How I built a better self-care plan to prevent burnout and my 2024 Hobonichi Original A6 set-up

[@FeralJournal]

I love that you put the definition & made the effort to give credit where it was due. Self-care has started to become popular as bubble baths & such which has its place.. however, I once saw a post that said sometimes self-care involves doing the things you do not want to do or have been putting off.. like paying that bill, unsubscribing from content that depresses you etc. thanks for the reminder to schedule it in. So necessary.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I love the distinction you made about including “boring” tasks as a form of self-care, instead of only prioritizing “nice” or”fun” things. The small wins are important for building momentum, but getting these less exciting tasks done feels more impactful for me in the long-run. I think it’s at least partially due to the fact that it lessens the guilt I feel from procrastinating (which I’m very good at doing). 😅 Thanks again for stopping by, and weighing in on the conversation! 💖

[@kyrat6079]

Self care has been really commodified in the past few years, and i think its important to look at self care from a preventative lens instead of trying to do emergency first aid after youve already hit burnout. We worked on this a lot in grad school and practicing it when youre feeling good will help prevent burnout, but also the practice will make it easier to continue taking care of yourself when it starts to get hard. Practice makes perfect afterall :)

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! 🥰 I love this and appreciate the reminder that it takes practice to get into the habit of taking care of myself - especially when it gets hard (and it's easy to drop all those habits I have been trying to implement). By the time I'm feeling burnt out, I know it's usually too late, and it can take a long time to overcome.

[@kittybaroque9591]

I feel like you are describing where I am at right now - being a carer for my partner for over a decade and having left a 14yr role post the last few years. Finding it a challenge to entertain reentering the workplace & re-write my story/beliefs. Thank you for sharing & normalising - and, I ought to say as a trained Yoga Teacher I have all the tools at hand, however it can be challenging to gain momentum in self care/rebuild journey.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. 💗 It sounds like you’ve had a very full plate over the last few years. It must have taken a lot of strength and energy to balance caring for your partner and working in your previous role. Your partner is lucky to have you. It’s understandable that the idea of reentering the workplace after an extended time away feels daunting. Even with the knowledge and tools at hand, it’s challenging to take action for ourselves, especially if I were already in a burnt out state. Making an effort requires energy, yet energy is finite and sometimes we are out of it. It sounds like you’ve taken an important step in entertaining the idea of reentering the workplace. Is it within your means to stay there for a while longer until you’re ready to take a second step? I hope you’re able to do something kind for yourself today. 💓

[@kittybaroque9591]

I so appreciate your reply & acknowledgement @@LittleCocoStudio Whilst it's been immensely challenging I've learnt so much about & am soo proud of myself in the way I have shown up for me. I can't quite see yet how to move forward, but I have come back to journaling & analogue tools as part of the journey and am returning to yoga/meditation practice which I *know* will help. I am ready to live life differently and change the internal conversation. Thank you for the reminder.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

It does sound like you have a great plan in place to get you to closer to where you want to be. In addition to that, it seems you also possess a high level of self-awareness. You’ve got this! 🥰💖

[@theoryof.lauren]

hello fellow torontonian! as someone who also has struggled with burn out and challenging my inner critic, i really appreciated this video and hearing your thoughts! thank you 🤍

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! Oh gosh, challenging your inner critic is so exhausting. 😩 My experiences with burn out go hand in hand with my inner critic (along with my ADHD and GAD - sigh). I hope you’re enjoying the final days of 2023, despite the grey weather we’ve been experiencing in Toronto! 💖

[@walkingexercise5375]

Love your idea of a self-care plan. Mariane Cresp has a video called how to use a self-care/break list and Jashii Corrin has some mental health journal videos where she discusses self-care like self-care bingo.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, and for sharing those recommendations! ☺️ I’ve have to check those videos out; self-care bingo sounds interesting!

[@mydandeliondiaries]

Yayyyy!!! I love this so much 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Always enjoy watching your longer videos 💝

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much, Danielle! I LOVE your longer videos (and your ink swatch videos!!) as well! 🌈🖋️💖🥰

[@613Cris]

I spent a lot of Q1 tracking things and Q2 is about putting into place systems so I'm more mindful about burnout. I need to be the neutral party at work. During burnout I find neutrality hard and my calm, even voice gets a little too high pitched. I'm not going to say it isn't their fault, because it really is, but it is my JOB to be calm. lol I have a notebook and a shredder in my office. Owner is aware I'll vent in a notebook and shred it. He says the thoughts have to go somewhere, why not to the shredder!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

That’s a tough one - staying calm while feeling burnt out takes a lot of energy! I hope the systems you put in place for Q2 brings you more calm and that you use that shredder to its full potential!!! ☺️

[@fannyku614]

You are so proactive! What you are doing is very useful for today’s society. I remembered my burn-out days and getting down afterwards. I can learn so much by keeping track of it now!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰 After experiencing burnout so many times, I’m hopeful that I can avoid it again (or at least minimize its effects) by taking extra care to monitor when I’m heading in that direction.

[@Magicpoppy]

What a lovely video❤. I was nodding along while organizing collage material🤗.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I’m glad this video was able to keep your company while you were organizing collage material 🥰

[@susankuhfuss6648]

I love your ideas and inspiration in this video! Thank you, I'm now planning on creating my own journal.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I’m happy to hear that you may create your own journal! I hope you find it helpful! 💓

[@syddlinden8966]

Sometimes we have to just go according to our natural circadian rhythm. I used to be a night owl, so I was not available to work mornings, only closing shifts. Now that I have kittens who've decided I should be up between 4-5am, my schedule was able to swap and I now work mornings and am consistently in bet between 9-1030pm. My key to self care is to listen to my body. If I'm too tired or out of spoons to follow my plan for after work or a day off, that plan waits in exchange for rest. I focus on what HAS to be done and letting my brain rest, trying to make sure I'm eating ok, and getting enough water. Also, outside time. Studying trees and id'ing them on walks and getting to know the local plants and bird sounds. 👍

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I agree with this so much! Growing up and throughout school, I was such a night owl. Haha, I love that kittens have updated your schedule to waking up at 4-5am 😻 Your self-care plan sounds wonderful and well adapted to what you’re needing at the time. One thing I’m not so good at is spending passive/idle time outdoors when I’m not walking the dog or going for runs. Part of it is my allergies and the year-round construction nearby, but I would like to slow down and hear the sounds/smell the flowers more before winter rolls around again!

[@PyroAnimeCuts]

One of the best but the most expensive things i can buy probably :( On my wishlist till one day i can buy one, love hobonichi.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You’re right - Hobonichi products are on the pricey side. :( That aspect of the hobby can be prohibitive for sure.

[@amyliu9118]

Really love this video and what you shared about self care ❤

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for your kind words! It means so much to hear that you enjoyed the video. 🥰💓

[@ey3mzzzs]

Thank you for the video! Your video inspires me to develop my own self care plan too

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I’m so happy to head that you’re feeling inspired to develop your own self-care plan. It took me a while to tweak it to a point where I felt it would be realistic and helpful, but it was worth it the end! 🥰

[@Elslein]

This was beautiful, thank you. I got a little Hobonichi, my first one, as a Christmas present. It’s almost the same as yours, also Japanese, with One Piece pirate theme. I love it, even though I initially wanted a bigger one! I haven’t seen any other videos about this smaller Hobonichi format, so I’m very happy to have found your channel. Subscribed and looking forward to watching the rest of your videos 😊

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for subscribing! 🥰 The One Piece one is amazing! I love that they created an entire series of books and covers around it. 🥹 I also keep going back and forth on whether I prefer the A6 or A5 version of books, but there's something about the A6 that is so comforting.

[@creamsiclecat]

Definitely put the plastic cover on cover on. i didnt for my canvas a6 Josef Capek doggie and pussycat cover, and it got stained with ink from when it was in my bag.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Oh no! That sucks that your Josef Capek got stained. I hope it didn’t ruin it too much. I looked up the cover and I love how it was designed! I did end up adding on a cover on cover for mine, and… it fits fine?? I don’t know why Hobonichi said on their website that it wasn’t suitable for a cover on cover.

[@tallywinkle]

hello from a fellow canadian! just found this video, really enjoyed it, especially that you included the references haha

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! And hello from 🇨🇦! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video, and the references. It felt a little like I was writing an essay for school, but it’s helpful for future (forgetful) me as well to keep them in there as well! 😂

[@cynthiajackson7602]

One thing about these evening meetings, if they are really intense with intense discussions then you’ll lose sleep. I need to find a way to protect myself to get the needed sleep after these meetings.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! You make a really good point, and I 100% agree that intense discussions at night can impact my sleep. I'm pretty sure they did. 😅 I found working on a small creative project (decorating my journal, crocheting, drawing for 15-30 min) or watching an episode of a tv show that I knew would life my spirits (the office is a favourite) helped a little to decompress. I appreciate you bringing this up because it's making me realize that I need to be more proactive about finding ways to protect myself after intense evening meetings since I won't be able to avoid them entirely in the future. I hope you're able to protect yourself as well! 💗

[@Zhang_Lisa]

Love your panda covers for the year! 🐼 Hobonichi makes a cover on cover for this exact reason, a clear plastic covering to protect the canvas planner covers.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yesss! I decided to put the cover I had purchased for it, regardless of what it said on the Hobonichi website and it was fine and I don't feel like my panda cover is damaged at all!

[@dottyknits]

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I appreciate you! 💓

[@Terrible_Hime]

OMG I have a Hobonichi A6 cover that's the same style and I had no idea that the two loops were a closure! I thought they were pen loops for two pens!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I’ve seen people use them for two pens as well, which is a great idea!

[@Terrible_Hime]

@@LittleCocoStudio I kind of love it as a closure because I was thinking about making an elastic thing for it but now I don't have to.

[@princessleai]

ooh i have the same weeks cover^^ also i need this, feeling somewhat burntout 😅😅

[@LittleCocoStudio]

It’s such a great, cheerful cover! I love it so much 🥹 Feeling burnt out is exhausting. I’m sorry you’re feeling that way. I hope you’re able to reverse the feeling soon. 💓

[@JustScribble]

I’m keeping a wellness journal for 2024 in my Haroo planner. I’ve got a detailed setup video but it’s part tracking but more journaling and habits. But I also am keeping a passport health planner for tracking. Similar to what I did in 2023 with the Hobonichi A6 weekly supplement

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Your approach sounds great! I love the idea of using a passport-sized health planner for tracking. I picked up the Hobonichi weekly supplement for 2024 but I’m not sure if it’s going to work for the purpose I had intended to use it for. Perhaps I can repurpose it for some sort of tracking. I’m undecided on that one!

[@JustScribble]

@@LittleCocoStudio I’ll be posting a pic on IG today for inspiration ❤️

[@rocioperez6812]

this is very inspiring, thank you!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for your kind words! I hope you're doing well 🥰

[@AliceArnaud-zs8sq]

Hi! I just discovered your channel, and I am enjoying it, your voice is very soothing to me :) Merry Christmas

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, and for your kind words about my video 🥹 Merry Christmas to you as well! 🎄✨

[@loveforpaper6203]

Lovely video

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@tortagialla]

Thanks for sharing, very thoughtful discussion! I have a hard time logging all the data to be able to see patterns and reflect ...

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment 💗 Even thinking about tracking and reflecting takes a lot of work, let alone doing it. It’s not easy :( I can’t say with certainty that I’m going to be perfectly consistent with my tracking and reflecting next year, but I’m hoping by making it as easy (simple set up) and enjoyable (pretty Hobonichi book) as possible with my, I am setting myself up for success. We’ll see how it goes. 😬

[@tortagialla]

@@LittleCocoStudio Oh I wish you the best! I have contemplated getting a fitness watch or whatever to track things automatically because I'm so bad at doing it otherwise... LOL! But pretty stationery can help for sure! some information is probably better than nothing as well!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

@@tortagialla I think that approach makes a lot of sense, and I am going to rely on my watch to track my steps and give me sleep estimates in case I can’t keep up with daily tracking on my own. Best of luck… to both of us! 😅 I hope we can find low-maintenance, easy ways to track our patterns in 2024!

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Thank you

[@Kindlelover88]

If that’s OK with you, it would be nice to see your temperature blanket. If you could insert a photo next time we talk about it that would be great.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! I would be happy to include a photo of it next time I mention it! ☺️ 🧶 🌡️

[@brookefelger3843]

I got the same cover for this year! :D :D :D

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yay! It’s so cute!!! 🐼💓

[@nadineF]

I ended up loving the side butterfly

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I’m still getting used to it, but overall, I like it as well! 🦋

[@karlabmdz]

What’s the name of than pen wallet ?? It’s so pretty!! 😢

[@LittleCocoStudio]

It's a Wonder Pens x The Superior Labor pen wallet in light brown! wonderpens.ca/collections/pre-order/products/the-superior-labor-leather-pen-and-wallet-case-light-brown I got it last year and it continues to be my all-time favourite TSL item!! 🥰

[@ChrisSheader]

Hi. Would you mind telling me the name of the brass pen? Thanks.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Absolutely! It's the Kaweco Brass Sport fountain pen! It was very shiny when I first got it, and over time, it starts to take on a beautiful patina. It came in a cute tin which I use to store the syringe that I use to fill ink converters with. I really like how you can swap the nibs without having to buy a new pen body.

[@ChrisSheader]

@@LittleCocoStudio thank you so much. I really enjoy your videos. Very calming !!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

@@ChrisSheader thank you so much! 🥹