I’ve read somewhere that we become what we repeatedly do. And I agree, but full disclosure, I have habits that I’m proud of, and there are those that I want to get away from. But, as we all know about bad habits, sometimes they’re just so hard to break.
Habits can be good or bad. Whether it’s the food we love, the exercises we do, the way we drive, how we spend our weekends, or retail therapy, if it’s something you do routinely, then it’s a habit.
To change something in your life means incorporating habits into your routines. Sometimes it’s to change direction in your professional or personal life or the quality of your lifestyle that propels you to cultivate new habits. Habits are formed by doing it repeatedly, consciously, and subconsciously.
There’s a 21/90 rule claiming that to make a new habit, it takes 21 days, and for it to be a permanent lifestyle change will take 90 days. You have to be committed to these changes. According to research, about 40% of daily activities are performed daily by people in quite similar settings and situations. In a session at the American Psychological Association’s 122nd Annual Convention, Wendy Wood said that “We find patterns of behavior that allow us to reach goals. We repeat what works, and when actions are repeated in a stable context, we form associations between cues and response.”
Unlearning bad habits and learning new ones is essential because change is inevitable. It happens at the home, workplace, school, and digital space. Cultivating new habitual behaviors is required towards a new lifestyle, better, healthier, and more meaningful. The process can be tedious, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are what I do; personally, that helps me cultivate good habits.
How Can We Cultivate Good Habits
Being clear and focused with what you want
Before doing anything, know what you want, your goals, your end game. Be clear of what you want to change in your life, and it should be for yourself and not for someone else. If you’re planning to change your diet, be specific about what you want to attain. Is it to lose weight? Be physically stronger? Be mentally healthier? When your mind is all set on a goal, it’s easier to follow through with your planned changes. Be goal-oriented, and making decisions will be easier.
Using Motivating Rewards
Changing habits can be daunting. Create a rewards system that will keep you motivated. Make sure that the rewards will not steer you away from progress. In other words, it should still be aligned with your ultimate goal. One example is rewarding yourself with lovely athletic wear if you’re able to maintain your exercise stats for two weeks. It is helpful, especially if you’re into a pretty workout outfit. It’s a simple reward that indeed makes you more motivated to work out.
Starting Simple
The secret to getting ahead is getting started even in small increments. Taking the smallest steps in the direction you want is enough to say that you’re on the right track and who knows, it ends up being the most significant step in your lifetime. For example, to have a healthier eating habits, you can start with changing your breakfast routine by having fresh fruits.
Trusting the Process
Cultivating new habits is a process, and that process is as important as your final goal. Hold your vision and trust the process. It’s essential to be patient with yourself as you go through every step of the change. Stay consistent in your faith that you can get through it, and things will work out the way they’re supposed to be.
Getting Rid of Temptations
Be mindful of what you surround yourself with. If you want to curb your spending habits, get rid of online shopping apps, unfollow online shops in your social media accounts, and unsubscribe to newsletters from your usual online shops. Curate your exposure to temptations and be consistent with them.
Getting Accountability
Tell someone who you trust so much, someone who will help you be accountable for your actions. They can give you extra motivation because knowing that your goals is acknowledged by someone else will push you to be consistent. Posting your plan somewhere also helps in getting accountable.
Tracking Your Progress
Knowing how you’re faring in your goals or new habits helps inconsistency. Keeping track of your progress means being purposeful. Whether they’re small or big wins, track it. When you see your results, you’re giving more meaning to what you’re doing, and it also gives you an insight into the value you’re adding to your life.
Good Habits to Cultivate
Read More
Reading helps you have a new perspective of the world, regardless of the genre. Before sleeping or during your downtime, keep a book on your bedside table or your bag. Choose a book that resonates with your interest so it would be easy to build your reading habit.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Make some changes to your eating habits. Eat more organic food. Check with a nutritionist to see which diet works for you best.
Exercise Regularly
Take some time to exercise. It is massively beneficial and helps in having a better sleeping pattern.
Establish A Positive Mental Attitude
Establishing a positive mental attitude is extra important in every aspect of your life. Developing a positive mental attitude makes you see things differently.
Embrace Change
Change always happens, it’s part of life, but of course, it doesn’t mean that it’s easy to embrace some of those changes. Since the future is uncertain, make sure to learn how to adapt so you’d be able to add value to your life and the community.
Take Time
Prioritize yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so spend some time yourself and do what makes you happy.
Cultivating new habits is part of self-care. To keep you motivated, just remember that you’re doing it because you want to have a better life.
Communication is a two-way street. However, if you happen to have a partner who does not communicate often, and does not share their feelings, it can be quite disappointing and annoying for you. But you cannot blame them either, because it’s all about comfort and one’s choices. At the same time, you cannot neglect communication because it’s healthy for your relationship and your partner’s wellbeing, especially if they keep their vulnerabilities to themselves and eventually it makes them crack up.
So, what do you do in this scenario? Well, first you can try to get your partner to open up. Here’s how you can do that –
5 ways to get your partner open up
1. Be honest with them and make them feel comfortable
First and foremost, be honest with them. If you witness a changed behavior, then simply ask, “How are you?” “What has been bothering you?” “Did something happen?”
Let them know that they need to be honest with you. Let them know how their silence is killing you. While you are at it, always maintain your calm. Do not be furious, it is no way to get them to open up to you. Remember, you have to make them comfortable, not afraid and infuriated.
2. Share your vulnerabilities
Sometimes your partner will feel uncomfortable being vulnerable in front of you, especially if you are in a new relationship. This is when you have to take the first step, and share your own stories, your own vulnerabilities.
Let them know about the time you were crumbling, falling on your knees. While you are at it, let them know it’s okay. Everyone feels this way, and it’s natural because it is a part of being a human. And they should not be afraid to do the same in front of you. You would not judge them, instead, you will do all you can to lift them. You are their safe haven.
3. Be a good listener
When you want people to uncover their life in front of you, you have to be a good listener. Let them know that you are there to listen. Let them know it’s important to let out because it does feel better in the end. Once they start, listen to them quietly, and then respond. But just so you know, you don’t always have to respond. You can just hold their hand, hug them, and let them know that you are with them every step of the way.
4. Be more understanding
Understanding is the essence of any relationship. However, if you do not make efforts to understand your partner, yell at them, pour all your mood swings and whims at the time when they are struggling, then they would never open up with you.
The key here is to be a bit more understanding. To do that, it’s best to place yourself in their shoes and imagine how they must be feeling. In that case, how would you want people to treat you? You might not feel their pain but you can certainly understand it.
5. Set a time for talking
By this, we do not mean that you have to create a schedule, wherein you would talk at every fixed hour of the day. No, what we mean is, decide a time to talk because your timing matters a lot. If you are talking to them when they are exhausted or occupied with their work, it’s of no use. Instead, do it whenever you both aren’t preoccupied.
Ps, A friendly reminder, your talks must not lead to fights, it will give them another reason not to open up with you.
Lastly,
All you can do is try. Even if all these things do not work, don’t give up, maybe all they need is a little space. Forcing conversations when they are going through something, or when they need space, would do more harm than good. So let them be, allow them some time, and wait once they feel okay again.
Hey, how do you get your partner to open up? Do you have some ideas and opinions you can share? We are all ears, drop them in the comments below.
You have finally taken the jump and started your blog in 2021. Congratulations! You are one step ahead of the other aspiring bloggers. However, the hard work isn’t over yet. In fact, it has only just begun.
Now that you have a blog, you have to crank out fresh, engaging blog posts regularly to build your audience. However, as a new blogger, you probably don’t have a clue as to what to write. That is absolutely fine.
To help all the newbies figure out how to create brilliant content that will drive traffic to your blog, I have written this article on the most popular types of blog posts every new blogger should write to increase traffic to their site. So, sit back, read, and take some notes.
Types of Blog Post Every Blogger Needs to Write
5 types of blog posts that you must write
1. LISTICLES
A listicle or list post is actually what its name suggests – a list of items, habits, tips, etc.
Listicles always appeal to the readers because of their valuable content, and these types of posts do extremely well when shared on Social media like Pinterest and Facebook. Some examples of listicles can be – 20 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her, 7 ways to fight writer’s block, etc.
2. ROUND UP POSTS
A round-up post is a post where you round up OR list a group of similar content in one post.
You can go several ways about this. You can create a round-up of your favorite resources, a round-up of your own best posts, or you can interview a number of bloggers in your niche on a specific topic and bunch their answers together.
Round-up posts are great for creating valuable content for your blog when you don’t feel very creative or inspired and are out of ideas about what you should write.
3. TIPS AND TRICKS POST
Sharing tips and tricks, or hacks with your readers can be a great way of putting out valuable content that will be immensely popular.
The special feature of these hacks is that they provide quick solutions to your readers’ problems and yield immediate results.
Some examples of such posts: 5 simple tips for leading a healthier life, 10 ways to become mentally strong, etc.
4. FOUNDATIONAL POSTS
A foundational post, also known as cornerstone content, is a detailed, in-depth article on the main topic of your blog.
Foundational posts should be customized according to your blog niche. For example, for a blog that’s completely about mom bloggers, the foundational post can be something like “How to be a Mom Blogger” – a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful mom blogger.
Keep your foundational posts relevant and helpful and try to backlink your foundational posts often.
5. HOW-TO POST
These types of posts are really popular because how-to tutorials help readers solve a basic problem and learn something new.
You can create a great how-to post that solves a problem for your audience and helps them achieve the desired result.
Some examples of how-to posts are: How to Promote a Blog, How to write a novel, etc.
Final thoughts
These are the five most popular types of blog post that every blogger can write to drive traffic to their newly launched website. These kinds of posts are guaranteed to do well because they are like evergreen trends, never going out of fashion.
Try to follow these formats while writing a blog post for your site, and watch as your audience grow steadily.
That’s all from my side. What are your thoughts on the same? Do you have some other type of posts that you find working out for you? Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions in the comments below.
Back to School Events – always for the kids and college students, but what about the Moms left behind?
It’s that time of year again! The kids are going back to school and the parents are getting ready for a new routine. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or returning for another year of high school, there are a few things you can do to help them (and yourself) transition back into the school routine. This can be a challenging time for both parents and children. But it doesn’t have to be!
Don’t get me wrong, this is my 4th year doing back to school but my first where both girls didn’t stay home with me at least one day.
And quite frankly, I’m pretty bored.
I thought I’d have plenty of time to get all the things done, but I don’t have motivation.
I’d rather do nothing and spend all my time worrying about leaving my littlest teary eyed at drop off.
So, I’ve created a list of my top things to help us mamas (and dads because I’ve seen quite a few in the same position as me) get back on track with this back to school madness.
Because that’s really what it is. It’s just as much an adjustment for us as it is for our children, whatever the age.
Back to School Solutions for Parents
The first step in getting back into routine is coffee and/or mushroom coffee. When I say coffee, I’m not talking any coffee, I’m talking a really good one that doesn’t leave an impact on the environment for said kids. The same kids who are no longer attached to your every move at least 8 hours a day.
Woken Coffee to be exact.
The pods are biodegradable and work perfectly in an espresso machine. I love that the Vanilla flavor doesn’t resemble Espresso too much that I can still enjoy it like a morning coffee rather than an afternoon treat with dessert!
While we are talking about food, find yourself a few new favorite places that you take yourself, by yourself. I have spots that the kids and I go to together and other spots that only Steve and I visit. And then there are spots that are completely separate we visit as a family.
I’m talking about a pretty little spot that you always wished you could go to with your girlfriends or guy friends and spend hours on end and not miss a second because your attention isn’t divided trying to attend to your kiddos.
Basically, I’m talking about places you’d love to spend all the time in the world at, but can’t because you always get rushed when there, or can’t go because it isn’t something that anyone else would go with you.
Another thing, get yourself some snacks you can keep at home that only you get to enjoy. They can be healthy or an indulgent option. I love the treats I found from Sugarfina. They sell them at Nordstrom, have a location at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and online. (The coffee gummy bears and the cocktail line are a must!)
Next thing on the list is trying things you haven’t ever had the chance to do before.
Things like shopping by yourself (y’all know about the mindless wanders down Target’s isles); getting a blow out (The Drybar is a Gamechanger!); having a waxing treatment that you’ve never tried before (Lunchbox Wax is a great one here in the valley); or try out some new beauty products (big fan of Ulta or Sephora for this!). You can take them home and try them. I found a few products online that I love from Silk Therapeutics to help my eyes not feel (actually look) so tired and a Vitamin C serum to help restore my skin for an extra treat.
Many don’t associate eating better or fitness until the New Year. I like to start this when school starts as it feels like a new year. My favorite workout lately has been spin and I love love love The Madison Scottsdale!
Steve and I have been drinking celery juice each morning to help us get on a more healthy trend in all areas. The Medical Medium protocol is my next step to completely get on the healthy trend! And I’m not just talking my physical health, I’m also talking about my mental health.
When you go to the grocery store or farmers market, grab yourself some fresh flowers.
I always grab a few different kinds to make my own bouquet but you can buy one that’s pre-made for you. I love Trader Joe’s because they are so affordable and have such a good selection to make my own but Costco, Walmart, and Kroger stores have great pre-made selections.
These are a few ideas I’m going to try to get back into a back to school routine. Don’t think if you don’t have kids, you can’t do these. The tips and ideas above can apply to anyone in a rut or having a hard time getting adjusted again. Here are some of the other ideas now that we are post COVID-19 to help stay relevant in the conversation.
While the school system has been through a lot of changes over the past year, one thing remains the same: the importance of a child’s education. As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s education. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the school year:
– Get involved in your child’s education. Attend school functions, meet with their teachers, and help with homework when needed. Your involvement will show your child that you value their education and sets them up for success.
– Stay up to date on school announcements and events. Check the school website or sign up for the school’s email list to ensure you don’t miss important information.
– Create a routine and stick to it. A consistent routine will help your child know what to expect each day and make the transition back to school easier.
– Be supportive and positive. This is a big adjustment for your child and they may be feeling nervous or anxious. A positive attitude from you will go a long way in helping them feel confident and ready to take on the new school year.
The Washington Post has some great tips for parents as the back-to-school season begins. One piece of advice is to make sure that your young people have plenty of time to adjust to the new school year. This means getting them involved in a child care program or another activity that will help them ease back into a routine. It’s also important to be flexible and understand that your child may need some extra time and attention during this transition. In addition, it’s helpful to talk to other parents and family members about their experiences with back-to-school. By sharing information and advice, you can help make the process smoother for everyone involved.
The transition back to school for parents can be difficult, especially for working parents. The coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult for parents to juggle their work and home responsibilities. Here are some tips for parents to help make the transition back to school a little easier.
First, try to establish a routine for yourself and your family. Having a set schedule will help everyone know what to expect and when things need to get done. Secondly, take some time for yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, find time to do something that you enjoy. This will help you relax and recharge so that you can better handle the challenges of parenting.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with your child’s school district. If you’re unsure of where your child’s school is located or what the school day schedule looks like, don’t hesitate to reach out to the district office or your child’s teacher. It’s also a good idea to review the list of supplies your child will need for the year. While most schools provide basic supplies like pencils and paper, there may be some specific items that are needed for your child’s grade or class.
Finally, reach out to other parents for support. There are likely many other parents in your situation and they can be a great resource for advice and support.
If I forgotten anything on this list, or if you have other ideas, I’d love for you to leave me a comment and share with others in our community!
Some parts of the US attribute heart attacks to job-related stress. So much so that work-related injuries garner more than adequate compensations. Through the years, there were studies conducted claiming that massive sources of American adults’ stress are highly caused by workplace stress. In a StressPulse survey by ComPsych in 2006, the leading causes of stress are workload, people issues at work, juggling work and personal lives, and lack of job security. It is not surprising because when you’re overwhelmed with work, it’s easy to fall into the toxic cycle of feeling stressed, confused, and ultimately, burnout. So, what are the ways to handle it? Let me share with you some of the strategies you can use when you are overwhelmed at work.
What To Do When You Are Overwhelmed At Work
You know you’re burnout when you dread going to work, feeling empty, exhausted, when it’s easy to feel unmotivated and unable to function efficiently in your daily routine. To reverse the feeling of being overwhelmed, it’s either take action or take a break from what’s causing the stress. Here are some of the strategies you can do:
Find the Source of Your Stress
Being overwhelmed at work is sometimes isolating and alienating. It often leads to blaming what you feel on something else or someone else. It could be an officemate, spouse, or friend. However, to adequately address it, you have to identify the source of your work stress. It’s not an easy thing to do because most of the time, the reasons are pent-up. Self-assessment is the key to this. Use a 5 Why approach to list down your guessed cause and ask why until you get to the bottom of it.
For example, I’m stressed because I work beyond my time.
Why?
I can’t finish all my tasks in a day.
Why?
I have so many tasks.
Why?
I’m spending too much time on meetings.
Why?
I’m taking in the tasks of a resigned coworker.
You can also start a journal or a spreadsheet to help you identify the triggers of your stress. To reduce the overwhelm, set up goals, pay attention to your tasks, how they make you feel, and when you are prone to procrastination.
Set Boundaries
Usually, boundaries at work mean putting value to your time. When your workload is growing, don’t resort to more extended hours. Respect your break time. It will help your mind to see the bigger picture and better solutions.
Set boundaries by learning how to say NO by asking questions and holding yourself accountable for using your time. A well-defined schedule is a life-saver.
Take Time to Plan
Set aside some time to create a plan on how you will go around your tasks and schedule. The goal here is to be efficient at a given time and use resources available to you effectively. Create that actionable list. The more visible your plans are, the less time it will take you to worry about tackling them.
Don’t fret. Planning is part of the process. By writing it down in your journal, you are making a guide for yourself. It gives an insight on what to prioritize and which task needs to focus on at a particular time.
Ask for Help
Outsource, delegate, ask for help. Look at the list you made. Categorize the tasks with high priority, those you can do, and those that you can request assistance with. If it’s something, you can pass off to someone else, if they can do better than you at doing it, then delegate. Recognize the abilities of those around you; if they’re capable of finishing the task adequately, then you’re good. Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you value teamwork and understands the importance of self-care and time.
Take a Break
Breaks are essential; they are breathers that help you look at things in perspective without the weight of workload. It is a means of taking care of yourself. Use this time to eat good food, walk around the block, have a quick stroll, go on vacation, take a nap, hang out with friends, go on a date, or watch a movie. Take that precious time to clear your mind off everything work-related and focus on your well-being. It will reset your point of view, and most likely, you will find a spark of joy at the workplace again.
Sometimes, it feels like you’re drowning in a rabbit hole of to-do lists. However, this doesn’t have to take so much of your energy and time. Stress is a result of something, and if appropriately addressed, you can reign that control of your workload and time back. On top of it all, take care of yourself. After all, you’re working to have a better life, so don’t let it get the best of you. Work smart, live happily.
professional or personal life or the quality of your lifestyle that propels you to cultivate new habits. Habits are formed by doing it repeatedly, consciously, and subconsciously. 
and it should be for yourself and not for someone else. If you’re planning to change your diet, be specific about what you want to attain. Is it to lose weight? Be physically stronger? Be mentally healthier? When your mind is all set on a goal, it’s easier to follow through with your planned changes. Be goal-oriented, and making decisions will be easier. 
unfollow online shops in your social media accounts, and unsubscribe to newsletters from your usual online shops. Curate your exposure to temptations and be consistent with them.
makes you see things differently. 
are there to listen. Let them know it’s important to let out because it does feel better in the end. Once they start, listen to them quietly, and then respond. But just so you know, you don’t always have to respond. You can just hold their hand, hug them, and let them know that you are with them every step of the way.
day. No, what we mean is, decide a time to talk because your timing matters a lot. If you are talking to them when they are exhausted or occupied with their work, it’s of no use. Instead, do it whenever you both aren’t preoccupied.
this article on the most popular types of blog posts every new blogger should write to increase traffic to their site. So, sit back, read, and take some notes.
blog.
to enjoy. They can be healthy or an indulgent option. I love the treats I found from 
what you feel on something else or someone else. It could be an officemate, spouse, or friend. However, to adequately address it, you have to identify the source of your work stress. It’s not an easy thing to do because most of the time, the reasons are pent-up. Self-assessment is the key to this. Use a 5 Why approach to list down your guessed cause and ask why until you get to the bottom of it. 
growing, don’t resort to more extended hours. Respect your break time. It will help your mind to see the bigger picture and better solutions. 
the weight of workload. It is a means of taking care of yourself. Use this time to eat good food, walk around the block, have a quick stroll, go on vacation, take a nap, hang out with friends, go on a date, or watch a movie. Take that precious time to clear your mind off everything work-related and focus on your well-being. It will reset your point of view, and most likely, you will find a spark of joy at the workplace again.
Recent Comments