Life has many obstacles and uncertainties; however, it is important to have a positive outlook on life. Before are 5 ways to have a more positive outlook on life.
1. Exercise-
Exercising is a great way to relieve stress because it releases endorphins. It will change your mood to a more positive one. In the photo above, I am wearing our ‘Watercolor Twist Colorband’
2. Journal-
Journaling is perfect for anyone in a difficult situation. This is because you can write down solutions to your problems. Journaling will act as therapy for you. It can help you change your mindset.
3. Practicing Gratitude-
If you are thankful for what you have, you will be less likely to complain.
-Thank you for this beautiful new day
-Thank you to my family and friends
-Thank you for nature and wildlife
-Thank you for my health
4. Maintaining a Positive Attitude-
Instead of thinking negatively, change your mindset to a more positive one. Find a way to perceive everything with a positive thought is essential.
5. Scrapbooking-
Printing out photos will help you remember positive moments in your life and reflect on the good things. It can be as simple as printing out a picture of a cup of coffee. It does not have to be extravagant. Reminiscing on the positive moments in your past can help you get out of a funk and have a more positive outlook on life.
Bonus: Failure is Inevitable-
Failure is a part of life, and it is bound to happen several times before you succeed. Once you know this as a fact, you will be more likely to chase your hopes and dreams.
Our headbands are perfect for you if you love to exercise because they are made for movement!
Setting goals is super important, as this is the first step that can help you get to where you want to be in your life. We are going to list five different types of goals to set so that you can achieve a well-balanced life at both work and at home. You can do anything you want in your life. All you need to do is simply create a goal and then you need to have an action plan, but we will get further into that on another post.
What kind of goals should you set?
Before we dive deeper into this post, you need to make sure that your goals are S.M.A.R.T. goals.
What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
These are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. This method helps you stay organized and actually reach your goals by a specific date.
Below we will not only list five different types of goals to set, but we will also list examples of broad goals that you can set for yourself. You will need to take the broad goals that we list and make them more relatable to yourself as well as make them more specific. Instead of ‘Stretch’, which is one of the goals that I listed below for an example, you would need to write ‘Do my right and left lunges for one minute every day and get my left and right split by a specific date’
Why is it important to set relationship goals? Relationship goals with family and friends are arguably the most important, as we are all social beings. You can only thrive and survive by having close relationships with our friends and family. Listed below are ideas of what kinds of goals that you can set with the people in your life!
Family goals: ((Plan a vacation as a family, go on a family road trip, be there for your children, have regular family meetings, attend all events for your child whether it be a soccer game or a dance recital, establish family traditions, be a good son, daughter, sibling, etc.))
Friendship goals: ((Don’t take one another for granted, appreciate them, spend quality time with your friends, set dates to see your friends next, invest time into your friendship, be honest, keep promises and commitments, don’t gossip behind your friends back, be understanding, communicate, go on a road trip, plan a coffee date, go out to eat, attend a concert, create the ultimate friendship bucket list, go to the beach, go apple picking, etc.)
Relationship goals: Choose your life partner, go out on regular date nights, support each other’s dreams and goals, do something new once a month, communicate, go on vacation, decide whether or not you want kids, discuss marriage, discuss money, create a bucket list together)
#2: Financial Goals (Saving, Spending, Money)
Why is it important to set Financial Goals? Setting financial goals can help us take control and feel more confident about our spending decisions. Plan out how much time it will take to reach each goal and how much money you will need to contribute within that period. Identifying goals and creating a realistic plan for them allows you to track progress and can motivate you to keep going.
Financial Goals: (Paying off debt, saving for retirement, buying a home, starting a business, feeling financially secure, etc.)
Saving Goals: Set your goal as far as what do you want to save. Is it a vacation, college education for your kids, a down payment on a house, or retirement? Decide what you are working toward rather than choosing a number or vague idea of ‘saving more’.
((Set a specific savings goal, set a savings deadline, track your goals, break down your savings goal into smaller chunks, automate your goals by setting up an investment account whether it be a IRA or brokerage account))
#3: Career Goals (Work, Business, Sales)
Why are career goals important? A career goal is setting short-term and long-term objectives related to one’s career path. Setting career goals is important, as it helps propel individuals to actually accomplish whatever it is that they want to do.
Career Goals: (Goal: CEO of a large engineering company: Steps: Graduate High School, Graduate College with a degree in engineering, Work for an engineering firm, Enroll in a management position, Advance studies, XYZ)
Business Goals:(Goal: Successful Business Owner: Steps: Figure out what kind of product or service you want to offer, design a website, use search engines to drive traffic to your site, figure out a problem that people have that needs to be solved, learn from other successful entrepreneurs, have self confidence, learn about marketing, learn about sales, XYZ)
#4: Bucket List Goals (Travel + Things to Do)
Why is it important to create a bucket list? A bucket list will give you purpose in your life and bring you the ultimate joy, as you will be able to create lasting memories. Memories are one of life’s greatest treasures. The list will make you think about what is important to you.
Travel Goals: (Visit all 50 states, Travel Internationally, Backpack through Europe, Visit Epcot in Disneyworld, Swim with Whale Sharks, etc.)
Things to Do: (Zip Lining, Whitewater Rafting, Cat Cafe, Hold an Owl, Snorkeling, Sailing, Surf Lesson, Waterfalls, Swim with Dolphins, etc.)
#5: Fitness Goals (Health + Wellness)
Why is it important to have goals for your health? It is important to focus on your health and wellness goals, as exercising and eating well can help reduce the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure.
Health Goals: (Drink 8 cups of water a day, eat healthier, have more fruits and vegetables, have desert 1 time a week, etc.)
Wellness Goals: ((Journal, read a book, donate time or money, be kind, be giving, etc.)
Fitness Goals: (Stretch, run 1 mile a day, walk 10K steps a day, ab workout, yoga classes, etc.)
How to Actually Achieve Your Goals?
Once you write out a basic list of goals that you want to complete you need to make each goal more specific and create an action plan. The action plan consists of specific steps you need to take in order to get to your goal.
Original Goal: Stretch
Updated Goal: Get my right and left split in a month
Action Plan: Right and left lunges for 10 seconds on each side every morning
Home is one of the best feelings in the world. There is nothing quite like it, as you are met with pleasant smells and relaxation. The best ways to make your home more relaxing so that you can take a deep breath and simply decompress are to add more plants, play relaxing music, light candles, clear away clutter, and add great lighting.
1. Plants
Plants can offer you a dose of positive energy throughout the day. Adding succulents that come in adorable pots is great for making your home more peaceful. The use of indoor plants like succulets, herbs, flowers, broad-leaved grasses, or ferns, bring a pleasant smell into your space and can make any house feel more like a home.
2. Candles + Scents
Adding scents to your home can make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Candles can provide a lovely aroma to your home. Essential oils are also a great way to enhance the atmosphere of your home. Don’t forget to select some amazing smelling laundry detergent also.
3. Lights
Decorative LED lights are a great way to create a relaxed mood. They are a bit like Christmas lights, but they are smaller, and battery operated.
4. Relaxing Music or Podcasts
What better way to make your house feel like a home then to play some of your favorite songs? Music can help improve your mood. Whatever method or type of music you choose it can help set the mood. Calming sounds can help your brain decompress and allow you to focus on the task at hand. Another way to relax is to listen to a podcast that you enjoy.
5. Clean + Declutter
Get rid of clothes that you no longer wear and donate them. Tidy up your home. The cleaner the home looks the more relaxed you will be. Don’t obsess with making your home picture perfect, but it is true, there is nothing more relaxing then when your home is clean. An effort to stay organized will help you find a space for everything, and this will help you stay on top of cleaning on a daily basis.
6. Color Palette
Sticking to a soft color theme can help make your home more peaceful. Stay away from anything to harsh or bright.
7. Surround Yourself with Things You Love
Display things that you love and have meaning to you in your home. It might be a photograph or your children’s artwork. This can help you feel connected to your space as it is an extension of you.
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What is Stress? Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by unfavorable circumstances. The physical and emotional reaction commonly occurs when people experience a change in their life. This normal reaction happens to everyone and the way you respond to stress makes a big difference in your overall well-being.
What is the Impact of Stress on Your Body? Stress effects both your physical and mental health. Your body releases cortisol when it feels stressed. Cortisol is a hormone that increases sugar in your bloodstream and glucose in your brain. It slows down your immune system and digestive system. It is part of your natural fight or flight response to danger.
Impact on your Physical Health: If you are in a high stress situation like a car accident, then the system worked as intended, however if your brain becomes stressed over daily inconveniences or past trauma than it can have a disruptive effect on your physical health.
Headaches
Digestion issues
Muscle Tension
Fatigue
Sickness
Sleep Issues
Impact on Your Mental Health:
Little to No Motivation
Not Capable to Calm Your Mind
Overwhelmed
Anxious
Sad
Restlessness
Irritable
6 Ways to Relieve Stress:
Exercise– Working out is shown to release endorphins and lower cortisol levels in your body. It is a great way to get your mind off of intrusive thoughts. Try to work out outside, as spending time in nature has also been known to lower stress levels. Practicing yoga at home can be beneficial to you in that you do not have to worry about if anyone is watching you you can simply stretch on your own time and at your own pace. This yoga matt is so perfect, and I use it every day!
Mindfulness- Being aware and present in your life can help you so much, as if you are not than your mind can wander to the future or past, which in return can trickle down to negative thinking and stress. Focus on thinking positively. What is going well in your life right now? What are you thankful for?
Keep a journal– The simple act of writing can help reduce stress. Make a list of the things you need to do to prepare then check it off when you are done in your journal. Seeing how much you have accomplished may help quiet your mind and take it off of your fight of flight mode.
Spend time with your pets or loved ones- This is an awesome way to reduce stress. The presence of a loved one or your dog will help your body and brain relax. Also, it can be healthy to talk about what is stressing you out with a loved one but do not get stuck on it. Don’t forget to also talk about more positive things as well.
Laugh- The physical act of laughing reduces stress. Watch your favorite funny movie, see a comedy show, or visit a friend who always know how to make you laugh.
6. Paint– Painting and drawing are forms of art therapy and can help relieve stress. This paintbrush set and canvas are perfect way to get started and can help you focus on the present moment.
Setting goals are important, as it helps you organize your time and resources so that you can make the most out of life. It gives you motivation and creates a vision of how you want your life to look. The benefits are endless, as it will not only inspire you, but it will also set a direction for your future. It will give you clarity when you have to make a decision and a lasting purpose.
Not Setting SMART Goals- SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. The SMART method helps you organize and actually reach your goals. It sets you up for success.
Specific: The goal is clear and well defined. Vague Goal: “I want to get in shape.” Specific Goal: “I want to join a gym, workout two to three times a week, and lose X amount in 2 weeks because I would like to get in shape and be a healthier version of myself.”
Measurable: You can measure your progress. Criteria: “Every week I will lose one pound of body fat”
Achievable: It is not impossible to accomplish
Realistic: It is within reach
Timely: It has a specific start date and target date
Not Believing in Yourself- The key to achieving anything in life is not necessarily whether others believe you can because some might not, but rather if you believe in you and have confidence in yourself. You can do anything that you put your mind to. If you do not yet believe in yourself then repeat the following self-affirmations every day and you will start to; I am confident and value myself, I am growing and learning every day, I am confident in my abilities.
Not Writing Your Goals + Action Plan Down- “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” Writing your goals down will help you get a clear vision of exactly what you want. Not only will you need to write down your goals, but you must also have an action plan in place to help you get there. What do I need to do right now? Today? This week? This month?
Not Breaking Down Your Larger Goals into Smaller Goals- Having big dreams is not a bad thing. I highly encourage creating your dream vision life and board for that is the first step to ever achieving anything. Dream it, believe it, manifest it! However, dreams and goals take time and if you break it down into smaller, short-term goals it will better help you reach your long-term, larger goal.
Setting Vague Goals- An example of a general goal would be “I want to get in shape.” A more specific goal would have all of the answers as to who, what, where, when, and why you want to reach the goal. To make your goal specific you need to answer a few questions:
Who is involved in the goal?
What do I want to accomplish?
Where is this goal to be achieved?
When do I want to achieve this goal?
Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Not Setting a Deadline for Your Goals- Your goals have to have a specific start and end date because if not you will not be motivated to take action to get to where you want to be.
Not Being Consistent- People might have trouble committing to their goals because they lack consistency, they tend to procrastinate, or are lazy. Having an accountability partner increases your chances of success.
Not Having a Plan- Having a plan is necessary to succeed, for without one it is no doubt that you won’t. How are you supposed to reach your goal without having a step-by-step action plan?
Not Taking Action- You need to actually accomplish the items on your to-do list to get one day closer to your goal.
Setting Extrinsic Goals- Extrinsic motivation is more likely to lead to burnout or lose effectiveness overtime. Intrinsic goals come from within and are personally rewarding to you. Extrinsic goals come from the outside. You engage in an activity not because you enjoy it, but rather because you get something out of it whether it be a reward or to avoid punishment. Intrinsic motivation is a more effective long-term method for achieving goals and completing tasks.
Fun Quotes:
-“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves”
-“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and starting on the first one” -Mark Twain
When we think of our purpose, chances are we think of big goals and achievements. In reality, living with purpose is not about accomplishing goals or our to-do lists but rather living a meaningful life is about finding purpose in everyday moments. Your life purpose is something you have always known either consciously or unconsciously. It is unique to you. Part of your purpose includes the work that you were meant to do. The world needs you to do it and if you choose not to than the world loses the benefit of that aspect of you. When your work is aligned with your purpose it is easier to do and you attract more of it. This is helpful for anyone who is marketing themselves. Many people find their purpose accidentally. Some people find work and life experiences that use their purpose without really consciously knowing what that purpose is.
1. Purpose comes in finding the meaning in each situation we face everyday 2. Purpose gives us a sense of direction and helps us get to our destination 3. Where can we find it? We can find it in our commute, at work, in our interaction with our loved ones, family members, and friends, in our hobbies, in our day-to-day routines 4. How? When we start engaging, listening and caring than we start to feel a greater connection and bring purpose to our everyday interactions 5. Another great way to find your purpose in life is simply by finding a passion. Mine used to be dance and it left me feeling super fulfilled and happy. I am hoping to incorporate dance back into my life in hopes to once again find fulfillment and joy.
Benefits of writing a life purpose: Increased drive and motivation, focused mindset to achieve your goals and purpose, clear path to success based on your ‘why’, sense of fulfillment knowing you’re guided by something meaningful
Life Purpose Examples:
“My life purpose is to stand up for issues I believe in and to contribute positively to my community. I want to leave the world knowing that I made it a better place.
“I hope to build a loving home with my family and to care for my children. I want to support their endeavors while still leaving time for my passions. I will be the best version of myself so that I can lead my children by example.”
“My life purpose is to find success in my career. I would like to be a notable person among my peers and be valued for my contributions to my field. My hope is that I will retire feeling fulfilled with what I have accomplished.”
“The purpose of my life is to be my true self, uninhibited by fear. I want to inspire others to live authentically and with passion.”
“My goal in life is to harness my creativity and imagination to unearth truths about myself, my community, and society at large.”
“The purpose of my life is to be a source of light to other people and radiate positivity. I hope to find an inner strength that is inspiring to others”
“I want to live enthusiastically. I want to marry my best friend and settle into a long life together. I want to be fulfilled in my work and find meaning through art. I want to die knowing I lived the best way I knew how.”
“My purpose is to raise a family of caring, passionate, and independent children who find success in their own way and with integrity. I believe that being a parent is the joy in my life.”
“In my life, I want to achieve a harmonious balance between my career, my family, and fun. I plan to work hard but also seek excitement and adventure where I can.”
“I envision a life where I take things slowly and stop to smell the roses. I never want to miss out an opportunity to find joy in the little things. I will explore my world with open curiosity and be fully present with all experiences.”
Tips for Finding Your Life Purpose:
Donate Time, Money, or Talent- If there is one habit that you can create to help you find your purpose it would be helping others. Altruistic behaviors include volunteering for a nonprofit organization, donating money to causes you care about, or simply helping others around you on a day-to-day basis.
Discover what you love-Thinking about what you love to do can help you find your purpose. Consider what types of skills, talents, and passions you bring to the table. Then brainstorm how you might turn your passion into something meaningful to you.
Surround yourself with positive people- As the saying goes, you are the company you keep. What do you have in common with the people you choose to be around? The people you spend time with outside of family and work. The people you surround yourself with says something about you. If you are surrounded with people who are making a positive change you might draw from their inspiration. However, if you are around negative individuals who drag you down, you might want to make some changes.
Start conversations with new people- Resist the urge to browse through social media when you are alone on the subway or waiting for a friend at a restaurant and ask strangers if they are working on any projects or what they like to do for fun. Talking to strangers can open your eyes to new activities or career opportunities that you never knew existed.
Explore your interests- Is there a topic that interests you and you are regularly talking about or sharing articles for? Also, consider the conversations that you have been having with others. Do you like talking about history? The things you like to talk about may give yourself insight onto your life purpose.
Listen to people- There might be a good chance that you are already displaying your passion and purpose to those around you without even realizing it. Other people might give you some insight. Hearing others say what they notice about you might reinforce some of the passions you have already been engaging in.
Dopamine (Reward Chemical)- Completing a task, celebrating goals and wins, eating and drinking well, self-care activities, trying something new Oxytocin (Love Hormone)- Spending time with your pet, physical touch, helping others, giving compliments, showing kindness Serotonin (Mood Stabilizer)- Meditating, spending time in nature, get some sun exposure, exercise, mindfulness Endorphin (Pain Killer) Exercise, essential oils, listen to music you like, laughing, watching a funny show or movie
Writing in your journal and expressing gratitude are excellent ways to take care of your mental health. Below you will find 31 journal prompts as well as 10 gratitude prompts to answer for yourself!
JOURNAL PROMPTS 1. What are you most looking forward to? 2. Three goals for this month 3. Something that you’re looking forward to 4. Describe your day in ten words 5. Your favorite part of the past month 6. Your favorite part of the past year 7. Something new to try 8. One thing you will always do 9. Thoughts about today’s events 10. A change to make 11. Music that makes you adventurous 12. One thing you learned about yourself last year 13. Your top three priorities 14. A list of places you have visited 15. A good idea 16. What are your personal gifts? 17. A quote that inspires you 18. When you feel most rested 19. The last fictional book you read 20. A mistake that helped you grow 21. Do your actions match your words? 22. A time you do not want to forget 23. A trip you want to take this year 24. A challenge you have overcome 25. A need you can meet 26. Someone who made you proud 27. A place you have been recently 28. Words you want to share with others 29. A project you have been putting off 30. The thing that frightens you 31. Three words that describe your style
Gratitude Prompts 1. How can you inject gratitude into a current challenge? 2. What have you manifested that you are grateful for? 3. Describe the last time your heart was overfilled with joy? 4. What is a negative experience you are grateful for? 5. What is a memory you cherish? 6. What is a strength you often rely on? 7. What is a negative emotion that is no longer controlling you? 8. What is a conscious change that you made that you are grateful for? 9. What is a current opportunity that you are grateful for? 10. What is a source of inspiration that you are grateful for?
Drinking plenty of water will improve your immune system. Our bodies have 50% to 65% of water content and it is recommended that we drink six to eight glasses of water per day. This will help us perform our best, stay hydrated, and give us energy. Drinking the recommended amount of water can also aid in weight loss. Listed are 9 benefits of staying hydrated!
Preventing and relieving headaches- Chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension headaches and migraines. Water can relieve these headache symptoms within 30 MINUTES to 3 HOURS. WOW!!!! Fatigue is also a side effect of dehydration. If fatigue is the reason for the headache, drink WATER. SOLVED.
Increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain. Drinking water boost’s your brain’s oxygenation and hydration. Another way to increase blood flow to the brain is physical exercise. Yoga, running, or even walking can help. FUN FACT: Your brain is 75% water. If your brain is hydrated properly, than it can function properly. Not only will your brain function properly, but it will also aid in concentration.
Improving concentration and cognition. Coffee or tea can also help in concentration, but you simply shouldn’t drink these options throughout the day. Having even a sip or more of water every 45 minutes will keep your brain focused, as well as improve your mood and emotions, which leads us to BENEFIT FOUR!
Helping to balance your mood and emotions.
“The study tracked changes in people’s mood when they went from either a restricted intake of water (1 Liter/day) to a high water intake (2.5 Liters/day) or vice versa. For a frame of reference, 1 Liter is about 4 ¼ cups and 2.5 Liters is about 10 ½ cups.
When participants went from a time of restricted intake (1 Liter) to elevated water intake (2.5 Liters), they experienced significantly less fatigue and sleepiness with improved brain power (less confusion). On the flip side, when participants went from a high water intake to a restricted intake, participants experienced a drop in “vigor”, contentedness, ability to stay calm and overall positive feelings.”
5. Helps maintain the balance of body fluids. Our bodies are composed of 60% water. The functions of these fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
6. Helps carry nutrients throughout our cells. Water allows these nutrients pass through capillaries to the blood and circulatory system. This is where valuable nutrients and oxygen can be distributed throughout the body to all the cells and organs. Water plays a key role in the prevention of disease.
7. Keeps skin looking clear. Water helps prevent dryness and makes skin looking soft and smooth. Makes wrinkles look smaller.
8. Helps maximize physical performance. If we do not stay hydrated, physical performance may suffer. The body loses water during exercise, so you will need to replace that water or face the effects of dehydration.
9. Significantly affects energy levels and brain function. As I stated previously, dehydration causes fatigue, making you feel tired, sluggish, and irritable.
Keeping your body hydrated has TONS of benefits and can not only increase your energy levels, but also help maximize physical performance, balance your mood and emotions, and prevent headaches. Do you want to feel refreshed …. and happier?!?! DRINK WATER!!!
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1. INSTEAD OF THINKING: 
