We’ve all been there, waking up exhausted, rushing through the morning, and feeling drained before the day even starts. But what if you could flip the script? What if, instead of starting your day in survival mode, you could begin it with intention, energy, and deep self-care?

The truth is, self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survival. Research shows that consistent morning self-care:

✔ Lowers cortisol (the stress hormone)

✔ Boosts focus & productivity

✔ Builds emotional resilience over time.

But here’s the catch: Self-care only works if you do it regularly, not just on weekends or vacations. Just like brushing your teeth, it needs to be daily to truly benefit you.

The truth is, self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Just like brushing your teeth or exercising, a morning self-care routine is a non-negotiable practice that builds resilience, boosts mental clarity, and helps you show up as your best self, not the exhausted, cranky version you become when you neglect your needs.

We've all been there. Nothing is working. Your health is on the fritz, you're not working out and you feel sluggish, every relationship has some kind of tension, work sucks and so does everything else.

So, what do you do?

I'm going to be sharing with you a few ways to get out of this very stuck place. It's pretty simple, but not always easy. The one thing I can say is that it is life changing and you will not regret it!

Reframing - Why is this happening for me and not to me?

Did you ever get stuck in one of those cycles where nothing is working out? You think things can’t get worse and then they do, and again, over and over?

We’ve all been there, right? 

So, what do you do to get out of this horrific cycle? How do you respond and not react to it?

One of the most powerful shifts I’ve made in my life was when I learned to ask myself a question whenever I was in this situation. 

It’s so simple but it’s hard to bounce out of the old mindset into the new. 

Old mindset: OMG Why is ...

Hello Beautiful Souls,

 Life can feel overwhelming, can’t it? Between endless to-do lists, digital noise, and the pressure to "do it all," it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. That’s why I’m so excited to share these 12 Nordic-inspired rules for simplicity—gentle, practical ways to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and create a life that feels good, not just busy.

Whether you’re craving more calm, stronger boundaries, or just a little more breathing room, these principles (which I recently explored on the Soul Aligned Self-Care Podcast) can help. Let’s walk through them together—with actionable tips to make them stick.

Listen to this episode here: https://www.tinastinson.com/podcasts/soul-aligned-self-care/episodes/2149009866

1. The 888 Rule: Work, Rest, Play, Equally.

Balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Try dividing your day into 8 hours for work, 8 for leisure, and 8 for sleep. (Yes, leisure counts!)

Try This:

• Block time for unapologetic rest, reading, ba

  ...

When we get to Part 3: Reset the Soul, a lot of people tilt their heads and ask, "What does that even mean?" So, let’s start there.

To me, resetting the soul is about reconnecting with your truest self—every messy, magical, glorious part of it. It’s asking:

• How do I practice real self-love?

• Am I living in alignment with my purpose?

• How can I connect more authentically—with myself and others?

• When was the last time I let myself feel pure joy or silliness?

But here’s the thing: to do any of this, we have to slow down. Like, actually slow down. If we’re always in do-do-do mode, we lose ourselves. We stop knowing what we want, what lights us up, or even what makes us happy. And before we know it, we’re letting society—or everyone except us—decide how we should feel.

So today, let’s focus on joy. Not just the occasional "Oh, that was fun!" kind, but the daily, non-negotiable kind. Because joy isn’t a luxury—it’s soul fuel.

How to Reconnect with Your Joy

Step 1: ...

Spring Reset Series: Resetting the Body

Last week, we kicked off the Spring Reset Series with Resetting the Mind (you can catch that episode of the Podcast Series HERE). This week, we’re diving into the next step: how to reset the body.

When I think about resetting the body, two things come to mind. First, resetting the nervous system through somatic practices—because if we don’t feel safe and comfortable in our own bodies, it’s hard to flow through life with ease. Second, I think about how we nourish our bodies with food. What are we using as fuel?

Now, before you come at me about movement or physical exercise, let me clarify: I totally include that in the category of somatic practices. I think it’s a much nicer way to frame it than saying, “I have to work out” or “I have to go to the gym.” Instead, I like to ask, “What kind of movement does my body need today?”

So, let’s break it down into three ways to reset your body for the spring reset.

1. Somatic Practices: My Personal Favo...

Spring is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your mind. Just as we declutter our homes to create physical space, we can declutter our minds to create mental clarity, ease, and room for growth.

Mental clutter, like overwhelm, negative thoughts, and unnecessary distractions, can weigh us down and keep us stuck. But with a few intentional steps, you can clear the mental chaos, reset your mindset, and invite more joy, beauty, and comfort into your life.

I find this practice to be equally as powerful and decluttering your space. The more flow we can create in the space we live in whether physical or mental, the easier and more pleasurable our life can become. So how can we reduce the amount of friction we have in our lives?

Let's get into it.

Step 1: Declutter Your Mental Space

Mental clutter often comes from the things we expose ourselves to—whether it’s negative news, toxic relationships, or an overload of information. Start by identifying what’s draining your energy and c...

This week I wanted to share with you one of the things That is a big part of my Self-Care Routine.

It helps me relax, t helps me spark creativity, it helps me expand and learn, and it helps me heal.

Reading. I've been very into reading my whole life with a slight hiatus during the time when I was raising my kids, I've always loved it and dreamed of being a writer when I was a kid. I remember reading the Pippi Longstocking Series and deciding at that moment I would be a writer. No, I haven't written a book yet but 'm sure will at some point.

Today I want to share with you a few books that I re-read each year that have been so powerful to mem like a personal mentor. One of the books I mention, is new for me this year but I've decided to add it to the list.

There are so many more that I have re-read but these are the ones that I come back to the most in no particular order.

Let's get into it!

1. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Think of this as your personal guide to living...

What's new and amazing at Soul Aligned Infusions & Southmeadow Farm

Transform Your Skin and Nails with the Ultimate Healing Duo: Bloom Balm & Cute Cuticles Serum Roller

In a world filled with synthetic skincare products, it’s refreshing to find natural solutions that truly nourish and heal. As a health coach, meditation teacher, and culinary nutrition instructor, I’ve always believed in the power of nature to restore balance and wellness. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to my Bloom Skin Healing Balm and Cute Cuticles Roller—a dynamic duo designed to heal, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin and nails. Whether you’re dealing with dry, irritated skin or brittle nails, these 100% organic products are here to transform your self-care routine.

Created in small batches with some of the ingredients homegrown by myself on Southmeadow Farm!

Meet the Bloom Skin Healing Balm

The Bloom Skin Healing Balm is a deeply nourishing, multi-purpose balm crafted to heal and soothe irritated, dr...

When I look at the last couple of blog posts, I do recognize that there is a theme here.

Winter Reflection: Reconnect with Your Values and Prepare for a Thriving Year Ahead

4 Somatic Practices That You Can Do to Calm Your Nervous System

5 Ways to Stay Positive & Thrive During Times of Chaos

Most of the reason for this is, a large portion of the population in the world right now is dealing with really tough circumstances adding a lot of stresses to our lives, so it's something that is needed. Also, I'm feeling it. Really feeling it. It's a little bit of a battle when you have an overwhelming amount of world fear and disruption with a side of deep winter blues for some of us.

Personally, I'm always looking for ways to help the people in the SASC Community and to figure out, how can I help myself through these times, stay healthy and somewhat balanced, and still move forward and thrive

In times of chaos, fear, and uncertainty, it’s essential to have a toolkit of simple, effective p...

Hey there, friends!

As February rolls around, I find myself in a cozy, introspective state. Instead of chasing big goals or resolutions, I’m leaning into the quiet energy of winter. For me, this season is all about rest, reflection, and reconnecting with what truly matters. It’s like nature’s way of reminding us to slow down, go inward, and prepare for the growth and abundance that spring and summer will bring.

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the natural cycles of the year. Here’s how I see it:

• Winter: A time for rest and reflection.
• Spring: A season of growth and creation.
• Summer: More growth, plus a whole lot of fun and play.
• Fall: The harvest—celebrating our successes and enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Tuning into this cycle has been a game-changer for me. It helps me feel grounded, intentional, and ready to thrive. And right now, in the heart of winter, I’m taking the time to reflect on my life and make sure I’m aligned with what I truly want to experience in th...