Building a life you love requires setting clear goals, prioritizing your time, taking actions aligned with your values and beliefs, and being open to new experiences and opportunities.
Here are a few steps you can take to get started:
I'm going to break these steps down and give you more insight and details of each one.
1) Identify your values and beliefs
Identifying your values and beliefs is a crucial step in building a life you love as it helps you understand what is most important to you. This process involves reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and emotions to determine what drives you and what you stand for. Having a clear understanding of your values and beliefs will guide you in making decisions and taking actions that align with your goals and bring you fulfillment. This self-awareness can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Sometimes identifying your beliefs and values, beyond the really obvious ones, can be a little tricky, and you may need some help digging deeper. This 78-card deck and companion guide provides a useful set of tools to help you identify what is most important to you and then learn how to live your life in accordance with those values. The Live Your Values Deck by Lisa Congdon will assist you in creating a life that is consistent with your values by providing you with insights, motivation, and activities.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
2) Set achievable goals
Setting achievable goals is an important step in building a life you love as it provides direction and purpose. To set effective goals, start by defining both short-term and long-term aspirations that align with your values and beliefs. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can help you make progress and stay motivated. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals as needed is also key to ensuring they remain relevant and attainable. By setting achievable goals, you can focus your efforts, track your progress, and ultimately build a life you love.
Why do some people accomplish all of their ambitions while others only have better lives in their dreams? The most recent edition of this timeless book by best-selling author and motivational speaker Brian Tracy, How to Set and Achieve Goals, has more than 640,000 copies sold.
There is already a way to get from being frustrated to being fulfilled. Millions of people who started out with nothing have gone on to have enormous success. In this audiobook, Tracy offers a straightforward, strong, and successful strategy for establishing and attaining goals. This approach has helped more than a million people accomplish incredible feats.
3) Prioritize your time
Prioritizing your time is essential in building a life you love as it allows you to focus on what matters most. To prioritize your time, start by identifying your top priorities and making sure you allocate adequate time for these activities and people. It's also important to limit or eliminate distractions and activities that do not align with your values and goals. Setting boundaries and learning to say "no" to commitments that do not serve you can help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you can always adjust your priorities as your life changes and evolves. By prioritizing your time, you can make the most of each day and build a life you love.
The majority of individuals still struggle greatly with time management. "Do What Matters Most: Lead with a Vision, Manage with a Plan, Prioritize Your Time," reveals the routines and procedures employed by world-class executives to cut down on distractions and increase productivity.
4) Take action
Taking action is crucial in building a life you love as it turns your goals and aspirations into reality. Once you have identified your values, set achievable goals, and prioritized your time, it's time to take action. This involves breaking down your goals into actionable steps and consistently working towards them. Create a plan and schedule that allows you to make progress, and hold yourself accountable for taking the necessary actions. Remember, progress often requires perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to face challenges and obstacles along the way. By taking action, you can turn your dreams into reality and build a life you love.
Is your life a collection of unfulfilled plans and tasks? Now it's over. A fascinating deep dive into the psychology and science of achievement, productivity, and getting things done can be found in "Finish What You Start." It addresses why we get stuck at times and offers thorough, step-by-step remedies you can use right away. Even seasoned productivity experts will be able to pick up some new tricks because every stage of finishing and following through is covered.
5) Stay open to new experiences
Staying open to new experiences is important in building a life you love as it allows for personal growth and the discovery of new opportunities. Keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things, even if they are outside of your comfort zone, can lead to unexpected experiences and growth. This can help you broaden your horizons, develop new skills, and create meaningful connections with others. It's also important to be open to change and adapt to new circumstances as they arise. Staying open to new experiences can bring a sense of excitement and fulfillment to your life and help you build a life you love.
6) Practice self-care and seek support
Practicing self-care is crucial in building a life you love as it supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This involves engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. It's also important to prioritize rest, nutrition, and physical activity to maintain a healthy body and mind. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can also be helpful in managing stress and coping with life's challenges. Remember, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. By practicing self-care, you can build a life you love and be better equipped to handle life's challenges. Seeking support is important in building a life you love as it provides encouragement, guidance, and a source of strength. Sharing your thoughts and experiences with trusted individuals can help you process your emotions and provide a sense of belonging. Seeking support can also provide a different perspective and help you make informed decisions. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and seeking support is a key component of self-care. By seeking support, you can build a life you love and build meaningful relationships with others. Self-care is crucial, but it may be intimidating. Where do you even begin, I mean? This simple pad divides self-care objectives into manageable, tiny steps and includes space for you to add your own. Grab your crystal-infused water, take three deep breaths, and start the self-care celebration!
Remember, building a life you love is a continuous process, and it may take time to see results. Stay committed, be patient, and trust the journey.
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Self-care refers to activities and practices that individuals can engage in to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health. It encompasses a wide range of activities including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and practicing mindfulness. The goal of self-care is to maintain and improve overall well-being, and to prevent burnout and stress-related illnesses. Self-care is a personal and ongoing process, and everyone's self-care routine will be unique to their individual needs and preferences. I will outline 10 self-care tips for moms (or anyone) to help improve your well-being.
1) Prioritize sleep
Remember, quality sleep is important for overall health and well-being, so grab your pillow and prioritize it in your self-care routine.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
2) Exercise regularly
Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day to boost mood, reduce stress and improve overall health. Here are some exercise ideas that you can do in 30 minutes or less:
These are just some examples of exercises you can do in 30 minutes or less. Choose one that fits your interests and abilities, and make it a regular part of your self-care routine.
3) Eat a balanced diet
Include a variety of nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to fuel the body and boost energy levels. A balanced diet typically consists of a variety of nutritious foods from the following food groups:
It's important to limit the consumption of foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, and to drink plenty of water. A balanced diet will vary for each individual, depending on their age, sex, and activity level. It's important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.
4) Manage stress
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to manage stress levels and promote well-being. Here are some tips to help manage stress:
Remember, everyone experiences stress differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different stress management techniques to find what works best for you.
5) Connect with others
Spend time with loved ones, join social groups, or engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. I'm going to list some ways here to help you connect with others:
Keep in mind, forming connections with others takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant in terms of personal growth, fulfillment, and happiness.
6) Set boundaries
Learn to say "no" when you need to, and prioritize time for yourself. Here are some tips to help set healthy boundaries:
Don't forget that, setting healthy boundaries is an ongoing process, and requires effort and self-awareness. But the benefits, in terms of reduced stress and improved relationships, are worth it.
7) Practice self-compassion
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and focus on positive self-talk. Here are some tips to help practice self-compassion:
Remember, self-compassion is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and self-reflection. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you can improve your mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness affirmation and self-calming cards are perfect to help you relax. Moms need to take time for self-care and self-compassion on a regular basis, but even taking a moment to read an affirmation card will give you a boost.
8) Engage in hobbies
Pursue interests and hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment, and foster a sense of purpose. Here are some tips to help you find a hobby:
By trying new things and exploring your interests, you can discover hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment.
9) Practice mindfulness
Focus on the present moment, and become more aware of thoughts and emotions without judgment. Here are some tips to help practice mindfulness:
By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can improve your well-being and live in the present moment with more awareness and clarity. This breathing Buddha helps guide you through your breathing to reduce stress and anxiety and help place you in a state of meditation.
10) Seek help when needed
Don't be afraid to reach out for help when dealing with challenges, whether it's through therapy, support groups, or medication. Here are some tips for reaching out for help:
These are just some of the many ways you can practice self-care, and prioritize your well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it's essential for your health and happiness. While this article was written to be self-care tips for moms, these tips can really be applied to everyone and anyone looking to take care of themselves. I hope that you got a few ideas to incorporate into your everyday life because you deserve to be taken care of.
Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), is a chronic, debilitating, and persistent neurological condition which affects a person’s vision, hearing, and brain function. The primary, and shared, symptom of VSS sufferers is Visual Snow. This resembles “TV static” and is perceived and seen as millions of moving and flashing dots over the entire visual field. This static is seen whether the eyes or opened or if they are closed. While Visual Snow itself is not as rare as once believe, Visual Snow Syndrome is. The full-blown syndrome carries multiple symptoms with it, in addition to the symptom of Visual Snow.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VISUAL SNOW SYNDROME?
While the primary symptom of Visual Snow Syndrome is Visual Snow (static vision), there are numerous other symptoms that accompany this condition. Many of these are seen in migraine sufferers, making diagnosing VSS difficult for medical professionals who do not have a full understanding of the condition. Many patients are misdiagnosed with Status migrainosus, or a similar diagnosis in the migraine family. Here is a listing of symptoms that a VSS patient may experience:
WHAT MAKES VISUAL SNOW SYNDROME HARD TO LIVE WITH?
Because the brain of a VSS patient causes visual information to be processed abnormally, normal and everyday tasks can become more difficult. When trying to read the words and letters on the page or screen may start to produce afterimages, and these shadowed replicas will float and move over the words making them hard, or impossible, to distinguish. Driving often times becomes a daunting task because of static, night blindness, floaters, glare, light sensitivity, ghosting, and blue field entopic phenomenon.
DOES VISUAL SNOW SYNDROME PRESENT THE SAME IN ALL PATIENTS?
VSS presents differently in patients aside from the occurrence of Visual Snow (static vision). Some patients on the milder end of the VSS spectrum may have 2 or 3 symptoms, while severe cases may have 15+ constant symptoms. Also, some patients find that certain symptoms may fade over time, while others find that they add new symptoms after years of having VSS.
WHAT CAUSES VISUAL SNOW SYNDROME?
Researchers and doctors still do not have a conclusive answer to what triggers or causes Visual Snow Syndrome. There are many patient accounts out there, on what they believe set off, or triggered, their own personal VSS condition. These include, but are not limited to SSRIs, concussion, antibiotics, illegal drug use, head trauma, pregnancy, and most recently COVID-19. While potential triggers have been identified by patients, the question remains, “when triggered, what area or areas of the brain are affected, and how are these affected? Research in recent years, has led us to see that the brain of a VSSer has hyperactivity in the visual cortex, and it is believed that the lingual gyrus is involved as well as the thalamus.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Currently there are no medical tests to diagnose Visual Snow Syndrome. This can be done by a doctor, usually a neurologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist, and is based on the patient’s symptoms. If a patient is only seeing static, with no other symptoms, then they would have a diagnosis of Visual Snow, as a symptom, but not Visual Snow Syndrome. If a patient has additional symptoms, like the ones listed above, along with their Visual Snow (static vision), then they would receive a diagnosis of Visual Snow Syndrome. While awareness and research have multiplied over the past decade for Visual Snow Syndrome, this is still an incurable and untreatable condition. Doctors and patients can work together to try and alleviate some of the visual symptoms by the use of colored lenses or sunglasses. Patients may find white noise sound machines helpful to drown out the tinnitus. Sometimes treating an underlying condition, such as migraine, can help patients get some measure of relief from their Visual Snow Syndrome symptoms.
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WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PATIENTS
While there is no treatment, there are support groups for patients to join. Patients find it helpful to talk to others with the condition to ask questions and get reassurance about some of the many symptoms that they are experiencing. Most of these can be found online, on Facebook, due to the many miles between each patient. A full listing of groups can be found on the Eye on Vision Foundation website at https://www.eyeonvision.org/visual-snow-resources.html
WHAT IS THE EYE ON VISION FOUNDATION?
The Eye on Vision Foundation was formed in 2006, by me, Jennifer Ambrose, a Visual Snow Syndrome sufferer. When I developed VSS in 2005, Visual Snow Syndrome was not a condition that many doctors even had a name for. Patients were referred to psychiatrists, as the symptoms they were describing sounded unrealistic and unreasonable. It wasn’t until a migraine expert, Prof. Peter Goadsby, published a paper in 2014 entitled, “‘Visual snow’ – a disorder distinct from persistent migraine aura,”(2) that the medical community started to take notice and validate Visual Snow Syndrome. The Eye on Vision Foundation has worked closely with researchers on a global basis since day one and will continue to support both researchers and patients for many years to come.
THE FUTURE OF VISUAL SNOW SYNDROME
Research is happening on a global basis for Visual Snow Syndrome. There are currently doctors in England, Australia, the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland working hard to learn more about the basic science of VSS and how we might treat this debilitating condition. In order to accelerate the research process, more funding is needed. Funding for rare disease is difficult, and many times the financial burden falls on the patients themselves to raise the capital needed to fund these studies. There are a handful of nonprofit companies around the globe working to raise research funding. To learn more, or get involved, please visit EyeOnVision.org Article written by Jennifer Ambrose, founder of the Eye on Vision Foundation EyeOnVision.org Recommended supplemental reading: Living with Visual Snow Syndrome Sources: (1) The Psychiatric Symptomology of Visual Snow Syndrome Emma J. Solly, Meaghan Clough, Paige Foletta, Owen B. White and Joanne Fielding https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.703006/full (2) 'Visual snow' - a disorder distinct from persistent migraine aura Christoph J Schankin, Farooq H Maniyar, Kathleen B Digre, Peter J Goadsby https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/137/5/1419/334357
What is Parosmia?
Parosmia can most simply be defined as a distorted sense of smell and/or taste, where anosmia is the loss of sense of smell (total or partial). Parosmia is a distorted olfactory response in the presence of an odor. This can be a debilitating condition in which familiar smells become unrecognizable and disgusting, sometimes leading to malnourishment, depression and mental health issues. With smell being closely linked to taste, many patients experiencing parosmia become distressed due to their impaired eating. The tongue is responsible for core tastes like salty, bitter and sweet, but most of the faint flavors we taste, like in soups, sauces, or beverages are tightly linked to sense of smell.
Parosmia happens when the smell receptor cells in your nose don’t detect odors, and translate them to your brain improperly. The smell is than perceived as bad or disgusting (think rotten flesh or week old garbage.)
Causes
What can cause parosmia? Most commonly parosmia results after a viral infection. More cases than ever have been seen after Covid-19. Other cases may be, but are not limited to head injuries, sinus infections, colds, tumors, drugs, and seizures.
Impact on Quality of Life
When your sense of smell can't be relied on, you may be at risk of missing things like dirty diapers, spoiled milk or food, smoke, or even a gas leak. Careers may be impacted as well if you rely on your sense of smell. Chefs, sommeliers, perfumers, and firefighters, will find it difficult to perform while coping with parosmia. Sufferers of parosmia may find it impacts their friendships and family life in a negative way. No longer being able to tolerate going out to a restaurant can have an impact more than people may realize.
Potential Treatments
There is no set conventional treatment for Parosmia. This has led patients to trial and error and doing their own research on treatments that may work for their individual case. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Zinc Supplements
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SGB - A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anaesthetic into the collection of nerves in the side of the neck. The injection goes directly into the autonomic nervous system, which some theorize will stop the "Fight or Flight" response. I personally tried this treatment, and sadly this had no effect on my Parosmia. I can say though I have talked to several people who have had success with the SGB treatment.
Smell Training
Essential oils were commonly used in the early days of Covid-19 when loss of smell was an extremely widespread symptom. Olfactory training is a non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment option for patients with olfactory dysfunction, such as parosmia and anosmia. Patients expose themselves to 4 different odors, 2 or more times per day, for 4-6 months.
Over the past few years, companies have developed smell training kits specifically designed for olfactory dysfunction with multiple phases as you progress through the smell therapy.
The kits are designed to help regenerate damaged neural pathways. The specific fragrances found in the smell training kits represent some of the most important scents in the Odor Prism. With consistency and practice, these scents can make it easier for you to recognize other fragrances that fall within that prism.
Do you genuinely want to eat healthier, but struggle to find the time to make this happen? You are not alone in this dilemma. Most of the time it is quicker and easier to grab a prepackaged processed item, over a nutritious choice of fruits and vegetables. There is a game changer that is going to change all of this for you.
Frozen organic fruits and vegetables...
You may be asking the question that many wonder? If frozen as good as fresh? Yes and then some! Many times frozen is actually healthier for you, as fruits and vegetables that will be frozen are generally picked at peak ripeness, when they’re the most nutritious. Another benefit to using frozen bagged fruits and veggies is that the washing has been done for you, prior to the freezing process. Washing and cutting fruits and vegetables can be a huge time killer, so using frozen saves time and effort. You can also freeze your own fruits the night before if you cannot find a particular fruit in your frozen section. Expert Tip! Let your frozen fruit thaw for a few minutes in the blender before turning on, as it will be easier to blend if slightly thawed and not rock hard. No time to thaw? No worries, with the Ninja Professional Blender's 1000-watt motor frozen fruits and vegetables will be pulverized with ease.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of the links.
Milk options for your smoothie:
Sweeteners to add into smoothies:
All recipes can be prepared in under 5 minutes in your blender. If you are in need of a new blender, the Ninja Professional (pictured above with clickable link) comes highly rated and will do the job you need! If any of the smoothies are too thick, add 1 oz of coconut water until desired thickness is achieved. Honey is listed on the sweetener in all recipes, but this can be eliminated or swapped out for any of the above mentioned sweetener options. Smoothie formula:
1. Bananaberry Sensation 1 frozen banana peeled and cut 2 cups frozen strawberries 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 2. Mangorry Madness 1 cup frozen mango 2 cups frozen raspberries 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 3. Kaleberry Twist 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup Kale 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 4. Green Machine Dream 1 cup frozen pineapple 1 cup frozen mango 1 cup baby spinach fresh 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey 5. Peanananut 2 cups frozen peaches 1 medium banana peeled and sliced 3/4 cup coconut milk 3/4 cup coconut water 1/2 cup yogurt 2 TBSP honey
With your basic smoothie ready to go, you may want to add a few extras to boost flavor and nutritional value. Here are a few toss in ideas:
I personally prefer a flavorless protein powder, to help keep the true flavors of the ingredients that I'm adding to my smoothies. I'll link the powder that is at the top of my list! Organic and unflavored! Double bonus!
Savings Tip! Where I live, coconut water is fairly expensive in the grocery stores. I've found purchasing a small case online saves me 50% or more! I'm going to include an Amazon link here for you on the coconut water that I buy for my smoothies.
Make sure that you alternate the ingredients that you are using in your smoothies for maximum diversification of nutrients. Focusing on consuming the right foods can help you live healthier, think more clearly, and feeling better overall.
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Bless Myself BlogJen AmbroseCertified Life Coach, Mother of Five, Wife, Christian, Homeowner & Friend Archives
April 2023
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