Tag Archives: mental health

5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

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5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

Life is to be lived. It should also be full of happiness and joy too – but that isn’t always the case. While setbacks and hardships are a normal part of life, it doesn’t have to consume you. We deserve to enjoy our lives and live them to the fullest. But sometimes, we can get in our own way. When that’s the case, you’re going to want to try and do what you can to add more joy into your life:

Decide What You Want:

For starters, you’re going to want to take a look at what you want out of life. Can you see what’s missing? Is there something that you’d like to be doing with your life but currently aren’t? Sometimes, the simplest way to add more joy is to know what you want out of life (and how you want to spend your time) and to go after it.

Be Kinder to Yourself:

Next, you absolutely need to make sure that you’re being kinder to yourself. If you’re always beating yourself up, it’s never going to be a good day for you. Think about ways to stop the negative thoughts and aim to treat yourself with love and kindness. This can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Get Creative:

Another way to feel happier with your life is to be more creative. Think about how spending more time on artistic pursuits can keep you calm and bring more joy into your life. It could be that you want to try out watercolor, a chocolate quilt kit, or even writing poetry. It’s all about exploring what brings you happiness. Often, the simplest of creative hobbies can make you feel incredible.

Improve Your Life:

This one can seem like a big thing to do, but in reality, it can be much simpler. It’s safe to say that we all deserve to be happier. Yet, that’s not always easy to do. But when you choose to look at ways that you can improve your life, things will start to get a bit better. Can you meditate or practice yoga to calm your mind? Go on walks and drink more water to help your health? Establish a sleep routine for your well being? It can all add up to a better quality of life.

Prioritize Time:

Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to prioritize your time so that it works with what makes you happy. All too often, we find ourselves swept up with expectations and prioritizing the things that we think we should or society says are important. But what about what is important to you? It’s essential that you can steal away time for the things that matter to you. When you take the pressure off, life tends to feel a lot lighter.

Making small, simple changes to improve your life and how you feel will result in more joy, calmness, and confidence. Why not go for it today?!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

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Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

Hello! I am one of those people that like to get things done immediately and do it well. However, in this current juncture of my life, everything has been overwhelming and I barely got things like cooking, cleaning, or self care done at all. After over two months of running myself ragged and being disappointed by things that I couldn’t do because I had no time or energy, I decided to make a change. Rather than attempting to do everything and doing nothing instead, I began setting small, achievable goals for myself to meet throughout the week.

This has been a most helpful change and I have had GREAT SUCCESS already. Although the pace I am getting things done at is leisurely, I am now getting them done and I feel great about it. Here are some of the ways that I have switched things up:

Cooking:

When things were falling apart, cooking was the first thing that plummeted. This was no good for me because I love to cook and DoorDash is expensive! I knew that what I was doing wasn’t working and set the goal for myself to make easy meals on the days that I am home early. Yes, I was tired once home but eating actual food is important and I found that I had more energy once I was done cooking because I was finally enjoying myself. Now, I am making dinner at least three times a week with plenty of leftovers for off days and I am really proud of that! There is also nothing better than seeing how happy Johnny is whenever I’m in the kitchen and eagerly asking what I’m making. ❤

Cleaning:

In my perfect world, I would be able to dedicate an entire morning and afternoon to cleaning the apartment. However, I simply don’t have the time to do that. So, I started small. I have begun texting Johnny in the mornings about his designated chores he could do when he gets home and I take care of everything else that needs done throughout the week. I now have Wednesday as my set morning to do laundry, cleaning toilets on Thursday (just like my mom’s chore schedule lol), and using spare time to declutter in sections. Breaking the chores up into a manageable schedule has really helped to turn the apartment around and it feels good to return home without immediately spotting glaring issues to clean!

Leisure:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnny and I used to love doing things on week nights. Dinner out, going for walks, or catching an early movie at the theater. That seems so long ago, but it was so nice to have fun things to look forward to during the work week. Together, we decided that now would be a perfect time to get back into this habit – especially since the weather is beautiful! We don’t plan on going crazy with plans and like the theme of this post, we are starting small. I suggested a hike at least once a week in one of the many Metro Parks we live by and having the occasional dinner on our balcony. This is a change we will be implementing this week because Johnny worked crazy overtime hours last week. I’m excited to go out and do things with my husband again and a hike seems like an easily accomplish-able way to start.

Although everything still kind of sucks right now, I am feeling much better by setting goals and reaching them. By breaking tasks up into smaller pieces, I have been doing more of the things I love and the things that are necessary. It’s a minor change, but one that I am so pleased with and will be sticking to from now on!

How do you make adulting more manageable? What is something that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Reduce Your Stress With These Hobbies

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Reduce Your Stress With These Hobbies

Every person in the world experiences stress now and then. It’s important to know that it is a very normal part of life. That being said, extreme stress or prolonged periods of stress can result in several health problems. The best way for you to relieve this stress would be for you to try and do things you enjoy. If you want to find some stress relieving hobbies, why not try the following?

Walking:

Taking a walk outside can work wonders when it comes to your overall health. A quick walk can help to stop you from overthinking, is a healthy distraction from your thoughts, and a great form of exercise.

Listening to Music:

Listening to music or playing your favorite songs is an excellent way for you to put yourself in a good mood. One major plus here is that there are even some health benefits to listening to music for half an hour, every single day. It can lower your blood pressure and it can also calm anxiety. If you want to play an instrument, check out Sound and Music.

Yoga:

One activity that is great if you want to gain traction for melting stress would be yoga. Yoga is a fantastic way for you to build strength or tone up. Studies have shown time and time again that yoga can reduce your stress response and it can have a major impact on those who are experiencing stress and anxiety.

Reading:

If you want a cheap hobby that won’t break the bank, crack open a good book. Reading for just five minutes a day is enough to reduce stress, not to mention that it gives you the chance to escape to a fictional world. You can leave reality behind for as long as you want and wipe out tension with ease.

Gardening:

It’s time for you to get your gardening gloves out and start planting! As the warmer weather hits, you will soon find that it’s easier than ever for you to get outside and garden. Studies have shown that gardening can boost your mood and it can help to regulate the hormone known as cortisol. Not only is gardening a proven mood booster, but it can also give you the chance to focus all of your attention on a single activity. This helps to distract you from whatever it is you’re going through right now.

Hiking:

Nothing beats a scenic view! Walking in nature can help to put an end to your pattern of obsessing, in addition to exposing you to a wonderful view. Hiking is an ideal form of aerobic exercise. You would be surprised at how beneficial it can be and it can help you in more ways than one. Why not see if there are any scenic routes you could take around your local area?

Shake your stress away by enjoying yourself with any of the hobbies above as they are tried and true methods to relieving stress!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jumpsuit Jams OOTD Bloopers

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Jumpsuit Jams OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Jumpsuit Jams OOTD! I fell off the horse last week and did not have the time to squeeze an OOTD shoot in so, to make up for it, I styled two brand new looks for all of you – as a treat. 🙂 Two new outfits means two new sets of bloopers and, I must say, I don’t think I have ever looked better lol! Check it out and then we’re going to have a chat on a minor thing featured in each of these pictures that can be majorly annoying. Can you guess what it is? Let’s get started:

Just gracing my neighbors with my presence as pretend mayor of Timber Top

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My “aw, shucks” face

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Look out! Sassy lady on the prowl!

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I feel like I thought I was working it SO hard in this picture, but I just look stoned lol

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Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks of the Princess Diaries whenever your foot pops up

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Hustling to get my phone to shoot the next look – check it out tomorrow! 😀

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Did you guess what annoying thing I was talking about is? No, it wasn’t my face lol but a little something known as “axillary fat”. You know, that pouch type thing that just kind of hangs out in the armpit region? Although it is not a big deal for most people, it can be a huge issue for some and I despised these pockets when I was in the throws of an eating disorder. So much so that I simply refused to wear any type of top or dress that would make them visible. Any tank or spaghetti strap top had to be high cut in the armpit so it would cover them up and I guess I didn’t notice until this shoot that I was still dressing with that frame of mind.

I have been eating disorder free for over half a decade now and my self confidence is in a really good place. In fact, I didn’t even notice that this “boob fat” or whatever you want to call it was visible when trying my jumpsuit on at TJMaxx. It wasn’t until looking at the pictures afterwards that I saw it in almost every shot. Back in the day, I would probably have never worn this jumpsuit let alone take pictures in it! However, rather than deleting every picture from this shoot, I decided that I looked awesome anyways and that felt great!

Insecurities are annoying. They just are and they have the potential to fester into something that prevents you from doing what you want to do or wearing what you want to wear. It took a long time for me to realize that I was shopping and styling with my insecurities still in mind – I just realized it as I started writing this! But, what if we all just said “who cares” and dressed the way we wanted without nagging thoughts? Pardon my French, but my literal thought when I saw something that made me insecure on full display was “fuck it” haha. I had an eating disorder, I work out every day and my axillary fat still exists. I can’t do anything about it so… fuck it!

I know better than anyone how scary it is to face the things that make you feel bad and I feel proud that I finally felt the nonchalance that I have been trying for forever to achieve. It might seem hard and it will be hard, but sometimes the best thing to do is confront your insecurities head on. Whether it be leaving the house with a fresh face, wearing that crop top that you feel shy about, or whatever it is – I know that you can do it because I just learned how to do it too. Yes, it might take some time, but it’s always a good thing to face your fears late than never. And, I promise – you look AMAZING! ❤

What makes you feel insecure? What helped you get over those insecurities? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

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4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

Self-confidence is a powerful asset that can immensely impact your life. It helps you reach your objectives and feel secure in everything you do. If you want to boost your self-confidence, there are countless ways to go about it. These suggestions will help boost your spirits and enable you to realize your aspirations:

See your dentist to fix oral issues:

Having your dentist address oral issues can have a lasting effect on your well-being. It saves time, money, and hassle in the long run and may protect you against severe conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Beyond the apparent teeth cleaning and checkup, your dentist may offer recommendations to improve your smile or suggest a cosmetic treatment that could boost self-esteem and confidence. Visiting a dental center such as Wahroonga Dental can help you to correct common dental issues with cosmetic treatments, including having braces fitted, dental crowns, teeth whitened, and more.

Dress for confidence:

Dressing to impress can boost your confidence and enhance how you feel and interact with others. Dressing in bright colors and styles that flatter your figure can also boost self-confidence. A red skirt or top is especially great for those wanting to radiate power and confidence. If you have a favorite dress or suit that makes you feel amazing, wear it often. Doing so will help you remember why you chose it and how it made you think, which in turn can boost your confidence levels. To feel confident in your clothing, select pieces you enjoy wearing in colors and styles that also fit well. The better fitting your clothing is, the better you will feel.

Fake it till you make it:

Just because you don’t particularly feel confident doesn’t mean that others should be aware of that. The fake it till you make it mindset can help you to push through times of doubt and uncertainty when you need to be confident. It can be as simple as making eye contact with others to give off an air of confidence or standing up tall and maintaining your posture throughout a presentation. Eventually, you will find that the more you fake being confident, the less you will need to do so.

Emulate others who are confident:

One of the best ways to increase your self-assurance is by studying those who possess it. Pay attention to how confident individuals interact with one another, their work habits, and how they dress for success. This type of role modeling can give you invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in any area of life.

Another excellent idea is to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. For instance, volunteer for a community service project or enroll in a training course that could benefit your career! It’s a great way to build confidence and you might even land your dream job. Plus, this exercise will make you think on your feet and feel like an experienced leader quickly.

Over 85% of Americans report having low self-confidence, and improving this even a little bit can greatly benefit your overall mental health. These tips can go a long way to getting you started on boosting your confidence!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Build Your Self Confidence With These Tips

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Build Your Self Confidence With These Tips

It is absolutely essential for us to take the time to build our self confidence as it can profoundly shape how we experience our lives. Self confidence is a huge factor in how people perceive themselves, their environment, and how they interact with others. When people have low self confidence or lack of it, they tend to be easily affected by external factors like criticism or failure. On the other hand, when someone has high self-esteem and confidence, they can handle life’s issues without giving into fear or stress. This article will explain why improving your self confidence is of cardinal importance and some practical steps you can take towards building more confidence in yourself:

The Benefits & Power Of Self Confidence:

When you have healthy and positive self-esteem, it allows you to believe in yourself and confront any challenges or obstacles that come your way. You are more likely to take risks and make bold decisions when you feel confident about yourself. Plus, having high levels of confidence enables you to live a happier, more fulfilled life since the assurance that comes with it helps you appreciate who you are and embrace your unique qualities. It has been proven that people with greater self confidence tend to be healthier physically as they’re better able to handle stressful events without breaking down from anxiety or depression.

Building Your Self Confidence:

Now that you know the power of self confidence and why you should strive to have it, let’s talk about practical steps to build your own:

Focus on positive affirmations: Start by consistently telling yourself that you are capable and worthy of success. Positive affirmations like “I am strong and powerful” or “I am a valuable person” will help increase your self-esteem and provide an emotional boost when needed.

Identify areas for growth: Take the time to analyze where you currently stand in terms of self confidence. If certain aspects of yourself could use some improvement, such as communication skills or public speaking ability, make a plan for how you will work on them.

Set achievable goals: Setting realistic and achievable goals is an essential part of building any level of self confidence. When you can see that your hard work is paying off, it will motivate you to keep going and also build a sense of pride in yourself. Choose tasks that you know are within your reach and build from there.

Practice self care: Taking the time to do something nice for yourself can help increase your self-esteem. Whether it’s taking a few minutes out of your day for meditation, treating yourself to a massage, or even allowing yourself some time away from technology, these small acts help remind us that we are deserving of love and care.

Build relationships: Lastly, it’s important to surround yourself with positive people who will help motivate and encourage you. Having strong relationships with family and friends is essential for self confidence as it gives us a support system that can remind us of our greatness when we are feeling down.

Facing Your Insecurities:

Sometimes we have insecurities that can be difficult to face. Eczema is one such issue, and it can cause feelings of low self-esteem or embarrassment in those who suffer from it. Luckily, there are treatments available to help you manage eczema and improve your overall skin health. Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids are often used as eczema treatments as they can reduce inflammation and help soothe the skin. In addition, moisturizing on a regular basis is also very important in preventing eczema flare ups, as well as avoiding irritants like certain fabrics or chemicals that could worsen symptoms.

Participate in activities that make you feel good:

This step is all about learning to do something for yourself and having fun! Choose activities that make you feel happy, such as reading a book, listening to your favorite music, or taking a yoga class. Doing things that bring joy into your life can have an incredibly positive impact on your self confidence.

Having self confidence can give you the power to keep pushing forward when faced with any hurdles or obstacles. With dedication and commitment, anyone can learn how to build their self-esteem and appreciate themselves for who they are. Remember that it’s okay to take time for yourself and practice some self care; after all, taking care of yourself should always come first!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Help Your Aging Parents Stay Healthy With These Tips

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Help Your Aging Parents Stay Healthy With These Tips

As parents age, they may need more assistance with their daily activities and health care. To ensure good health for aging parents, several options must be considered. From diet and exercise to mental health, here are five tips to help you support your aging parents as they transition into this new stage of their lives:

Pay Attention To Diet & Nutrition:

Eating a balanced diet is essential at any age, especially during the senior years. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain energy levels and improve overall health. Reducing sugar intake and limiting red meat consumption are also essential, as these can increase cholesterol levels. Additionally, make sure your parents are taking any necessary vitamins or supplements that would benefit their health. If cost is an issue, many stores offer discounted vitamins specifically tailored to seniors’ needs.

Encourage Them To Exercise:

Regular exercise plays an essential role in maintaining physical health for older adults. Exercise helps strengthen muscles and bones, improves endurance, boosts immunity, and increases the production of endorphins, which can positively affect mood. Be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning any new exercises or activities as there are some that may not be appropriate depending on your parent’s current state of health or mobility level.

Nurture Good Mental Health & Socialization:

Seniors often experience feelings of isolation due to reduced mobility or social outlets. It’s essential that they still feel connected to family members and friends and stay engaged in activities that bring them joy, such as reading books or watching movies online with family members who live far away! Check in regularly with your parents about how they’re feeling – not just physically but mentally and look out for signs of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns or lack of motivation which may require professional assistance from a counselor or therapist, if needed.

Consider A Nursing Home:

It’s important to talk openly with your parents about their long-term care preferences and discuss if a nursing home would be beneficial for them. Nursing homes can provide professional medical care, companionship, and help with activities of daily living that they may not be able to do on their own. Make sure you thoroughly research the facility before making any decisions, as some may not have the best reputation or offer adequate medical care to seniors. You don’t want to have to contact a Nursing Home Justice Center after discovering your parents are victims of nursing home abuse.

Safety Management:

As people age, their risk for falls increases due to weakened muscles and/or reduced vision. Safety measures should be put into place in order to prevent falls from occurring inside the home, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom or installing motion sensor lights throughout hallways/stairs if possible. Establishing a contact list of family members or close friends who can be called in case of an emergency is also recommended. Alternatively, you can consider investing in a medical alert system that will allow your parents access to 24-hour medical assistance if needed.

Aging is not easy, and your parents may need support to maintain their physical and mental health. Keep these five tips in mind as you help them navigate this new life stage!

Featured Image By: Yan Krukau

Take The Compliment

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Take The Compliment

Hello! One thing that I have always struggled with is receiving compliments and I’m sure that I am not the only one who has similar sentiments. When I was at my lowest, I genuinely couldn’t understand why anyone would want to compliment me and all it did was make me paranoid and even more miserable. It’s hard accepting compliments when you don’t feel worthy of getting them in the first place! It’s also so easy to deflect a compliment and just turn it around to the other person, instead. IE: “You look great”. “No, you look great”.

For several years, I was never able to simply say “thank you” for a compliment and it took a lot of mental health work on my part to get to that point. After coming to terms with my own problems and gaining some self esteem, I realized that I have improved tenfold in my compliment accepting abilities. It actually didn’t really click until I saw these two pictures taken at Playhouse Square this past weekend:

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^^^ When snapping some pics before seeing Beetlejuice, someone told me they liked my outfit mid-pose and the second picture is of me being ecstatic about it!

As I was scrolling through photos of my night on the town, these two pictures really stuck out to me. As I sat and mused, I wondered what the second picture would have looked like if I was back to my depression days. Chances are, I wouldn’t have had a huge smile – rather, a look of confusion as if someone was trying to play a joke. Recognizing that and being able to see it so plainly in front of me made me feel proud of my own personal growths.

lifewithlilred played a big role in helping me muster up some confidence about myself in general and my appearance. Through OOTDs, I was able to develop my sense of style and writing about my issues in early posts assisted in sorting out my emotions and learning from them. And, while saying “thank you” for a compliment online isn’t the same as in real life, it was a great first start. Having people comment specifically on my page was a turning point and I was able to see the compliments for what they really were – something nice.

As I began testing my new skills in public, it began getting easier and easier to say “thank you” to the point where I didn’t even have to think about it anymore. I also loved how much more genuine it felt to give a person an actual compliment back instead of just replying with an Uno Reverse card lol.  It wasn’t until seeing the pictures above that I put some thought into it and saw what a major improvement has been made. 🙂

If you can relate to this post, my best advice is to Take The Compliment when you receive one. It might be really hard at first but just saying “thank you” is a small step in making some big changes!

What is something that you struggle with? Is it hard for you to accept compliments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

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Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

With the start of the new year, chances are high that you have chosen to make resolutions about changing yourself or trying to be more confident. The thing is, there are plenty of ways that you can feel more confident in yourself and about who you are without having to change your look. Your weight doesn’t need to change, your hair doesn’t need to change, and you don’t need to change who you are as a person to be confident. Instead, you have to believe who you are as a person.

There are plenty of ways that you can be more confident without completely overhauling your look, and you can consider anything from a spritz of Michel Germain perfume to a course on public speaking to help you. As long as you can understand that your confidence isn’t based on your looks, you will go a lot further in life than you think. Here are some of the ways that you can be more confident without having to do an extreme makeover for it:

Stand tall:

If you sit in a coffee shop and look out the window you could point out everybody who has little confidence in themselves. They hunch and walk with their shoulders low and their heads down. If you want to feel confident, you need to stand up straight and tall, with your shoulders and head back. Think about commanding a room even when you’re just walking down the street. A powerful presence starts with good posture!

Change your environment:

What is it around you that is hindering your confidence? What’s making you feel less than you should? Did you know that people who spend all of their time in offices find that spending just a couple of minutes outside puts them in a better mood? You need to look at what it is that is pushing you down and go to the place that makes you feel most creative, happy, and relaxed. See, you don’t have to change who you are, you just need to change where you are.

Try something new:

It can be hard as an adult to try new skills or hobbies because of the fear of failure. We all want to be amazing at what we try right off the bat! However, persevering through something difficult and finally achieving success is going to do wonders for your confidence. You worked hard and you reached a goal, and that’s enough for a huge confidence boost.

Adopt a positive mental attitude:

A great way to be more confident without changing who you are is to be positive with everything that you do. Your thoughts will influence your behavior and your decision making, so reframing your thinking can drastically change everything. If you start each morning thinking that today is going to be a bad day, then it probably will be. Wake up every morning ready to take on the day and see what a difference it makes!

All of these ideas are natural confidence boosters – no pricey trip to the salon or store required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Habits That Boost Your Mood & Health

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Habits That Boost Your Mood & Health

Life can be very busy and chaotic at times and may not always go as planned. All of this can begin to negatively impact your attitude and health as time goes on. Avoid negative consequences by choosing to take good care of yourself and being more mindful of your behaviors and lifestyle. Focus on what’s in your control and live healthily for the best outcome. These are some simple habits to incorporate into your day that will boost your mood and health and make those crazy days easier to manage:

Exercise Daily:

It’s in your best interest to fit in daily exercise if you want to feel happier and boost your health. Move more and get your heart rate going so you can get fit and have more natural energy. It’s a great way to reduce your stress and you’ll feel more motivated to tackle your to-do list after a rewarding workout.

Maintain A Clean & Orderly Home:

Boost your mood and health by maintaining a clean and orderly home. Declutter and get on a regular cleaning schedule to get rid of dust and dirt. Go a step further and invest in natural and eco-friendly household cleaning products such as L’AVANT Collective, which are non-toxic and will get the job done right and well.

Slow Down & Recharge:

Be present and live more mindfully. Slow down and avoid rushing around and multitasking all of the time. Make sure you take breaks and set aside time to rest and recharge so you don’t experience burnout. Ask for help when you need it and make a priority list of to-dos so that your daily schedule becomes more manageable.

Eat Wisely:

Sugar and saturated fat can slow you down and cause you to gain weight. Instead, get in the habit of eating clean and make smart choices. Be picky about what you put in your body during mealtime and for snacks. Consider cooking for yourself at home so you have more control over the ingredients and your portion sizes. You’ll feel much happier and healthier when you are taking good care of your body and mind by making wise food choices.

Reflect & Give Thanks:

Practicing gratitude will go a long way in helping you to feel more at peace. Reflect and give thanks daily and regularly so that you can focus on the positives and your blessings instead of what’s lacking or missing in your life. Consider volunteering your time, as well, which is an effective way to demonstrate kindness. Helping others will put a smile on someone else’s face but also on your own. Be thankful for what you do have and work toward being a more generous and giving person, which will make you feel more content in the long run.

Add one or many of these habits into your daily life to start a positive change on your mood and health. A New Year’s resolution, perhaps?!

Featured Image By: Pexels