Aug16

Punk Rock Flea OOTD

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Punk Rock Flea OOTD

Hello!! This past Saturday, Johnny and I had a fantastic date day. We attended the Punk Rock Flea Market at Lock 3 in downtown Akron and it was an absolute blast. Sadly, the event got rained out, but we made our rounds throughout the vendors and got back to our car just in the knick of time! We got so many cool goodies from amazing local artists, which you can see throughout this week. Today, let’s check out my OOTD for this neat event:

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Who? What? Wear?

Tank Top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx

Skort: Almost Famous, TJMaxx

Bat Wing Platforms: Sugar Thrillz, Dolls Kill

Parasol: This was a Christmas gift from Amazon

Union Jack Purse: Charming Charlie’s

Sunglasses: Martha Stewart, TJMaxx

Rosary Necklace: This was a gift from my mom from Target

Black Cross Earrings: I think I got these at Target? Lol

On Saturday, it was humid as can be and I wanted to create an outfit that would keep me cool and comfortable. My original plans to wear one of my favorite plaid blazers got vetoed due to the weather, but I decided to keep the base of the outfit I was thinking the same. This was simply my tank top and skort and it was just right for the muggy afternoon. Since the base of this outfit was plain Jane, it was up to accessories to turn it into something worth blogging about!

For shoes, I went with my bat wing platforms from Dolls Kill and they were a huge hit. I got stopped by SO many people asking about them! Not only did these shoes add lots of extra height, but they were insanely comfortable as Johnny and I browsed through the flea market. The iridescent purple wings also gave a nice pop of color against the neutral base of this look.

Next up on my agenda was swapping out purses from my Betsey Johnson phone bag to my Union Jack one. I have a huge collection of purses and I have been enjoying changing them out with each OOTD I shoot. The Union Jack bag by Charming Charlie’s is one of my favorites and it was an obvious choice for a punk rock event. It definitely has some wear and tear to it as it’s almost nine years old, but that just adds to the aesthetic! 😀

As I was building this outfit, I knew that I wanted to use my black parasol to block out the sun. As a vampire on the go, this was very necessary! This parasol actually caused a bit of trouble because I couldn’t find it anywhere. I knew exactly where it should be and it just wasn’t. Oddly enough, it ended up being in Johnny’s car for some reason? Lol we must have spent fifteen or so minutes looking for it and I’m glad it was found because my look wouldn’t have been the same without it.

Finally, it was time for jewelry and I kept things minimal. While walking around in the heat, I didn’t want to be bogged down with a huge necklace or a ton of bracelets. So, I slipped on my rosary necklace from my mom which I love so very much and my black cross dangly earrings and called it. As always, less is more when it comes to a great look and because I had lots of other accessories already, the necklace and earrings were all I needed.

Tune in tomorrow for the blooper reel from my Punk Rock Flea OOTD and check in this week for all of our purchases. Fingers crossed that another event like this happens again soon because it was a HOOT!

Do you like to attend flea markets or vendor sales? What is the best thing you have bought secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug15

Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

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Smooth Solutions: The Science Of Wrinkle-Free Skin

Having smooth, wrinkle-free skin is a goal many of us aspire to achieve. Often, the fight against fine lines and wrinkles can seem like an uphill battle, but with a solid understanding of the science behind our skin’s aging process, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain youthful skin. Dive into this exploration of the biology of wrinkles and discover how you can keep your skin radiant and wrinkle-free:

The Fundamentals of Skin Structure:

At the core of understanding wrinkles is first understanding our skin. Our skin consists of three layers:

  • Epidermis: The outermost layer which acts as a protective barrier.
  • Dermis: Contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
  • Subcutaneous tissue: Made of fat and connective tissue.

Collagen and elastin, primarily found in the dermis, are crucial proteins that provide our skin with strength and elasticity. As we age, these proteins naturally break down and the production of them decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

Factors Affecting Skin Aging:

While age is an obvious factor in the development of wrinkles, it’s not the only culprit. Various external factors can speed up the aging process. UV radiation from the sun is a significant factor, causing what’s known as photoaging. This radiation damages the collagen and elastin fibers, leading to sagging and wrinkling. That’s why it’s imperative to use a good sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. For a wide variety of skincare products tailored for sun protection and more, one might look into platforms like Oz Hair and Beauty.

Environmental pollutants, smoking, and even repetitive facial expressions can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles.

Hydration: A Key to Plump Skin:

Maintaining hydration is essential to keeping skin looking plump and youthful. When the skin lacks moisture, it can look dull and fine lines may appear more pronounced. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers that lock in hydration can help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. If you are suffering from especially dry skin or are feeling self conscious about signs of aging, there are a range of treatments that can help. Take the time to look up the services offered by a Med Spa in Jupiter Florida (or your local area) to see how the professionals can improve your problem areas. Don’t be afraid to book a few consultations at different locations to find the best fit and services for you.

Active Ingredients in Anti-Aging Skincare:

Many skincare products on the market claim to work miracles on wrinkles. But what ingredients genuinely make a difference?

  • Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids are perhaps the most well-researched ingredients for combating wrinkles. They encourage cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help in the fading of age spots.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: This molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin, helping to plump it up and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Peptides: Small protein fragments that stimulate the production of collagen and other essential skin components.
  • Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect the skin from damage by free radicals and UV radiation.

Cosmetic Procedures: Beyond Skincare:

For those seeking more immediate or pronounced results, there are cosmetic procedures available:

  • Botox: A toxin that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for certain repetitive facial expressions, thus smoothing out expression lines. Botox is an incredibly popular cosmetic procedure and it is so important to get it done by a well reviewed practitioner. Take the time to browse websites like Botox London Professional Aesthetics (or similar practices in your local area) to research and read testimonials. It is also a good idea to schedule a few different consultations to find the best fit for you.
  • Dermal Fillers: These are substances injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles and restore volume. They can be made from a variety of materials, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite.
  • Laser Resurfacing: This procedure uses lasers to remove the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin, which stimulates collagen production.
  • Brow Lift: A brow lift helps rejuvenate the forehead, eyes, and brows to look younger and refreshed without looking like you got work done.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Choices:

Apart from products and procedures, certain lifestyle choices can promote youthful skin:

  • Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help maintain skin health. Foods like berries, spinach, nuts, and fish are excellent choices.
  • Sleep: A good night’s rest promotes skin repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking not only damages collagen and elastin but also constricts blood vessels, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients.
  • Limit Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the skin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and ensure you hydrate adequately.

Achieving and maintaining wrinkle-free skin is a combination of understanding the science behind skin aging, making informed skincare choices, and leading a lifestyle that supports skin health. While genetics play a role in how our skin ages, armed with knowledge, quality products, and healthy habits, we can certainly give our skin the best fighting chance against wrinkles. Here’s to smooth solutions and radiant skin!

Aug15

Going To Therapy

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Going To Therapy

Hello! This past year was the literal worst year of my life, hands down. It was terrifying, stressful, difficult beyond belief, and exhausting. Thankfully, things are on a massive upswing and I am SO happy for it. However, my mind still hasn’t quite caught up as I spent an entire year in a constant state of panic. After dragging my feet for a bit, I finally decided that it would do me a world of good to schedule an appointment with a therapist. I will be having my first session at the end of the month and I am really looking forward to it!

This is not going to be my first rodeo with therapy as I went to several in my youth, teens, and early twenties. Although, I think the upcoming is going to be the most beneficial appointments yet. I went through a lot last year and most of it is incredibly hard for me to talk about – even to Johnny and my besties. Being able to say what I need to a third party is very appealing to me and I am excited to learn new coping skills to help improve my mental health.

Therapy is such an important tool and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it’s something to be proud of because you are taking the proper steps for your well being. I am really proud of myself for scheduling an appointment in the first place and my only regret is that it isn’t sooner! If you are feeling wishy-washy about making an appointment for yourself, I say go for it! A sounding board could be just what you need.

This post wasn’t made for pats on the back for me, but encouragement for all of my readers and friends too. Mental health has always been a huge struggle for me and I feel empowered that I am taking charge of it. If I can do it, so can you! ❤

Have you benefited from seeing a therapist? Who is your favorite person to get advice from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug14

Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 2

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 2

Hello!! Yesterday we took a look at my Bath & Body Works hand soap haul featuring the Halloween collection. As you recall, I was loving Purrfect Pumpkin and Spellbinding Sweets. Moonlit Graveyard did nothing for me, however, which is strange because the name really speaks to my spooky soul. Let’s see how our next batch of scents fairs:

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The Haul:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Moonlit Graveyard

Spellbinding Sweets

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

Vampire Blood

Afternoon Apple Picking

Ghoul Friend: Ghoul Friend and Vampire Blood are scents that I’m familiar with as they were available last year too. Despite purchasing Ghoul Friend for the sake of Halloween, I am not a huge fan. This scent offers notes of “dark strawberries, ghostly peony, and spine-chilling citrus”. It’s nice if you are into super sweet florals but, alas, I am not. The peony paired with strawberries is almost sickly sweet and actually might be my least favorite of the bunch, moving Moonlit Graveyard up a notch.

Wicked Vanilla Woods: Hmmm… close but not quite. I was expecting to love this fragrance because I love vanilla when it’s done right. This one just kind of missed the mark for me. The fragrance notes feature “magical vanilla, glowing amberwood, and enchanted pink pepper”. While I do get a nice whiff of vanilla, the amberwood and pink pepper turn it into something really musky. Dare I say, old lady-ish? Not good.

*Note that I am smelling these soaps in real time and yesterday’s batch is definitely doing better so far!

Vampire Blood: Okay! Now we’re talking! I was very fond of Vampire Blood last year and my sentiments remain the same. Vampire Blood’s description is “red berries, night-blooming jasmine, and petrifying plum”. This is a berry/floral fragrance done right. While Ghoul Friend felt like the strawberries and peony were competing with each other, the berries, plum, and jasmine of Vampire Blood complimented each other perfectly. There is a reason this scent was brought back and it delivers every time.

Afternoon Apple Picking: Lol, this just might be my favorite one from the post and it’s not a Halloween fragrance. Is that bad? I am an apple gal and Afternoon Apple Picking is a delight. With notes of “crisp apple, succulent pear, and cinnamon” this one gave me ALL the fall feels! Imagine strolling through an apple orchard on a crisp fall day and taking a deep, refreshing breath. That’s this scent! 20/10 would recommend!

This post was a bit of a bummer because I was expecting a lot better from Bath & Body Works’ Halloween line. My ranking is as follows:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Vampire Blood

Spellbinding Sweets

Moonlit Graveyard

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

My advice? If you are craving the Halloween collection as much as I was – do a smell test before buying. Some of these scents were massive duds!

How do you feel about the B&BW Halloween scents? What is your favorite fall fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Aug13

Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 1

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Bath & Body Works Halloween Scents Pt. 1

Hello! My reserves of hand soap from Bath & Body Works was running dangerously low and it couldn’t have happened at a better time – Halloween fragrances are in! This trip into B&BW was a quick one because, for once, I truly didn’t care about the way the soaps smelled. I was so ready for all things Halloween that I took one of each scent and hit the road. I wasn’t going to not because the packaging for this year’s spooky collection is fantastic!

Today, we’re going to talk about three of the scents and move onto the remaining four tomorrow. Let’s get started:

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The Haul:

Purrfect Pumpkin

Moonlit Graveyard

Spellbinding Sweets

Ghoul Friend

Wicked Vanilla Woods

Vampire Blood

Afternoon Apple Picking – Granted not a Halloween scent, but I love all things apple! 😀

Purrfect Pumpkin: I am not a huge fan of pumpkin and if you haven’t already guessed, apple is my go to fall fragrance and flavor. However, I am LOVING Purrfect Pumpkin and it is just right for those who can’t get into pumpkin spice and everything nice. This scent features notes of “carved pumpkin, spiced cinnamon, and moonlit vanilla”. To me, it smells more like a glass of warm apple cider. It’s spicy and a little bit sweet and this is a fragrance that perfectly embodies the fall season. I wish I had it as a candle to light during scary movie nights!

Moonlit Graveyard: The Moonlit Graveyard scent is just okay for me. This was one of the ones I was ambivalent about when I read the description of “tombstone moss, cold foggy air, and eerie incense”. Even though that does sound awesome! While it does sort of remind me of a crisp fall night, my weird nose picked up an almost powdery aroma and I really don’t like that. This is one that I would have skipped on if I did a sniff test, but my potion… I mean hand soap set wouldn’t have been complete without it.

Spellbinding Sweets: Now this one, is much more like it! This scent offers notes of “haunted lollipop, sweet bubblegum, and bewitched berries” and I am so there for it. I didn’t pick up any of the featured notes but bubblegum and that is fine by me. It smells exactly like Double Bubble and brings me back to the excitement of Trick-or-Treat night. It is such a nostalgic scent and anyone with or without a sweet tooth will enjoy it. I also love the wicked green apple color. ❤

Other than Moonlit Graveyard, I am most impressed with Purrfect Pumpkin and Spellbinding Sweets. The fun colors of the soap and the amazing stained glass artwork make all three even better, though! Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the Halloween scents!

What is your favorite holiday collection from B&BW? Have you gotten any of the Halloween scents yet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Aug12

Watercolor Weeping Willow

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Watercolor Weeping Willow

Hello!! Watercolor painting is something my mom and I really enjoy and it has been a minute since our last painting sesh. Flowers are, admittedly, the only thing we have been painting and I decided to try something different when we painted this Tuesday. I wanted to try my hand at a weeping willow! As always when I have just painted something, I am never particularly thrilled with it. However, this was my first go at anything but a flower and I feel pretty good about attempt number one:

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To begin, I assembled my palette with different green, brown, and yellow watercolor paint. Then, I sketched a super rough outline with some assistance from Google Images. I started with the grass and I actually love how that turned out, then moved onto the branches. To do this, I painted the branches with water alone and then added color to the wet paper. I do like the trunk and the placement of the branches, but the upper ones got muddled when I painted the leaves. As always, it was because I was impatient!

When I painted the leaves, I started from the top down and painted the top with water then color and brought it down in thinner strokes. I think that the idea was right, but the execution was wrong. Like the branches, the colors got murky at the top. And, yes, it was because I was impatient! I should have allowed for drying time and I didn’t – especially when I was introducing new colors.

I definitely want to give the weeping willow another shot and next time, I will give myself enough time to give the painting drying time. I like the colors I used so I am not going to change that. I also like that there were areas of white within the painting too, which was a recommendation from a watercolor teacher. I’m excited to see my next painting in comparison to this one because I know there will be at least some improvement. I’m proud of myself for trying something new!

Watercolor painting is a nice reminder of try and try again and I can’t wait to paint again with my mom. I branched out with my weeping willow (See what I did there?) and it’s not the best. But, it’s the best one I have painted yet! 🙂

What is your favorite medium of art? What is your favorite plant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

Creating A Home That Fosters Healthy Habits

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Creating A Home That Fosters Healthy Habits

Your home is a sanctuary. It is meant to be your retreat from the world, the perfect space to just really let go and be yourself. It’s almost enchanting in a way. Having a space to call your own, a space that will forever be comfortable. But with that said, have you ever considered the health aspects of your home?

It’s so important to have a home that helps you foster healthy habits. Sure, while even when you’re outside of your home, you should be embracing a healthy lifestyle, it should be especially pushed at home. It’s really about making your home work for you. How can you do this? Keep reading to find out more:

It’s All About Creating a Healthy Environment:

This goes for physically and mentally, and if you’d like, spiritually too. Creating an environment that supports healthy living is a multifaceted undertaking that includes consideration of various aspects of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Just think about it, a healthy home includes a safe and clean physical environment, as well as good nutrition and regular exercise.

A healthy environment also includes positive noise, such as calming music or natural sounds that can help alleviate negative stress and anxiety. In addition, keeping one’s space uncluttered can reduce stress and promote focus by eliminating the visual reminders of unfinished tasks that tend to linger in our minds. But it’s the whole dynamic too. Such as the house being safe, the house having few distractions, and the relationships that everyone has under this roof. A healthy environment is more than the food that’s in your home; it’s more than the best lead water filter; it’s about having peace. It’s about peace within the home and everyone is happy, safe, and nurtured together under this roof.

Consider Your Lifestyle:

In order to create a home that fosters healthy habits, you need to keep in mind what type of lifestyle you have. Do you have a lifestyle that is healthy overall? Or do you think that once your home is on the healthier side, it could change you? At the end of the day, it’s going to be about your state of mind and how you perceive health. While your home will help create a healthy lifestyle, it’s mostly going to be about how you’re already living your life and the current health-related choices you’re currently making. A change in your home isn’t going to change your lifestyle; it essentially needs to be the other way around.

Focus on Creating a Beautiful Yet Comfortable Space:

When most people think of healthy habits, they think about going to the gym and eating healthier foods. While these are great and important, home design can also play a role in well-being. Beautiful spaces can help to elicit positive emotions and reduce stress levels. They also promote productivity and encourage relaxation and a feeling of accomplishment. To create a beautiful space, you can use art, plants, shelves, rugs, and more. You can even turn a corner of the room into a personal nook by adding a chair, some knick-knacks, and a plant.

The general comfort of the space is going to play a big role in all of this too. One of the most effective ways to create a cozy space is to surround yourself with the things you love. This can include things like books, photographs, or even sports trading cards. In addition, displaying your favorite art pieces in your home can act as an inspiration and help you stay connected to your passions.

Don’t Forget Healthy Eating:

This is simple but, at the same time, fairly difficult. In order to focus on healthy habits, it’s best to cut out junk food and snacks. Take a look at your pantry, your freezer, and the fridge. Is it chaotic? Is it filled with sugary foods? If you can, try to focus on slowly removing the junk and replace it with healthier foods.

Healthier living starts with you and your first steps can be in your own home!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug11

Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

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Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask Review

Hello! During a TJMaxx Mini Haul in February, I purchased the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask. However, I only started using it in July because I am forever obsessed with my Pacifica lip balms. The packaging for the Dr. Paw Paw mask (lol at the name) promised softening, smoothing, and plumping for lips and I thought that all sounded great. And, it was great, until it wasn’t. Let’s discuss:

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When I first started using the lip mask, I was applying it every night before bed and was moderately impressed with the results. I honestly didn’t see any difference in softness or smoothness, but I did notice that my lips looked plumper. Granted, the plumping effect diminished throughout the day but it was definitely there in the morning. I thought that was really cool and I still had my Pacifica balms to assist in the smoothness department.

The Dr. Paw Paw mask quickly became a staple in my nighttime routine, until things took a drastic turn. One morning, I woke up and my lips were on fire. They were burning, highly sensitive, and cracks were forming. I slathered my lips with my balm throughout the day, but nothing eased the pain I was feeling. My lips actually didn’t go back to normal until two or so days later.

I honestly thought that the sensation I was feeling was a fluke because the mask was working so well before. So, I tried it one more time and the exact same thing happened. I haven’t used it since. When I looked up reviews for this product, it was a draw between people raving about it or saying they had similar results to mine. What I find interesting is that there is no disclaimer on the packaging to discontinue use if you are experiencing burning or pain. This seems like something that should be included if people are online writing reviews about it!

In good conscience, I can’t recommend this product because in the words of Napoleon Dynamite: “My lips hurt real bad”. If you try the Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask, you might have great results or your lips will be burning. You’ve been warned!

Have you used this product or a similar one before? What did you think about it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Bath & Body Works July Freebie

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Bath & Body Works July Freebie

Hello! I have been busy, busy, busy these past few weeks and completely forgot about my July Bath & Body Works Freebie. This was a quick pop in because I really didn’t need anything, but I sure felt like I did. B&BW’s Halloween collection is already out and it is absolutely fabulous! The self constraint that I showed was admirable, but I can’t speak for the purchases that will probably happen when I get my hand soaps soon. 😉 So, I put my blinders on, cashed in my coupon, and got out of dodge lol. Check it out:

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I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of B&BW’s hand cream. It’s okay, but I have mentioned in previous posts that I would only use it if I got it for a freebie and I stand by that. Coincidentally, the coupon I had was for a free hand cream specifically so here we are. Told ya I stood by it! Not only was I trying to avoid blowing my paycheck during this trip to B&BW, but I was on a time crunch too. Rather than smell all of my different options, I simply grabbed one and checked out.

I went with the Breathe Deep Eucalyptus & Lavender from the Aroma care line. Not because I like lavender because I don’t, but because the Aroma line hasn’t been available in travel sizes until recently. When I smelled it after the fact, I was surprised that I didn’t completely hate it! It definitely is more eucalyptus than it is lavender. The lavender is almost an afterthought and it’s quite pleasant. And, knock on wood that I don’t get a fall or winter cold, but I could imagine that this would be so nice to slather on when you’re stuffed up.

Although the hand creams from Bath & Body Works aren’t the best, you can’t beat free! Keep it posted for my hand soap haul soon with ALL of the fall scents! 😀

What is your least favorite fragrance? Are you stocking up on fall goodies already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Aug9

Habits That Will Improve Your Mental Health – Now!

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Habits That Will Improve Your Mental Health – Now!

We all know that mental health is a concept that is widely dissected and discussed. There’s a good reason for that, too, given the state of the world right now we all need a little support and help from time to time. Mental health isn’t a joke, and it’s not something you should ever ignore, either. You can have poor mental health or you can have good mental health, but it’s something that will need constant attention and something that everyone needs to work on. Just reading depression statistics tells you that you are not alone in the fight for improved mental health and that is important. There are countless people who have the same struggles as you and are striving for better mental health and quality of life.

When you stop working on your mental health, you are going to feel it deteriorate pretty quickly. Instead of letting it get to that point, you can start working on the habits that are affecting your mental health in the first place. The Lamrim study group will tell you all about achieving sustained happiness but to get to that point, you have to think about how you are going to break down the bad habits and build up the good ones. Positive habits will help you to improve your mental health and as you break those bad ones up, you’ll feel much happier as a result. Let’s take a look at the positive habits that will work in your favor to improve your mental health and make you feel better all around:

Start sleeping better:

That doom scrolling thing you do at bedtime? It’s a bad habit and one that you need to stop if you want to improve yourself. Sleep is something you need, and you need it in abundance if you want to feel healthier physically as well as mentally. Put the phone down, turn the TV and tablet off, and get some quality sleep.

Slow down on your social media use:

Are you on and off the same five apps every few minutes? Give it a rest! Cut back on the amount of time you spend on social media and stop comparing your life to others. You also need to increase your feelings of self-worth, not stamp them out. A good habit to get into is leaving your phone away from you, turning off your apps when you’re out, or simply removing the apps and building a healthier relationship with it. Social media is a time sucker and it’s so easy to keep opening those apps. It’s harder if you don’t have them in the first place.

Work on personal relationships:

Those friends you haven’t seen in a while? They deserve a phone call. As a human being, you are a naturally social creature and you should do all you can to get out and about. You will ease those feelings of loneliness, add more meaning to your life, and find emotional support throughout the community. Of course, it can be easier said than done to work on your personal relationships. If you are having a lot of difficulty connecting to friends and loved ones, it could be a sign of depression and something that therapy could help with. To find the therapist that’s right for you, simply enter a search for “Denver therapist” (Or your local area) to learn more about nearby professionals that can give you guidance.

Exercise:

If you’re not already in this habit, now is a great time to start. Working out and moving your body will offer you a whole host of benefits. You’ll relieve stress and improve your mood, fall asleep faster and for longer, and you’ll feel immensely more energetic each day, too. Regular exercise or any of the good habits above paired with visits to a mental health counselor can increase your success even more. Remember that a multifaceted approach to your mental health is often the best method and can set you on the path for long term progress.

Improved mental health can start with really simple first steps – it’s up to you to take them!

Featured Image By: Pexels