Health and Wellness

  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    Don’t Be Chained To Your New Year Resolutions Instead Leave Room For Magic

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    The new year is here and some of us are already struggling to keep up with our New Year resolutions. Just like everyone else, you’ve started the year with a list of goals and ambitions containing a ton of things you want to rediscover or start for the first time.

    But sadly, you’ve barely found time to breathe, let alone focus on your New Year resolutions. Which means by now you’ve probably started being hard on yourself for your lack of consistency or even starting the task, and you might even start feeling like a failure. But I want you to know, it’s okay if you haven’t started or don’t complete every item on your list. Don’t be chained and feel suffocated by your resolutions instead, I want you to leave a little room for magic.

    What does leaving room for magic mean?

    It means as a human being you are allowed to take frequent breaks and enjoy your current life. Of course, New Year resolutions are important to you, but you shouldn’t miss out on small joys in life in the pursuit to fulfill your resolutions. It’s fine if goals don’t go the way you planned or you end up not doing them at all. Yes, it’s essential to have some goals that help you improve yourself and you quality of your life. But your resolutions shouldn’t chain you down completely. They shouldn’t become the reason why you are constantly stressed feeling like you’re not doing enough.

    I’ve been in this situation and until recently, I was really hard on myself about it. Imagine being hard on yourself about not doing enough during a pandemic when your only goal is trying to survive. I told myself repeatedly it was okay and that I would eventually resume those projects, and if I didn’t then they weren’t for me. But recently, I slowly but surely felt the spark again and I’ve allowed the magic to take hold and guide me back to plans.

    This is what it’s all about. Letting things happen naturally in whatever direction it takes you in. Allow yourself to focus on other things besides your resolutions and treat them like something that you know will improve your life. That’s the magic.

    Can I leave room for magic AND accomplish some goals?

    Absolutely! If you really want to try and stick to your New Year resolutions you just need to plan. Not obsessively because if you’re obsessive about your plan you’re definitely not leaving room for magic. All you need is a flexible, keyword there, step-by-step plan that you can follow to help you work towards your yearly goals. The purpose of planning, as you might already know, makes the process a lot less overwhelming, which is always a nice thing.

    The last thing that you need to remember is to keep it simple. For example, instead of setting a goal to read 100 books in a year, start by setting a goal to read a couple of minutes each day. Don’t focus on the amount of time you read but the idea you took time to do it. And if you couldn’t read one day because you went out with friends or you took an online hobby class or you just didn’t feel like it, that’s fine. It doesn’t mean you failed your goal. You’ll read the next day.

    Simple also means putting things on your resolution list that you have an interest in. Nothing on your list should feel like a burden so be sure to include things that you truly enjoy doing which will help you accomplish tasks on your list.

    New Year Resolutions

  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    40+ Hours of Soothing Christmas Music To Calm You This Holiday Season

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    Traditional Christmas music, as a whole, can be jolly and bright but if you’re feeling stressed and are looking to slow down and unwind while keeping the spirit of the season these soothing Christmas music playlists will do the trick.

    Below you’ll find a curated mix of artists and instrumental sounds ranging from piano, harp, cello, and guitar. These soothing Christmas music playlists are great for meditation or ambiance. Combined these playlists have almost 1000 songs spanning almost 45 hours of relaxed listening time.

    Soothing Christmas Music

    Relaxing Christmas Music 2021 101 songs | 4 hr 30 min

    Christmas Spa Meditation 14 songs | 1 hr 8 min

    Relaxing Guitar Christmas  270 songs | 12 hr

    Cat Trumpet 10 songs | 26 min 59 sec

    Cozy Christmas Jazz – 51 songs | 2 hr 40 min

    Cello Hymns Peaceful and Relaxing – 92 songs | 2 hr 56 min

    Christmas Calm Instrumentals – 328 songs | 13 hr

    Relaxing Christmas Music – 10 songs | 29 min 13 sec

    Christmas Study – 83 songs | 3 hr 53 min

    Christmas Harp – 120 songs | 2 hr 45 min

  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    Feeling Down and Out? Here Are 5 Ways To Bring Joy Into Your Life

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    The past two years have not been easy on anyone. The uncertainty of the pandemic has, quite obviously, led to a sharp rise in the number of those hit by anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Being cooped up at home for over a year coupled with a complete change of our daily life and routine has been stressful for all.

    My world (like yours) was turned upside down. The bouts of depression, anger, confusion, and sadness have taken a toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I found myself at times unable to deal with any of it. The kids slept in for as long as they wanted, ate snacks for breakfast, and online school meant they were on zoom in their pajamas or assignments sometimes weren’t completed. I felt guilty and embarrassed but I was dealing with everything happening the best way I could. It wasn’t perfect by any means but it also prevented me from truly losing it all.

    Today things are slowly going back to “normal”, and I use that term loosely as I don’t think we’ll be living like it was 2019 any time soon, so I find myself trying to readjust to routines that I’ve forgotten. To gain back inspiration for projects I shelved. To find strength and joy in my life once more. If you feel the same I assure you the concept of regaining all is not lost. It takes time, patience, and trust within yourself to know happiness is on the horizon.

    Be Close to Family & Friends

    If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught each one of us, it is the value of closeness to some of the best relationships in our life. Being at a physical distance from them can be tough, and sometimes, overwhelming too, but thanks to the power of technology, you’re just one video call away from being able to see them. And if you’re not in the mood to Zoom a good ole fashioned phone call will do the trick. It’s all about staying in regular contact with your loved ones.

    Spend Time Doing What You Truly Like

    Now’s the perfect time to pamper yourself a bit, and do more of the things that you love doing, but didn’t get the chance to do earlier. It can be anything from painting, watching your favorite TV shows, or playing an instrument. Use this time to do a little something for yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be productive just for the sake of it. No matter how big or small the activity it’s totally worth doing something that will make you feel better and recharge you.

    Make Your Favorite Meals

    If there’s one thing that can instantly make you feel better and is something that everyone in the world enjoys, it’s a good meal. So go ahead and recreate a delicious meal in your kitchen, and enjoy it with everyone in your home. Since moving into an apartment with modern amenities, I’ve been able to savor the moment of this simple pleasure in life. I’ve never happily cooked so much. I’ve discovered new recipes that become new family favorites.

    Catch Up on Sleep

    Sleep can be the most relaxing, yet fruitful activity you can engage in during the lockdown (or at any time). Sleep in with no regrets this time, and get your body the chance to truly heal and recover from the previous days. Getting enough sleep will, in fact, also improve your mood and make you feel happier in general. Additionally, cat naps are another way to catch up on sleep. If you find yourself feeling drained and unable to focus during the day. The sleep will rejuvenate you allowing the creativity to flow in your newly refreshed mind.

    And lastly,

    Start Being Happy TODAY

    I learned a long time ago that we are in charge of our own happiness. Once I realized that then the only sensible step would be to wake up telling myself that it would be a good day and that I’m going to be happy and enjoy whatever moments are put forth. I also told myself that no one can take my joy unless I gave it away. I guarded my happiness and made sure nothing and no one around me had the power to make me miserable. From there on out I saw a difference in my life and never looked back.

  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    A Beginners Guide To Running: 4 Key Tips Every New Runner Should Know

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    Beginners Guide To Running

    Running is a great way to get in shape, improve health, and feel great. If running is not something you’ve tried before it is important to start off slow in order to avoid injury and risk losing interest. Maintaining regular running workouts can result in weight loss, better health, increased energy, and the joy of a new sport.

    Here’s a quick beginners guide to running:

    Get A Great Pair of Running Shoes

    The clothes you wear while running are not nearly as important as having the right running shoes. As long as the running attire is weather-appropriate, runners should wear what is most comfortable. However, when it comes to running, do not pull out an old pair of sneakers to wear on the run. Having a well-fitted and comfortable running shoe will reduce the chances of injury. Consider going to a running specialty store to get fitted for the right shoe.

    Stretch Before You Start Running

    Before heading out for a run, it is important to stretch. Stretching will keep muscles loose and help to avoid injury. Develop a stretching routine that will be completed before going out for a run. About ten minutes of stretching prior to a run is essential for reducing muscle-related injuries.

    Stretching the correct way for running is as important as stretching itself. Do not extend the stretch too quickly as injury can occur. Gently stretch and hold each stretch for about thirty seconds. Over time, the stretching routine will become easier and even more enjoyable!

    It is important not to push the workout to any extreme. Starting slow and building strength and endurance may take some time but will be worth the effort. By overexerting in the beginning, new runners run the risk of injury, overly sore muscles, and quickly losing interest. Expectations should be realistic in the beginning. The first few runs should not exceed one mile or fifteen minutes but if that takes too much effort, only do what you can.

    Keep Running

    Running a mile or so the first week should get easier as the second week approaches. Take a day or two off from running during each week, but replace the time with another exercise that is enjoyable. Taking too much time off from running or any other workout routine will make it harder to get back into it after the break.

    When the initial distance starts to get easier, it is time to add another five minutes to the run. Add time or distance in small increments to build up endurance. Run the new distance at least three times before increasing the running time. Some people may want to run the extended distance for up to two weeks before making the next adjustment.

    Set Goals To Stay Motivated

    Running can be extremely enjoyable and allow for time to take pleasure in the outdoors while improving one’s health and even losing weight. Set small goals that are achievable to keep motivation high. If a goal is to lose weight, keep in mind that muscle mass may increase so the scale may not reflect the health benefits achieved. Be aware of increased energy, better fitting clothes, and a sense of achievement.

    Some people experience a “runner’s high” and find running time to be peaceful and invigorating. Ensure you take extra precautions like proper stretching and wearing the right running shoes to decrease the chance of injury. You can also keep your motivation up by listening to health-based podcasts. Be sure to stick to the new running workout for at least three months to experience the real benefits of this healthy workout.

    Shop Must-Have Beginner Running Sneakers

    1. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker
    2. Brooks Women’s Ravenna 11
    3. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18
    4. Nike Women’s Revolution 5 Running Shoe
    5. adidas Women’s Edge Lux 4 Running Shoe
    6. New Balance Women’s Dynasoft Nitrel V4 Trail Running Shoe
    7. Nike Women’s Running Shoes
    8. Under Armour Women’s Surge 2 Running Shoe