Category: Self Improvement

Every year we make resolutions, work at them for two weeks then forgot the promises we made ourselves before the first quarter is over. But there might be a new horizon for this cycle.

Many people are referring to 2020 as the “year of vision” (get it?). And what better way to make your visions a reality than by investing in yourself.  

You can leave the hamster wheel of abandoned goals behind by creating a self-care plan for a happier, healthier life. Check out these 10 tips on what to include.

1. Starting a Serious Workout Regimen

One of the most popular goals for making a life change is starting a workout plan. Granted, keeping up with a consistent exercise schedule can be challenging at first. However, the more you have to start over, the harder it becomes.

Before you go sign up for a gym membership, add a serious workout regimen to your self-care plan. Having a sense of direction will help to motivate you instead of discouraging you in a new environment. 

2. Ditching Diets for Good

The effects of dieting can be detrimental for people that engage in “yo-yo dieting” often. A better way to get your health on track is to learn your body. Figure out which affects different foods have on you.

Adopting an overall lifestyle in regards to the way you eat is better than trying restrictive diets on and off. Everyone is made differently so following a cookie-cutter plan isn’t usually the best route to take.

3. Becoming Financially Free

The total US consumer debt is over $13 trillion. Most people are haunted by debt from credit cards, student loans, mortgages, etc. This can leave you feeling hopeless and often financially trapped.

The good news is that you don’t have to stay in debt forever. Figure out a plan to become financially free and take small steps towards it. Experts like Dave Ramsey have built entire communities dedicating to helping people learn financial literacy and turn their stories around.

4. Exploring Creativity

A lot of people are stuck in a cycle that only allows them to focus on working tirelessly and then re-starting their day. One of the best ways to escape this is to include indulging in creativity more in your self-care plan.

This might come in the form of picking up a new (or old) hobby. Consider trying that dance class, painting that portrait or writing that short story. Creativity is free to engage in and can unlock your mind and your mood into more blissful states.

5. Building Solid Relationships

Having a strong support system is essential in life. Whether we’d like to admit it or not─ humans need other humans. Remember to stay connected and reach out to those you love and care about.

Make efforts to spend quality time with your loved ones. If you’re looking for a romantic relationship (or in one), put your best foot forward in creating a solid foundation with the other person. Keep in mind that any relationship starts with yourself so stay accountable for your actions and behaviors.

6. Leaving the Comfort Zone

They say that everything we truly want is on the other side of fear. This cliché phrase has stood the test of time for good reason. Take a step outside of your comfort zone this year.

You can start by taking tiny steps towards things that scare you. Put yourself to the test with small actions like publishing that blog or asking your crush on a date. Build up to larger tasks until the process becomes natural.

The fear never really goes away but facing it becomes easier. This is what gets you to the experiences you truly desire.

7. Establishing Regular Medical Check-Ins

One of the first things that become neglected when we’re caught up in daily life is our health. Many adults don’t even visit their primary care doctors for routine check-ups─ let alone specialists.

Make it your duty to build a medical team that you check-in with regularly. This includes doctors, dentists, specialists, and even alternative medical professionals.

Finding them doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Doing a quick search for something like “best chiropractor near me” will help you start. Also, consider asking family and friends for recommendations.

8. Getting Your Space in Order

Most people feel like their life is chaotic when their home isn’t in order. It’s common for individuals to save years worth of items that they don’t need anymore. 

Take some time this year to do a deep cleanse in your space. Use the Marie Kondo method of getting rid of things that no longer bring you joy. 

You may also be due for some redecorating or home renovations. Include investing in making your home feel more comforting in your self-care plan.

9. Doing Work You Love

Going to a job you hate is becoming a thing of the past. This isn’t to say that you should quit and never work again (although that would be great). But you can find meaningful work that you love to do.

The advancement of the internet and technology has opened more opportunities than ever before. If you’ve been feeling less than enthusiastic about your job then it may be time for a career change. It might seem scary at first but if you start taking steps towards a new future, everything works out eventually.

10. Pampering Yourself

One of the most important things to include in your self-care plan is actually caring for yourself. Put some “you” time on the schedule regularly to indulge in things that bring you pleasure and joy. This is great for finding balance in life.

Consider getting weekly massages, doing face masks, soaking a bubble bath or just taking more naps. Figure out what helps you to restore and relax and do it.

Write Your Self-Care Plan Today

There’s no better time to get started on your self-care plan than now. Most of these tips can be implemented today by just taking some small, actionable steps. The most important part is remaining committed to your happiness and health.

For more tips and advice, check out some of our other articles. 

Dry needling is becoming the preferred form of treatment for pain. 

One study conducted by the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy in 2017 concluded that patients who received dry needling in physical therapy reported it as their preferred treatment method for pain. 

But is dry needling right for you? 

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new (and science-backed) approach to pain management and well-being! 

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a way to decrease muscle pain and restore muscle function, by poking “trigger points” or specific tissues with small needles.

Dry needling is very similar to acupuncture in that needles are used to help regulate and cure a specific ailment. During an appointment or consultation, a patient will discuss their specific problems with a practitioner, and together they will decide what the best approach is. 

During a treatment, the practitioner will insert needles into areas of the body that they believe is collecting tension, and therefore creating pain. Sometimes these areas can be obvious, sometimes they are not. 

The needles are like thin sewing needles, versus a thicker needle that might be used to inject a person with some form of liquid. That’s how “dry needling” got its name. 

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

If you looked at one photo of dry needling, and another of acupuncture, most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. 

But, as Physio auckland explains, dry needling involves a process of rapid, short term needling into altered or dysfunctional tissue in the body to restore muscle function. 

Aside from the process, the intention and philosophies behind dry needling and acupuncture are very different. Acupuncture’s roots are in Chinese medicine, and its goal is to restore the overall energy flow (Qi) of the body. Whereas dry needling is more medical-based. 

The philosophies and beliefs behind these procedures ultimately dictate how a practitioner will approach treatment. 

Key Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry needling is backed by research as having legitimate benefits that can aid health and well-being. Honor Health explains that the main benefit of dry needling is its ability to reduce pain and soreness. 

They explain that the insertion of the needle into the tissue can help release muscle tightness that’s causing pain. They also note that dry needling can relieve the symptoms of tendonitis and help the body reduce inflammation. 

Trigger points are located in skeletal muscle, and are what we often refer to as “knots.” Dry needling can be especially helpful for those experiencing shoulder, knee and hip pain. Headaches, sciatica, plantar fasciitis and more.

Is Dry Needling Right for Me? 

Don’t let the idea of needles scare you away from this treatment. They are incredibly light and slender. The only discomfort can come in the form of a twitch, which means that the tension in the trigger point is releasing. 

Any type of athlete can benefit from dry needling. Runners, cyclists and basketball players are only a few of the types who most commonly use it.

Need more life hacks? Click over to our home page for more ways you can start living your best life! 

In a world that sometimes seems ridden with fear, chaos, and turmoil, it can be hard to stay positive and uplifted.

There’s no doubt that it’s hard (really hard) to be a mother, but it’s one of the most important, rewarding jobs a person can have.

Navigating your own faith can be challenging with all the hectic demands that come with parenting, but we are here to help you!

Let’s get into how to find and restore fearless faith as a mom.

Release the Perfectionism

Most mothers agree that they experience the internal and external pressure to somehow be superhuman.

With that said, the perfect mother does not exist. It never has and it never will. And, that’s okay!

Having fearless faith means accepting that things will not always go according to plan. You will not always have control of the outcome. You will face hardships and obstacles through the ebbs and flows of life.

If you stay too focused on perfectionism, you miss the tiny, imperfect miracles that happen on a regular basis. You miss the chance to stay connected with your faith and spirituality.

Practice staying patient and accepting- even when life doesn’t turn out the way you want it to. Practice finding a silver lining, even in the dark storms.

After all, fearless faith doesn’t just exist when everything is going well. It exists even when everything is falling apart. The happiest, calmest mothers know and live by that philosophy.

Stay Connected with Your Faith

It’s so easy to become disconnected with the principles and practices that keep you calm. But, this is a costly mistake.

Most of us feel stressed on a routine basis. It’s just become a normal part of life, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Did you know that 77% of Americans report experiencing physical symptoms (like headaches or stomach pains) as a result of stress? That’s almost 8 in 10 people, and it doesn’t have to be that way!

Not only is all this rushing and insane scheduling wreaking havoc on our mental health, it can also have detrimental consequences on our physical well-being.

Your spiritual health matters, and it matters just as much as eating well, exercising regularly, and practicing positive coping strategies to manage stress.

So, how can you stay connected with your faith?

If you’re an active member of a faith-based community, such as a church or temple, make it a priority to actually go! Just like you would with any other appointment, it shouldn’t just be open for negotiation or “as a last resort.”

You can also build upon your relationships with others who share the same fearless faith. Learn from mentors and take on their wisdom. Open up about your struggles and lean on others for support — that’s what friends are there for and that’s what makes the community of faith so special.

Seek Inspiration on a Routine Basis

It’s important for all of us to experience awe and inspiration. It helps us feel alive and it helps us feel spiritually connected.

When was the last time you felt inspired? If you can’t recall, we have a major problem. Inspiration colors our world.

Think about your children — chances are, they experience this awe and wonder every day. They do it without thinking. They experience it in the fantastic land of make-believe and childlike freedom and innocence.

Unfortunately, as busy adults with jam-packed schedules, we can lose sight of this in the midst of the daily grind. Fearless faith is all about feeling inspired, connected, and hopeful about the past, present, and future.

Make it a priority to set time for inspiration. Whether it’s picking up new Servant books or spending time in nature on a mindful hike, do what you can to stimulate your mind and body.

Inspiration can be found anywhere- if you look hard enough. It also doesn’t just have to be in a formal religious setting. Inspiration exists in the relationships we have with others, the moments we share with our children, and the sensations we experience every single day.

Love Without Limitations

As a mother, you already know that the unconditional love that you have for your children has no bounds. It’s one of the best parts of being a mother, and it’s what makes human connections so powerful and remarkable.

The more you can practice love, patience, and tolerance with the rest of the people in your life, the more fearless faith you will experience.

While it’s normal to feel angry or upset at certain people throughout life, holding onto deeply-set resentments often ends up hurting you more. When we have certain expectations of others, we can risk feeling disappointed when they do not meet them in the way we want.

Instead, practice accepting people as they are- flaws and all. Learn to fall in love with the quirks and nuances. It’s what makes us human, and it’s what ultimately makes us beautiful and unique.

Remember: just like you don’t need to be perfect, nobody else owes you perfection, either. The more you can embrace people for who they are, the happier you will feel.

Final Thoughts on Harnessing the Beauty of Fearless Faith

With faith, all things are possible. With faith, you will feel a sense of peace, calmness, and indescribable joy.

Just remember that faith does not happen “randomly.” You need to take the conscious actions and steps to pump faith into your life and family.

Interested in more helpful lifestyle tips about raising your family? Be sure to check out our blog today!

Any change you want to make in your life starts with you.

Maybe it’s time to finally take on the career change you’ve been dreaming of. Maybe this is the year you and your family start to travel more.

Whatever a life improvement looks like in the near future, focus on self-improvement first.

Not sure where to begin?

Here are five self-improvement tips to consider trying!

1. Get Rid of Your Clutter

A messy home is a reflection of a messy life.

When things aren’t in the right place, it’s harder to think straight. Clutter can cause memory loss, poor eating habits, or increase your stress level.

All of these can get in the way of any self-improvement efforts.

To put your best foot forward when helping yourself, clear your path first. Clean up your home and your office space. Your mind will become more clear as a result.

2. Make Time to Learn New Things

Once you’ve established some peace of mind, develop your mind.

You don’t have to go back to school or learn a new language, but do something that interests you.

Maybe you start crafting or gardening. Maybe you start playing a sport you played in school again. Maybe you commit to cooking something new once a week.

Whatever you do, just learn something!

Learning goes hand in hand with many self-improvement tips. As you take on new challenges and tasks, you learn about yourself as well.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Speaking of learning about yourself, are you taking care of your mind and body?

Sometimes, self-improvement is really just self-care.

Make time to exercise more and eat a bit healthier.

This can be as simple as stretching in the mornings and going for a few runs throughout the week. Or, commit to getting your butt to the gym and eating a well-rounded meal afterward.

You’ll notice these changes have a direct effect on other parts of your life.

Healthy living boosts your endorphin production. Endorphins are the body’s happy hormones. They can improve your mood and your sex drive.

4. Change Your Attitude

Being happier is just one emotional result of adding self-improvement tips to your life.

When you work on yourself, you start to tap into a higher level of consciousness.

This changes how you speak to yourself and interact with others.

Consciousness can result in you being more patient with your kids or communicating better with your husband. It can help you speak your mind at work, too.

5. Think Outside the Box

Sometimes, the best way to help yourself is to truly challenge yourself.

Get out of your comfort zone and see what you find when you push the boundaries. You might discover a talent you never knew you had.

At the very least, you’ll open your mind and develop a wider perspective of yourself and the world around you. Some new things to try include:

• meditation practices
• hypnosis downloads
• art classes
• extreme sport classes

Make a list of activities you’ve always wanted to do but have talked yourself out of. Then take on each task one by one.

Change Your Life with the Help of Self Improvement Tips

No matter which method of self-improvement you take on first, the results will spread to many parts of your life.

The more you work on yourself, the happier and more aware you become. This will be of benefit at home, in your career, and even how you interact with strangers on the street.

To learn more about ways to improve your life, click here.

Sometimes life seems to get so busy that it’s difficult not to feel really overwhelmed. At that point, it’s hard to fight the impulse to stay in bed and hide until it feels safe again.

While a hectic life may feel scary and unmanageable, there are some things everyone can do to take back control. Here are 10 tips for staying organized even when life pushes back.

1. Outsource

No one can do it all alone. We all need help.

That’s why outsourcing is a great idea. This is especially helpful for home-based projects that no one in the family enjoys.

So hire a cleaning service to come in once a month or even once a week. Have the lawn professionally mowed.

Even if the budget is tight, there are still options. Hire the kid down the street looking to earn a few extra bucks. Or try TaskRabbit.

2. Make a List of Priorities

While there are plenty of tips for staying organized that are helpful, making a list of priorities is extremely beneficial. It’s easy to get caught up in the small, petty things in life and even easier to start believing that they’re important.

At the end of the day, being happy, healthy, and spending quality time with friends and family are really the most important things in life to most people. So when life starts to feel too overwhelming, make a list of what is really important.

Then focus on that list rather than whether or not the bake sale item is homemade or store-bought.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries

These tips for staying organized won’t work without setting healthy boundaries. Once the priorities have been identified, it’s important to set boundaries around them.

If health is a priority for a family, then one way to set a healthy boundary would be to eliminate shopping for food in the aisles because that’s where the processed and packaged foods are sold. Instead, the focus would be on the outer aisles where the fresh fruits and vegetables are sold, along with dairy, fish, and lean meats.

Or if time with family is a priority then a healthy boundary would be to start a game night once a week from 7-8pm on Wednesdays, with no exceptions. These boundaries don’t need to be rigid, but they do need to be adhered to if they’re going to work.

4. All Tips for Staying Organized Should Include Purging

As lives are built, clutter is accumulated. Unfortunately, that clutter starts to overwhelm and complicate life in ways most people can’t imagine.

Clutter causes anxiety and depression. It also leads to poor decision making because often things are not tossed out of guilt, shame, or fear. But it’s not just physical clutter that is causing all the problems.

Spiritual and emotional clutter can also wreak havoc and affect emotional and physical health. So take some time out to go through each item in the house to see if it’s still being used and enjoyed by someone.

If it isn’t, donate, recycle, or toss the item out. It’s amazing how much clarity will arrive once the clutter is gone.

5. Let It Go of Perfection

Many people strive to be perfect.They think that being in control means their life will look and feel better.

But there is no such thing as perfect. The best any of us can hope for is to strive for excellence.

Then it’s time to let it go. Perfection is an unattainable goal. It prevents people from sometimes even getting started.

So let go of the idea of being perfect and be excellent instead.

6. Create Systems

Systems make life so much easier. Just make sure the system is easy for anyone to follow.

Misplacing housekeys is common in many households. One simple system would be to place a bowl or hook near the front door.

Upon arriving at home, simply get into the habit of placing the keys into the bowl or on the hook. It’s a simple way to avoid being late.

7. Label Things

The easier it is to find things, the less time is wasted. So label as many items as possible.

This system works especially well in the kitchen. Label jars and use it in the refrigerator so it’s easy to find items before they spoil.

Filing cabinets are another place where labelling will work wonders. Labeling also works well in bedrooms.

Labeling which items belong in which drawers can save a lot of time when putting clothing away.

8. Put Similar Things Together

It’s tough to find things when they are kept haphazardly around a room. So try to keep similar items together.

That way, when searching for a pen, it will be easy to remember they are kept right next to the pencils. It’s also easier to find items when they are always kept in the same space.

This works especially well for people who wear glasses. If there is a designated spot where they belong and they are always kept there when not being worn, it will always be easy to find them.

9. Keep Things Simple

None of these tips for organizing will work if the system becomes too complicated. So keep life and organizing as simple as possible.

The harder it is to accomplish tasks, the less likely someone is to actually do them. So try to make organizing fun and keep it so easy that a four-year-old can figure it out. Oversized planners are one way to keep life simple and well organized.

10. Pay It Forward

When life gets tough, it’s helpful to do something nice for someone else. Focusing on someone else helps people stop obsessing about themselves and studies show that doing good things for others has tons of benefits for the do-gooders.

Keep Learning

There are so many ways to make life easier and more enjoyable, but that only happens by learning how from other sources.

Whether it’s learning how to start a home-based business or just how to cook healthy food on a budget, we’ve got you covered so keep coming back to learn more.