Tag Archives: relax

Apr27

Top Tips For A Great Night’s Sleep

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Top Tips For A Great Night’s Sleep

There are so many things that get in the way of a good night’s sleep. From work stress and the responsibilities of your family, to illness and everyday life, it’s very difficult to get that quality sleep that you need. You may not be able to control factors that can interfere with your sleep, but there are habits that you can take on to encourage your sleep to be better.

You deserve to sleep through the night, and that means looking at the ways that you can upgrade your space. Whether you change your bedding from cotton to linen bedding, or you choose to get thinner bedding so that you can feel more comfortable, you need to look at what you could be doing right now to change your sleep situation. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you sleep better at nighttime:

Put yourself on a schedule:

Yes, children are the ones that often are on a schedule, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t too! Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep and try to get at least seven. A healthy adult needs to have at least seven hours of sleep per night, but most people don’t need more than that to be very well rested. If you go to bed at the same time and you set an alarm for the same time every day, you will be consistent in your body’s sleep and wake cycle. If you’re not falling asleep quickly when you go to bed, leave the room and do something relaxing. You could read or you could listen to music, and then you can go back to bed when you feel fully tired. Eventually you’re going to get your body into the right cycle.

Pay attention to your diet:

If you go to bed hungry, you’re not going to be able to rest. If you go to bed too full, you’re going to feel like you’re trying to digest while you are laying down which is not good for you or your stomach. Make sure that you are leaving at least an hour or so after you eat before you go to bed and try to avoid too much in the way of caffeine or alcohol right before bed. Nicotine and caffeine can stimulate, where alcohol can make you feel sleepy but it can disrupt your sleep later on.

Be in the right environment:

Your room should be kept cool and quiet but it should also be quite dark. Too much light can make it more of a challenge to fall asleep and you should avoid prolonged use of your phone or your tablet when you should be going to sleep. Calming activities like yoga or taking a warm bath can help you to promote better sleep and feel more comfortable.

No matter what you do, pay attention to the way your body feels after trying these new things and you will be able to ensure that you are getting the best possible night’s sleep!

Featured Image By: Pexels

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Feb20

Surprise Vacation

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Surprise Vacation

Hello!! After writing about my desire to achieve a better work/life balance, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. However, it wasn’t for a great reason. Unfortunately, my parents tested positive for Covid last Tuesday and I genuinely have no idea where they got it from. Thankfully, both of their symptoms were quite mild and they are on the up and up!

Usually, I am at my parents house almost every day of the week for work or just hanging out. Of course, that wasn’t a possibility while my parents were sick and I miss them and my brother terribly! The first day I couldn’t come over, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself and the free time that fell in my lap. I felt bad all week that I was lounging in the comfort of my home but I also knew that there was nothing else to be done until there were negative tests all around.

During my Surprise Vacation, I caught up on my sleep a lot. Since the beginning of the new year, I have been waking up between 4:45 and 5 every morning to take care of the bunnies, get myself ready for work, work from home, then go to my other job. It was exhausting but necessary, especially as I started a new online gig. During my break, I was able to sleep in until… Drum roll, please… SIX O’CLOCK and it was awesome! I didn’t know how much I needed that extra sleep until I actually got it and it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The extra sleeping in sessions also made it much easier to get up early again when I had morning clients.

I got a lot of work done online during my staycation and I also had time for extra cleaning, cooking, and enjoying some TV time before Johnny returned from work. You already know I watched lots of Hoarders while Melvin and Penelope romped around their bunny-proofed area. I also binged the first half of the new season of You in one afternoon flat. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that and it felt so good to have a binge-watching session with a show just for me. Also, can we please talk about how freaking crazy that show is? Lol freaking Joe Goldberg, dude.

As wonderful as my mini work vaca was, I was ready for it to be over each day because I missed being able to hug my parents and brother. I can’t wait for negative tests so I can get back to my normal schedule feeling as refreshed as I have been in weeks!

How do you relax during time off? What did you think of the new season of You? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan7

Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

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Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

Home is where we spend most of the time in our lives and at some point, you have to think about how much you enjoy that time. There’s nothing wrong with loving your home or wanting more from your home – which is why people put a lot of money into renovations and remodels. It’s important to consider how much your home impacts how you feel on a daily basis. You want the place you spend the majority of your life to be a happy place, something that makes you proud, and somewhere you can relax and unwind. Making small improvements to add luxurious touches to your home will freshen your place up as well as increase your home’s value. Let’s look at a few ways to begin this process:

Start with the bathroom:

If there’s one place in your home that should offer a lot of comfort, it’s your bathroom. Newly done bathrooms have a lot fewer issues with dampness and leakage, so it’s one less thing to worry about. Luxury is important everywhere, but your bathroom is the first place you should start – unless your bedroom is in dire need of an update. Take a look into bathroom, kitchen, and home remodeling services if you want to learn a bit more about what you can do. Great places to start include tile flooring, updated fixtures, and fresh paint.

Your sleeping arrangement:

Your bedroom is another place that needs heavy focus because life is going to be a daily struggle if you aren’t sleeping well. Even if you’re used to it, a lack of sleep can contribute to heightened stress and multiple health conditions. Invest in a high-quality mattress and bed to make sure you’re getting the full amount of sleep you need each night. It might not seem like it, but a new bed alone can make a huge difference. You’ll be looking forward to sleeping each and every night – the only problem you’ll have is getting out of bed in the morning!

Repainting:

The paint you choose for your home can do a lot for the overall atmosphere that you want to create in each room. Opt for soft tones in rooms that are meant for relaxation and bright shades for rooms to entertain like the kitchen and living room. Old coats of paint aren’t going to leave your home feeling luxurious, and while comfort doesn’t come into it here – how you view your home does affect how you feel while you’re there.

Spend the remaining months of winter in a cocoon of comfort and all of the lux vibes with the simple improvements above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Prioritizing Self Care As A Parent

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Prioritizing Self Care As A Parent

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Despite the hard work that comes with parenting, there are still numerous amazing things to being a parent. From providing children with love and guidance to helping them build strong relationships, these benefits far outweigh any of the struggles associated with parenthood.

Becoming a parent brings many excellent benefits into one’s life – from teaching valuable life lessons to strengthening bonds between family members and improving mental health along the way! With so many practical advantages linked to parenthood, it is no wonder why so many people choose it as a path in life! However, the responsibilities can be overwhelming and complex. As a result, taking care of yourself should also be a priority. Here are a few areas you should focus on for self care as a parent:

Proper Sleep:

When it comes to sleep, parents are often at a disadvantage. Studies have found that parents get an average of two hours less sleep than non-parents. Factors such as having to stay up late, tending to the needs of their children, dealing with stress and worries, or having more work related responsibilities are common reasons parents may lack adequate rest.

Not getting enough sleep can be detrimental both mentally and physically. Parents that don’t get enough rest may feel more stressed out, have difficulty concentrating, and be more prone to making mistakes. Physically, lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to prioritize their sleeping habits. To begin with, setting a regular bedtime is a great way for parents to get enough restful sleep each night. Additionally, setting aside time for self care activities during the day, such as exercising or reading, can help reduce stress levels and make it easier to unwind when bedtime comes around. Finally, avoiding screens before sleep is important because blue light can suppress melatonin production, which makes it harder for people to fall asleep.

Skincare:

Regarding skin care, lack of sleep can be a significant issue for parents. Studies have found that not getting enough rest can lead to the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and other skin issues. Even short-term sleep deprivation can cause skin problems such as acne and eczema flare-ups due to higher levels of cortisol and stress hormones in the body. Chronic sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of premature aging and wrinkles and exacerbate existing skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea.

Because lack of sleep is a common issue among parents, having a proper skin care routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin. The first step is establishing a consistent sleeping schedule – ensuring you get enough restful hours each night will help you look fresh and reduce any potential damage from fatigue. It’s also important to stay hydrated during the day – even mild dehydration can cause your skin to appear dry and wrinkled, so make sure you drink plenty of water. You can also utilize skincare products to help you take care of your skin. The Pixi Detoxifeye patches help reduce puffiness and dark circles, for example. And, as always, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays using SPF moisturizers or sunscreen outdoors.

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Mental Break:

Lastly, taking a mental break is also essential for any parent. Parenting can be taxing and overwhelming, so it’s important to give yourself time to relax and decompress from the stress of daily life. One way to do this is by engaging in activities that make you feel relaxed or centered. Examples include listening to calming music, walking in nature, or doing yoga or mindfulness exercises. Taking up hobbies like crafting or painting can also provide an enjoyable distraction from parenting duties. Additionally, spending quality time with friends and family members who understand your situation can help lift your spirits and provide emotional support during difficult times.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. From talking to a therapist about your mental health to joining a support group for parents, many resources can help you cope with parenting challenges. Taking care of your needs and finding healthy ways to manage stress will help you provide the best care for your family.

Parents need self care too! Focus on what you can incorporate into your busy day and go from there to help keep your stress down and enjoy your family even more. ❤

Oct11

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Rejuvenating Cucumber & Pink Salt Clay Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Rejuvenating Cucumber & Pink Salt Clay Mask Edition

Hello!! Friday is usually Johnny’s big night out and my big night in. During my evening with the apartment to myself, I love to play Paper Mario and Animal Crossing and watch all of the shows that Johnny refuses to watch with me (IE: Hoarders!). As I was getting settled, I realized that it had been a long while since I used a face mask so I decided to do a little pampering:

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For my spa night, I used the Freeman Rejuvenating Cucumber & Pink Salt Clay Mask and it was pretty good. My first impression was how nice it smelled – just like freshly cut cucumbers, which was really refreshing. The pale blue color was also very pleasing too! The directions for this mask said to remove after seven to ten minutes so I applied the mask and waited…

When I’m using a face mask, I try to leave it on for as long as I can. However, that was so not the case with this mask. It dried very quickly and by the five minute mark it was already hardened considerably but not unpleasantly. Fast forward to minute seven and my skin was begging me to take it off. I experienced a mild burning sensation and it was like heaven when I began removing it.

Although it wasn’t the most pampered I’ve ever felt during my face mask time, I was still impressed with the results. The exfoliating pink salt worked well and my skin felt smooth and looked nourished. It was super drying, though, and I actually had to apply my nighttime skin care routine twice because of how thirsty my skin was. It was all good after that extra moisturizing boost!

I liked this mask well enough but I don’t think that I would use it again. If I were to try it one more time, I would definitely remove it at five minutes, which I would recommend if you try it too!

How do you like to spend a night in? What is your favorite face mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

So Luxe: Hotel Vibes In Your Own Home

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So Luxe: Hotel Vibes In Your Own Home

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to make your home look more like a hotel. Hotels have this feeling of luxury and comfort, which is likely to be something that you would appreciate in your home too. So if you’re wondering how to make this a reality for your home, how are you going to achieve that? Let’s find out:

Deep Clean All Surfaces:

One thing that hotels do a lot is thoroughly deep clean every surface that you can see, as well as those you can’t. This requires hard work and constant diligence, but it is the kind of thing that you should think about doing if you are going to make your home more hotel-like. There are many surfaces that you need to think about here, including all of the counters and tabletops, and these should definitely be cleaned on a regular basis if possible. You should also make sure to get some professional carpet cleaning carried out occasionally and consider doing the same for all the upholstery too.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Upgrade Your Lighting:

For your home to be more like a hotel, you will want to opt for show-stopping lighting which is at once sophisticated and elegant, as that is going to produce the right vibe every time. You should also consider some soft and gentle lighting for focal areas in rooms, as you might find in hotel rooms. This lends a certain calmness to rooms that are all about relaxing. Good lighting can really make a world of difference.

Use Symmetry:

If you look at the room layouts of many of the best hotels, you will notice that there is often a definite symmetry to them. This doesn’t have to be an absolute rule all of the time. However, if you do make some use of symmetry in a clever way, you are going to find that your home looks a lot more like a hotel and much more interesting and stylish for it too.

There is also something to be said for a little tasteful asymmetry, and if you can marry these two together in the right way you might be surprised at how much it can work. You can achieve both of these ends by simply moving furniture around or remodeling a room if you are keen to make a huge difference.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Be Wary Of Clutter:

A hotel would not have any clutter whatsoever so it might be time for an overhaul of unneeded items in your home. This is especially great to do during changes in the season to give your home a breath of freshness. Make use of clever storage options for things that can’t be parted with and donate and recycle the rest. And, do try to keep the clutter from returning!

The Bed:

Finally, remember that the most important thing of all for a hotel is the bed. The more comfortable and luxurious this is, the better. Treat yourself to a good quality bed frame and mattress. Don’t forget some great linen, throw pillows, and plush blankets too. This alone is going to make your home a lot more luxurious in no time at all.

Who needs a five star hotel when you can have a five star home, instead? No room key required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep5

Relaxing Gifts For Your Special Guy

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Relaxing Gifts For Your Special Guy

Trying to find the perfect gift for the man in your life can be tricky. If he seems to have everything, what do you give him? How about something that will help him relax and destress? In this guide to relaxation for men, exploring various techniques that he can use to melt away the stress of everyday life will be discussed. Let’s get to it:

Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy is one of the most popular methods of relaxation for men. It is a great way to relieve stress and tension from the body and improve circulation. Many different types of massage therapies are available, so be sure to research to find the perfect one for him.

Swedish massage is a very common type of massage that uses long, flowing strokes to help relax the body. Deep tissue massage is another popular option that focuses on working out knots and other areas of muscle tension. Sports massages can help reduce soreness and inflammation from exercise if your man enjoys being active.

Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy is another great way to help your man relax. Many different essential oils can be used for relaxation, each with its unique benefits. Lavender oil is a popular choice for its calming and soothing properties. Peppermint oil is also a good option as it can help to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. You can also add a few drops of oil to his bathtub or massage him with an aromatherapy infused lotion.

That memorable getaway:

Sometimes, the best way to help your man relax is to get away from it all. Plan a weekend trip or more extended vacation at a spa or resort. This will allow him to unwind and forget all of his stressors. If you are on a budget, there are many ways to recreate the spa experience at home. First, run him a bath with some soothing music. You can also make your own sugar scrub using ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils. Then, give him a nice massage with this scrub to help exfoliate his skin and relieve muscle tension.

Special gifts:

If you want to go above and beyond, consider giving him a small gift that he can use while relaxing. This could be anything from a new robe to a nice pair of slippers. Maybe even a box of cigars? First, however, it’s important to understand the cigar shapes and sizes to fit with that remarkable man in your life and make it a gift he will never forget.

When it comes to relaxation, it’s important to remember that every man is different. What works for one guy might not work for another. The key is to find what works best for the man in your life and make sure he takes the time to relax regularly.

Time out with the family:

Last but not least, one of the best ways to help your man relax is to spend time with the people he loves. Whether this means family dinners, game nights, or simply hanging out at home, quality time with loved ones is sure to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, perhaps your man is a camper; take the family out for a weekend away and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life to truly relax.

If your SO is feeling stressed, treat him to any of the above and watch as the tension melts away!

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Aug11

Treat Yourself With Some Self Care

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Treat Yourself With Some Self Care

Hello! When we think of the phrase “treat yourself”, Parks & Recreation usually comes to mind when Donna and Tom splurge at the mall. A great shopping trip is definitely a treat yourself occasion but so is a day of self care! Self care is all about taking the time out of your day to do things that make you feel good. Let’s explore some ideas for when you’re feeling like you could use a pick me up:

Pampering, Please:

My favorite form of self care is definitely some pampering! Whether it’s a face mask or bath bomb from Lush, getting my nails or hair done, or simply using a nice lotion – I love it all. Being pampered whether it’s at the salon or at home is so soothing and it’s always nice to feel like a million bucks!

You could even host your own personal “spa day” so your friends can get in on the self care too. Everyone could bring their favorite products, drink tea and spill the tea as you catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. How fun would that be?

Treatments:

I am a firm believer that if there is something that makes you feel self conscious, it is worth going to a professional for. Whether you want your teeth whitened, Botox, lip filler, or anything else – go for it. There is nothing wrong with any of this and if it makes you feel good about yourself, then that’s all that matters.

Of course, treatments are not always cosmetic. If you are experiencing aches and pains, you could try PEMF treatment for health maintenance and pain relief. Or, you could book a monthly massage to help work the kinks out. This is also an excellent practice in self care to help you feel your best inside and out.

Veg Out:

Sometimes the best form of self care is sitting on your favorite armchair or couch and vegging out. You could spend the afternoon with a good book or binge watching that show that you have been dying to watch. Taking the time to just sit, relax, and be can do wonders for your mental health. Vegging out gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different world and you will return to reality feeling refreshed.

Work Out:

Whether you are hitting the gym or just taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, it will feel good to get your body moving. I love to take my mom and dad’s dog for runs and when I’m done, I feel happy that I gave both of us a work out – even when my legs feel like Jello! After your exercise, you could treat yourself to a yummy smoothie or a delicious dinner to refuel your body.

Everyone could use some self care in this crazy world and these are just a few ideas to help perk you up whenever you need!

Jul29

Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

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Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

After a while, your home could use a little upgrade in the comfort department. As time goes on things get old and need repair or something new comes out that you know you have to have. If you feel your home needs a boost in comfort, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Get a New Couch:

Couches are the ultimate in comfort. You are going to want to sit on them, sleep on them, lay on them, and have guests stay on them. After a while, they can lose their high level of comfort. Do yourself a favor and get a new couch.

You can visit stores like Ashley Home Furniture or any other affordable furniture store and find an amazing couch that is fluffy, soft, and reclines. Newer couches come with zero gravity reclining to take the pressure off of your back and make you feel as relaxed as possible.

Get Central Air and Heating:

A great way to up the comfort level of your home is to get central air and heating. This eliminates having to have wall or window units that only heat and cool certain rooms. With a central air system, you can evenly heat and cool your entire home.

A reputable company like Eggert Cooling and Heating knows exactly what your home needs to be at the perfect temperature at all times. It’s affordable and one of the best things you can do for your home.

Repaint Your Rooms:

Changing up the color of your rooms can really set a comfortable mood. Choosing soothing colors matched with the right color furniture will put you at ease while you are watching TV, going to sleep, or sitting in your favorite spot to read or relax.

Visit your local paint store and choose colors that speak to you and are universally regarded as soothing like some grays, browns, or blues. Let all parts of your home set the tone that will make you and your guests feel nice and cozy.

Improve Your Lighting:

When you can set the room with the right lighting, comfort will abound. The first thing to do is put your lights on dimmers. Dimmers will give you full control over the strength of the light and you can set it to be at the perfect level so you will feel chill at all times. Next, pick the right kind of lighting for your room. Some people enjoy indirect recessed lighting, while others choose to work with lamps or track lighting. Whatever your choice, the right lighting will set the right mood.

There are several other things you can do from blankets to carpeting and window treatments that will help set a great vibe in your home. As you improve upon one thing, you will discover something else that you can do and before long your entire home will be the epitome of comfort!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb3

5 Ways To Improve Your Health

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5 Ways To Improve Your Health

It’s no secret that we’re living longer, but what is not so widely known is that many of us are living longer with a slightly worse quality of life. This is partly due to the increased amount of chronic diseases and illnesses in our society. Improving your health all starts with taking better care of yourself. Here are five ways that you can start improving your health today, whether you want to lose weight, get more sleep, or just feel better overall:

Improve Your Diet:

Diet is a huge factor in your health and what you eat has a lot to do with how healthy you are. Take control of your diet and choose more nutritious foods. Start by cutting out processed food and replacing it with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s easier than you think to start eating better, so don’t be afraid to make small changes to your diet that could have a significant impact on your health.

Get Enough Sleep:

In today’s society, we often value productivity over health. But getting a good night’s rest can have a considerable impact on your overall well being. You’ll find that you will be more productive, your brain will function better, and you’ll suffer from less stress and anxiety. Take the time to get some sleep – it will benefit you in all areas of life.

Exercise Regularly:

Exercise is a great way to maintain health and well being. Besides the obvious benefits of exercise, such as increased energy and reduced risk of disease, exercise helps improve mood and reduce stress. It also improves your memory and ability to focus. Additionally, it can help you sleep better by decreasing the time it takes for you to enter REM sleep.

Manage Your Illnesses/ Injuries:

Managing illnesses and injuries will improve your quality of life by giving you a greater chance at living longer with fewer chronic diseases and illnesses. It will also help you recover faster. For example, if you have an injury that needs to be taken care of before it gets too bad, it will take less time for you to recover and return to normal activities than if left untreated. If you believe your injury was due to the actions of someone else, you should consider seeing a personal injury lawyer to receive compensation and extra financial help for the time when you need to rest and get better.

Improve Your Mental Health:

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there are many ways you can start taking care of yourself mentally. You could start by focusing on your overall happiness rather than specific goals. Let go of the stressors in your life and give yourself time to enjoy what you are doing without anxiety or other negative feelings getting in the way. If you’re feeling a little down, try going for a walk, spending time with friends or family, or just reading a book to relax.

Small steps to improving your health that you take today can help improve your tomorrow as a better you!

Featured Image By: Nathan Cowley from Pexels