Lynds in Real Life

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Health

4 Habits That Will Make You A Happier You

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The idea of true happiness differs from person to person. For some, happiness means being at peace with who and where they are. For others, true happiness is finally seeing life plans falling to place. However, regardless of what your definition of happiness is, there are some habits you can adopt today to make you a happier person. So, what habits put you on the journey to Nirvana? Here are four practices to make you a happier you today!

  1. Keep a gratitude journal

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Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts, express yourself, and make plans. Keeping a gratitude journal gives you the chance to express the joys of your life, no matter how big or small. Jotting down the little things that have made you happy every day is a small way to overcome the emotional upsets you may have. It also brings you to the realization that there is always something to be happy about! Besides writing them down, you can keep a photo journal. Apps such as ForKeeps help you create a digital album, easily accessible on your devices. Therefore, you can capture moments and other things you are grateful for.

  1. Declutter your space

Yes, you read that right! Developing the habit of decluttering once in a while can make you happier. According to scientists, being around clutter has adverse effects on your mental health, as it can increase stress levels and lower self-control. However, decluttering elevates your feelings of accomplishment and productivity, making you happier. It also brings about a sense of order and organization, which gives you a free mind. Therefore, do not see decluttering as one of the many daunting chores you need to do. Instead, view it as an activity that would help you be a happier person.

  1. Go on “ghost mode”

Sometimes, ditching your phone is a great way to be happier. The biggest distraction most people deal with today is their phones. There is always someone to text, a story to follow, social media trends to update yourself on, etc. As great as phones are, it is important to unplug. Turn off your notifications or delete apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to take a break from the adverse effects these apps may have. You can pick up other activities, such as going for a walk, meeting some friends, reading a book, or meditating.

  1. Practice self-care

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Unfortunately, this fast-paced world has made it easy to forget to take care of yourself from time to time. Self-care, contrary to what many may think, is not an act of selfishness at all. It is essential to give your mind and body the TLC it deserves. Take some time to take a nice warm relaxing bath, adopt a skincare routine, cuddle up with some wine to binge-watch your favorite movies and show. You should also consider exercising and healthy eating in your self-care routine.

Being a happier person is not a challenge, and these four habits would set you on the right path. And, don’t forget to smile!

Thank you for reading!

Health

3 Ways To Better Look After Yourself

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The last year a lot of us have had our lives turned upside down and we have found ourselves stuck inside with not much to do, feeling bored and unmotivated. We have probably slacked a bit on looking after ourselves, but need to start putting ourselves back as a priority and focus on looking after ourselves better overall, not in just one aspect of life. We all have different needs and wants, so work out what is best for you and the best ways to do it so that you can be happier, healthier, and more confident.

Here are a few suggestions:

Eating Better Foods

One of the most basic things that so many of us neglect is eating well. So much junk food is so readily available and cheap that it is easy to pick up. Although sometimes it can go too far, you may even find you have gone a few days without eating fruit. One of the best ways to tackle this is to eat from the earth. Eat what the earth provides and cut down on all the junk, sugar, and processed stuff. It can be hard at first but your mind and body will thank you for it and you will start to notice more and more positive changes as time goes on.

Getting Help For Your Head

Mental health issues have skyrocketed lately with the pandemic so it is more important now than ever to make sure we are checking in and making sure we are okay. If we aren’t we need to start seeking help and making changes to correct it. It can be simple as having someone to talk to, giving meditation and mindfulness a go, or simply if you feel you need it speaking to a counselor to help you at a deeper level. There are so many apps you can try now for mindfulness and meditation so it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to put these things into practice. 

Personal Care

Again it is something that can easily be slacked on but when it is done and part of your routine it can be so beneficial and make you feel happier. There are certain cosmetic things you can do which aren’t always crazy and invasive but can help with problem areas you want to focus on. However, the personal care industry is vast and there are so many options that something will work for you. You may want to look at introducing monthly or weekly pamper sessions where you can have a face mask and really look after yourself or simply change up your skincare routine to suit your needs. So many people buy the basic stuff and don’t get the right skincare for their skin. Do a bit of research and see if you need more vitamin C or E in your skincare or maybe you can try something for dry or aging skin. 

These things will help you to better look after yourself, and before you know it, you’ll probably feel a whole lot happier!

Thank you for reading!

Health

Show Self-Neglect the Door

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Most people assume they take adequate care of themselves, but self-neglect can occur in many different ways. If you’re not making your health a priority, you’re not motivated at work, or you’ve lost interest in your hobbies, it may be a sign that you’re neglecting yourself. Fortunately, there are effective ways to reignite your zest your life.

To make a start right now, take a look at these top tips for banishing self-neglect!

Make your health a priority

When you’re feeling down or despondent, you don’t tend to prioritize your health or wellbeing. If you’re overdue for a medical check-up or you haven’t got up-to-date hearing aid products, make an appointment to see a professional. With routine checkups and assessments, you can ensure your physical and mental wellbeing is a top priority.

Be responsible

Self-neglect can be the start of a vicious cycle. When you stop taking care of yourself, your mindset change, rather rapidly. Before you know it, you’ll feel like you’re not worth making an effort for and then your self-neglect will worsen. But recognizing that you’re worthwhile and capable of making positive changes gives you the power to enhance your life. By taking responsibility for your mood, outlook and mindset, you give yourself the power and freedom to change them.

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Be more active

If you’ve neglected your usual workout routine or stopped going to the gym altogether, now is the time to start a new fitness plan. Small daily goals will give you an achievable target and get you back into the routine of working out regularly. As you begin to accomplish your initial goals, you’ll start to enjoy the process of pushing yourself further and achieving more.

Modify your diet

Eating an unhealthy diet is one of the most common forms of self-neglect. When you don’t have the energy to prepare a healthy meal, it’s easy to order junk food instead. If you don’t get the right mix of vitamins and minerals, your physical and mental health can suffer. By committing to eating a healthy diet and incorporating more fruit and veggies into your meals, you can enhance your mood and increase your energy levels.

Be kind to yourself

Recovering from a cycle of self-neglect isn’t always straightforward. You may be breaking patterns that have been in place for months or years, so be kind to yourself. If you fall back into unhealthy habits, don’t waste time chastising yourself. Instead, recognize it as a bump in the road and find ways to switch to healthier options.

Recognizing Self-Neglect

When someone stops socializing, gives up work and fails to maintain their appearance, it’s easy to spot that they’re neglecting themselves. However, self-neglect manifests itself in many different ways. If you’re not taking enough time for yourself, prioritizing your own needs or constantly taking on too many responsibilities, it’s likely you’re in a spiral of self-neglect too. By recognizing the signs, you can commit to taking action before things get worse, and begin enhancing your quality of life right away.

•Do you tend to neglect yourself? How do you try to fix that?

Thank you for reading!

Beauty

Quick Tips For Top To Toe Beauty

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There is, of course, so much more to life than beauty. But feeling great can happen in so many ways, and feeling beautiful is a personal thing. You don’t need to spend big cash on feeling and looking great. There are some small lifestyle additions you can make that can make a lot of difference. 

Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash

Hair

Having luscious locks can make you feel like a million dollars. If you have frizzy hair or suffer from dry hair, then this is for you. First, you should either schedule regular appointments with a hairdresser, or you can learn to do a unicorn cut, or trim split ends, yourself. 

If you want something that is budget-friendly and quick-acting then the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle reconstructor might just be your new best friend. It can kick your frizz into touch, and leaves you with sleek and shiny hair in no time. Well, 3 minutes actually. 

If you want to use something more natural, then you can slather your hair in honey and coconut oil for dry hair, and ACV and lemon for oily hair. 

Face Skin

Face spritzers are a big trend right now. They are really quick to use and can give your skin a big boost. You need to make sure that you are having enough water before you can expect miracles from face creams, lotions and spritzes. After adding more water to your diet, check out Mario Badscu’s Facial Spray with Aleo Herbs and Rosewater. It’s great for calming dry and irritated skin. You’ll feel dewy all day long. 

If you suffer with acne, dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, you may find that the skin on your face is blotchy, and this can greatly affect your self confidence. Using CBD skin care products can dramatically reduce the redness on your face, and even help clear up your skin problems!

Neck

People tend to forget their neck when doing their daily routines. Make sure that you extend your cleansing and moisturizers down your neck and decolletage. And if you want an extra trick, then neck contouring is a thing. 

Scrub

To keep your skin looking great, all you need is three things:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • A great exfoliator
  • A rich moisturizer

If you want to create a scrub yourself, all you will need is brown sugar and some olive oil. You can swap sugar for salt, it’s up to you which you prefer. This is ideal if you are avoiding harsh chemicals. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer too. However, aloe vera and other natural oils work their wonders as well!

Feet

Your feet are super hard working. You are likely on them all day, so you have to take care of them. If you have a job where you are walking a lot, then consider insoles for plantar fasciitis. They will give you a cushioned protection. Also, consider some foot packs. They are brimming with nourishing ingredients to leave your feet soft and relaxed. If you suffer from hot or swollen feet, then a peppermint foot spray will provide a cooling sensation for your tootsies. 

These small beauty tips can be done in just a few minutes and can help you feel calm, relaxed, and beautiful all week long. Feeling pampered and hydrated helps you glow from the inside and out!

Thank you for reading!

Health

Anxiety Hates These 3 Things

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If you are someone who finds themselves frequently disturbed by anxiety, it’s important to bear in mind that you are not alone. Many people all over the world have anxiety, and it is actually one of the most common mental conditions out there. It is also the victim of poor misunderstanding a lot of the time. For instance, it is perfectly possible to find yourself both anxious and depressed, as these are not mutually exclusive. You can also be anxious without knowing what you are anxious about – or at times, the cause of the anxiety might be all too clear. Whatever else, it’s important to know that there are always steps you can take to help fight it within yourself. So what are some of the things that anxiety just hates for you to do?

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Self-Care

When you are in the grip of an anxious period, you might find the idea of self-care very difficult to take on board indeed. That is perfectly natural and normal, but it is a cruel reality; looking after yourself is actually one of the best things you can do to keep anxiety at bay in the first place, or to help get rid of it once it has appeared. If it seems impossible, just make a point of starting small. Shower or bathe, wear clean clothes, just generally look after yourself, and then build your way up. You will be amazed at what a difference this can make, in the same way that it tends to help those with depression. Of course, if you have both anxiety and depression, then this is definitely a wise move to make, even if it may be more difficult.

Medication

Deciding whether or not to take medication is a huge decision. The trouble with a lot of medication – and this is what puts a lot of people off – is that often we don’t know how it works, and that can be very worrying for a lot of people who already have anxiety. However, at times, it is the best way to improve the anxiety, and for that reason you might want to think about what you can do to help yourself best. Bear in mind too that sometimes this means finding something to self-medicate with such as CBD oil, as reduced anxiety is one of the documented CBD oil benefits. But you should always take care when it comes to self-medication. Often times, it makes matters worse and isn’t always healthy.

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Sleep

Sleep makes pretty much any physical or mental ailment better, and that is certainly true of anxiety. If you frequently suffer from anxiety, you will want to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. If you’re not, then it’s highly likely that this is affecting your ability to think straight, which keeps anxious thoughts at bay. When you sleep well, you are much more likely to fight anxiety with all you’ve got. So make sure that you do whatever you can to sleep more hours each night. It will make all the difference.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Ways To Practice Self Care In This Busy World

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The world that we live in is getting increasingly more and more busy. We have a thousand and one demands on our time, and for many of us, this leaves us feeling stressed out and mentally exhausted. It’s important to spend some time practicing self care – even if you feel guilty about it, there’s no way you can help other people if you have burned yourself out. Here are some tips on how you can do that.

Perform A Digital Detox

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First of all, it’s time to digitally detox your life. Nobody’s saying you should grab your phone and drive to the nearest body of deep water so you can throw it in there, but it’s a great idea to make sure that there is a part of each day when you aren’t reachable on your cell. A perfect time to do this is the two hours before bed – any more demands from other people might make you unable to sleep, and the blue light emanated by phones and laptops can throw off your natural circadian rhythms. You may also find that there are certain apps on your phone where you can switch off notifications, which means that you’ll only check them when you want to instead of being distracted when you’re in the middle of another task.

Focus On Your Physical Self

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It’s extremely important to focus on your body as well as your mind. Eating healthily and mindfully is a perfect way to do that – purchase fresh and seasonal produce instead of ready-made food or food that contains a lot of preservatives and chemicals. If you have any chronic health conditions like asthma or arthritis it’s important to keep on top of them. Continue checking in with your doctor and try to stay in touch with your body so you can work out if there are any changes. You could also try some gentle exercise. Walking is great for this – plus it’s extremely cheap since you don’t need any equipment except for a pair of good shoes. It can help heal sore backs and will help to improve your stamina. If you suffer from aches and pains, try swimming – the water cushions and supports your body so your joints won’t have any pressure put on them.

Learn To Treat Yourself With Kindness

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Finally, it’s important to learn to treat yourself well. Treating yourself with love is an act of radical kindness: a lot of the time the words we say to ourselves are words we would never tolerate hearing about our loved ones. But the truth is that we should be our own loved ones and best friends, so it’s time to change the story that you tell yourself. Focus on your accomplishments and achievements, and learn to enjoy being in your own company. You can take yourself to see a movie or for lunch, you can develop your own hobbies by going to a book club or a pottery class – you don’t have to go far or spend a lot of money to find new, fun things to do.

Focusing on yourself and your mental and physical health is the best way to find long-term serenity and happiness. Easier said than done, I know; but you can do it!

•How do you practice self-care?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Self-Care is Not Selfish

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There are times in everyone’s life when you realize you just can’t do it all. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with the sheer weight of responsibility resting on your shoulders, or maybe issues that have haunted you since childhood threaten to sink you.

You might be experiencing some mental health or physical problems brought on by a mix of anxiety and exhaustion (cough me cough), or maybe something is happening in your life and you’re in need of some help. It can be overwhelming to ask for help. But it’s important to do it. With luck, you’ll be able to reach out to someone who can lend a supportive and listening ear and help you find practical solutions to your problems. A friend or family member might be able to help with your day-to-day struggles and relieve some of the pressure on you. For some, a therapist might be essential and incredibly beneficial.

For others, and for whatever reason, this might not be possible, and that’s where we step in. In this blog post, we’re going to look at some of the more well known self-help and self-care books that will provide you with some new ways of thinking and some guidance on facing up and coping with the issues going on in your life right now.

They are by no means exhaustive, and if you’re still struggling with your current situation, you must contact your doctor and let them know what’s going on and seek immediate professional help. Trust me, the possible “embarrassment” of seeking a professional (which is NOTHING to be embarrassed about) is nothing compared to dealing with mental illness alone.

 

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

Self-Care

When there’s so much going on that you either forget or choose not to take care of yourself, then I suggest listening to this audiobook: The Self-Care Project by Jayne Hardy. This guide will give you the low down on letting go of some the things that threaten to overwhelm us and give some much needed time over to taking care of our health, cleanliness, and nutrition.

It’s a no-nonsense tool that makes it clear why self-care is much more than a buzzword and how making time for it in your life will lead to a calmer, happier, less stressed you (we all need that, right?)!

If you prefer something you can read, then try the book “Remember This When You’re Sad”, a great read by author Maggy van Eijk, who explores how you can turn around your negative relationship with yourself into one of self-care and compassion. Van Eijk recounts stories from her own life and her struggles with mental health, and offers advice like a friend, making this book accessible and undaunting.

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Decluttering

Decluttering might seem like a very small issue in comparison to the weighty topic of self-care, but in fact the two are very closely linked. The problem with clutter is that it leads to more clutter, and very soon you feel like you wouldn’t even know where to start in keeping your living spaces clean and hygienic. This feeling of not being able to cope often leads to depression and anxiety, and that’s where Marie Kondo comes in.

Kondo has written four books, such as “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up”, and her practice has changed lives. She is practical and she is ruthless. It might take time to go through everything, but you will, and when you’re finished, you’ll have thrown away everything in your life that does not spark joy and you will be left with exactly what you need.

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If you haven’t watched Tidying Up on Netflix, you should. Sometimes it may seem silly, but it’s a really great method! And Marie Kondo is super cute and relatable.

 

Dealing With Depression And Anxiety

There will be times where you’ll need to seek medical help for depression and/or anxiety, particularly if you have underlying health problems. With that in mind, it’s extremely important to not self-medicate, but rather get the guidance of a healthcare professional (whether it’s a Western medicine doctor or holistic).

However, if you experience depression and anxiety from time to time (and not every single day) and are looking for ways to manage it, then these guides could help you out.

“The Worry Trick” a book written by David A Carbonell, explores in depth why your brain is prone to anxiety, and assuming the worst and what can be done to combat those thoughts.

For those who suffer with the milder end of depression, you could check out “Feeling Good” by David D Burns. This book is considered something of a classic and takes the reader through a series of activities and exercises that mimic real life therapy sessions.

 

Body Positivity

If your current set of circumstances are centered around your body view (definitely me), then you might like to explore some books that will help you to create a more positive view of yourself.

In “The Goddess Revolution: Make Peace With Food, Love Your Body, And Reclaim Your Life” by Mel Wells, the author explains how to stop with the yo-yo dieting and fads and start living a life free from dysfunctional relationships with food and exercise.

If you’re after a classic read on the subject, then consider reading “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf, who explores how and why concepts of beauty in society have been harnessed against women to keep them oppressed.

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Addiction

Whether you’re just starting on your road to recovery or you’re a little further down the line, there are a number of reads out there that will give you that extra bit of support that you need to encourage you forward into sobriety. From “MAKING FRIENDS IN SOBRIETY: A GUIDE TO FRIENDSHIP AS A SOBER ADULT” to “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” from one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The path to sobriety from an addiction, whether to alcohol, gambling, or drugs, requires the support of friends and family to stay healthy.

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For anyone supporting someone going through the process, you might also want to read “Codependent’s Guide To The Twelve Steps” by Beverly Conyers who talks through the action of recovery and how family members can cope when relapses do occur. She also helps families and friends manage their expectations around recovery and provide support for everyone involved in the process.

 

Getting Ahead

If you’re struggling to find motivation at work and feel yourself slipping further and further down the career ladder, you might benefit from some tips to help you find traction in your professional life and see your job prospects improve at the same time.

“Strategize To Win” by Carla A Harris gives you the lowdown on how to figure out what’s holding you back and how to plan to become unstuck. As the Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley, Harris knows a thing or two about achieving success and recommends five year plans to create career success.

Dorie Kind offers her marketing insights on reinventing your brand in her book “Reinventing You.” She lays out how to sell yourself, change your career, and shape how others see you in this exciting read.

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When you want to get ahead in life but aren’t really sure what’s holding you back, you’ll want to read Jen Sincero’s book:  “You Are A Badass.” I LOVE this book! It’s a book about self-help for those who profess that they don’t need self-help, and this read will help you wring the absolute most of life. It teaches the art of stepping over fear into adventure and creating self-belief. This, combined with tips on changing up your career and making some serious money, will give anyone lacking confidence plus a job they love the boost they need to make some serious changes.

 

Connecting

Are you failing to connect in friendships as well as romantically? It might be that you just need a little help to get your social and emotional intelligence on point.

Try listening to “The Charisma Myth” by Olivia Fox Cabane as an audiobook. In this audio, she explores the idea that anyone can learn the science behind being charismatic and appearing interesting, and offers some practical steps to achieve this status.

If you prefer a paperback, take a look at Leil Lowndes’ “How To Talk To Anyone”, a book packed full with 92 tricks to help you with small talk, body language, and creating a great rapport.

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If you’re seeking love and want to figure out why you keep landing the wrong one, then give “Deeper Dating” by Ken Page a go. Rather than trying to overwhelm you with tips on how to flirt or what to wear or say during a date, this book looks at how to make deeper connections and grow intimacy into something that blossoms into a healthy and functioning relationship.

Whatever you’re looking for and whatever it is that you’re going through, recognize that you deserve to feel better and you deserve to find the answers that you’re looking for.

Read around and find lifestyle bloggers and specialists that will add positivity to your life and not place you in a position of comparing yourself to others. Ditch anything, from social media to real life friends, who choose to keep you weighed down with negativity and their own issues.

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If you’re not sure where to start, begin by adding a few mindfulness techniques in your life that will help to center and focus you, and start the process of what to tackle first. Try deep breathing or guided meditation; anything that will help you gain a calmer mind, and be ready to make those big changes.

  • In what ways do you practice self-care?
  • What’s a new method of self-care that you’d like to take on?
This post was a collaboration.

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