). Replenish your energy levels with a gentle evening (or weekend!) of R&R. We’ve rustled up some self-care essentials to help you rediscover your ‘give a damn’. Cos the world needs you, hopeful and rested and ready to keep fighting the good fight!

THE CAT’S PYJAMAS

First order of business: get comfy! Which means slipping into a pair of Sussan pyjamas, expertly crafted from Australian Cotton, ECOVERO, or viscose made from Bamboo – all fabrics that support a good night’s sleep. Sussan’s Australian Cotton collection includes a range of sleepwear for all occasions, from cute pyjama sets to nighties perfect for warm summer nights. Better yet – choose from their ‘Pink for Good’ range (we love the plush slippers!), to support Breast Cancer Network Australia’s crucial work. Sussan’s been involved with BCNA since 2005 – along with their recent B-Corp certification and ongoing support of Aussie cotton growers, it’s fair to say they’re a brand with heart. You’ll sleep easy knowing your purchase has done some good!

SOFA SO GOOD

All dressed up in your PJs and nowhere to go? Cuddle up to your couch with this gorgeous weighted blanket from Koala Comforts, knitted from sustainably-sourced cotton and recycled polyester. Studies show that weighted blankets use “pressure therapy”, a calm-inducing pressure on your body, similar to the feeling of being hugged, swaddled or held. This can switch the body from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’. A heatable bean bag to snuggle is always a win: try this cutie from Blästa Henriët.

MAKE MINE A MOVIE

Nope, we’re not interested in disasters, dramas, political intrigue or Jason Statham fighting big sharks – give us the warm and fuzzy happy endings of movie night favourites like Crazy Rich Asians, Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, Muriel’s Wedding, or How Stella Got Her Groove Back instead. Don’t feel like following a plot, but need a soothing background voice? Any documentary narrated by David Attenborough or Morgan Freeman will do, or try Bob Ross’s The Joy of Painting – happy little trees FTW!

SIP SIP HOORAY!

Keep your head clear and your tastebuds happy with a delicious non-alcoholic bevvie from Sans Drinks’ range of curated non-alcoholic wines from exclusive brands (like this Vendome Mademoiselle Alcohol-Free Organic Sparkling Rosé). Into cocktails? HIGRH Spirits offer ‘functional cocktails’ that are alcohol free and designed to “reduce anxiety, improve mental sharpness and lift mood”.

SHELF CARE

Take a break from screens and escape into a good book (plus that new book smell!) with the latest read from author Kate Solly, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up (Affirm Press). Mother, crafter and amateur detective Fleck Parker has to solve a whodunit involving a women’s charity store, handmade crafts, playground stake-outs and tailing cars while nursing the baby to sleep… Multi-tasking sounds about right! On a more thoughtful note, Carina Wohlleben’s A Kind Life (NewSouth Books) offers insight and inspiration into what it takes to “eat plants, buy less, slow down” – and save the planet while we’re at it.

SOOTHING SOUNDTRACKS

We’ll never forget Meredith and Cristina’s iconic habit of ‘dancing it out’ in Grey’s Anatomy – when you just can’t deal with all the feels, put on your favourite happy (or angry!) track and let your body shake it off. Studies have shown that music has a whole host of benefits, like improving mood, reducing anxiety, and even helping you sleep better. Try a pre-made playlist featuring calming nature sounds, or indulge in classics from the likes of Billie Holiday, Etta James, or Jimmy Dludlu. Hint: Putumayo’s collection of world music is always a good bet if you need something uplifting to transport you to your happy place.

THE WRITE STUFF

Head all tangled with ideas, worries and to-do lists? Take a page from author and artist Julia Cameron’s book and spend a few hours writing to feel more in control. You could choose to journal, create a ‘yay’ list (things you’re grateful for or wins you’d like to celebrate), work on a life manifesto, or even rustle up handwritten cards or letters for friends and family. Of course, you’ll need to treat yourself to a beautiful notebook and stationery first! Dingbats’ beautiful notebooks are made from ethically sourced, biodegradable, vegan and recyclable materials, while Earth Greetings’ gorgeous Australian-made cards and stationery are carbon neutral and contribute 10% of profits to protecting Australian native wildlife and habitat. Notely partners with three Aussie charities to support their mission of one tree planted for every purchase.

BETWEEN THE LINES

Colouring in is an exercise in mindfulness, improving your ability to focus and stay in the moment. It’s also wonderfully noncompetitive: there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do it, just follow your creative instincts! We love this beautiful First Nations colouring book created by Kaanju, Kuku Ya’u, Girramay artist Emma Hollingsworth: ‘Mulganai’ means ‘morning star’, and features artworks celebrating Emma’s heritage, culture, and story. LAUNCH Darwin collaborated with 20 of Darwin’s young creatives in honour of Mental Health Week 2024 – the result is this downloadable colouring book to support wellbeing and help you get your zen on.

COMFORT FOOD

You didn’t think we’d forget the snacks, did you? Bake the blues away with Katharine Hepburn’s brownie recipe – easy and indulgent, plus loved by an icon! Legend has it that a kindly neighbour took some brownies to the star after her car accident in the 1980s. Katharine was brutally honest about the treat: “Too much flour! And don’t overbake them! They should be moist, not cakey.” She then gave her own recipe to the neighbour. After Hepburn died in 2003, the neighbour’s daughter sent the story, along with the recipe, to the New York Times as a letter to the editor to celebrate the actor’s memory. This sweet treat perfectly hits the spot when you need some chocolate therapy.

KATHARINE HEPBURN’S BROWNIES

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 165 degrees C non-fan-forced (325 degrees F). Butter or line a 20x20cm baking pan (approx 8×8-inch).
• Melt butter in a saucepan with the cocoa over low heat, stirring until smooth.
• Remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a large bowl to cool for a few minutes.
• Whisk in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture, and stir until just combined.
• Pour into the prepared baking pan, and bake 30-35 minutes. Don’t overbake; the brownies should be gooey.
• Let cool, then use a knife to cut into bars or squares.

THIS POST WAS CREATED WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR FRIENDS AT SUSSAN – HEAD OVER HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THEIR B CORP CERTIFICATION!