Three Top Romance Challenges

Every relationship has challenges even if you have been together for less than a year or longer. Whether both of you have an elevated level of self-esteem, and self-confidence, or have less insecurities; There is always a problem in a relationship that needs to be addressed between the two of you. Financial issues are one of the main romance issues within a relationship, but it is not the only challenge. Most of the time financial issues can be solved by having separate bank accounts, open communication, and having a joint bank account. Agree about what needs to be purchased especially if both of you are going to share the items in your home. 

Know how to spend the money together by making a list and reviewing your list together. Make a compromise with your different lifestyles. Cut back on extra expenses if you are trying to save money for a mini vacation. Review your spending habits together once a week. Calming down to communicate with your partner about unexpected purchases, household repairs, and other expenses.

 

The second romance challenge which is often difficult to manage in a relationship is self-deprecating. Self-deprecating occurs during the second or third month of some relationships. This makes your partner see their flaws, and lack of skills, and compare themselves with past relationships. Also, it makes them see their imperfections and makes them have low self-esteem. These negative thoughts get transferred to their partner. 

Self-deprecating yourself in a relationship is being too critical, harsh, and feeling unworthy to love yourself. You feel your partner does not deserve you or someone else better can be with your partner. Yet, you hide your lack of self-confidence, insecurities, or vulnerabilities by making jokes about your flaws. Doing these actions in a relationship can make your partner distance themselves from you. Additionally, this makes your partner self-conscious about their imperfections and feel depressed. 

Instead of putting yourself down and being afraid in the relationship; One must be open to possibilities, being able to be open to loving someone and go beyond the imperfections that you might have. Your partner does not see your flaws but chooses you to be loved, to be your companion, and to be your spouse. They chose you because they see a good person behind those imperfections. If your partner cares for you, they will show it with words and good actions. Encourage yourself without seeing your flaws and celebrate your successes together as a couple. 

The third challenge in a relationship is finding time for romance. Whether you have children or not, being too busy and neglecting your partner ruins a relationship. Do not blame it on your children or work. Instead, be available to see your partner during your lunch break at a Cafe or restaurant near your job. Talk to your partner on the telephone or make a video telephone call.

Be enthusiastic about seeing your partner and being together as a couple. If possible, work fewer hours during the day or cut one hour from your job to take care of your relationship. Spend more time talking to your partner before going to sleep. Go to couple therapy to help you communicate better about your romance challenges. Here are websites with tips to solve your romance challenges. 

 

How to Deal with Unresolved Issues in a Relationship-16 Effective Tips-A Conscious Rethink:

How To Deal With Unresolved Issues In A Relationship: 16 Effective Tips (aconsciousrethink.com)

What is Self-Deprecation-Signs, Impact, and How to Stop Being Self-Deprecating-Calm Sage:

What Is Self-Deprecation: Signs, Impact & How To Stop Being Self-Deprecating (calmsage.com)

Ways to Handle Financial Issues in Marriage-Marriage:

Ways to Handle Financial Issues in Marriage | Marriage.com

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Social Wellness Month

The whole month of July is dedicated to social wellness which began with a counseling group named Words of Wellness, doctors, sociologists, and health experts that brought awareness of the importance of socializing positively. It is interacting with others in a positive healthy manner by doing hobbies, exercising, and healthy activities in groups. Social wellness can be practiced by practicing self-love and taking care of your friendship and romantic relationship. Yet, socializing tends to be difficult due to age differences, maturity levels, personal values, and one’s boundaries. Social wellness involves taking your time to do an activity in a group, making new friends, and understanding your long-term friendships.

Self-respect, self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem are essential for finding and keeping long-lasting friendships. It is recommended to do volunteer work to expand your friendships. Take care of yourself and do not be afraid of expressing yourself. Communication is necessary but most of all make sure you share things in common with your friends, spouse, or your partner. Appreciate your friendships no matter what is going on in your life.

Stay away from friendships that make you feel bad about yourself, feel insecure, and confused. Get to know your friends slowly especially if they cannot trust you or have trust issues due to personal reasons. Give some space to your friends that are angry, grouchy, or who do not want to talk to you about their troubles. Taking care of your social wellness also means taking care of your emotional and physical health with your friendship and romantic relationship. Sometimes friends do not want to get you involved with their problems or want to manage them on their own without your assistance.

All you can do is think positively, send good thoughts to them, and wish them all the best. Social wellness is an important aspect of your mental health that must not be taken for granted. Practicing social wellness requires time, motivation, and getting to know yourself. Avoid unhealthy friendships for your social wellness. Here is a list to improve your social wellness. 

1. Be patient with your friends, spouse, partner, or with anyone you are getting to know. 
2. Work on your emotions and your feelings to improve your friendship or romantic relationship.
3. Be careful about getting hurt especially if your friends lack trust or do not believe you. 
4. Love yourself by practicing self-respect, self-care, self-love, and self-worth. 
5. Do not let anyone sabotage your goals, dreams, or accomplishments.
6. No matter how much you care for someone, do not forget about yourself.
7. Play board games, word games, or healthy positive activities with your friends or your romantic partner. 
8. Be honest with yourself and with your friends, romantic partner, or other relationships.
9. Practice good habits such as eating healthier and getting enough sleep. 
10. Have a tea ceremony, pizza night, movie night, picnic, and other activities that keep you busy with your friends.
11. Practice social mindfulness by slowing down to get to know your friend or partner. 
12. Take care of your mental health. 
13. Have a meditation oasis in your garden or at home. 
14. Do acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.

Be kind to yourself and others. Often you might need to ignore some of your friendships, especially if they make you feel useless. Analyze your friendships deeply. If you feel neglected, negative, or feel something is not right; End your friendship or distance yourself depending on the situation. Be grateful for all your friendships.

Yet, there are more ways of managing your social wellness besides this brief list. Have a schedule or use the weekend to practice social wellness. Social wellness applies to your emotional health, physical health, and mental health. Know your limitations while you enjoy the companionship of your friend or romantic partner. Here are websites with more tips to improve your social wellness. 

 

What is Social Wellness-Tips to Improve Your Social Health 2021-Life Cares:

What Is Social Wellness? Tips To Improve Your Social Health 2021 (lifecares.org)

How to Improve Your Social Health-17 Tips with Examples-Social Self:

How to Improve Your Social Health (17 Tips With Examples) (socialself.com)

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* Vector Green Road Sign png-Free Transparent Traffic Sign:

Vector green road sign png download - 1500*1500 - Free Transparent Traffic Sign ai,png Download. - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

National Love is Kind Day

What is National Love is Kind Day? This is an emotional and uplifting day, especially for anyone who has experienced domestic violence or domestic abuse. It is a day to celebrate being free from verbal abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and from sexual violence. Every July 27th is National Love is Kind Day which is a day to be kind to yourself and to others who have survived domestic abuse or any other type of abuse. It is a day to celebrate your freedom from abuse.

To celebrate National Love is Kind Day, you can do self-care, self-love, self-respect, and remind yourself of your self-worth with positive affirmations. This is not a day to feel shame, embarrassment, or regret. It is not a day to relive your past either. But it is a day to motivate, inspire, and encourage others to use their voice regarding domestic violence, domestic abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other abuse. Domestic violence and domestic abuse affect everyone and not just women.

Anyone who has experienced abuse manages their feelings differently and it is recommended to seek professional therapy. For example, some men who experienced abuse struggle with their emotions and tend to misuse alcohol, misuse substances, and other items to escape from speaking about domestic violence. In contrast, some women who experienced abuse struggle with depression, eating disorders, compulsive disorders, or other disorders. As well as digestive issues, body image issues, and mental disorders are other side effects caused by domestic violence or domestic abuse. It is a long journey to recover from abuse as you take it each day at a time.

Light a battery operate candle in memory of those who experienced domestic violence or domestic abuse. Make a tea luncheon with your support group who survived domestic abuse and domestic violence. Donate to Prevent Child Abuse America to support families and children who have experienced abuse. Furthermore, donate to domestic violence shelters and give your time to do volunteer work in their food pantries. Practice being kind to yourself today and every day.

You can use the hashtag #TheLoveisKindMovement, #LoveisKindDay, #LoveisKind, and #LoveisKindNotTerrorizing in social media. Follow the Love is Kind Movement on Facebook. Additionally, you can do Love is Kind Pledge by printing out a copy of Love is Kind Pledge Poem and frame it as a reminder to be kind to yourself. Last, you can purchase items from the Love is Kind Network store. Here are website links for National Love is Kind Day. 

The Love is Kind Network:

https://theloveiskindnetwork.com/

Celebrating National Love is Kind Day:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/bekindandco.com/inspiration/celebrating-national-love-is-kind-day%3famp

Give Today-Prevent Child Abuse America:

Give Today | Prevent Child Abuse America

Love is Kind Network-Designs & Collections on Zazzle:

Love_is_Kind_Network: Designs & Collections on Zazzle

Love is Kind Pledge:

The Pledge Optin Page (loveiskindnetwork.com)

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How Someone's Addiction Affects Someone Else's Life?

When someone has an addiction, it affects another person's mental health. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, smoking, and other substances cause someone to lose control. The desire to use drugs in high quantities makes someone to be compulsive. Over time, the person you once knew becomes a stranger to you because of the addiction to alcohol and abuse of substances. There is an emotional change that makes them have a new personality due to the mental control the drug has on the brain. 

This causes more anxiety to them and you without realizing it. Someone with an addiction has mental and physical impairments due to excessive drug and alcohol use. Although you do not have an addiction, your spouse or family member who has the addiction creates verbal and mental abuse on you. The worst part is that the person with the addiction is not aware of what he or she says about you. The drugs or substances they use hurts them physically and psychologically.

Often as a spouse, family member, or friend, it is challenging to help someone with an addiction. A person's addiction can get severe depending on the number of years the same drugs or new drugs have been misused. It is painful to see someone you care about go through an untreated addiction. No matter how much you want them to let go of misusing drugs, they may not want your help. Addictions hurt them financially and socially as they cannot live without using substances. 

Yet, there are cases where someone with an addiction does want to change, accept, and quit using alcohol with drugs. But it is necessary to speak to them in a non-violent manner so they can accept their addiction before they begin their recovery process. If they do not want to listen to you for any reason, have someone else intervene to help them accept their addiction. They might want to withdraw from your friendship or your relationship with them without giving you excuses. Give them time and space so they can comprehend how much they have hurt you verbally and emotionally. 

If for some reason, they do not accept their addiction or are too offended with you; Be patient with them. Do not blame them for their addictions. Addictions arise from unemployment, financial hardships, low self-esteem, insecurities, peer pressure, genetics, or a family history of addictions. Furthermore, getting the resources needed for them might help them with rehabilitation from alcohol and substance abuse. Caring for and supporting them might not be enough if they do not accept their addiction.

Take care of your mental health. Check in with the person who is struggling with the addiction. But do not let your preoccupation take over your life, making you feel depressed. Worrying too much about them is not going to help you mentally and physically. Do not feel shame or feel selfish because your mental wellness is so important. 

You cannot always be there for them, and it might not be enough to heal them from their addictions. Their offspring, family members, or spouse might be a remedy for them to accept their addictions. Yet, be aware of how you feel when you see them behave with their addictions. Distance yourself and set boundaries if you need to recharge yourself mentally. Care for yourself. 

Be there for them if they want you to be a part of their life. Let them accept their addiction when they are ready to quit alcohol and substance abuse. Moving forward with patience and setting aside their addiction is a good contribution to your relationship with them. Read educational resources and help them emotionally if there is a relapse. Here are websites about helping someone with addictions. 

Helping a Friend with an Addiction:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2255

SAMHSA National Helpline: 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

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Summer Self-Care (International Self-Care Day 2023)

Practicing self-care in the summer is difficult to do because it makes you slow down to take care of yourself. If you are always busy in the summer nonstop, squeeze some time for self-care. Self-care in the summer months involves more time for yourself even on vacation. As challenging as it is, self-care can be done in one hour or by doing tasks in segments. Here is a list of ideas for summer self-care. 

1. Try doing something you might enjoy such as a new knitting pattern you have not tried. 
2. A new T-shirt or a blouse in a style you have never worn. 
3. Putting on lotion before going to sleep. 
4. Sing a new song before going to sleep.
5. Get a new bed set or bedroom cooling sheets with your favorite color. 
6. Slow dance and enjoy the music. 
7. Take breaks from reading online.
8. Spend time drinking water, milk, or other hydrating beverages. 
9. Make your bedroom feel cool by adding one or two plants. 
10. Exercise at a slow pace or exercise indoors in a ventilated room. 
11. Have a hygiene schedule and avoid strong perfumes in the summer. 
12. Add healthier snacks while you work. 

Summer self-care must be a priority for you especially if you have a high-demand job. Do things you like to do and distance yourself from stressful situations if possible. Spend time planning out a day of self-care in the summer. Celebrate International Self-Care Day every July 24th to show yourself self-love, self-care, and self-respect. Comb or brush your hair at a slow pace without rushing to get dressed in the morning. 

Listen to music or a positive podcast to start your day or help you relax at night. Read a positive affirmation while having your hand on your heart. Do things to give yourself self-love and self-care with good positive intentions. Love yourself, love your mind, and love your body. Here are websites for self-care in the summer. 

Self-Care Practices that are Perfect for Summer:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/self-care-practices-that-are-perfect-for-summer/

Summer Self-Care Routine:

https://theeverygirl.com/summer-self-care-routine/

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National Avocado Day

Every July 31st is National Avocado Day. Since the 1950's avocados have been added to salads. Avocados are delicious in salads, as well as a dip, and by themselves with toasted bread. Adding avocados to your meals creates a creamy and delicious texture. It is also beneficial for your cardiovascular system and the ocular system. 

It is recommended to eat one whole avocado to get B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Eating avocados provide the fiber that your body needs. Avocados are good for your digestive system. Furthermore, avocados have antioxidants that may help with depression and with diabetes. Here is a recipe for making this avocado salad for National Avocado Day or any other day. 

Ingredients:

Avocados

Mushrooms

Radishes

Grape tomatoes

Cucumbers

Red onions

One-half of a lemon

Salad dressing or vinaigrette 

Spinach or shredded cabbage salad bag

Preparation and Salad Toss:

Wash and slice mushrooms, radishes, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. In a bowl, add spinach or shredded cabbage salad. Then, add your favorite salad dressing. After that wash and slice one or two avocados. Remove the avocado seed.

Next, slice the avocados. Add the avocados on top of the salad. Toss the salad and add half of the juice of a lemon. This salad serves two or three people. Here are websites about the benefits of avocados. 

 

Avocado Benefits:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/avocado-benefits

Avocados-Benefits-Eating Well:

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8026117/avocados-benefits/

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Before Going to College (College Tips)

Going to college is a wonderful time to get to know yourself and to seek a career you will enjoy for a job. But before you begin your first year in college, you must search for a career path that you can do. Also, making friends and being available to study with your friends. It is often difficult to make friendships in the first year of college. Most of the time, you will find some students are undecided about their major. 

There is nothing wrong with being undecided about your major. Other times, you might be undecided about making plans to study and attend college events. Give yourself some months to decide what type of profession you want to do. Once you have decided on a major, do some research to find the college that offers your career. Some colleges can teach you everything in eight months or two years depending on your career goals. 

Decide if you want to get an associate degree or certificate, or if you want to transfer to a university. If you have a tough time knowing what to do, make a list, a chart, or a diagram to decide what would be good for you. Meditate before deciding. Speak to your college counselor and to your friend to help you decide on what you want to do. Doing volunteer work helps you find out what you like to do for a dream job. 

Sometimes doing a volunteer job can help you see what job skills you have and build new job skills. Volunteer work helps build your self-esteem and self-confidence. At the same time, you can make friendships. Be careful in making friends who are jealous of you or do not help you grow as a person. Friendships in college are different than high school friendships because of age differences, one's values, and one's boundaries. 

Yet, this must not prevent you from making long-lasting friendships in college. Friendships in college take patience and time selecting your friends. Nonetheless, there are so many items to keep in mind before going to college. You might want to take a break for two or three months after graduating from high school to relax; Decide on your dream job, study in college, and answer other questions that you might have after your vacation. Here is a brief list before you go to college. 

1. Save money for your expenses such as books, college supplies, clothes, transportation, and meals.
2. Research your chosen college, financial assistance, scholarships, and student loans. 
3. Practice your favorite hobbies, meditation, and self-care. 
4. Get a yearly physical exam and necessary shots before going to college. 
5. Ask for advice if you are undecided on your major. 
6. Always be motivated to go to college no matter how old you are. 
7. Do not give up on your dream career, especially if it is going to take you three or four years to get a degree. 
8. Get dorm room essential items if you plan in staying in a dorm.
9. Ask someone to teach you how to cook your meals, how to do your laundry, or other questions about keeping your dorm clean. 
10. Take a self-defense class, attend a college orientation class, and be yourself. 

Make a checklist before going to college. If you want to take a summer class, be aware of your time and dedication to complete the class for college credit. It is all right to decline invitations to off-campus events. Be alert and make sure you feel safe in college. If you see or hear anything suspicious, report it to your college campus. 

Before going to college make sure you are ready mentally and physically. It is all right to feel frustrated in the first year of college. Seek professional counseling if college life and family life seem overwhelming. Fill out college registration forms, financial aid forms, and get a college library card. Here are websites about college tips for your first year in college.

 

College Advice-21 Tips Every Freshman Should Know-Style Caster:

College Advice: 21 Tips Every Freshman Should Know – StyleCaster

7 College Tips for Freshman-The Best Practical Advice-College Life Made Easy:

7 College Tips for Freshman | The Best Practical Advice (collegelifemadeeasy.com)

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Free Back-to-School Binder Covers

Back-to-school season can be stressful, joyful, and with anticipation for a new semester. Today, I have created three coloring binder cover pages for Back-to-School. However, you can use these binder cover pages for your recipes, coupons, or other items that you keep in your binder. Each coloring page is hand drawn and has a different theme. These coloring pages are free and for your personal use. 

* Font from LunaPiC

Validation in Relationships

Validation in relationships is what every relationship needs to strengthen and make it last. It is not seeking approval. However, validation is acknowledging your partner's feelings, desires, and emotions. This type of relationship requires listening and effective communication. Furthermore, some body language and touching your partner when it is appropriate. 

There is no criticism, judging, or embarrassing moments. Although it might feel uncomfortable in the beginning if you are not open with your feelings; Accept how you feel without worrying how your partner receives the information. Validate your feelings and your partner's feelings without making a quick decision. Accept their feelings, opinions, and worries. Understand your partner. 

Respect your partner's feelings and decisions. Do not frown on your partner. Instead, keep a neutral opinion. Do not disagree or agree on everything in the conversation. Show compassion, care, and support. 

Do not reject opinions from your partner. Make your partner feel safe, comfortable, and open with their feelings toward you. Encourage your partner. A healthy relationship requires boosting each other's self-esteem, and self-confidence, and feeling secure with each other. In a validation relationship, there are no labels for each other's personality, qualities, or emotional status. 

There are compromises, sacrifices, and commitments. In any healthy relationship, there is more listening to your partner's needs, desires, dreams, and feelings. Do not neglect your partner. Let your partner know you are available for them if they need to discuss anything on their mind. Avoidance and not solving any relationship matters are hurtful to you and your partner. 

Validation is a principal element in any healthy relationship. It is not pleasing your partner every day. But it is a way to have a better understanding of your partner without saying “yes" to your partner all the time to avoid conflict. Every relationship has its moments of strife, sadness, loneliness, or feeling disapproval. As well as one partner thinking they are right or wrong about everything. 

Yet, validation eliminates or eases the relationship with fewer arguments. It makes the relationship less complicated and hear everything with an open mind. Additionally, it is an opportunity to repair the relationship and have fewer misunderstandings. If your partner does not have enough trust, avoids the subject, and has difficulty expressing their feelings; It is recommended to do couple therapy. Here are websites about using validation in your relationship.

 

Why Partners Need to Validate Each Other:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/darwins-subterranean-world/202112/why-partners-need-validate-each-other%3famp

Validate Spouses Feelings:

https://firstthings.org/validate-spouses-feelings/

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Listen to Your Body

Listening to your body is something you might take for granted, especially if you are working non-stop. Multi-tasking too much at work at a fast pace makes you eventually get work burnout. Also, it makes your body feel stressed at an elevated level. Only taking work breaks often makes you stop and listen to your body. But if you practice listening to your body every day, you will know when to take work breaks.

Stop and slow down to see how your body feels and if you have any symptoms. Although you cannot do a self-diagnosis or treat your medical condition without a doctor; You can have a journal for your mental and physical balance for work and family life. If you tend to eat emotionally or due to stress, you can have a food journal. Food journals can help assist you in knowing about your food allergies and may help you adjust your eating habits and manage your weight. Be aware that food journals are not for everyone, but they can be a guide to healthier eating. 

Additionally, you will have self-awareness of your body's needs to stay healthier. If you cannot fix the issue, you can write it down to tell your primary care physician. For example, if you notice an unexplainable bruise, nervous tick, or notice a new mole; You can write it down and let your doctor know about it. However, if you have pain that does not go away; Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Nevertheless, making a list to discuss with your doctor is helpful to treat the medical condition. 

Also have a list of all your prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to discuss with your doctor about any side effects. Discuss with your doctor if you have any sleep issues. Besides doing the following items, self-care is necessary to get enough sleep, mental relaxation, and physical relaxation. Avoid feeling guilty or criticizing your body negatively. Practice self-care, self-love, and self-respect for your body. 

Indulge in hobbies that incorporate physical activities to feel peaceful and reduce your stress. Permit your body to relax by taking naps if you feel very tired. Do the hula hoop, jump rope, or take the stairs if you have some time to exercise in the morning. Use your senses to feel and see your body from a unique perspective. Practice body positivity, positive self-talk, and positive self-image while doing your hygiene care.

Give yourself a self-hug or allow yourself to receive a hug from someone. Use a stress ball to relax your hand muscles and a foot massage roller. Walk in a labyrinth or a circle while observing how your muscles feel. Ask yourself questions such as "Do you feel any stiffness, pain, or numbness?". Continue asking yourself questions and write them down. 

Depending on how your body feels, change your eating habits, sleep routine, and physical activities. Hydrate your body. Change your lifestyle to improve your body's physical health. Know your family medical history to prevent some diseases and ask your doctor about preventing some diseases. If you do not know your family medical history, you can still prevent some diseases. 

Listen to your body when you are sitting, laying down, or doing physical activities. Notice if your clothes restrict your movements, feel too tight for breathing, and if your body feels stiff. Stay silent and see if you have any twitches, nervous ticks, or repetitive body movements. Get up slowly and listen for any stomach noises. Drink water, eat, and stretch your body. 

Listen to your body attentively and focus on relaxation techniques. Write down everything even if it is a minor ache. Do not force your body to relax. But do avoid distractions and care for your body's physical health. Here are websites with more tips to listen to your body.

  

How to Mindfully Listen to Your Body to Optimize Recovery-Fleet Fleet:

https://www.fleetfeet.com/blog/how-to-mindfully-listen-to-your-body-to-optimize-recovery

How to Listen to Your Body-Beach Body on Demand:

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/how-to-listen-to-your-body

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Mindfulness & Nature

Mindfulness in nature can help you to appreciate, enjoy, and love the peaceful calmness that nature brings. It puts you have a better mood as well as noticing things that you would not see in an average day. Practicing mindfulness is beneficial for your overall health and makes you feel connected with yourself in nature. Allow yourself to have a lazy day while walking on a hiking trail. Take breaks while hiking and feel the wind.

Observe the sounds, sights, and appreciate what you see. If you are walking in your garden, you can walk barefoot on the grass. Feel the wet grass and take your time to smell your flowers in the garden. Smell your citrus fruits and other vegetables you have planted in your garden. Decorate your garden with steppingstones and walk barefoot on the stones.

Visualize your garden with gratitude, hope, and feel the peace that it brings to you. Use your senses, alertness, and creativity while you tend to your garden. Sit on your garden bench, grass, or anywhere that feels comfortable. Feel the wind and enjoy listening to the bird’s chirp. Avoid looking at your cell phone and do breathing exercises.

Close your eyes and say “Thank you” while you sit. Open your eyes and see the wind blow the leaves of the trees. Ask yourself questions about how you are feeling, what emotions come to mind, and how your body feels. Ignore your mental to do list and carefully observe how your body responds to your breathing exercises. Watch the sunset and see the stars at night before going to sleep.

Focus on your breathing and put one hand on your heart. Feel your heart beats. Dip your feet in your swimming pool or wet your feet with the garden hose. Feel the dirt with your feet and relax for a few more minutes. Water your plants and remove the dry leaves from your plants. Hum a song or play music while you are gardening.

Practicing mindfulness in nature allows you to feel less anxious and get a good night’s sleep. Simply tending to your garden is beneficial for your mental and physical health. Wear comfortable clothes without worrying about getting dirty on your clothes. The purpose of practicing mindfulness in nature is to allow your body and your mind to feel serene. Be carefree and let go of complaints, anger, and negativity.

Assign colors to your emotions. You can use any color to represent how you are feeling. Touch your flowers gently and with compassion while saying the name of the color. For example, “Yellow is the color of my joy.” Then breathe slowly and exhale while using another color to represent another feeling.

For example, “Green is the color of my hope,” “I am thankful for another day in my beautiful garden.” Stand up and walk in your garden for another few minutes. Mindfulness in nature can be done anytime of the day or at night. Yet the more you practice it, the better you become aware, grateful, and feel more connected with nature. Here are resources about practicing mindfulness in nature. 

How to Practice Mindfulness in Nature-Mindfulness Exercises:

How to Practice Mindfulness in Nature - Mindfulness Exercises

7 Ways to Practice Mindfulness in Nature-Mindfulzen:

7 Ways to Practice Mindfulness in Nature (mindfulzen.co)

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Using Essential Oils Safely

Essential oils are useful for cleaning, for aromatherapy, for natural bug repellents, for making perfumes, reed oil diffusers, and for humidifiers. It is recommended to use organic essential oils especially if you are using it for your skin, your hair, and for deodorizing your rooms. Before you use essential oils consult with your primary care physician if you can use essential oils especially when you are pregnant. Some essential oils induce menstruation, preterm labor, contractions, and other side effects. Also, essential oils must not be swallowed and keep away from pets.

Although some essential oils can be used to give you relief from pain in your gums and for oral health; it must not be ingested. It is important to discuss with your primary care physician about using essential oils as a complementary resource for your self-care, therapy, or for your relaxation schedule. Also be aware that some essential oils have been used for different purposes and not just for sleep and aromatizing your rooms. Essential oils are concentrated oils from plant leaves, seeds, flower petals, and peels from citrus fruit. Therefore, it is recommended that essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil, lotion, in bath water, or in white distilled vinegar.

Depending on the use of the essential oils, it is best to dilute it before using it. Use one or two drops of one or two essential oils to mix with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or another oil. Test one area before applying it to the rest of your body or hair. Apply lesser amounts to your hair or to your skin and massage the area. Then rinse it out if you are using it on your hair.

Another way is by applying an essential oil to an unscented lotion in a travel lotion bottle. Travel bottles make it easy to mix essential oils with your unscented lotion to apply to your skin. Some essential oils are good for your skin and can help you with your acne, eczema, melasma, or for your dry skin. Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, patchouli, peppermint, and rose essential oil leaves a nice scent to your skin or your hair. Make sure you keep essential oils away from heat and wear sunscreen if you go outside after applying your diluted essential oils in your unscented lotion.

But essential oils can also be used for cleaning by mixing the essential oil in a spray bottle with white distilled vinegar. It can also be used for repelling bugs without killing the insects. The most common essential oils that are used to repel insects are lavender, peppermint, basil, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Make sure you spray the essential oils with the white distilled vinegar in a ventilated area. Keep your windows open. 

No matter how you use your essential oils, keep them away from your pets and from your children. Not all essential oils are safe to use on children. But there are some brands that are safe for kids to use for their allergies, itchy skin, or for calming insect bites. Make sure the essential oils that you purchase are safe to use for children. Consult with their pediatrician before using essential oils on your child’s skin. Overall essential oils have been useful to use for many purposes. Here are websites with more information about essential oils. 

How to Use Essential Oils-16 Tips for Essential Oil Safety-Web MD:

How To Use Essential Oils: 16 Tips for Essential Oil Safety (webmd.com)

How to Use Essential Oils on Your Skin-3 Must-Know Rules-Body Unburdened:

How to Use Essential Oils on Your Skin: 3 Must-Know Rules (bodyunburdened.com)

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* This blog post is not medical advice. 

Tips for Boredom

Boredom can happen on any day and in any season. Yet, having some boredom can make you feel creative. It makes you contemplate and find some time to relax. Feeling bored is usually temporary but it can become a chronic issue. This can make you feel sad, anxious, or afraid. 

However, chronic boredom can be treated by a professional therapist. Your therapist may help you find a solution to your boredom. Boredom occurs when there is a lack of motivation, loss of interest, tiredness, and feeling distracted. You might feel lazy, and everything feels mundane. You frequently feel sleepy while being bored.

Chronic boredom can be prevented and treated through counseling. Your therapist can assist you in figuring out if you are bored with your relationships, your job, or your home. Most of the time, boredom happens when nothing is exciting or doing repetitive activities. One must take breaks, change the routine, and feel motivated. Do new activities by yourself and with your partner.

Begin by finding motivation within yourself. Motivate your partner if they feel boredom. Decorate your home if you feel boredom with the same furniture or items. Take small steps to change the interior design of your home, your wardrobe, or in changing your job. Additionally, get a second job that you will enjoy doing without thinking about how much money you will get doing the job.

Feeling boredom might allow you to get to know yourself and help transform you. It also changes your partner and your relationship with them. Boredom in relationships is typical after many years of being together. Speak to your partner about the reasons for feeling bored. Go to new places and rediscover each other. 

Make a change to feel happier as a couple. Spend time together and talk about each other. Go on a second honeymoon. Seek professional help if you or your partner still feel bored. Sometimes feeling bored in your job can make you feel miserable in your relationship. 

 

If you feel boredom in your job, take mini breaks. Search for another job for a change in scenery especially if you feel bored every day. Go on a vacation if it is occasional boredom at your job. Take care of yourself and get enough sleep. Change the area of your lunch breaks. 

Changing jobs is a major decision but do it for your happiness. Also, for your peace of mind. If you feel bored on your vacation, learn new hobbies. Try doing new things you have never done with your partner or by yourself. Here are websites with more tips about beating boredom.

 

Things to do When Bored-Live About:

https://www.liveabout.com/things-to-do-when-bored-5208574

Boredom:

https://www.healthline.com/health/boredom

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* Quote from GoodReads

Mindfulness for Feelings

 

Feelings can sometimes be difficult to control and to manage in any situation. There are feelings that cause you to have pain and other feelings that are enjoyable. As well as feelings that do not cause pain or are disinterested. Yet, when there are too many feelings involved, it often makes it challenging to make decisions. It is best to sit down, walk, or do something to understand one’s feelings.

Mindfulness can be an excellent aid for comprehending your feelings. It helps you to observe, accept, and to recognize how you are feeling at that moment. Observe how your body reacts with each feeling. Use your senses of what you hear, what you see, and what you smell when you associate each feeling. Label each feeling with a pencil, pen, or color pens on a piece of paper or a white board with color dry erase markers. 

Additionally, you can label your feelings by writing them down on a journal or blank index cards. Other times labeling your feelings might not be enough. In this case, you might want to paint your feelings to release the tension that you are feeling at that time. Focus on how your feelings make you respond in that moment or if a situation arises. Is it a negative reaction or a positive reaction?

Some feelings make you want to be creative or to do an activity such as cleaning to release your stress. Create a dance with a song that makes you feel good and dance to the song. Watch something online or on television without selecting it from the television guide. Write down how the television show or the movie made you feel. Discourage yourself from negative feelings when you are doing household activities.

You can identify some feelings by labeling it with a song. Listen to the song and see how it makes you feel after listening to it. Write a number list, a bullet list, or a list of how you feel. Then, write down why you feel that way and if there is a way to stop yourself from criticizing yourself. Replace each negative feeling with a positive feeling on the second page of your list.

A column list might also be effective for labeling your feelings. Speak to someone about your feelings such as a friend, a therapist, or someone you trust. Practicing mindfulness makes you have self-control with your emotions. It makes you balance your emotions and to be aware of your feelings. Here are resources about practicing mindfulness for your feelings. 

How to Be Mindful of Your Emotions-7 Ways-Psych Central:

How to Be Mindful of Your Emotions: 7 Ways (psychcentral.com)

A Guided Meditation to Label Difficult Emotions-Mindful:

A Guided Meditation to Label Difficult Emotions - Mindful

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