MY EMOTIONAL FIRST AID KIT

February is traditionally “Heart Month” or “Love Month”, whichever way you prefer to call it. Here at TRI, we talk a lot about cardiac health and life-saving kits. But in my other life—the jewelry industry—February is a high-stakes marathon of carats, karats, and “it-must-be-perfect” rush deadlines.

Let’s be real: at this age, I’ve realized my heart needs more than just a cardio workout; it needs a nervous system that isn’t red-lining (hello Cortisol Rising?). You can’t really buy a kit for a “Tuesday-afternoon-meltdown,” so I’ve built my own. Here’s how I keep my smile (and wits) when the pressure is on.

1. The Auditory Bookends (Worship and BTS)

My mental rhythm is set by my playlist. I “bookend” my day with worship music—it’s the spiritual primer that keeps me from losing it before I’ve even had coffee. But when the deadlines start screaming? I switch to BTS. There is nothing like a BTS track to give me the “I’ve got this” energy I need to hit Done on a major project.

2. The Nosey “Anchor” (Frankincense & Sandalwood)

While I love the sparkle of jewelry, my favorite “accessory” is a small vial of Frankincense and Sandalwood oil. When a client or a project gets under my skin, I take a verrryyyyyy deep hit of this blend. Frankincense says “breathe,” and Sandalwood says “get it together.” It’s an instant signal to my brain that the “emergency” is solvable. Relaxxxxx… 

3. The 5-Minute “I’m Out” Walk

In jewelry, staring at a stone or piece for too long gives you “eye fatigue.” In writing, staring at a screen for too long gives you “soul fatigue.” When I feel the fog rolling in, I step away for 5 minutes. No phone, no notes—just me and the pavement. It’s the fastest way to lower the cortisol and come back with a better perspective. Movement allows me to breatheeeee…

4. The “Chocolate Reset” (For Medicinal Purposes, Obviously… lol)

Does a bite of chocolate count as first aid? In my book, it is a must. I keep a piece of the very good stuff tucked away. Mind you, this isn’t stress-eating; it’s a mindful “palate cleanser.” Focusing on that one perfect bite forces me to stay in the present. Plus, let’s be honest: everything feels 50% more manageable with a little cocoa power.

5. The Tactile Reset (My Support Beads)

I’m a creative, and I usually think in textures. I carry my emotional support beads (my lucky talisman) everywhere. In a tense meeting, you’ll find me reaching for them. The weight and the feel of the beads under my fingers act as a physical anchor, pulling me out of a “what-if” spiral and back to the present. 

6. The “Cold Water” Circuit Breaker

If I feel my heart racing, I head for the sink. Splashing ice-cold water on my face triggers the Mammalian Dive Reflex. It’s a biological “kill switch” for panic. It’s not elegant, and it might ruin my makeup for a second, but it’s better than crashing out.

7. The Mohs Scale of Perspective

In jewelry, we use the Mohs scale to measure hardness. At 46, I apply it to my stress. I ask myself: “Is this a Diamond problem (a 10, life-altering) or a Powder problem (a 1, easily buffed out)?” Most of what we panic about is just “Powder”. Don’t waste your Diamond energy on a scratch that won’t matter by Friday.