Improve Your Life & Well-Being With These Tips

August 11, 2023 By Anne

Life gets busy and hectic at times but you can’t let it get the best of you. It’s especially true if you’re a working mom without a lot of extra time on your hands.

You must know what triggers your stress and make sure you are proactive about managing it. Otherwise, you risk wearing yourself out and experiencing burnout. The good news is that you can improve your life and well-being with these tips. Keep in mind there is a lot that you can control and do for yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed currently.

Move More & Get Some Exercise

If you have a sedentary job then it’s especially important that you commit to moving more throughout the day. Be sure to step away and take some breaks during your workday. Also, make time for exercise and make it a point to get your heart rate up. At the very minimum, try to go for walks around your neighborhood to get in some extra steps. There are many physical and mental health benefits that come from moving your body and getting plenty of exercise each day.

Eat Healthily Daily

It’s not always easy to eat right and it can be tempting to eat what’s most convenient. However, you must keep in mind that the food you choose needs to be working to provide you with fuel and energy. You’ll feel better and less sluggish when you are picky about what you eat and eat wisely. If you have a busy job then consider investing in on the go lunch products. This way you can avoid eating out too much or eating the junk food that may be in your break room at work.

Slow Down & Reflect

Rushing around all day long will take a toll on your health as time goes on. Improve your life and well-being by being mindful to slow down and go at a less hectic pace. It’s also in your best interest to take time to reflect on your life and goals. You’ll find living mindfully and slowing down more to be rewarding over time. Try not to think too much about the past or worry about what’s to come in the future. Focus on your attention in the now and present moment for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll likely enjoy life more at this pace and will make fewer mistakes and be less forgetful.

Get Enough Rest & Sleep

Getting enough sleep each night is vital to feeling your best and functioning optimally. Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your health and well-being. You’ll find you perform better at work and are a happier mom when you get plenty of sleep and are well-rested. Don’t be afraid to put your feet up and take a nap every so often to recharge as well. Go to bed at a decent hour each night and invest in a comfortable mattress that helps you fall and stay asleep.

Conclusion

These are just a few useful ways for how you can improve your life and well-being as time goes on. Go easy on yourself and be patient in the beginning stages because changing your habits and ways can be challenging. Stick with it and you’re likely to soon receive many positive results from your efforts.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Three Things You Should Know As A Mother

July 11, 2023 By Anne

When you are a mother, you start to put everyone else above yourself. Your natural instincts kick in, and you end up taking care of everyone, and then yourself if you have time for this. This is not the way that life should work though, and you need to be taking more time for yourself, and learning a few new things about being a mom. In this article, we’re going to be looking at three of the most important things that you should know as a mother, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

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You Don’t Have To Do It Alone

The first thing that we are going to say is that you do not have to do it alone. It takes a village to raise a baby, and we’re sure that you have heard that saying before. Despite knowing this, there are some people who are hell bent on trying to do things on their own as they don’t like leaning on other people and asking for help. But, this is a part of life. There are going to be times where you need help, and you have got to be willing to ask for it or else you are going to burn out.

If you feel bad asking your friends and family, then there are sites like care.com where you can find registered and unregistered people to care for your child when you need them.

You Are Still Important

Just because you have had kids does not make you unimportant. You are just as important as you were before you had kids, and that’s something that you are going to need to remember. You deserve to be taken care of, to look after yourself, and to generally be kind to yourself. Stop letting yourself get to the point where you are burning out because you are trying to juggle everything, you’re not getting enough sleep and you’re not eating enough. Your kids deserve the best version of yourself, and they aren’t going to be getting this if you are not bothering to take care of yourself too.

It’s Okay To Take The Easy Route Sometimes

No matter what anyone says, it’s okay to take the easy route sometimes. There is nothing wrong with doing things the easy way if it means that there is a little less stress in your life. If you know your kids aren’t going to eat their veggies without a fight today, skip it. If you want to put the TV on to let them watch an hour of TV, do it. The easy route is there for a reason, it’s always an option when it’s needed.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should know as a mother. A lot of people get overwhelmed when they have kids, and it’s really no surprise when they take up so much of your time. At the end of the day, you need to remember these three things to help you get through the rough times and ease that mom guilt. We wish you the very best of luck with this, and hope that your outlook changes.

Anne

Individual vs Group Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?

July 11, 2023 By Anne

Addiction treatments involve a variety of options that can include individual and/or group therapy. Both are important components of intensive outpatient programs. These techniques offer several pros and cons, so it’s helpful to know how they will benefit you.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions include several people with similar psychological issues. A trained therapist works with the group encouraging helpful and respectful discussions about problems. These sessions help people learn about themselves and find they are not alone in the struggles. They use the sessions to build interpersonal relationships and gain self-respect.

Members in the therapy sessions learn that they are not alone, so they often find group therapy sessions to be supportive stress relievers. They build a support group of people with similar issues, and they learn to communicate and build social skills.

Types of Group Therapy Sessions

Group therapy sessions help patients work through a variety of problems.

Skills development group therapy and cognitive behavioral group therapy helps people learn coping skills and change their behaviors.
Interpersonal process group therapy helps addicts improve their road to recovery.
In a support group, members share their successes and failures while learning from other members with similar problems.

Disadvantages of Group Therapy

Group therapy is not beneficial for members who need focused attention from a therapist. People who want confidentiality will not enjoy group therapy. Some people do not participate as they choose to sit and listen rather than share. Some groups develop subgroups, which can be a problem for people who aren’t included.

Benefits of Individual Therapy

Individual therapy sessions are private and confidential. Each visit is tailored especially to the individual patient, and the patient does not have to share time with other people with more demanding needs.

Patients get an intensive and focused therapy session. Each session includes feedback and treatment at a pace that helps the patient. Individual appointments fit the patient’s schedule.

Types of Individual Therapy Sessions

Therapists offer several types of therapy for addicts and people with other psychological disorders.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to change their harmful behaviors.
Contingency management therapy involves rewards for patients who stay away from drugs and other harmful substances.
Motivational interviewing helps patients understand that intrinsic motivation helps them change their behaviors.
Holistic therapy includes a variety of treatments like mindfulness, music therapy, and yoga.

Disadvantages of Individual Therapy

Because individual therapy sessions are one-on-one, they cost more than group sessions. Some patients do not like to meet one-on-one with a therapist, as they feel too exposed. In a group session, some members find it easier to hide. Individual therapy sessions have one viewpoint from the therapist, who may not understand what the patient needs.

Conclusion

Both therapy types can be beneficial, depending on the patient’s needs at various stages of addiction treatment. Patients should look for therapy that fits their personality, finances, and time. Individual and group therapy are helpful in their unique ways, and one is not better than the other.

Anne

Excellent Sleep Aid

July 5, 2023 By Anne

There are times when I have a hard time unwinding and difficulty falling asleep. I’ve tried other melatonin products in the past but never felt like they helped for a full night of rest. Lately I’ve decided to try again and found ZZZQuil by Vicks. I fell asleep easily without tossing and turning and stayed asleep for 8 hours which is remarkable for me. Waking up was a breeze and I did not experience any of the “”foggy brain”” side effects I’ve had in the past from other medications. It’s nice to now be equipped with an aid I can take as needed and feel great the next day!

Anne

Revamp Your Decor the Green Way

July 5, 2023 By Anne

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Decor and sustainability don’t always go hand in hand, but it is possible to revamp your home in a way that is green and sustainable. As we become more conscious of our impact on the environment, it’s not just about recycling, reducing, and reusing; it’s about rethinking our approach to home decor.

By making sustainable and eco-friendly decor choices, we can create spaces that not only look beautiful but are also kinder to our planet. In this post, then, we will take a look at a few things you can do to revamp your decor in a way that contributes positively to the environment, without compromising on style and aesthetics.

Incorporate natural materials

One of the simplest ways to revamp your decor in a greener way is to incorporate more natural materials into your space whenever you can. Unlike synthetic materials, which often involve harmful manufacturing processes and aren’t biodegradable, natural materials are renewable and have a much lower environmental impact, and can often be recycled by you or someone else when you decide to makekeover your dcor once again.

Take, for instance, the rustic charm of an interior barn door. Crafted from solid wood, these doors bring a warm, organic feel to your space, all while being eco-friendly. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they are durable and can be sourced from sustainable wood, making them a green choice for interior design.

But the options don’t end there. Other eco-friendly materials include bamboo, which is a fast-growing renewable resource, and natural stone, which requires little processing. Cork and rattan are also excellent choices, being renewable and biodegradable. Natural textiles such as organic cotton, hemp, or linen are great for upholstery, rugs, and throws. Even reclaimed materials like recycled glass, metal, or reclaimed wood can be creatively used in your decor. By choosing materials that are responsibly sourced and have minimal impact on the environment, you can create a home that’s not only stylish but also sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly furniture

Furniture plays a critical role in any home decor – it is the thing that not only make sthe home look attractive, but that also makes it a comfortable space to spend time in too. However, not all furniture is created equal, especially when it comes to environmental impact. Many mainstream furniture items are made using non-renewable resources and may contain harmful substances like formaldehyde or flame retardants. That’s why choosing eco-friendly furniture is an important step in creating a greener home.

When shopping for furniture, it is a good idea to look for pieces made from sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood, recycled metal, or reclaimed wood if being green and sustainable is important to you. Also, consider the durability of the furniture. A well-crafted piece may initially cost more, but its longevity can make it more cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run.

Additionally, buying second-hand is a great way to reduce waste and find unique, quality pieces because you will not be contributing to the use of finite resources. Visit local thrift stores, antique markets, or online platforms that sell pre-loved furniture, and you are sure to find an intereting piece of two that will probably have ore character than the new furniture you can buy right now, too. Finally, consider companies that adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing emissions in their production process, or participating in tree-planting initiatives.

Opt for low-VOC paints

When revamping your decor, painting can dramatically transform a space. owever, traditional paints often contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemicals that can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. These compounds can cause headaches, dizziness, and can even lead to kidney and liver damage. They also contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog.

To minimize these risks, opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints and finishes. These eco-friendly alternatives have reduced amounts of harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for your health and the environment. They perform just as well as traditional paints and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Make sure to check the labels when purchasing paint, looking for certifications that verify the product’s low-VOC or VOC-free status. This simple switch can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your home makeover.

Maximize natural light

One of the most eco-friendly ways to brighten your space is to maximize natural light. Natural light not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also creates a warm and welcoming environment. It can make your space look bigger and can even improve your mood and productivity.

To maximize natural light, consider the layout of your furniture. Arrange your space in a way that doesn’t block light from windows. Opt for light and sheer window treatments that allow light in while still providing privacy. Installing mirrors can also help to reflect light and illuminate dark corners.

For rooms that don’t have windows or lack sufficient natural light, consider installing a solar tube or skylight. These options can bring in natural light while also serving as a unique design feature.

Use energy-efficient lighting too

While maximizing natural light is a key part of green decor, it’s also important to choose energy-efficient artificial lighting for when the sun goes down. LED lights, for example, use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Consider also using dimmer switches or smart lighting systems, which can adjust light levels to suit your needs, thereby reducing energy consumption. Even small changes like turning off lights when you leave a room or utilizing task lighting can contribute to energy efficiency.

Embracing eco-friendly decor not only contributes to preserving our planet, but it can also create a space that’s uniquely beautiful and healthy. It’s fair to say that each and every choice you make has a dramatic impact on the world around you, as well as youe home, so be suerw to chosoe wisely, but remember, creating a green home isn’t about perfection; it’s about making more conscious, sustainable choices one step at a time.