Quarantining last year really inspired me to try some new things in coffee-landia. There was no Dunkin' Donuts to be had, and k-cups got boring really fast. So I invested in a pour-over coffee maker and an electric tea kettle. I added some coffee accessories to my wish lists and was gifted a cold brew pitcher and a coffee grinder. It was one of the best decisions I could've ever made. There's something about freshly made coffee made from fresh ground beans that just tastes absolutely incredible. Regardless of the bean's roast, it's smooth and doesn't give me horrible acid reflux like most other coffees. 

But not only have I switched over from an instant style coffee, but I've also started pay more mind to the type of coffee we buy. I've opted for a subscription through Trade Coffee, which is extremely customizable - we generally opt for one 12 lb bag every two weeks, but you can do more or less. Plus subscribers get a discount on every bag bought - you can even get your first bag totally free through this link.

I've had a few favorites that I've tried over the past several months - Sparrows Coffee Joven roast and Onyx Coffee Lab's Southern Weather. Now I'm not a connoisseur so I can describe the different notes and flavors, but I can say both of these are incredibly smooth and almost chocolatey in taste. I am obsessed. Plus, the Joven roast was literally created by a young girl, so what's not to love?

How do I make my favorite at-home coffee?

For hot:

I grind the coffee right before it's ready to brew. 

I dump the ground coffee into the filter (I use the permanent mesh filter that came with my coffee carafe).

Then pour hot water (heated in an electric kettle) over the ground coffee in a spiral motion, starting in the middle. 

Once all the coffee water has dripped through the grounds to make my coffee, I then add in my Sweet-n-Low and oat milk (I've found the Chobani Plain Extra Creamy to be the best!), but of course - make it to your preference.

Sometimes, if I want my coffee a little darker, or if I'm running low on grounds, I pour the coffee into a large cup, and pour the lighter coffee back through the grounds, and repeat until the coffee is the right color.

For cold:

I grind up the coffee and put the grounds into the inner mesh of my cold brew pitcher. (If you don't have a reusable pitcher, cold brew bags are also nice!)

I put the coffee-filled mesh (or cold brew bags) into a pitcher filled with cold filtered water.

Lastly, I put it in the fridge to sit for at least 24 hours. Make sure to stir before you pour.

So that's it. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

*I received some free items from Onyx Coffee Labs in exchange for this post. All opinions are entirely my own.

 

*This is a collaborative post.

The summer heat is in full swing. Living in Georgia my entire life, I am no stranger to miserably hot summers. For many people, these are not only thoughts of summer but also real-life situations that they have been dealing with all year round. If this sounds like something that's been happening to you, then maybe it's time to consider an air conditioner installation. I know particularly in states up north, a lot of home don't have AC, but with global warming - maybe it's time?

High temperatures can affect your mood and health

Excessive heat can affect your productivity at work in various ways. It can be challenging to concentrate when working under extreme temperatures as fatigue sets in quickly and concentration levels decrease. As people become tired, they also become more irritable, which makes for an unpleasant atmosphere. 

Benefits of installing an air conditioning system:

They regulate your home's temperature

The first benefit is that they keep your home at a comfortable temperature no matter what time of year it is. This will ensure that you don't have to feel like you're constantly baked when walking out into the heat or cooped up inside in winter because your house doesn't get warm enough. An AC installation ensures that you can always be as cool and relaxed as possible without worrying about what season it happens to be outside! However, one important thing to note is that central AC or heating systems often require monthly fees from homeowners on top of their usual energy bills. This is not the case with window air conditioning units. Window ACs work by using a fan to force hot indoor air out of your house and pulling in fresh cooler outdoor air through an exterior vent. They may be slightly less effective than central AC systems but are certainly much cheaper and free from monthly fees!

They can be integrated with solar power systems

AC units can be run on solar power without having any negative impact whatsoever on their effectiveness. A bonus of this option is that it also lets homeowners save money by generating clean energy themselves rather than paying someone else for it every month! While these systems are by no means perfect compared to traditional central heating systems, there are still multiple reasons why individuals should consider making them part of their lives during the summer months.

AC maintenance can be easy and accessible

As with everything in life, an AC needs regular maintenance and can sometimes break down. Many companies provide 24 Hour AC Service. The problem is getting someone who does an excellent job at it! Make sure to research the company you intend to call out and ensure that they have good reviews to deliver a quality service. I highly recommend shopping around, as different places can provide different quotes. An AC can make a huge difference in your level of comfort during the warm summer months. 

 

Have you ever lived life without AC? I grew up without one but now that seems highly uncomfortable!

 

 

 

 

*This is a collaborative post.

Although no one likes feeling overwhelmed, it's certainly a common occurrence in life, and can cause all sorts of stress and upset. There are many reasons someone may feel overwhelmed. Some of these may be quite obvious and clear, while others can be a little more difficult to pinpoint. A source of stress and overwhelm in life could be anything ranging from a real health issue experienced by a loved one, to looming deadlines at work that you're struggling to meet. You might feel overwhelmed if you find yourself falling behind with your household chores or interpersonal obligations and you feel like there is no way to regain balance and get back on track.

As there are many reasons to feel overwhelmed, this means that there are many things you can do to get rid of the feeling, ranging from things like finding out how to free up some space on your Mac, to more substantial subjects.

Here are some tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and get back in control.

 

Act in a way that helps your sense of personal coherence, and that aligns with your conscience

It is not always possible for you to change your circumstances. However, you have the power to act in a way that makes you feel whole and coherent whenever you are in such situations. Too often, stressful and difficult situations can put undue pressure on us and cause us to unravel in many ways. This includes destroying our daily routines, distracting from our true priorities, or placing us in situations that make us more likely to feel guilty at how we’ve conducted ourselves.

Listen to your inner voice to determine if you are on the right track or are allowing yourself to fall into patterns of action that make you dislike yourself. By acting in alignment with your true self and who you want to be, you can help yourself to make the best of a bad situation, and to be light to others as well. It's generally true that the more you're able to act in ways that make you feel whole and coherent, the easier it will be for you to keep your head up and not become overwhelmed by frustrating and stressful situations. 

Develop daily routines to help you step out of your own thoughts

Our own minds and internal chatter can be both a challenge and blessing. If you feel overwhelmed, it's likely that your mind is tangled up in negative thoughts that are making it difficult for you to get out of, or take an active break from, certain concerns or fears. If you get caught up in negative thought spirals, stressful situations can seem exponentially more stressful. It can be very difficult to shift to a more positive outlook that will actually help you make positive changes.

It is important to create a daily routine that will help you get out of your own thoughts and spirals or rumination.

There are many practices that do this, and meditation, mindfulness, and regular walks in the natural world can all help. In fact, the psychological concept of a "flow state," coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, suggests that any time you are engaged in an activity that you find deeply gripping, you can experience a sense of timelessness and can benefit from a break from your normal repetitive thoughts.



Take care of yourself to the greatest extent possible

Self-care is a topic that is being discussed a lot more these days than ever before. More people are realizing how important it is for them to take proactive steps to protect and nurture their sense of well-being. It's common to feel overwhelmed when you are frustrated or annoyed, but you can manage stress better during stressful times by following a self-care program to the best of your ability. It can also help you bounce back and keep a sense of balance.

You can have a simple self-care routine that includes listening to guided visualization recordings in the evening, taking a hot bath, and even indulging in regular spa days. Remember that taking care of your health is vital.

 

If possible, take active steps to gain ground and stay ahead

Often, feeling overwhelmed can be a sign that you are "behind" the curve in some way. If you feel overwhelmed by work or have multiple chores that need to be completed, you will likely feel that sense of overwhelm. It might be possible to delegate, defer, or reschedule some tasks. However, you can likely also find ways to eliminate certain tasks and increase your confidence by actively trying to gain ground.

To help you succeed, use a task management tool or planner

Using an effective task management tool and planner - whether that's a traditional notebook system, or a modern app or program such as Nozbe or Todoist, can really help you to properly deal with the tasks and obligations that you have on your plate when you're in a hectic and generally overwhelming situation.

You will feel less overwhelmed if you can keep track and manage the details in a systematic way. This will help you to feel more in control and restore balance. 

Say "no" more often

It is sometimes possible to avoid a stressful and overwhelming situation by practicing the age-old art of saying no to any potential commitments or obligations that you don’t absolutely have to take on. This can help to make overwhelming situations less overwhelming, and can enable you to regain control and a sense of autonomy. There are certain obligations that you simply can't and shouldn't say no to, of course. But if you feel overwhelmed all the time, it's possible that you're accepting too many obligations that you don’t need to. 

Reduce your time horizon, and only take one step at a given time

If you feel overwhelmed, it can sometimes be more harmful than beneficial to let yourself get caught up in long-term plans, concerns, and expectations. The best way to make the situation easier and more manageable is to reduce your time horizon and focus on one step at a time. It's certainly good to have a broad "big picture sense" of what's going on, and a sense of the direction you want to head in, but adding excessive concern about the future is certainly not likely to help make the present moment seem any less overwhelming. 

 

 

As school starts back and many people are adding daily commutes and in-person environments back onto their plates, it's more important now that ever to find ways to reduce stress and overwhelm. Hopefully a few of these tricks really resonate with you.

 

 

 

 

I am not ashamed of my period. It is a miracle happening within my body that allows me to literally create life. But that doesn’t change the fact that it sucks. In fact, it kind of ruins my life pretty regularly.

My period is ridiculously irregular. It’s a surprise every time it arrives. And arrive it does. I typically bleed enough that a super tampon needs to be changed every two hours, so that’s never fun. And at times, the cramps are absolutely debilitating. And sometimes I only have it every two or three months. It’s a whole mess, and before you try to doctor me, know that I have talked to my OB/GYN about my concerns, and

Though my period has always been heavy, it’s gotten quite a bit worse since I received my COVID vaccine. And when the pandemic was in its peak, there were limits on how many pads you could buy at the store.

So I started trying other methods that are reusable - better for the earth and limits those feminine product runs that happen when it’s that “holy shit I started and I’m out of pads” moment.

Over the past year, I’ve bought period panties from at least three different brands, I’ve tried a disc option and a cup option. And I’ll rate them here for you.

*This is a collaborative post.

 

There’s nothing quite like a good book, opening the pages and getting lost in a story for hours at a time. Reading is becoming a lost past time as people move towards TV and their smartphones to pass the time. But reading is a habit that has so many benefits that last us our entire lives. If you’re already a big reader, then you already know how great it is, but if you need some convincing, then read on. 

 

*This is a collaborative post.

Across the world Florida is a known as a must see state. It seems so odd to me because growing up in Georgia, Florida is so close. California and Ames York seem so much more exciting. But Florida is home to theme parks and allows adults to take that step out of their everyday lives and relive their childhood fantasies. Along with being the home of theme parks, there is also a lot more to it than those heart-pounding rollercoasters rides. It’s also a getaway of dreams whether you are looking for a laid back trip or adventure. With 1,300 miles of coastlines and lakes throughout, Florida is also the home and a number one choice for watersports and nature.

When taking a vacation to Florida, whether it be alone, as a couple, or with the family, there’s an element of planning that needs to be undertaken. Nobody wants the hassle associated with traveling. By taking a little time before the trip you can save yourself the headache by following this guide, which will ensure you have the best vacation and can enjoy your trip to the max. 

 

*This is a collaborative post.

The world may never return to what we previously knew as "normal," but we are a space where we're able to safely gather with vaccinated friends and family to spend time together again. This year especially, millions of people around the world are arranging family gatherings to catch up, have a laugh, and put the past year and a half behind them. If you’re planning on doing the same, you might be feeling a bit of pressure regarding entertainment, what foods to serve, and how to be the host(ess)-with-the-most(ess). Check out some of the fun ideas below that may help as we welcome social gatherings back into our lives.



Look around for food inspiration

As a host, it can be difficult to know what to serve your guests, especially if there are picky eaters among the crowd. However, thanks to the internet and more specifically, Pinterest and YouTube, you can spend some time looking for food inspiration for your guests. Pinterest is packed full of alternative dishes and YouTube will give you a step by step guide on how to cook everything to perfection. The great thing about recipes is that they can be chopped and changed with ingredients that people prefer/alternatives to allergy related foods. Spend some time surfing the web and browsing old cook books to get some inspiration! I'm a huge fan of the different food delivery services available - the meal kits that come with everything you need to make meals at home. Many of the sites even make the recipes available without actually becoming a member, so you can still head to the store and buy what you need. Some of those meals would work great for larger settings, and we've discovered some really wonderful foods through those kits.



Pick a theme

I'm a major fan of a theme (have you met met - especially around the holidays?). A great way of spicing up any social gathering is by picking a theme for the night. You could even encourage your guests to dress up within the theme too! If you’re looking for something classy, you might choose a 1920s theme and serve cocktails to your guests - all very Gatsby-esque. Or perhaps you’d go for an all-out British theme and serve classic British dishes such as fish and chips, roast dinners, or baked chicken wings with dips? Not only does picking a theme help decide what kind of food to serve your guests, but it adds novelty to your evening and plenty of conversation starters.



Work on your presentation

We’ve all seen chefs on TV present their food in extravagant ways. Typically, chefs use the minimalistic approach with their food, but experimenting with different ways of presenting cuisine is totally fun for a dinner party. Salad and vegetables can be carved into a multitude of shapes, and you can use colors to complement each other on the plate to help make your food look sensational. I do encourage continuing to be mindful of the pandemic and when possible, have items prepared in single-servings as much as possible, or make sure you (or whoever is cooking) is the same person serving the food. I had my family over late last year for my dad's birthday, and while it certainly wasn't a sustainable as I would've liked, I felt safer being able to single serve everything. Seating is also a great way to work on presentation - I'm certainly trying to amp up our dining room seating space to something a little more family-oriented.



Provide fun

No dinner party is complete without some laughter, so why not encourage laughter and conversation by cracking out some playing cards such as Cards Against Humanity? Finding hilarious answers to already funny questions is a great way to have some friendly competition whilst laughing the night away. All you need to do now is keep the drinks flowing and their hearts full of love and laughter. Enjoy your dinner party!

*This is a collaborative post.

 

We all need a little comfort from time to time (more like all the time), and that’s where comfort foods can come in to add some extra comfort into the day. Comfort food dishes have a unique ability to make us feel all warm and cozy inside. Just imagine, a warm bowl of food on a rainy evening, cuddled up reading. You can just envision the coziness right? That's how comfort foods make me feel at least. Cooking comfort food dishes just like mama can take some serious time and investment, but it's totally worth it. At the end of the process, you've got a delicious dish that can totally transform your mood.

Here are five comfort foods that are totally worth the effort.



Beef Stew

Making a beef stew from scratch can take all day, but the resulting meal is just what you need when you are having a difficult day. The actual prep and cooking isn't all that hard, and it's basically a set it and forget it meal. You just need some meats (pre-chunked or a full chunk to shred once it's cooked - totally preference-based), veggies (like potatoes, carrots, and onions), broth, herbs, spices and, if you have it, some Worcestershire sauce. Dump it all in your crockpot and leave it on the heat for up to eight hours on a low setting. Once cooking is done, it’s good to go. 



Ribs

You don’t necessarily have to cook ribs on the BBQ. You can also just make them in the kitchen. Start by preparing them - let them marinate overnight with your favorite sauce or rub. Transfer them to a tray lined with a baking sheet. Then find out how long to cook ribs in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually, you’ll need another 30 minutes at that 350 once you've cooked them at 300 degrees for 90 minutes. With ribs, you want to cook them for a long time and at a relatively low heat so that the meat falls off the bone. My mother-in-law often makes hers in the crockpot and you'd be surprised at how perfect they are - that woman can make anything taste amazing.



Dumplings

One of my most favorite comfort foods is chicken and dumplings (pronounced without the "g" of course - dumplins). I've loved them my whole life and I swear there's nothing better. It's a rare treat because my hubby doesn't love them, but if I can get my hands on them I will treat myself to extra servings. These just SCREAM comfort.



Potato Gnocchi

Similarly, potato gnocchi is just as good - it's basically a potato based dumpling compared to a more biscuit like southern dumpling. Making potato gnocchi from scratch can involve a lot of work. You've got to first cook the potato and then combine it with egg, flour, and salt. Then you make the individual gnocchi, which is quite time-consuming. But the results are spectacular when you make gnocchi yourself. Once you’re done, the only thing left to do is make the sauce. I typically dress mine up like any other pasta - alfredo or white sauces are usually really wonderful with gnocchi.



Homemade Croissants

Did you know that you can make croissants at home? It takes a lot of time and good technique - as you might expect - but the results are much more delicious than store-bought versions. I've never made homemade croissants myself, but the way they melt in your mouth is certainly worth the effort. It's definitely something to add to my list of things to make. 

 

*This is a collaborative post. I have never actually written a graphic novel, lol.

Although the technical definitions and characteristics of comics and graphic novels like the classic illustrated series are different, they are both visual art forms that tell stories. They are usually structured in a sequence of panels, the illustrations of characters and objects are simplified and exaggerated, and the actions are usually explained with the accompanying text. It's easy to see why this simple style has long appealed to kids, but auction results show that the love of comic illustrations isn't limited to kids. In fact, eager shoppers have parted ways with millions of bucks for rare and precious versions of certain comic illustrations. Graphic novels are books too, and absolutely "count" as reading.

When you start making graphic novels, you need to use your creative writing skills, illustration and storyboard skills, and most likely collaboration skills. It will help if you have experience in comic book writing, but usually, the graphic novel format is longer and more detailed than the comic book format. Whether you are writing your first graphic novel or your tenth graphic novel, here are some writing techniques to make this process as efficient as possible:



One

Learn other comics and graphic novels. If you do not use comics as a medium, it is difficult to delve into the graphic format for the first time. There are reasons why certain stories pop off the page in graphical form. 

 

Don't you just love a good subscription box? They're basically a nice gift to send yourself regularly. What's not to love? Alltrue is a subscription box that has been around for quite some time, but has recently been rebranded. You may have previously known it as CAUSEBOX, but the rebrand was put into place to more accurately represent the purpose of the box itself.

Here's the meaning behind their new name, taken directly from their site - 

All: "A fundamentally inclusive word. All are welcome, bring your full self. The Alltrue community is here for you at home, with work, in life. All of it."

True: "Truth is at the heart of everything we do. As product curators and community leaders, we find the facts and share them with you."

Altruism: "A selfless concern for the wellbeing of others. We are a community of altruists."



And their values, also taken directly from their site - 

"Every action for good. We use goodness as our guide in every decision we make, always in an effort to create positive change.

Seek and share the truth. When people know the truth about what they consume, they take better care of themselves, each other, and the planet. We seek the truth relentlessly and we share it generously.

Always open to learning. We work on becoming better versions of ourselves, for our community and our collective future, by listening, learning, evolving, and collaborating. Support and celebrate women. We encourage and empower women. We offer opportunities and support that foster personal growth and professional achievement, within our walls and around the world."


I also got some really sweet skin and haircare products - COSMEDIX moisturizing hyaluronic acid cream and Brand with a Heart OMG Smooth Leave-in Conditioning Blend.

*This is a collaborative post.

Coffee is delicious, and it has the potential to save your life. While many are quick to write off coffee as unhealthy, there's an abundance of evidence suggesting drinking coffee can reduce chronic disease risk factors. If you even need them, here are some reasons why you should drink more coffee!

 

*This is a collaborative post.

  

Life is stressful. Whether it's work life, school, home life, or a variety of other things, stress tends to creep in. Stress increases hormone flow in the body and causes the heart to beat faster. What’s more, breathing will become shorter, and gradually muscles will tense up.

Self-care has gotten buzzier and buzzier over the past couple of years, but for good reason. It can improve health and increase confidence levels. It helps folks build stronger relationships and minimize the effect of the stress response on well-being. Self-care can come in a variety of shapes and forms, whether it's a spa day of sorts, cutting out unhealthy relationships, a relaxing salt room experience, or taking time to do absolutely nothing, it can make life better in ways both big and small. Below are some different ways to practice self-care and alleviate stress from day-to-day life.

Take deep breaths

We breathe every day, so it seems wild that it can be a form of self-care, however it's an effective way to release stress and relax the mind. It's also easy to include in your daily routine. It's worth noting that different styles of respiring yield different results. For instance, you'll feel a bit dizzy, faint, and sometimes anxious if you breathe too quickly. But when you take regular slow breathes, you can control your anxious thoughts and feelings, ultimately inducing calmness.

To harness this self-care routine, you need to focus on your regular slow breaths. You can start by placing your dominant hand on your chest and the other hand on your stomach. The goal is to have your stomach move further than your chest as you breathe. This technique is referred to as abdominal or belly breathing. As a tip, breathe slowly and regularly through your nose if possible. Also, try not to move your chest while the hand on your stomach moves rhythmically with your breathing and breathe out slowly through pursed lips. You can repeat this routine ten times in a row and twice daily.

Many wearable devices make this easier. My Apple Watch taps me a couple times a day to remind me to breathe deeply, and supplies the lightest touches to sync my breathing with, which is super helpful.

Have tea or coffee

Tea constitutes 80% of US households’ beverages, as it has many benefits aside from being a beverage in many homes. A cup of warm tea can enhance your sleep and emotional health. Sometimes it may be used to help calm anxiety and settle a rumbling tummy. Therefore, taking a cup of tea with herbs for relaxation can be a simple self-care routine to adopt. You'll want to select tea from brands with herbs that aid in relaxation to benefit from this technique. Make it a point to prepare the tea yourself. This is because the whole process of preparing the tea and drinking it adds to the self-care routine.

Coffee can often increase anxiety, so it's important to be moderate, but I do love a big ol' cup in the morning and typically an afternoon cup. I like to make mine with oat milk and a bit of sweetener. Blueberry or lavender syrup always makes it much more of a peaceful option. I love trying out different roasts through Trade Coffee, which makes it super easy with a subscription to fit your needs.



Take a bath

Although bathing is part of our everyday routines, a hot tub bath will help relax your muscles and release stress. Therefore, it will be prudent to add this technique to your self-care routine. According to Dr. Bobby Buka, a dermatologist based in New York, it is both reinvigorating and therapeutic to submerge yourself in a hot tub because it increases blood flow into the skin. He further explains that the human skin releases endorphins as a reaction to the effect of the relaxing warm water, which is similar to the body's response to the feel of the sun.

Also, a hot tub bath may come with additional health benefits, including improved breathing and calorie depletion. The warm water and the mild pressure on your chest will also increase lung capacity and oxygen intake. Researchers suggest that hot tub baths or saunas can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and lower blood pressure. Spending an hour in a hot tub or sauna can help burn 140 calories, which you burn after a 30-minute walk. A hot bath can be a relaxation self-care routine, but it can also help improve many aspects of your health. I love to take a nice bath with lavender bubble bath and read a nice book. And lately I've been incorporating CBD bath products into my routine, like bath bombs and salts. If you're new to CBD, you want to consider what to look for when choosing products for yourself. I’ve found one of the most important things is figuring out the correct CBD dosage for your needs  

Get a massage

Prolonged sitting at the desk for hours on end can cause muscle pain. Not to mention one out of five working adults in the US suffer mental issues like anxiety, depression, and sometimes insomnia. On the whole, 20% of the working class in the US experience chronic body pains each day at work. Gradually, most corporate people are accepting the concept of incorporating health and well-being in their self-care routines. A massage from a qualified masseur can reduce headaches, anxiety, and stress. There is so much research to support this, many companies provide a massage plan in their benefits or have regular masseurs in-office to provide mini massage therapies to employees.

Opting for therapeutic massage can allow muscles to repair, unwind, and relax. The catch with this technique is that it leverages a personalized touch. You will have the chance to adopt which massage session fits your challenges and best relax your muscles. For instance, you can leverage deep tissue and neuromuscular massage therapy to relax your mind and body.

Before you go in for a massage session, you should know massage is not a painful procedure. Even though different massage sessions apply different pressure levels, pain is not accepted since the massage is supposed to relieve and not inflict it. You can speak extensively with your qualified massage therapist on what type of pain you need relief from. Your therapist will be able to meet your massage needs based on the information you give.



Guided imagery

Guided imagery is another relaxation technique to leverage for a self-care routine. It's cost-effective and straightforward to master. With guided imagery, you can select pictures and scenes that you find soothing. A good Googling can help you find what works for you. It's important though that selected images have a special meaning attached to them. You can print the image and paste it into vantage points that make it easy to practice each day. Practice is easy - close your eyes while sitting quietly and picture the soothing image in your mind. You may also imagine a serene environment where you view it as the ultimate relaxation point. Your choice of location should help you rest, calm down, stay safe, and feel happy. You'll find this technique super relaxing if you move into a serene environment rather than imagining it. Guided imagery isn't for everyone. Those who find it a challenge to conjure mental images may not do well with guided imagery.

Quick muscle relaxation

Quick muscle relaxation is a simple technique to include in a self-care routine. This muscle relaxation focuses on revealing the built-up tension in your muscles and how to reduce it. The technique helps to relieve tension in any part of the body by simply tensing and relaxing each muscle. You may start by settling in a sitting position in a chair. You have to close your eyes as you gently breathe in through the nose and breathe out through the mouth and clench your fist tightly.

You should also hold your breath and your clenched fist for a few seconds to feel the tension building up in it. Then release the breath and unclench the fist. You'll experience a gentle washing over as the pressure gradually leaves your body. You will eventually feel much lighter and relaxed than when you started.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong

Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong are three ancient arts that focus on combining rhythmic breathing patterns and a sequence of flowing movements. The physical exercises in these arts help you focus mentally, providing a perfect distraction to racing thoughts. Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong can help you improve your flexibility and balance. I find that yoga works wonders for me - honestly, I almost always cry during savasana because it feels so wonderful to practice such immense love and care for your own body and mind. Yoga With Adriene is a wonderful free YouTube channel that allows all levels of yogis to practice accessibly.




Indeed, relaxation is a crucial component of self-care, making it imperative to achieve. Fortunately, there are so many practices to choose from to fit all comfort levels.