Are you looking for ways to improve your mental health this new year? You’re not alone. Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, yet it’s often something we put off until something triggers a reminder to recenter ourselves and make sure we are doing the work needed to keep up with our mental well-being.
When we experience stress, it can be difficult to remain mindful and make healthy choices that prioritize our mental health. We may find ourselves reverting to behaviors we know are detrimental to our overall well being but feel like they offer a sense of relief in the moment. However, these unhealthy habits can have long-term consequences on our mental and physical health.
The good news is that there are some basic habits we can easily integrate into our daily lives that will help foster better overall mental health and boost feelings of happiness, joy and contentment. Start 2024 off right by reading on for 13 Habits For Better Mental Health!
13 Habits For Better Mental Health
1. Prioritize Sleep – Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep is essential for mental health and well-being
It’s incredible to think that we spend about a third of our lives asleep, isn’t it? But there’s a good reason for it! When you prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night, you can guarantee you will have better mental health. Sleeping is like pressing the “reset” button for our brains; it allows us the chance to recharge and prepare for whatever the next day brings. Plus, getting enough sleep can greatly influence our mood, memory, and decision-making skills. So, let’s start treating sleep as the essential pillar of wellness that it really is, rather than just an afterthought. After all, ensuring that we allow ourselves sufficient rest is one of the best ways to show love to our minds and bodies.
2. Unplug from Technology – Take regular breaks from your devices to reduce stress and anxiety
Isn’t it amazing how technology has transformed our lives in so many ways? But despite all the convenience it provides, constant attachment to these devices can often leave us feeling stressed and anxious. Taking regular breaks from technology is an excellent way to reduce these negative emotions and reclaim your peace of mind. Unplugging, even for just a few minutes, allows your mind to reset and your brain to recharge. It’s not only helpful for your mental wellbeing, but also for your relationships and overall productivity. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, simply switch off your devices and see how much of a difference it makes. After all, taking a moment to breathe and reconnect with the world around us is a powerful remedy for our increasingly digital lives.
3. Practice Mindfulness – Spend time in the moment to enjoy the simple things in life
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced world, isn’t it? Constantly worrying about the future, dwelling on the past, and caught up in the chaos that surrounds us. But what if we take a moment to just stop, breathe, and truly appreciate the present? Practicing mindfulness allows us to do just that. When we tune into our senses and focus on our surroundings, we start to notice the beauty in those simple things that often go unnoticed – the warmth of the sun on our face, the blissful taste of that first morning sip of coffee, or the laughter shared with a good friend.
By spending time in the moment, we not only find a new sense of appreciation for the world around us, but we also nurture our mental well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. So, let’s give ourselves permission to slow down and relish in the simple joys that each day has to offer!
4. Exercise Regularly – Staying active can help boost endorphins, self-esteem and overall feelings of wellness
You know, I was just thinking the other day about how important it is to exercise regularly. When we stay active, it does a world of good for our mind and body. For starters, it gives our endorphin levels a real boost, and who doesn’t love that feel-good sensation after a rewarding workout? But that’s not all! Sticking to a consistent exercise routine also works wonders for our self-esteem – there’s just something about conquering a challenging workout that leaves us feeling on top of the world. And let’s not forget the overall sense of wellness it brings! It’s as if regular exercise keeps our mental and physical health engines running smoothly, helping us navigate through the ups and downs of life. So, if you haven’t already, give regular exercise a shot – your body and mind will thank you for it!
5. Get Social Support – Surround yourself with positive people who are understanding and nonjudgmental
It’s important to have a strong support system in our lives, as it can make a world of difference in our overall well-being. Surrounding yourself with positive, understanding, and nonjudgmental people can uplift your spirits and give you the motivation you need to overcome any obstacle. These supportive individuals not only offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on, but also valuable advice and guidance that comes from a place of empathy and care. They help us navigate through the ups and downs of life, keeping us grounded and focused on our goals, while providing encouragement and reassurance in difficult times. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, remember to turn to your support network, because embracing the power of positive social support can truly transform your life.
6. Eat Healthy – Proper nutrition is key for cognitive function and emotional stability
It’s fascinating to think about how the food we eat can significantly influence our brain’s performance and emotional wellbeing. Eating healthy not only helps us maintain an ideal weight but plays a crucial role in enhancing our cognitive function and emotional stability. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals found in a well-balanced diet act as fuel for our brain cells, helping us to think more clearly, make better decisions, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later years. Moreover, healthy eating can also reduce mood swings and anxiety, leading to a more emotionally balanced life. So, the next time you’re craving for a snack, remember that choosing the healthier option might just give your brain and emotions a much-needed boost!
7. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions. We often hear the phrase “hydrate or die!”, but what exactly does it mean? Well, proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions. The human body needs fluids to regulate its temperature and other biological processes such as digestion, circulation, absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste. Without adequate hydration, our body can’t function at its best, leading to fatigue, headaches, and even mood swings. To stay in tip-top shape, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day – your body will thank you for it!
8. Taking a Few Minutes to Meditate
Taking a few minutes to meditate can have an incredibly positive effect on our mental and physical health. By tuning into our breath and simply observing our thoughts, we can easily reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and increase resilience. Meditation helps us become more aware of our emotions, enabling us to take back control of them instead of letting them take over. In turn, this allows us to better handle difficult situations and remain calm under pressure.
9. Turn off Electronics an Hour Before Bed
Research has shown that exposure to artificial light from TVs, phones, and computer screens can interfere with our circadian rhythms – the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep and poor quality of sleep. To ensure restful nights and energized days, try to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime and opt for a relaxing activity like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath.
10. Prioritizing Self Care
At the end of the day, taking time to care for ourselves is one of the most important things we can do to improve our lives. Self-care helps us relax and unwind after a long day and recharge our batteries so that we’re ready to tackle whatever comes next. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gesture – even small things like taking a few minutes to read a book, going for a walk, or spending time with friends can make a world of difference.
11. Practicing Good Posture
Good posture isn’t just about looking good – it can also improve our overall health, both physical and mental. Poor posture can lead to poor circulation, aches, pains, and fatigue. It can even affect our mood by causing us to feel sluggish and unmotivated. On the other hand, practicing good posture helps us become more efficient with our energy, allowing us to be more productive and alert throughout the day. So make sure to take a few moments during your day to check if your posture is correct and adjust as needed.
12. Doing Activities that you Enjoy
We all need some form of leisure in our lives to stay balanced, and that can mean something different for everyone. Maybe you enjoy walking your dog or playing a game with friends – whatever it is, make sure to set aside time every week to do something that brings you joy. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and doing something that you love can help relieve stress, boost your energy levels, and make life more enjoyable overall.
13. Picking up a New Hobby
We all have our favorite hobbies, but sometimes it can be beneficial to challenge ourselves with something new. Picking up a new hobby not only keeps us entertained and engaged, but also helps us develop new skills that we can use in other areas of our lives. So why not give it a try? Who knows – maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent or passion?
Making sure to practice good mental health habits is so important for living a healthy and happy life. Although it can be difficult at times, taking the time to prioritize sleep, unplug from technology, practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, get social support and healthy eating habits are all steps you can take towards better mental health in the long run. And remember: you don’t have to do it perfectly; even just making small changes are helpful! So take charge of your mental wellness today and start building new habits towards a more balanced and fulfilled life.
I don’t need to tell you that the world is facing both a lot of collective and personal adversity right now, but I do want to share with you a few tips on how to stay positive even in the face of adversity.
Many of us have taken on additional roles, including our own learning to educate those around us and those we are responsible for raising. It seems as though we may never get a break, or see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s been a challenging start to 2020 and I have seen a saying floating around saying that it’s going to be one for the history books. It certainly seems that way. And for those of us really wanting to make a difference, it’s sometimes difficult to find our way out of the negative tunnel we get into when we dive deep into the situations at hand. But we must, at all costs, try to avoid negative thoughts and create a positive environment.
Here are a few of my tried and true ways on How to Stay Positive Despite Adversity
Movement always helps me, either indoors or outdoors. This is always something to lift my spirits.
Taking a nap or resting when you need it.
Getting outside for a walk or enjoying the sun.
Taking a drive with the windows down and the music up and/or just listening to nature.
Dance parties with or without other people.
Visualizing how you will feel once you have completed your goal
Journal about your feelings, or what you are going through, especially when you’re experiencing difficult times.
Write about or say aloud the good things that happened to you that day/week/month
Phone a friend or family member who you can chat with but also who can help console you if needed
Lean on self care more and make it a priority
Try learning something new either something you’ve been wanting to do or something you’ve never considered.
Get plenty of rest and ensure that it’s restful, not just another thing you have to do in a day
Take care of your body and what you are putting into it in the midst of adversity.
Focus on the positive as much as possible and less on the negative.
Focus on the future and not looking back into the past trying to wish away the mistakes.
Make time to smile and laugh – they are the best medicine. Especially after a long cry or release of the emotions.
Use positive affirmations, positive visualization, positive mindset growth to help realize there’s still good.
Limit your social media and media usage to help decrease the negativity in your life.
Take time to educate yourself on great achievements in History, watch the movies that celebrate and bring light to adversity.
Take the time to process in the tough times while keeping your goal in mind and celebrate the wins along the way, big and small.
Look at every situation as an opportunity to learn, not just as something that happened to you, but instead for you.
Get out of your comfort zone and try something new to keep positive in the face of adversity.
Watch the way your kids, nieces, nephews, or even kiddos on YouTube play if that’s all you have access to – and learn from them to be carefree.
Practice gratitude by focusing on the things in your life that you are thankful for.
Life right now is anything but ordinary.
It’s not going to get much easier as we go, because change is needed, and with change comes discomfort. It will be most important to find joy in the tough times with a support system who gets you and knows your goals. So it might be exercise or healthy eating that gets you through it. It might be positivity or goals. But right now, the only way we get to the other side is to face the adversity head on and going right through. It’s going to mean seeing the light when the tough times want to bring you down. It’s keeping a positive outlook when things look bleak.
I hope you understand these ideas and tips can help in ANY situation of adversity you may be faced with. They apply all the same.
Tell me, did I miss some? Which is your favorite? I’d love to hear from the community how we can support one another.
Hey there, skincare enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of body butter and exploring the magic of Kopari Body Butter, a vegan, cruelty-free, and clean alternative that will transform your skin’s hydration game. If you’re searching for a product that will not only replenish your skin’s natural oils but also protect it from dryness and irritation, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore how to use Kopari Body Butter to achieve that smooth, glowy hydration you’ve been craving.
How To Use Kopari Body Butter for Smooth, Glowy Hydration
What Makes Kopari Body Butter Special?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why Kopari Body Butter is a great product for your skin. This delightful body butter is infused with Kopari’s signature sweet coconut milk scent and packed with active ingredients that help retain moisture, making it perfect for all skin types, especially dry skin. The product is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful hydrating agent that keeps your skin plump and nourished. With its lighter-than-air whipped texture, this body butter glides effortlessly onto your skin, leaving you feeling pampered and refreshed.
Step One: Applying After Bath or Shower
The best time to apply Kopari Body Butter is right after a bath or shower. Your skin is most receptive to hydration when it’s damp, and using the body butter at this time will help lock in the moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel, leaving it slightly damp, and then proceed with the application.
Step Two: Firm and Broad Strokes
Using firm yet gentle strokes, apply the Kopari Body Butter all over your body. Start from your legs and work your way up, covering your torso, arms, and back. Make sure to also apply the body butter in broad strokes to ensure even coverage. This method allows the product to absorb more efficiently, ensuring maximum hydration for your skin.
Step Three: Pay Attention to Dry Areas
As you apply the body butter, pay close attention to areas prone to dryness, such as your elbows, hands, and knees. These areas tend to lose moisture more quickly and need some extra love and care. Massage the body butter into these regions with circular motions to promote better absorption.
Step Four: Target Extra Dry Areas
If you have particularly dry areas on your body, such as your heels or elbows, consider targeting those spots with a bit more body butter. These areas may require additional hydration and nourishment to become soft and smooth.
Step Five: The Sweet Coconut Milk Scent
One of the delightful aspects of using Kopari Body Butter is the signature sweet coconut milk scent that accompanies the product. As you massage the body butter into your skin, take a moment to indulge in the heavenly fragrance, turning your application into a delightful self-care ritual.
By following these simple steps, you’ll find that Kopari Body Butter provides your body with the smooth, glowy hydration it craves. Regular use of this clean and vegan formula will leave your skin feeling nourished and looking radiant.
For more insights on hydrating your skin from the inside out, check out our previous post: How To Hydrate Your Skin. This article provides valuable information on maintaining your skin’s moisture levels through proper hydration and nutrition.
In conclusion, Kopari Body Butter is a fantastic option for those seeking a cleaner, vegan alternative for their skincare routine. The combination of its clean ingredients, cruelty-free formulation, and sweet coconut milk scent makes it a great choice for moms looking for a safe product for their children. By using it after a bath or shower, applying it with firm and broad strokes, and paying extra attention to dry areas, you can unlock the full potential of this wonderful body butter and achieve the smooth, glowy hydration you desire.
So, what are you waiting for? Treat your skin to some Kopari Body Butter love and let your body shine with moisturized beauty!
Kids love the excitement of receiving and unwrapping gifts, but while material presents are enjoyable, experience gifts can create lasting impressions and cherished memories. The joy of unwrapping a gift may fade, but the moments and experiences shared with loved ones stay with us forever. Experience gifts not only provide opportunities for growth and character-building but also offer precious bonding time with children. Moreover, they don’t contribute to the physical clutter in your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 unique and thoughtful experience gifts that children of all ages will adore.
15 Experience Gifts for Children: Creating Lasting Memories and Bonds
1. Gift Card for a Favorite Activity:
A gift card for a favorite activity, such as a trip to the zoo, a visit to a science museum, or a day at a trampoline park, can be a delightful surprise for kids. It allows them to choose an experience they truly enjoy, empowering them to make their own decisions and express their preferences.
2. Tickets to a Sporting Event:
For sports enthusiasts, tickets to a sports game featuring their favorite team or athlete are unbeatable experience gifts. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, the excitement of cheering for their team from the stands is unmatched.
3. Mini Golf Adventure:
Mini golf is a fun-filled activity suitable for children of all ages. It offers a chance for friendly competition, teamwork, and honing their hand-eye coordination. Whether your child is a young beginner or a mini golf pro, this experience will be a memorable one.
4. Gift Certificate for Roller Skating:
Roller skating is a classic and enjoyable pastime. A gift certificate for a roller skating rink allows kids to experience the thrill of gliding on wheels and learning new tricks while promoting balance and physical activity.
5. Rock Climbing Excursion:
For older kids who enjoy adventure and challenges, a rock climbing experience is perfect. Rock climbing fosters problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and resilience. It’s an opportunity for them to overcome fears and achieve new heights, literally!
6. Ice Skating Fun:
During the winter months, ice skating is a fantastic gift idea. Whether your child is a seasoned skater or a beginner, ice skating helps improve balance and coordination while having a blast on the ice.
7. Art Classes:
Nurture your child’s creativity with art classes. Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression, art classes allow kids to explore their imagination and develop essential skills that extend beyond the canvas.
8. Camping Trip:
Embark on a family camping trip for an unforgettable experience in nature. Camping helps kids disconnect from technology, appreciate the great outdoors, and learn practical outdoor skills like setting up tents, making campfires, and stargazing.
9. Escape Room Adventure:
For older kids who enjoy problem-solving and teamwork, an escape room adventure is an ideal experience gift. Working together to solve puzzles and find clues in a thrilling setting encourages critical thinking and communication.
10. Amusement Park Passes:
Amusement parks are a hub of joy and excitement for kids. A gift of amusement park passes offers endless entertainment with thrilling rides, games, and delicious treats.
11. Minor League Sports Game:
For sports fans, attending a minor league sports game can be equally enjoyable as a major league event. It’s a more intimate setting where kids can be up close to the action and experience the thrill of live sports.
12. Kid-Friendly Cooking Classes:
Cooking classes tailored to kids’ interests and skills provide hands-on experience in the kitchen. Children learn valuable cooking techniques, enhance their creativity in the culinary arts, and develop healthy eating habits.
13. Educational Workshops or Classes:
Consider enrolling your child in educational workshops or classes related to their interests. Whether it’s science, robotics, dance, or coding, these experiences can ignite a passion for learning and open new doors for their future.
14. Zoo or Aquarium Membership:
A year-long membership to a local zoo or aquarium offers countless opportunities for exploration and learning about animals and ecosystems. It allows your child to visit regularly and deepen their connection to wildlife.
15. Theater or Concert Tickets:
For kids with a love for the performing arts, tickets to a children’s theater production or a kid-friendly concert can be awe-inspiring. It fosters creativity, imagination, and appreciation for the arts.
Experience gifts for children are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds between parents and kids. From active adventures like rock climbing and roller skating to enriching experiences such as art classes and educational workshops, these gifts offer more than just material possessions. They provide opportunities for growth, learning, and joyous moments shared with loved ones. So, this year, consider giving the gift of experiences to your children and watch as their faces light up with excitement and gratitude.
Remember, if you’re looking for more unique gift ideas, check out this post: Unique Gifts, and for eco-conscious gifts, explore these Zero Waste Gift Ideas.
Give the gift of experiences and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime! Happy gifting!
Most people have experienced a lack of motivation at work at some point in their careers. It’s normal to feel stuck when you’re dealing with a lot of stress, maybe from an unrealistic workload or unpleasant coworkers. And sometimes, no matter how much you love your job, it’s just plain hard to feel motivated.
Fortunately, many companies and organizations offer incentives to help employees stay motivated. These incentives can range from simply recognizing team members for a job well done to awards and promotions.
But motivation is a personal thing. What motivates one person might not work for another. Not to mention, there are plenty of things that can make it that much harder to stay motivated at work. Poor leadership, unrealistic deadlines, feeling undervalued, and fatigue/burnout are just a few examples.
However, motivating yourself at work can have some advantages. For example, it can help you stay focused and organized. It can also help you stay positive, even in difficult times. And finally, it can make you more productive and creative. Keep reading for 12 ways to get motivated at work, even when you feel anything but.
12 Ways to Get Motivated at Work When You’re Feeling Blah
Tips for finding your motivation at work
1. Find work that you are interested in.
When you’re interested in your work, it’s easier to stay motivated. If you’re not sure what you’re interested in, ask your boss for new projects or take on additional assignments that pique your interest.
2. Set small goals.
When you’re feeling unmotivated, it can be helpful to break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work through important tasks.
3. Learn a new skill.
Adding new skills to your repertoire can make you feel more confident and motivated at work. It can also make you more marketable if you decide to look for a new job.
4. Ask for a raise.
Believe it or not, simply asking for a raise can give you a boost in motivation. It shows that you’re willing to work hard and strive for perfection.
5. Find an external motivator.
Sometimes it helps to have something outside of yourself motivating you to do your best. Whether it’s a friend or family member who is counting on you, or a larger goal that you’re working towards, external motivators can be a great way to stay on track. When things get tough, remember why you chose this career path in the first place.
6. Take a break.
If all else fails, sometimes it’s best to step back from the task at hand, take a short break, and relax for a bit. Taking some time for yourself can help clear your head and give you the energy to come back recharged and motivated, while also preventing burnout.
7. Set a long-term goal.
Sometimes it’s helpful to have a long-term goal in mind to keep you motivated in the short term. Set goals that give you purpose in your current job by thinking about how you want your career and work life to look like down the road.
8. Celebrate your progress.
Acknowledging your accomplishments along the way can keep you motivated and moving forward. Even small rewards can be highly motivating. Treat yourself to something nice after completing a project or reaching a goal milestone.
9. Stay positive.
It’s easy to let negative thoughts take over when you’re feeling down, but try to focus on the positives instead. Reminding yourself why you chose this career path or what you enjoy about your job can help you stay motivated.
10. Take care of yourself.
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all crucial for maintaining high levels of motivation. If you’re not taking care of yourself, it’ll be harder to stay motivated at work.
11. Minimize distractions.
There are countless ways you can become distracted at work. Whether it’s social media updates, phone notifications, or noisy coworkers, the key to staying motivated is to minimize the things that are hindering your workflow. Do what you can to silence these distractions so that you can stay on track at work.
12. Create a plan or routine.
Depending on your job, it might not be possible to follow the same routine every time you’re at work. But creating some semblance of a routine or plan, is a great way to boost productivity and help you stay more motivated. It gives you an idea of what to expect when you clock in, as well as what needs to be accomplished before you clock out.
No matter what might be causing you to feel unmotivated at work, there are plenty of ways to get back on track. By trying some of the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you should be able to find your motivation and start enjoying your job again. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Fall on your support system and stay positive and you will get out of the slump in no time!
Habits For Better Mental Health!
just a few minutes, allows your mind to reset and your brain to recharge. It’s not only helpful for your mental wellbeing, but also for your relationships and overall productivity. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, simply switch off your devices and see how much of a difference it makes. After all, taking a moment to breathe and reconnect with the world around us is a powerful remedy for our increasingly digital lives.
stability
waste. Without adequate hydration, our body can’t function at its best, leading to fatigue, headaches, and even mood swings. To stay in tip-top shape, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day – your body will thank you for it!
signature sweet coconut milk scent and packed with active ingredients that help retain moisture, making it perfect for all skin types, especially dry skin. The product is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful hydrating agent that keeps your skin plump and nourished. With its lighter-than-air whipped texture, this body butter glides effortlessly onto your skin, leaving you feeling pampered and refreshed.
require additional hydration and nourishment to become soft and smooth.
physical clutter in your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 unique and thoughtful experience gifts that children of all ages will adore.
coordination while having a blast on the ice.
delicious treats.
child to visit regularly and deepen their connection to wildlife.
organized. It can also help you 
manageable goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work through important tasks.
moving forward. Even small rewards can be highly motivating. Treat yourself to something nice after completing a project or reaching a goal milestone.
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