How to really give yourself time off. P.S. It’s more than just not working 

Self

Does it feel like you don’t get much of a break even when you take time off from work? That can be so frustrating. You know your time off is finite, and sooner or later, it will be time to go back to work. So, wouldn’t it be nice if you got some quality time off before you have to clock back in? To make sure that does happen, consider these four simple, yet brilliant tips to give yourself some quality time off.

Go app free

Whether you use your apps for work or play, consider deleting them during your time off. One notification is all it takes to fall down a dark rabbit hole of work-related tasks. Or, you can easily waste precious time with mindless scrolling.

Give yourself a challenge

The idea here isn’t to give yourself more work to do. Instead, choose a goal and see if you can accomplish it, like reading a couple books from your favorite author, cooking your way through a top cookbook, or going for a brisk, outdoor walk every morning. These little challenges give you something to focus on and help you feel good while you’re off.

Take a digital break

How would it feel to go computer-free, phone-free, internet-free and app-free? At first, you might not know what to do with yourself, but you’ll find you begin to relax and spend your time in other fulfilling and inspiring ways. Just be sure you let your friends and family know you’re taking a digital break so they don’t worry or think you’re ghosting them. 

If you must work, work with boundaries 

If you do need to work during your time off, create boundaries. This means, you allow yourself to work during specific times, but not outside of them. This means, when you do work, you make it more enjoyable for yourself by lighting a candle, treating yourself to your favorite latte, or gifting yourself a little shopping spree when you’re done. 

5 hacks to make your morning workout easier 

Fitness

We have the best of intentions. We want to do a morning workout, but doing it feels impossible. Sure, there are so many great reasons why an early morning workout is a good idea, but that doesn’t make it any easier to jump out of bed and onto your mat. What you need is a fool-proof strategy. And these five hacks are your ticket to an easier morning workout routine.

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Support your menstrual cycle with these foods

Food, Health

In our first post, “Are you eating the right foods to support your cycle?”, we discussed your body’s dietary needs during the first two phases of your menstrual cycle. Before we move on to the last two phases, let’s briefly recap the four stages:

  • Menstruation: This phase marks the beginning of your cycle and it’s when you have your period.
  • The follicular phase: Here, your ovarian follicles start to mature your eggs, one of which will eventually make its way into the uterus during ovulation.
  • Ovulation: The shortest phase in your cycle, ovulation lasts from 12 to 24 hours. In ovulation, one egg makes it’s way from the ovarian follicle into your uterus.
  • The luteal phase: The final stage of your cycle sees a shift in hormones, which can lead to mood swings and PMS symptoms.

In our first installment, we discussed top food choices for menstruation and the follicular phase. Now, let’s explore the best foods to support your body’s ovulation and luteal phase.

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