Tag: exercise

How to Build Confidence and Start Living the Life You Actually Want

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment
Guest post by Julie Morris

Image via Freepik

You don’t wake up one day suddenly glowing with confidence. It’s more like laying bricks. Small, steady. One awkward action stacked on another. One quiet decision followed by a louder one. Eventually, it stands tall enough for you to see over the fear. And then, things start to move.

Start With the Mindset You Wake Up With

Before your feet hit the floor, your thinking already shapes the rest of the day. That first thought, the tone of it, the way it echoes—it’s not minor. It’s the pilot light. If you can start each morning with growth, you’re not reacting to life, you’re designing it. Maybe it’s journaling, maybe it’s breathwork, or maybe it’s making your bed like a soldier with something to prove. Either way, mindset isn’t woo-woo; it’s the scaffolding. Get it right early, and everything else fits more easily into place.

Turn Habits Into Muscle Memory

Confidence doesn’t ride in on the wings of a TED Talk. It arrives through sweat and repetition. Start small, something tiny that you do every single day: floss, walk a block, drink water before coffee. The trick is to conquer a personal challenge so consistently that your brain forgets how to doubt you. That’s what makes habits magical; they delete the need for willpower. You begin to believe you’re the kind of person who gets things done. And guess what? You are.

Learn to Speak Up and Not Shut Down

Public speaking is just a fear of being seen. But once you stop pretending you’re supposed to be perfect, the panic dims. Turns out, you can reframe anxiety as excitement with a few mental pivots and a steady breath. It doesn’t matter if you’re pitching to a boardroom or introducing yourself in a Zoom call; your voice matters. Use it often. Loud doesn’t mean confident, by the way, clear and grounded wins every time. Own the space you’re in, then expand it.

Find Someone Who’s Done It Before

Mentorship isn’t some LinkedIn buzzword, it’s the lifeline that can shift your trajectory. No one gets brave alone. Having someone ahead of you in the game gives you a mirror, a map, and a reminder that you’re not as lost as you think. The data doesn’t lie, mentoring increases confidence and satisfaction in both directions. And you don’t need a formal arrangement. Sometimes, it’s just one honest conversation with someone who refuses to let you shrink. Go find that person.

Back to School, Forward in Life

There’s power in learning something new, especially when your career needs more than a patch job. Going back to school isn’t just about textbooks; it’s about reclaiming your future. Online programs give you the freedom to work at your own pace, which means your life doesn’t have to stop for your goals. Even better, you can choose from an array of options, whether you want a nursing, business, education, or cybersecurity degree. Credentials don’t guarantee confidence, but they sure as hell help build it. And sometimes, a degree is less about the paper and more about proving to yourself that you’re capable.

Say No So You Can Say Yes

Confidence doesn’t grow in chaos. If you’re always available, always agreeable, you become forgettable, to yourself most of all. You’ve got to start defending your energy like it’s your retirement fund. Boundaries aren’t rude, they’re respectful. Not just to you, but to the people you engage with. You don’t need to explain every no. You just need to mean it.

Get Your Body on Your Side

No, you don’t need to run marathons. But you do need to move like you give a damn about staying alive. Eat things that didn’t come vacuum-sealed in plastic, drink water like it’s a job, and sleep like it’s sacred. Small stuff, right? But the compounding effect is enormous. You’ll notice that exercise and healthy foods elevate confidence in ways a compliment or Instagram like never could. When your body feels strong, your decisions feel solid.

Confidence is not a lightning strike. It’s built in layers, choices, and everyday courage. You don’t need to fix everything at once. Just today. Just one action that leans in the direction of belief. Stack those, brick by uneven brick, and before you know it, you’re living the life you thought belonged to someone else. Except it doesn’t. It belongs to you.

Discover a wealth of resources for personal growth and wellness at Be as One, where you can reclaim your creative drive and achieve real-world wins!

Be sure to visit Julie’s website at juliemorris.org.
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

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Budget-Friendly Self-Care: Simple Strategies for Your Well-Being

Published on by susanwbailey1 Comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In a world where self-care can sometimes feel like a luxury, finding affordable ways to care for yourself is crucial. Prioritizing self-care doesn’t have to break the bank. By making small, intentional changes to your routine and mindset, you can cultivate well-being without overspending. Here are some budget-friendly methods to incorporate self-care into your life, ensuring you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle without financial strain.

Enhance Your Sleep Quality

Getting more sleep is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to practice self-care. Quality rest boosts your mood, improves cognitive function, and enhances overall health. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making your sleeping environment comfortable are practical steps you can take. Ensuring you get enough rest each night sets a foundation for other self-care activities, helping you feel more energized and balanced.

Manage Your Finances

Creating a budget ensures you don’t overspend on self-care activities. Start by using free budget templates to systematically organize and manage your financial information. Give this a try to customize expense categories, set realistic budget limits, and track and monitor your expenses. This allows you to allocate funds specifically for self-care without feeling guilty or financially strained. A well-planned budget empowers you to enjoy self-care activities with peace of mind.

Discover Affordable Hobbies

Finding an affordable hobby can provide you with joy and relaxation without a hefty price tag. Whether it’s reading, gardening, drawing, or knitting, hobbies offer a creative outlet and a break from daily stressors. Engaging in a hobby can help you disconnect from work and other responsibilities, promoting mental well-being. The key is to choose activities that interest you and fit within your budget, ensuring you can enjoy them regularly.

Embrace Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting emotional health. You can learn to meditate at home without spending any money. Many free resources, such as online videos and apps, provide guided meditation sessions for beginners. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can enhance your mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. The practice of meditation also complements other self-care activities, fostering a more holistic approach to health.

Start a Yoga Practice

Practicing yoga offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. You don’t need to join an expensive studio to enjoy yoga; many free online classes and tutorials are available to help you get started. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, making it a valuable addition to your self-care routine. Regular practice can help you manage stress, improve posture, and increase your overall sense of well-being, all without straining your budget or resources.

Exercise at Home

Exercising at home is an excellent way to stay fit without the cost of a gym membership. You can find various free workout videos online that cater to different fitness levels and interests. From bodyweight exercises to cardio routines, home workouts can be effective and enjoyable. Regular exercise improves physical health, boosts mood, and increases energy levels. By committing to a consistent home exercise routine, you can maintain your fitness without financial burden.

Stay Local and Enjoy a Staycation

A staycation can be a refreshing break without the expense of travel. Explore your local area, visit nearby parks, or simply relax at home with activities you enjoy. A staycation allows you to unwind and recharge without the stress and cost associated with travel. You can plan fun and relaxing activities that make you feel like you’re on vacation while staying within your budget. This approach helps you enjoy quality downtime without overspending.

Self-care is vital for maintaining balance and well-being. By adopting budget-friendly practices, you can nurture yourself without financial stress. These small, intentional changes foster resilience and health, helping you navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Embrace these strategies to boost your happiness and well-being without overspending, demonstrating that self-care can be both affordable and impactful.

You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Join us in building a stronger, more connected community through faith and creativity at Be as One. Explore our resources and find inspiration.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Save

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Conquering Stress: A Modern Guide to Achieving Balance and Harmony

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In today’s fast-paced world, especially during the holiday season, stress can become an overwhelming presence. The added pressures of holiday planning, family gatherings, and financial concerns often intensify our usual stressors. This article, brought to you by Be as One, is designed to not only identify the common and holiday-specific sources of stress but also to provide effective strategies to manage it. We will explore how to navigate through the festive chaos with ease, ensuring a more joyful and relaxed holiday experience, along with overall well-being for a happier, healthier life.

Learn Your Stress Triggers

Identifying the causes of stress involves uncovering often overlooked factors like work pressures, personal relationships, financial worries, and health concerns. This recognition acts as a crucial first step in combating stress, illuminating hidden triggers. Armed with this knowledge, you can strategically tackle stress, moving from guesswork to targeted action.

Embrace Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise goes beyond physical health, serving as an effective tool for stress relief through the release of endorphins, nature’s mood enhancers. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of enjoyable activities like walking, cycling, or dancing into your daily routine can significantly lift your spirits. This form of physical engagement not only boosts physical wellness but also operates as a natural antidepressant, making it a vital component in managing stress.

Nourish the Body and Mind

Improving your diet plays a critical role in stress management. Foods rich in nutrients fortify your body against the ravages of stress. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offer fuel for your stress-fighting engine. On the flip side, limit caffeine and sugar, as they can amplify stress and anxiety. Consider your diet as a palette from which you can paint a more stress-resistant lifestyle. It’s not just about eating; it’s about nourishing both body and mind.

Go Back to School

Sometimes, stress is our mind’s way of telling us that we aren’t doing what we’re supposed to be doing. So if you’re thinking about a career change, going back to school is a great place to start! Online programs in particular offer a great deal of flexibility, and there are plenty of degrees to choose from. For instance, if you’d like to be a nurse, you could pursue an RN to BSN online, gaining valuable knowledge you need to get ahead.

Balance Professional and Personal Worlds

Establishing work-life balance is essential in our always-on world. This balance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is key. Dedicate time for relaxation and hobbies that rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. In this balancing act, prioritize yourself; it’s the only way to sustain your productivity and happiness in the long run.

Cultivate Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude is a cornerstone of stress management. It’s about focusing on solutions, not problems. Practice gratitude daily; it shifts your perspective from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. A positive mindset doesn’t just reduce stress, it also attracts more joy and success into your life. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: the more positivity you emit, the more you receive.

Restore Yourself with Rest

Getting enough sleep is crucial for rejuvenation. Quality sleep is as vital as food and water for our well-being. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down. Create a sleep environment that’s conducive to rest: cool, quiet, and comfortable. This restorative process is your body’s time to heal from the day’s stresses, preparing you for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing deep breathing and meditation are keys to inner peace. These practices bring a sense of calmness, helping you to navigate life’s storms with a steadier hand. Integrate them into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This commitment to mindfulness is an investment in your mental and emotional bank account, offering rich dividends in stress reduction and overall well-being.

Explore Alternative Relief Methods

In the quest for balance and harmony, exploring various alternative therapies can be a transformative journey. These therapies often focus on healing the body and mind holistically. Here are a few that have gained popularity:

  • Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed to correct imbalances in the flow of energy (Qi), thereby promoting relaxation and healing. Acupuncture is widely used for pain relief, stress management, and even for chronic conditions like migraines and arthritis.
  • Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional health. Each oil has unique properties and can be used in various ways, such as in diffusers or for topical application. Lavender, for example, is noted for reducing anxiety, boosting mood, and aiding in better sleep.
  • Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Practitioners believe in channeling universal energy through their hands to the recipient, fostering emotional or physical healing. It is often sought for its ability to impart a deep sense of peace and well-being, often complementing traditional medical treatments.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid: THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw and live cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a ‘high’ but is researched for its potential therapeutic benefits. It has been associated with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making it a subject of interest for treating various health conditions. Be mindful when purchasing THCA that you find a reputable source.

Navigating stress in today’s hectic world, particularly during the holiday season, is an evolving process that demands self-awareness and dedication. The holiday period, with its unique blend of joy and stress from planning, family dynamics, and financial demands, adds another layer to this challenge. However, by pinpointing both everyday and holiday-specific stressors and applying the strategies discussed, you can steer towards a more balanced and joyful existence. Keep in mind, effective stress management, especially during these festive times, is crucial for your overall well-being. Prioritizing it not only during the holidays but throughout the year is key to a healthier, more rewarding life.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Be as One is here to help you get the harmonious life you deserve. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Save

Don’t Just Survive, Thrive: A Guide to Achieving Fulfillment as an Introvert 

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In a world that celebrates extroverted traits, navigating life as an introvert can be challenging. However, it’s essential to remember that being an introvert is not a weakness but a different approach to life. Understanding your introverted tendencies and how they affect you can help establish a self-care plan that suits your needs. This article shared by Be As One will provide tips and strategies for creating a comprehensive self-care plan for introverts.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Introverts often thrive on consistency and predictability. A routine can provide comfort and control over your environment, reducing stress and anxiety. This routine could include waking up at the same time every day, sticking to a regular meal schedule, or setting aside specific times for work and relaxation. Remember, your routine should serve you rather than the other way around. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure it supports your well-being.

Allocate Ample Time for Solitude to Rejuvenate

As an introvert, solitude is not just preferred—it’s essential. Introverts recharge their energy by spending time alone, so incorporate ample alone time into your daily routine. Whether reading a book, walking in nature, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts, these moments of solitude can help rejuvenate your mind and body.

Ensure You Set Aside Moments for Social Interactions

While introverts treasure their alone time, it doesn’t mean they should isolate themselves completely. Humans are social creatures and meaningful connections with others are crucial for our mental health. Try to find a balance between your need for solitude and social interactions. You might prefer one-on-one conversations or small gatherings rather than large parties. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity, regarding relationships.

Engage in Energizing Activities

Find activities that energize and inspire you. These could be hobbies, exercise, creative pursuits, or anything else that brings you joy and boosts your energy levels. Engaging in such activities helps you relax and allows you to spend time in a way that aligns with your introverted nature.

Craft an Impressive and Professional Resume

Stepping onto a fresh career path can be equally exciting and overwhelming. One of your first steps in this journey should be crafting an impressive and professional resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and potential. A well-constructed resume can open doors to opportunities and be a powerful tool in your job search. If you need help figuring out where to start, seeking guidance on how to write a resume can be incredibly beneficial. From choosing the right format and writing

Allow Yourself the Right to Decline

As an introvert, you might feel pressured to say “yes” to every invitation or request, often leading to overcommitment and burnout. It’s important to realize that it’s okay to say no.’ Prioritize your mental health and well-being above societal expectations or obligations. Permitting yourself to decline can be liberating and contribute significantly to your self-care.

Make Restorative Sleep a Priority

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining our physical and mental health. As an introvert, you may find your mind buzzing with thoughts at the end of the day, making it difficult to fall asleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a peaceful sleep environment, and prioritize getting enough restful sleep.

Self-care for introverts involves understanding and honoring their unique needs and preferences. By establishing a consistent routine, prioritizing solitude, balancing social interactions, engaging in energizing activities, crafting a professional resume, allowing yourself to say ‘no,’ and prioritizing sleep, you can create a self-care plan that truly serves you. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. What matters most is finding what works best for you.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Save

A follow-up to my post on healing: sometimes it means admitting you’re wrong (aka “It’s the shoes, stupid!”)

Published on by susanwbailey2 Comments

In a previous post about healing, I wrote that it takes a partnership between ourselves and God to experience healing.

It also requires admitting when you’re wrong.

mercycrocs2Case in point: my longstanding battle with sore feet, aching legs and a consistent backache. I started walking at lunchtime a couple of years ago, just after I discovered my “dream shoes,” the Mercy Croc (see previous post). My feet bounced in them, they were nice and cool in the summer, cozy and waterproof in the winter.

Walking was fun and I loved writing about what I saw on my walks.

Then, all of a sudden, walking became a real drag.

My legs felt like lead again, just like before (I have a chronic foot condition that causes this). Not only that, they hurt. And so did my back. Walking turned from something refreshing and fun to something akin to dragging a ball and chain behind me.

Eventually I stopped walking and felt very discouraged. For all the steps forward I had taken with walking for my health, I felt like I took twice as many backwards.

What went wrong?

I started praying for a healing. This was back in January of 2012.

The answer came a year later but it surely wasn’t God’s fault.

Recently I saw my doctor on an unrelated matter and when I mentioned about my difficulty with walking, he suggested that my shoes were the problem.

mercycrocs1“No!” I said. Not my dream shoes, the ones I am totally in love with. The shoes that nurses wear, claiming they can stand in ten to fourteen hours a day in them.

Yes, those shoes!

nike sneakers2When a second person mentioned the same thing, I knew I had to explore the option. I dug up my Nikes: the shoes that squish my toes.

Yeah, those shoes.

I’ve since walked twice in them. And today I admitted that my doctor and my friends were right.  The added bounce in my step and the lack of pain in my back more than made up for my having to kill my pride in admitting I was wrong.

This led to some other discoveries. Suddenly I remembered that if I stretched everyday for 5 minutes like my foot doctor has told me (over and over again), I would experience less pain. Guess what? He was right!

I then remembered to add glucosamine to my daily vitamin ritual. I dug those out of the kitchen cabinet and miraculously, that worked too.

Why am I so slow to get it?

nike sneakers1Who knows? Is it because it was easier to wallow in my misery than to take action to take care of it? I can’t imagine why I would think wallowing would be easier or more desirable, but it is sometimes.

Pride, self-pity and the fancy to play the invalid have no place in the world of healing. Lord, heal me of these things and the stupidity that accompanies them!

Click to Tweet & Share: To be healed, sometimes you have to admit you’re wrong (aka “It’s the shoes, stupid!”) http://ctt.ec/jZ0F9+

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