Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Benefits of Exercising your Mind


Adding a new activity will help lower your stress levels and will improve your mood. Crosswords, puzzles, and quizzes improve your vocabulary and help you communicate better when you socialize. Reading a new book or reading a new word per day will help build your vocabulary. Using a new word in conversation will help you feel confident when you communicate with someone. You will develop new language skills and improve your concentration.

Reading and working on crosswords exercises the left hemisphere of the brain that stores the grammar and vocabulary. It is also the section of the brain that controls language. Playing games online increases concentration, alertness, and makes you observe details. There are free apps that have crosswords, puzzles, and quizzes such as Fit Brains Trainer, Happify, and Clockwork Brain. Exercising your mind and body will keep your brain sharp.

Writing with your non-dominant hand also strengthens the neural connections of the brain. Although, there is no solution to keep brain memory as we age, practicing new activities and stimulating the brain will keep the brain connected. Writing lists by hand can help you remember. Nonetheless, it is a fun and relaxing method during work lunch breaks. Here are more resources about having more cognitive functions.   

How to Train Your Brain to Remember Anything:

3 Simple But Highly Effective Tips to Train Your Brain to be Smarter:

15 Ways to Celebrate National Train Your Brain Day:

Crossword Puzzles Online & Printable Crosswords:

Free Large Print Crossword Puzzles for Seniors:









*Courtesy Photo from Pexels:
https://www.pexels.com/it-it/foto/cruciverba-giornale-occhiali-penna-53209/


Monday, October 28, 2019

Breathing Meditation for Relaxation


Being aware of your breathing will make you feel calm and alert.  Breathing and pausing your breath sends signals to the brain so that it can relax the nervous system.  The nervous system is divided into two sections which are the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. The Central Nervous System is connected to the brain and the spinal cord. Also, within the central nervous system, there is the parasympathetic system.  

The parasympathetic system slows down the heartbeat, prepares the body for rest, and controls digestion. Therefore, when there is too much stress on the body, it will create problems with the digestive system and the nervous system. By breathing slowly through meditation, you will be able to concentrate and feel less distracted. Make sure you are in a comfortable position while you inhale and exhale. You can stand, sit, or lie down while you are aware of your breathing. 

It is recommended to close your eyes while you meditate. However, you can still get the same benefits of meditation by keeping your eyes open. Breathe in and pause your breathing by two seconds. Taking a deep breath will also help you to sleep better. Here are more resources about breathing and meditation. 

Meditation & Breathing: 6 Key Benefits of Mindful Breathing:

Breathing Meditations-Meditation Oasis:

A Guided Breathing Meditation to Cultivate Awareness:




* Free Border Frame at Pizap



Saturday, October 26, 2019

How to Conquer your Fears?



How to conquer your fears? First, you can slowly face your fears. Secondly, you can practice muscle relaxation. This can be done by laying down on the floor, yoga mat, or in bed. Imagine you are in a peaceful place such as a garden, beach, or your favorite place. 

Then, take slow breaths. Relax your neck, shoulders, and arms while you continue taking slow breaths. Eventually, you will feel comfortable and your entire body will feel less tension. Another way is by doing breathing exercises for a few minutes per day. Imagine you are facing your fears.  

Talk to yourself in a positive manner. Write down the reasons for your fears. Learn to let go of your fears by reading more of what you are afraid of. If you still can't let go of your fears, talk to a psychologist or a therapist. 

Here are more resources about conquering your fears.


Healthy Ways to Face Your Fears:
https://www.verywellmind.com/healthy-ways-to-face-your-fears-4165487

Facing Your Fear:

https://www.psycom.net/facing-your-fear

Overcoming Fears:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/overcoming-fears/







*Courtesy photo from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/full-frame-shot-of-text-on-wood-326642/

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

How to Avoid Procrastination?


Putting off certain tasks, decisions, and medical exams can jeopardize your health. You will feel guilty, frustrated, and afraid. However, you must face your fears and not postpone anything that puts your health at risk. First, make a list. Divide your tasks by categories such as interviews, appointments, work, and personal. 

Second, organize your tasks by day, time, and level of importance. Schedule your high priority tasks in the morning even if it seems dreadful. Third, add two unimportant events as the last items on your list. Reward yourself by going to a leisure event that you enjoy. Surround yourself with people who motivate you. 

Fourth, work on your tasks for ten minutes. Challenge yourself to try new experiences, learn new items, and appreciate everything you've learned. Follow your ambitions and stay motivated. Step away from your comfort area.  Here are more resources about ways to stop procrastinating. 

7 Simple Ways to Stop Procrastinating:
https://www.success.com/7-simple-ways-to-stop-procrastinating/

5 Ways to Finally Stop Procrastinating:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/201808/5-ways-finally-stop-procrastinating

Want to Stop Procrastinating? Here are 7 Different Tricks to Try Now (Not Later):
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/time-management/how-to-stop-procrastinating?did=447165-20191022&utm_campaign=rs-daily-finds_newsletter&utm_source=realsimple.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=102219&cid=447165&mid=25719816175






Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Three Yoga Poses for Couples


Doing yoga with your partner is an enjoyable way to exercise together. The Partner Forward-fold pose calms the nervous system, quiets the brain, and strengthens the spine. It stretches the hips and the thighs. Also, you will feel a connection with your partner by simply holding hands. Holding hands helps to relieve stress, pain, and help you feel secure. 

In addition, doing yoga with your partner will help you have more trust in your partner. The Partner Twist Pose is one of those poses that help couples gain trust. This pose might feel uncomfortable at first because you are sitting back to back. However, this yoga pose strengthens the spine. It stimulates the organs for the digestive system. 


Last, the partner tree pose improves concentration, improves balance, and improves posture. This pose is fun and challenging to do with your partner. This yoga pose also increases reliance with your partner. Consult with your doctor before starting yoga. Here are more resources about doing yoga poses with your partner.     


7 Beginner Yoga Poses for Couples:

7 Benefits of Partner Yoga + 5 Poses to Get You Started:

11 Partner Yoga Poses for Couples to Build Intimacy:






* Free Couple Yoga Clip Art:
https://pngtree.com/freepng/tanabata-couple-yoga-body-shaping-element-design_4082477.html

* Free Background and Design Elements from Pizap


Saturday, October 19, 2019

Poetry about Pumpkins


Today, I've written two poems about pumpkins. The first poem is in the style of a cinquain. The second poem is also about pumpkins. Nonetheless, have a happy autumn season. Enjoy!











*Free Pumpkin and Leaves Clipart from Pizap


Friday, October 18, 2019

How to Stop having Expectations?


Erasing the word expectation will enable you to see your life from a different perspective. It will allow you to see everything with a clear magnifying glass. By not expecting something to happen will let you loosen up and feel comfortable. You will feel less tension about whether an event will go as planned or if your relationship will go to the next level. Therefore, you will enjoy life more without anticipating what could happen in the future. 

Living in the present moment will allow you to have an open mind. You will have fewer disappointments. Don't expect every task to be finished at a certain time frame. Don't expect the people near you to change their thinking process, unpleasant habits, and bad manners.  However, be grateful for every accomplished task and for meeting people that have influenced you. 

First, accept everything that has gone wrong. Don't assume but hope for the best. Second, receive the happiness that comes to your life unexpectedly. Third, appreciate what you learned from your experiences. Here are more resources about letting go of expectations. 

5 Steps to Letting Go of Expectations:
https://www.simplyfiercely.com/5-steps-to-letting-go-of-expectations/

Why Letting Go of Your Expectations Will Lead To Greater Happiness:
https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/7572/let-go-of-expectations/

How to No Longer Allow Your Expectations Get in the Way of Your Happiness:
https://www.purposefairy.com/76991/how-to-no-longer-allow-your-expectations-get-in-the-way-of-your-happiness/



* Free Border from Pizap.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Sweet Almond Oil for Healthy Skin


Sweet Almond Oil is a carrier oil that is used to dilute essential oils such as Lavender, Rose, and Orange. Sweet Almond Oil prevents stretch marks. It has vitamin E, vitamin A, and antioxidants. This oil improves the texture of dry sensitive skin. It is absorbed quickly and has a strong scent. 

This oil can treat eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It has antifungal properties that reduce the skin conditions that cause redness and itchy skin. Also, it helps to fade scars. Sweet almond oil is great for stimulating hair growth as well as protecting the skin from UV radiation. Here are more resources about sweet almond oil. 



10 Amazing Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil:
https://www.organicfacts.net/sweet-almond-oil.html

Sweet Almond Oil Benefits for Skin Uses:
https://bespotted.org/sweet-almond-oil-benefits-for-skin-uses-recipes/

Almond Oil:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/almond-oil#3

Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil:
https://www.massage-education.com/benefits-of-sweet-almond-oil.html







* Free Almond Clip Art:

*Free Oil Bottle Clip Art:

* Free Background and Frame:


Monday, October 14, 2019

Ways to Build Confidence in your Relationship


Confidence in yourself will help you feel comfortable in starting a new relationship or in staying with your current relationship. Sometimes, it might be difficult to stay confident especially if your partner is not confident. By listening to your partner, you will have a better understanding of your partner feeling insecure in the relationship. Listening with an open mind will help you identify what might be the cause. Although you can’t solve all of your partner’s problems, you can always listen and give support.

Complimenting might help. Another way to build confidence in your partner is by not criticizing everything. Always respect your partner. Once your partner loses your respect by mentioning people from his past and present life, you might have to reconsider about maintaining your relationship. If your partner compares you with other people and tells you that he or she is not your type, then it is better to move on and leave that relationship.


Nonetheless, having some space in your relationship will help your partner build confidence, learn new hobbies, and accomplish their goals. Setting boundaries and having respect is the best gift you can give to yourself when you are in a relationship with your partner. Helping and supporting your partner will strengthen your relationship. Make sure you have a positive relationship with your partner and avoid negative comments. Stand tall and be proud of your partner's accomplishments. Here are more resources about helping your partner have more confidence.    

Encourage Others to be Confident:
https://gentwenty.com/encourage-others-to-be-confident/

7 Ways to Give Your Partner A Boost of Confidence:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201512/7-ways-give-your-partner-boost

Ways to help your Boyfriend Boost Self-Esteem:
https://womenosophy.com/ways-help-boyfriend-boost-esteem

How to Build Confidence in Yourself and in Others:
https://www.cydcor.com/blog/2017/08/how-to-build-confidence-in-yourself-others/








Thursday, October 10, 2019

Teas for the Autumn Season



There are three teas that you will enjoy drinking in the autumn season. One tea is cranberry tea which improves the immune system. Cranberry tea is good for the cardiovascular system, urinary system, and the digestive system. This tea is perfect if you are having a hard time having a bowel movement. Furthermore, cranberry tea has a delectable taste and it enhances your mood.

The second tea is apple tea which also supports the immune system. The scent of apples will make you smile and feel good. Apple tea is another tea that is good for cardiovascular and ocular health. In addition, this tea will help with constipation. Apple tea is loaded with magnesium for healthy bones.

The third tea is clove tea. Clove tea helps to expel the phlegm when you are sick. It regulates the sugar levels and keeps your bones healthy. Here are more resources about clove tea. 

Clove Tea:
https://www.organicfacts.net/clove-tea.html

Apple Tea:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/6-health-benefits-of-apple-tea-and-how-to-make-it/articleshow/67585077.cms

Cranberry Tea:

https://www.organicfacts.net/cranberry-tea.html

9 Teas to Warm You this Autumn:

https://www.yogabasics.com/connect/yoga-blog/9-teas-to-warm-you-this-autumn/

Fall Flavors: The Best Autumn Flavors for Tea-Cup & Leaf

https://www.cupandleaf.com/blog/fall-flavors

Teas for Autumn:

https://www.goodlifetea.com/blogs/news/what-to-drink-this-autumn




*Free Teapot & Tea Set Clip Art:
https://imgbin.com/png/44S84nxZ/teapot-teacup-tea-set-png

* Free Background: 
https://www.pizap.com/

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Free Autumn Binder Covers


Today, I have created four binder cover pages to color. These binder covers can be used for your personal use. Each floral design is hand-drawn and created by me. Each cover has a blank section to label your binder. Each binder cover can be printed and ready to be colored. Each cover page was inspired by the autumn season. 

The first binder cover has sunflowers. The second binder cover has pansies. The third binder cover has leaves, flowers, and other elements. The fourth binder cover has flowers and spirals. These binder covers are free. Enjoy the autumn season!













*Free Collage Frame: 


Monday, October 7, 2019

Pansy Coloring Bookmarks


Today, I created five coloring bookmarks. These bookmarks have a floral design with blank spaces to write quotes, phrases, or other words. Each bookmark design is drawn by hand. Once again, these coloring bookmarks are free and for personal use only. Enjoy!









Saturday, October 5, 2019

How To Meditate While Cleaning in the Fall?


Meditating while you clean in the autumn season will help you feel accomplished, relaxed, and less stress. Cleaning the walls, dusting, and organizing will help you feel healthier. If you suffer from allergies, it is recommended to clean the windows, vacuum the rugs, and wash the curtains. Begin meditating by playing music in the background while you clean. Then, grab a sponge and while you clean the kitchen counters smell the aroma of the soap that you are using.

Feel the warm water and feel the texture of the sponge. Wipe off any stains that are on the counter in slow motion. Do not rush. The simple act of cleaning your kitchen counter will help you have a clean space to cook, feel less stress while you are cooking, and have more time to concentrate. Having everything clean and organized will improve your mood and feel less depressed.

Clean one room at a time. As Jennifer Carter Avgerinos says, “Care for your body as you care for your home, and care for your home as you care for your body.” Making sure you have a clean home will help you rest and feel comfortable. You will be a great hostess for your friends and family. Here are more resources about cleaning and meditating in the autumn season. 

5 Reasons To Do An Autumn Deep Clean:
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/cleaning/a2523/house-cleaning-autumn-season/

Why Should I Spring Clean My Home in the Fall:
http://viemeditation.com/my-body/spring-clean-home-fall/

Mindful Cleaning Practice: How to Wash, Sweep, and Fold with Presence: 
https://mindfulminutes.com/mindful-cleaning-practice-wash-sweep-fold-presence/

Fall Cleaning Checklist:
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/fall-cleaning-checklist








* Free Fall Foliage Clip Art: 
https://www.pizap.com/

* Free Border Frame: Pizap

* Free Spring Background Clip Art:
 https://www.cleanpng.com/png-spring-cleaning-clip-art-taobao-design-material-1297558/


Thursday, October 3, 2019

What is World Smile Day?



The designer of the smiley face, Harvey Ball founded World Smile Day in 1999. World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday of October. It is a way to bring awareness of being kind to one another. By doing an act of kindness can make a difference to one person. Being kind to others will help you be kind to yourself too.

World Smile Day can be celebrated in many ways such as donating money to the Operation Smile Foundation, Smile Foundation, or other charities. Another way is to visit people who are in the hospital. Also, by helping out at soup kitchens and sending flowers to someone who is going through a rough time. Make a list of items that make you smile and place the list where you can see it. Taking care of your teeth can help you feel confident about smiling. The best part of smiling is that it makes people feel welcomed and appreciated. Here are more resources about World Smile Day. 

World Smile Day-How and When to Celebrate:
https://nationaltoday.com/world-smile-day/

5 Quick Ways to Celebrate World Smile Day:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-quick-ways-to-celebrate_b_8192964

World Smile Day:
http://www.worldsmileday.com/index.php/article-index/item/363-welcome-to-the-world-smile-day-website

Operation Smile:
https://www.operationsmile.org/








* Free Smiley Face Clip Art:
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/6ip6R5GAT.htm

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Free Pansy Coloring Pages


The autumn season is here! I have created three coloring pages of pansies. Each pansy coloring page is hand-drawn and has a different design. Did you know that yellow and blue pansies have the strongest scent? These coloring pages are free and for personal use. Enjoy!