Jesus says the truth will set you free. Is anyone else hungry for truth? Truth in knowing who you really are? How about truth in knowing what is actually real, compared to lies, fake news, AI, or simply human manipulation? What about gaslighting and how the effects of it leave us questioning our own identities and self-confidence?
What would the world, your community, school, or your home look like if we all lived in the true identity that God gave us? Think about that. There would be no more comparing, no more competitive “keep up with the Joneses”, no more judgment or gossip. We would all be living in the identity of who God calls us, confidently, courageously, and full of peace, radiating Joy!
Let me reiterate, we would be completely satisfied with how we look, walk, talk, and what we wear. Our identity would shine through our work and relationships. Our place of employment would not define us or what we do; our identity of who God made us to be would sparkle in our everyday happenings. We would complement each other in our talents and gifts, cooperating as one. No more jealousy, no more envy, and no more shame.
This sounds a lot like Heaven. Friends, it is. Heaven does exist on earth, and it starts with you pursuing your identity. Ask God personal questions, and listen to what He says about you.
How to get started!
1 Read
Get to know Jesus. Why? Jesus is the one who can set us free and who can show us how to live a life of truth. He is your refuge. Jesus is the source of life. He is Truth. Read the Gospels (New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), then read them again to get to know his character and how to love.
2 Watch
Watch The Chosen to give you the idea of what life was like in the years Jesus walked this planet. The Chosen is a combination of Biblical truth with some Hollywood theatrics to show you how the Bible is timeless in our modern times.
3 Study
Another tool is the Life Application Study Bible. This Bible can also be useful for studying verse interpretation. It has a helpful concordance to look up specific topics or emotions. Detailed charts, maps, and biographies are interesting to read in this Bible as well.
Use your imagination and visualize Jesus with you. We call this your “Safe Place”. You choose a place where you feel free and safe, like a beach, meadow, the woods, your living room couch, or so forth. Close off all distractions. Close your eyes and visualize this place. What does it look like, smell like, feel like, and what are you hearing?
From there, ask Jesus to join you and look for him in your safe place. Is he walking toward you on the beach? Sitting next to you on the couch? Handing you a cup of camp coffee while sitting next to the campfire? I think you get the picture. Simply ask Him what you need to know about _____. “Jesus, what do you want me to know about ______?” What is Jesus telling you or showing you? Ask him any question, be real, raw, and bluntly honest. “Jesus, who do I need to forgive? Please bring that person to my attention. What does that look like?”
This is your sacred space and place to be with Jesus. “Jesus, what lies am I believing about myself, about that person, or the event that happened to me?” He will show things your heart has been longing for. “Jesus, what is it that you want me to replace that lie with?” This is truly a transformative experience with our living God.
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5 Go
Go to church! It truly is best if you can attend in person. The Church is the bride of Christ. If you can’t attend in person, find a Christian church online and grow a connection with online small groups or Bible studies. Here are some of my favorites with solid doctrine that I have attended.
Ask Jesus into your life. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, that you need Him every day, you believe that He died and rose again, and to fill you. Please know that Jesus will help your unbelief every step of the way. He will meet you where you are.
7 Do
Do what the Bible says to do. Get baptized! All the churches listed above will guide you and dig deeper into the significance of baptism. Jesus even got baptized by John the Baptist! He did this for you to follow Him. It was the beginning of his ministry. It’s a new beginning for you.
Truth will set you free. The truth about you and who you are in God’s eyes will unlock heaven on earth. First things first, get to know Jesus, the Son of God. It is through Him that you will find freedom, true identity, joy, peace, and true love. Jesus goes before you. He actually went WAY before you, all the way back to Eden. Trust Him. Stand firm next to Him. Follow Him. In Jesus’ Name.
Your living spaces have a direct impact on your well-being. Your physical health matters, and even more so, your mental health. When you feel good about your living space, it affects your mood, choices, and relationships. If you want to be a happier person, take a look around and change the room! Check out my easy, inexpensive tips on how to brighten a room. I’ve got 8 great suggestions you can do today to transform a room.
There is greatness in DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects. For one, it helps your mind work more creatively. You have to pay better attention to what you’re doing, which makes your brain work a little harder and smarter. The second benefit of DIY is that it builds confidence. If you can make something happen with your hands and skills, it magically gives you more self-esteem!
The third plus with DIY is personal gratification. It’s okay to say “I did that!” When you transform a room, an object, or a landscape with a little sweat and hands-on, you’ll instantly feel fulfillment! We all need a bit of that in our everyday lives.
Let’s get to work and make a space more cheerful! For where there is light, darkness can’t reside.
8 Amazing Tips on How to Brighten a Room
1 Clean up
First things first, clean up. Sure, you can pay for a cleaning service to clean your house, but it can get pricy. When you clean your own home, you not only get instant gratification but also a workout! You might also find some things you misplaced, including money in the couch, pants pockets, or laundry. Do yourself a favor and take charge of your living space by cleaning it yourself. Cleaning the House: 5 Factors to Understand
2 Open the shades
Draw back the curtains, twist open the blinds. Natural light is healing to the soul. It improves your mood, helps your natural clock sync with nature, encourages you to be more productive, and natural light even helps us focus. The absolute beauty of this tip is that it’s $0.00.
What if you don’t have a window? A nice-sized mirror can help! A mirror’s reflections mimic a window’s feel and make the room feel bigger than it really is. Shop around for a large mirror; garage sales, secondhand shops, and discount stores are good places. You can even purchase smaller mirrors and create a design like the picture below.
3 Buy yourself some flowers.
This doesn’t need to be a $40 bouquet. There are great flower deals at ALDI’s, Trader Joe’s, and even Costco. Don’t forget about your local roadside flower stands! You can get some amazing flowers for under $10. Why flowers? Flowers brighten a room immediately. They bring bright colors or softness into your home. A vase of flowers is a welcoming centerpiece. Grab an old mason jar and arrange a little sunshine for your kitchen island or end table.
4 String lights
String lights aren’t just for Christmas. String lights bring light to the darkness. How to brighten a room without windows? You got it, string lights! String lights are inexpensive for what they do. You can get your standard Christmas lights for around $12, if you purchase after Christmas you can get some amazing deals! I like to string them in a faux tree or along the fireplace mantel. You can also decorate around a window, line them vertically on a wall, or outline them along the ceiling. There are endless options for string lights. There are, of course, the LED moving lights; those are fun, but they are not what I am talking about. I’m talking about the standard simple white NON-LED Christmas tree lights.
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5 Get some greens
Add some plants or faux greens. Putting a touch of green in your room brings the outdoors inside. Even if it isn’t a real plant, there is something about green leaves that presents freshness and peace in a room. Plants can lower stress and anxiety, they can boost healing and energy levels, and plants can improve your mood. You can get some great faux ferns or pine boughs online or even at the dollar store.
6 Paint!
There’s nothing better than a coat of fresh paint. When some people think of cheerful colors they might pick red, yellow, orange, or purple. But in all honesty, simply go with white. If you want to know how to brighten a room with paint, especially without windows, choose white! White flows with the seasons and gives you a sense of cleanliness, freshness, and peace. Painting can be a bit more expensive, so it depends on the size of the room and the type of paint you buy. When you DIY, you’re saving even more money and honing in on a skill!
Music is a great way to set the tone of a room. Play some music that will lift you up! Find your go-to tunes that will bring peace and calm to your heart. Music is essentially free if you have a radio. I know that’s old school, but it’s free. There are, of course, Spotify, iTunes, Sirius XM, and other music subscriptions, but when it comes to managing money, know what subscriptions you have!
8 Wall prints
Need some simple yet powerful wall art? Head to Etsy and download some awesome wall prints. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God. Displaying His truths sets the tone. When something feels off in your day, speak the Sword of the Spirit and command the darkness to flee in Jesus’ name! Seeing His promises daily helps you live out His promises, not to mention memorize them. His presence is with you all the time. Why not display it on your walls? You can easily download scripture art at the Do More Than Exist Freebies. Dig out an old frame from your closet, and you’re good to go!
Love the space you live in, it matters greatly! Brightening a room is a fun transformation you can be proud of. And when you carry out the do-it-yourself mojo, anything is possible, not to mention money-saving! Try these simple tips today and lift up your well-being in a bright and beautiful space.
Come January and February, the winter blues gradually sneak up on us. Winter blues disorder is a thing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, having the “winter blues” is actually normal. You’re totally fine to feel a little down during the colder months. They refer to it as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Um, yeah, I know I get it. No matter where we live, we’re bound to crave sunlight. But it’s not all about sunlight.
What can we do about the winter blues?13 Tips
Here are the best 13 ways to naturally reduce the ‘winter blues’. The bonus tip is HUGELY important, please read through them all. The list goes from the most common tip to the most unique. My personal favorites that are most effective are #9, #13, and the BONUS.
1- Get Outside…even if it’s cloudy.
There is power in the outdoors even when it’s cloudy. Stepping outside to get the mail can even help fight off the winter blues sad symptoms. Stepping out in nature helps you feel like you did something today, and that, in itself, a feeling of accomplishment can mend the blues of winter. Do yourself a favor, and give yourself a change of scene, even if it’s a stroll in your neighborhood. Get some fresh air. Yo, getting outside may even help you sleep better at night. Here are a few nature quotes to get you motivated.
2- Open up the shades and pull back the curtains.
Increase the amount of sunlight in your home, again, even if it’s cloudy. Open the shades and curtains! Being closed off to the incredible beauty of creation is depressing. Stop it! Simply opening the curtains or shades during the day is so incredibly healthy for your mind and well-being. This little act makes a huge impact on your psyche. Say goodbye to the winter blues disorder!
3- Take Vitamin D
There are many benefits to vitamin D. One is that it improves mood. Taking vitamin D3 also reduces upper respiratory infections. Other vitamin D benefits include bone health, helping the immune system, managing blood sugar levels, fighting heart disease, helping regulate hormones, contributing to memory, supporting skin health, and more. Dr. Axe has more info here. “D” gives you a dose of goodness.
4- Exercise
Beating the winter blues means working hard and outsmarting it! Who cares if it’s cloudy and gray outside? Bundle up and get out there. A bit of fresh air does a body and soul good. There have been studies on how exercise can boost mood. Have you heard of a runner’s high? It exists. But what if you don’t run? Lace up the walking shoes or slip on the biking shorts! Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes; an hour would be fantastic. Winter blues sad symptoms have no room in your everyday minutes when your heart gets pumping. I like to visualize the negativity leaving my body as I work my body.
5- Set a sleep schedule
When you’re on a sleep schedule, your body will naturally flow with it. It takes a little time, but within a week or two, you should be feeling the positive effects. Stick to all-natural ways to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Things like avoiding electronics an hour or two before bed, dimming the lights, taking a hot bath, setting a routine, reading before bed, exercising in the morning instead of the evening, and avoiding caffeine after the lunch hour. I went as far as changing out my LED light bulbs to incandescent; yet, it’s hard to find those light bulbs these days.
6- Look at what you’re eating.
A special diet to help with the winter blues? Yeah, kind of. Change up your diet and eat more Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flax seeds), berries, dark chocolate, and bananas are beneficial too. Source: Healthline. These types of foods give off happy vibes. I’ve got a great recipe for salmon in a skillet. Find my recipe here. What you put into your body does affect how you feel. Get clear with cleaner foods and reduce inflammation with foods that calm. If you have digestive issues, be sure to check this post out. It has great information coming from someone who knows! (me).
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7- Try Light Therapy
Light therapy also helps manage the winter blues, but talk to your doctor first. There are a few lights to look at on Amazon. Here’s one that’s inexpensive to try: Miroco Light Therapy Lamp.
6 More Fun Things to Calm the Winter Blues
8- Add plants to your indoors
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Some other fun things we can do to brighten our blue months (January and February) are to bring green plants into your living spaces. Having plants, even if they’re fake, gives off a fresh feel to the room. Try putting a houseplant or two in your kitchen. If you don’t do well with plants, and what I mean is keeping them alive, head to your favorite hobby store or hop on Amazon and pick up some fake greens. Find other ideas on how to brighten a room here.
9- Light it up inside!
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Move your Christmas lights from your tree to other areas of your home. I have a fake tree in my house; year-round I put a string of white lights on it and turn them on in the evening and early morning. The fireplace mantel is also a great spot to have a string of lights. A few lights can go a long way! If you don’t like the typical dark green string, get the white one! You can find them on Amazon.
10- Turn on your sniffer
Fill your home with lovely smells. Honestly, I don’t know what it is about the smell of banana bread baking, but it brings warm hugs to my soul. Chicken soup does the same thing. Whatever your childhood favorite smell, make that smell happen! This is a low-cost method that goes a long way.
Play nature sounds. There are a lot of great nature sounds you can download. My personal favorites are the ones with birds, something that mimics my backyard in the warmer months. If the ocean is your favorite spot, tune into the sounds, and close your eyes.
12- Embrace the season
Welcome the stillness of the winter. Every year, I find myself craving time alone when it’s snowing outside. Since I live in Michigan, we get our share of snow. The snow has this magical way of quieting life down. Enjoy the silence of nature. One of my favorite places to be in winter is sitting in the snowbank at night…especially if it’s snowing!
13- Warm up the bones
Don’t forget to warm up your bones. If there is ever any sunshine, grab a camp chair and camp out in front of the window or door where the sunbeams shine through. I did this just the other day, and my soul immediately felt better. No sun? Try your fireplace. No fireplace? Light a candle. No candles? Take a hot bath. No bathtub? A cup of dairy-free hot chocolate or tea works too…with a pair of cozy socks.
BONUS – Pay attention to what you are watching
What you put in your mind affects what you think. Your mind is where you think, and what you watch is, of course, going to affect what you think and believe! Your thoughts affect what comes out of your mouth, not to mention how you make choices. Please, please think about this. Better yet, do an experiment with how you feel and what you think about after watching particular shows. Are you numb to violence? Foul language? Do you think that it’s okay? What about your kids watching those things? Your kids’ behavior might not be stemming from the red dye they just ate, but it might be coming from the show they just watched. Do those shows or reels energize you, get you angry, freak you out, fill you up, make you feel depressed, give you joy? Be watchful and aware!
Victory over the Winter Blues
Let’s beat the winter blues at its game. Shine light where you can and warm up your soul using all your senses. Be aware of your surroundings and how you can change them. You got this!
Inspirational quotes are more than words. Words that breathe inspiration are meant for ignition. Think of inspiring words as a spark to fan into flame creativity, imagination, and to achieve a passion that is truly yours to go after. It’s amazing what a little bit of encouragement can do for our souls. See if any of these 10 inspirational quotes get you going.
Why words matter
When we’re inspired, fear and doubt are exchanged for excitement and clarity. Our minds imagine, emotions flutter, and at times our bodies react. Things happen when the right combination of words speaks to us. We are all unique people, motivated by a variety of different things. Finding what combination of words motivates you is often key to understanding more about who God made you to be.
Some of the most powerful words are the simplest words, like ‘Thank You’ or ‘Good job’. How does it make you feel when you hear, “Keep up the good work!” or “I believe in you”? What about “You’re really smart”, or “You’re full of creativity”? One of my favorites is “I appreciate you.” What about “I understand.”?
When you find a great quote, don’t keep it to yourself, share it on your social platforms or it to others. Words go a long way. I put together a list of some of my top 10 inspirational quotes from Holley Gerth, Laihal Gitty Akita, Harry S. Truman, Kat Cole, J Stanfield, Steven Covey, Bob Goff, Charles Dickens, Napoleon Hill, Dr. Andy Badwin, and Christy Troy. May these words inspire you or someone you know.
My top 10 inspirational quotes:
1 – Your dream is a gift God gives you. What you make of it is your gift to Him. – Holley Gerth
2 – Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart. – Harry S. Truman
3 – Focus on things that are small enough to change, but big enough to matter. – Kat Cole
4 – I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do. – J. Stanfield
5 – Live out of your imagination, not your history. – Stephen Covey
6 – Most of us don’t need more instructions; we simply need someone who believes in us. – Bob Goff
7 – No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others. – Charles Dickens
8 – The oak sleeps in the acorn. The bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul, a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of reality. – Napoleon Hill
9 – We’re here to make trails, not to follow ones. – Christy Troy
10 – When someone tells you it can’t be done, it’s more a reflection of their limitations, not yours. – Dr. Andy Baldwin
In closing
Words go a long way. A few words of encouragement or inspirational quotes can definitely change the course of life and open doors we didn’t even know were there. Brighten someone’s day by speaking into their goals; heighten your day by fueling your dreams.
Don’t know how to start? Here’s a post to spark your tinder: Gotta Start Somewhere. Check it out!
Let’s get this straight: stress management is a skill. Managing stress is something we learn either subconsciously or consciously. In some ways, how we manage stress is a form of protection. Stress management can either be healthy or unhealthy; it’s a matter of what we have learned. We’ve all heard that stress kills; friends, this is real. Let’s choose wisely in how we manage stress. You’ve got a lot of living to do; it’s time to hone in on healthy stress management techniques. We’ll talk about 5 of my favorite stress management tips to get you started today!
Stress management is a form of protection?
Stress eating, smoking, drinking, excessive exercising, scrolling, shopping, harming one’s body, are all forms of stress management that were learned at some point in life to calm the anxiety, worry, trauma, wounds, or events. That’s a mouthful, and that is what is going on every day around us! We grab whatever we can to numb the pain that targets pleasure points like taste buds, eye-candy, touch, anything that can raise endorphins higher than the cortisol levels. I think it’s safe to say, we’ve all been there. It breaks my heart that some of us are still there. But we don’t have to be, and there is a way out.
Control is what we seek. There is no shame in that. As naive children, when stressful situations arose, we subconsciously learned how to protect ourselves. Lashing out in anger, running away, crying, narcissism, or silencing ourselves are some subconscious ways of protection that kids use. Moreover, we likely learned other harmful techniques from influencers in our lives. The world says kids are resilient; the world is wrong. Do you know what resilient means? It means to recover quickly from difficult situations. Adults can’t even do this, and kids can? These deep wounds that kids/adults experience are profound, and they resurface from time to time, revealing all the ugliness. We have the ability to change all that!
Let’s learn some healthy ways to manage stress that can make a big difference in our lives and in our children’s lives. Kids learn from watching us. These techniques I’m about to tell you are simple things with a big impact. And no, it’s not expensive. Any age group can do these things. The hard part is breaking free from the conditioning you learned years ago, a few months ago, or even last week. We’ll talk about that in a little bit.
Fix it, please!
Here’s a small personal story to get you started. Years ago, I accidentally deleted my entire website. Yeah, ‘File Not Found’ stared at me in the eyes. My stress level went from zero to a hundred in a matter of milliseconds. Worry settled in, and in a matter of 60 seconds, anxiety took residency.
Furthermore, because I did my own website work, I couldn’t just call a web person and say, “Fix it, please!” All this hard work…GONE. The “undo” button or back arrow was pointless in this case. I tried it. Do you ever have times like these? When you ask yourself, “Why did I just do that? Did that happen?” Wishing there was an “undo” button?
It’s funny when these stressful mistakes occur, and we believe for a split second, maybe it will go away and fix itself if we just close our eyes. Tell me I’m not the only one who thinks this.
Hubby? Are you awake?
Above all, what really put the icing on the cake was that this website disaster occurred right before bed. Like sleep was going to happen! My brain was fried. Knuckles locked. Fingertips deaden. The courage to push the keys on my keyboard was in deep jeopardy. As a result, when I did find the strength to push buttons, I immediately checked my backup… it wasn’t working! My ears got hot and my gut started to cramp.
My husband was sleeping already…not that he knows anything about websites…but I needed someone by my side to listen to my predicament. When we “vent,” it’s like we release the problem from our minds. Perhaps the listener can relate to how to approach the subject. Talking it out with someone is very helpful.
When no one is there
Since my husband was sleeping, I didn’t want to disturb him; he has enough sleeping issues as it is. With no one available, I folded my hands and closed my eyes tight, “God, I’m freaking out. I made a mistake and I’m not sure how to fix it. Please help me dig deep and figure this out.” And then I prayed again. What I love about Him, is that He is always awake and available.
After giving it to God, I needed to do something else for a minute. All I wanted to do was escape, to get out of the room, away from the keyboard. In the black of the night, I slid on my slippers, grabbed a towel, and walked outside. The dark sky was peppered with pinhole lights. It was a welcoming reminder of how small my problem was and how big the world is. “Was anyone else in their backyard stressing out like me?” Probably.
As I folded my towel into a neat square, I anticipated sitting on it to just be. The shadowy trees surrounded me, but not in an intimidating way. No bugs, no noises, just stillness. I watched my breath let go. The quietness blanketed my shoulders. The earthy air filled my nose. I felt a peace embrace my soul. At that moment, God was telling me all was going to be okay.
Selective Perspective
The value of this stressful night revealed to me the power of perspective. If I didn’t get stressed out, then I wouldn’t have prayed, I wouldn’t have felt the nudge to go outside, I wouldn’t have encountered nature in its nightly glory, and I wouldn’t have experienced the healing powers of my backyard.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, spending even just five minutes around trees or in green spaces, like your backyard, helps lower blood pressure, reduces stress, improves mood, instills focus, accelerates healing, increases energy, and improves sleep.* And you wonder why I craved to get outside…
The article goes on to say, “Numerous studies show that… simply sitting looking at the trees reduces stress-related hormones.” Nature can heal and soothe the soul. Going outside isn’t just for kids to play in, but for us to pray in. You’re going to want to check out my post on Nature Quotes: the power of the outdoors.
Focus on the calm
Consequently, I know this is hard, but when you encounter a stressful situation, I challenge you to pause for a few minutes. To not reach for that quick fix of ice cream, smoke, or anger outburst. But to think, for just a second, about who you are, how you want to react, and to immediately ask Jesus for help. Do not let the Enemy have a foothold on you; he will rob, lie, and destroy. Jesus will rescue, protect, and lead you to the way everlasting. Period.
Let me remind you that God made you, He made your body, how it functions, and He knows how to manage stress healthily. Call on Him immediately, pause and listen, love yourself, and pray again. In doing so; you will gain a better perspective of the issue and will respond more wisely.
After a good 30 minutes, I wasn’t worried anymore. Whether I had to start from scratch or come up with a different solution, it was going to be alright. That night in my backyard, I stood up, shook my towel out, and walked back inside. My feet slid out of my slippers, and I went to bed. I actually slept.
5 Healthy Stress Management Tips
#1 Talk it out. Talk with a friend, family member, and/or Jesus.
#2 Pray without ceasing. Pray. Pray some more. Most importantly, pray in Jesus’ Name.
#3 Go outside and take a breather. Get outside! God made the outdoors. He’s out there waiting for you. Get by some trees and just be. Go in the rain, snow, day, or night, I promise you it will help.
#4 Rest to be your best. Take a nap or go for a walk.
#5 Repeat. Do this all again and again until it comes naturally when ugly stress visits. Retrain your brain.
My takeaway
The next morning, after a good night’s sleep, I got up extremely early to mend my mishap. With a well-rested body and mind, I was diligent in figuring this out. Hence, venturing into the back end of my website was scary but I succeeded and found an older backup. Thank the Lord! Later that day I took a long walk amongst the trees while being grateful for my state of being.
How to break free from the conditioning? As I said, this can be hard, but it’s 100% doable. Discipline yourself to go through the 5 steps above, retrain your brain to do these things. First and foremost, ask Jesus. He knows you better than you know yourself. Go to Him. Pray and ask how to do it. You may be surprised at how simple yet powerful it is.
Before you go, check out these other great posts on stress.
My top 10 quotes on challenges are peppered with encouragement, hope, and motivation. There is nothing so comforting to the soul than encouraging words. Quotes and inspirational sayings, young and old, impact our mental health. I’m sure you have infamous words of knowledge with hopes of being passed down through generations. I encourage you to bring light into people’s darkness with those sacred statements and with ones that got you through.
Word of caution!
This blog post is about quotes and how to face challenges, but before I share my favorite top 10, I offer a word of caution to your tongue. If you are not speaking kind words that are helpful and encouraging to the receiver, then SHUT IT, not just for their sake, but more so for yours!
Words and even quotes from the living and deceased can be destructive and lead you to believe numerous lies about yourself. Words go both ways, and the way we interrupt them can either help us rise or make us fall terribly onto a slippery slope leading to stress or away from our identity.
Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 (Bible, NIV)
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never hurt me. This lyric was to help those who were being bullied. It’s unclear who said it, but it was recorded in March 1862. Boy did they have this wrong. Words do hurt a lot longer than a bruise from a stick. If only our hearts healed as quickly as a shiner to the eye.
Unfortunately, the most (not all) hurtful words come from people we love or respect. I’m sorry if you have experienced this. Remember hurt people, hurt other people. They have their own issues and, unfortunately, are taking it out on you. It’s unfair. There is no question. With that said, do not believe them. They don’t know you as God knows you. Instead, go to the Book of Truth to hear the truth about you.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
It’s time to destroy those meaningless words people speak and to plant words of purpose into your heart and soul.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Top 10 Quotes on Challenges
1. Look less at the mountain and more at the first step. For the first step can be harder than the whole journey.” – Christy Troy
2.We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. – Jim Rohn
3. The best way to recover from rejection is to make someone feel accepted. – Christy Troy
4. The secret of change is to focus all your energy NOT on fighting the old, but on building the new. – Socrates
5.If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. – Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua J. Marine
7. Our ability to handle life’s challenges is a measure of our strength of character. – Les Brown
8. Decisions are easy when values are clear. – Unknown
9. To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are. – Roy Bennett
10.Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try. – Michael Jordon
The Bible is not that scary
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There are no better words than what is in the Bible. The Book may be intimidating but it is the most liberating. It’s hard to know where to start. And it’s easy for me to tell you to start wherever. Personally, I started with shorter books like James, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, and 1 Peter.
It’s also good to look in the Concordance at the back of the Bible and look up a word you may be struggling with, for instance, “love”, and then look up the verses that pertain to that particular topic. Most importantly, be sure to read the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. So good! As for what version of the Bible? I personally like the NIV Study Bible.
Wrapping it up
Thank you God, for your Word, for it is filled with words to live by, with genuine love, protection, power, and instruction. Help us to have the desire to read and to do what we’ve read. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Remember, it’s words that form us, not sticks and stones. Keep shining your light. I believe in you. Seek the words you need to hear to help you move forward. Here are some printables to help you along!
What is a road trip? A road trip can be spontaneous or well planned, it can be a short distance or a lengthy one. Road trips are simply a trip on the road. To make your road trip a smooth one, consider taking some essentials with you. What items are considered essentials? Ask yourself this: if I were to break down on the road, what would I need to keep moving forward?
Whether we’re going to Florida for Spring Break, heading to a campground across multiple states, or simply hopping in the car en route to the nearest metropolis, I’ve got a list you’re going to want to check…literally, check.
If you’re a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of cat, this post is not for you. But if you enjoy being prepared, but not overly so, this is the post you’ll want to pin, or better yet, download my Independent Road Trip Checklist. For more great free downloads, sign up for my Freebies!
Road Trip Essentials
1. Car Insurance and Registration
Check to make sure your car insurance and registration are current. There is nothing worse than getting pulled over in another State and you can’t find your registration, or it has expired. This happened to us. Ouch.
2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses! Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses for everybody in the vehicle. Not sure your dog needs them, but everyone else should have their pair. Simple yet essential!
Phone Charger/USB Cord. Now that paper maps are on the way out, and GPS on our phones is an essential app, make sure you don’t run out of phone battery. Need a USB cord? Check out this one from Amazon.
4. Umbrella
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Umbrella. Super important for your comfort and concentration, especially if you’re changing a tire in the rain. Been there, done that.
5. Blanket, but not just any blanket
Blanket. I always have a blanket in my car, specifically a Mexican blanket, because they are super warm and durable. Not only is it there for emergency slide-offs, but the dog can sit on it, the kid and use it, or you can sit on it for extra cushion. One of my favorites of the top road trip essentials.
6. Water
Water. Do not get dehydrated. I know, you don’t want to stop and pee. But you also don’t want a splitting headache, dizziness, or brain fog from not drinking enough fluid. Fill your water bottle up and plan your potty stops.
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7. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer. I have three words for you: Rest Stop bathrooms. And if you really want extra comfort, bring a face mask into the bathroom; it helps block the smell. On my last road trip, I forgot the face mask and tried holding my breath in the bathroom stall… not a good idea.
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8. Emergency Kit
Roadside Emergency Kit that includes Jumper cables and a First Aid Kit. There is nothing worse than feeling helpless in a strange area, especially if it is dark. Be safe and get an emergency roadside kit; this is definitely one of the best road trip essentials. We have one in every vehicle. Here is a kit that is easy to use. Check it out here on Amazon.
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9. Portable Air Compressor
Portable air compressor. I love this thing. Not only does it help with tire pressure, but if you’re camping it’s great for basketballs, air mattresses, and beach floats. This has been so handy on the road and off! A portable air compressor is the way to go. No more searching for air!
10. Towel. Don’t use your blanket.
Towel. Unlike the blanket, the towel is great for unexpected spills or a quick dry-off running through the rain…when you don’t want to bother with your umbrella. It’s also great for Fido to sit on.
11. Tissue.
Tissue. I can’t count the number of times I’m using a tissue to blow my nose. Make sure you get some before you leave the house. Napkins or even a roll of toilet paper work well. Another good one to add here is butt wipes, need I say more?
12. Snacks.
Snacks. This is essential. Snacks save you money, and they save you from gorging on your next meal. Some great road trip snacks include trail mix, grapes, cereal mix, popcorn, meat sticks, protein bars, pretzels, or celery sticks.
Paper and pencil/pen. As a passenger, I’m always thinking of my to-do list or my next great idea. Have paper and pen ready to jot down your thoughts.
14. Games!
Road Trip games. If you have kiddos and don’t want them to get tech-neck, grab a few games. Of course, the Alphabet game is super fun for everyone. There are three versions. The classic version is to find the letter of the alphabet in any form. The second is more challenging: find a word that starts with each letter of the alphabet…good luck on Q and Z. And the last version is to find an object that starts with the letter…this is super hard. Don’t forget to add the Corn on Cob Song Fun to the trip!
15. Snow Scraper and Mini Shovel (weather dependent).
Depending on where you are going, you better throw in a snow scraper, a mini snow shovel, and a small bag of kitty litter. When I was in college and traveling out to Colorado, I always had my portable mini snow shovel in my trunk, and I used it! You never know when you’re going to hit black ice and end up in a snowbank or ditch. Mini snow shovels work a lot better than your hands!
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16. Weapons!
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Weapons. Yep. I said it. At least carry a pocketknife or pepper spray, heck, get a taser. A pocket knife is good to have on hand for lots of reasons. Pepper spray buys you some time, as does a taser. As for handguns, it depends on your opinion of them, where you’re going, knowing what States allow them, having your permit, and understanding the safety of them. Be smart, not stupid.
Wrapping up road trip essentials
That does it! It sounds like a lot, but it isn’t. Most of the stuff is already in your vehicle. It’s always best to be prepared, rather than getting stuck and depending on some creepy person. The best advice I have to offer any road tripper is to simply be aware of what’s going on around you. Pay attention to the road, know what’s happening around you when you make a rest stop, and be safe. Use that head of yours at all times!
Be sure to download my free Independent Road Trip Checklist, for more great (and free) downloads join my e-mail list and you’ll have access to all my freebies! Get access to my Freebies here.
When you’re stressed out, what do you turn to relieve it? Allow me to open your mind to some different ideas that may be cheaper and more effective. I’ve got 13 natural stress relief products you’re going to want to check out.
What to look for in natural stress relief products
There are a lot of stress relief products out there… as there should be. Everyone is different in how they relieve stress. Sure you could pay big bucks for a prescription but it will probably give you all kinds of side effects. Who needs more problems? Let’s check out these natural stress relief products to see if one fits you!
What do I mean by “natural”?
What I mean by natural is non-medicated. And what I mean by non-medicated is simply nothing that is consumed into your body; this includes medication, anti-inflammatory pills, alcohol, drugs (of course), and food. Yep, “natural” doesn’t mean a pint of ice cream. When it comes to natural stress relief products, I’m talking about products that get your mind at ease simply by doing something.
13 Natural Stress Relief Products
1 – Epson Salts
Draw a tub with soothing Epson salts. Epson salts are inexpensive and can help your muscles relax in an easy way. Stress can cause all sorts of muscle issues and imbalances. End your day in a hot tub with a cup full of Epson salts. Permit your body to soak and to let the tension go. Epson salts can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. You can find scented salts with essential oils or non-scented. They run about $5 a bag.
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2 – Massage Ball
As I said, stress can cause our muscles to tighten up, twist, and knot. With a little pressure pressed on those tight muscles or trigger points, you can get instant relief. A physical therapist can really get in there and relieve the tightness. But if you can’t get into the PT, try a massage ball. I absolutely love the massage ball I have and use it twice a day. You can get it for about $15 and it’s worth every penny! Note, a tennis ball is not the same.
3 – Music
Instrumental music is an extremely effective way to relax. Find a track, particularly instrumental music; whether it be piano, jazz, bluegrass, or acoustic guitar, find your stress relief jam and keep it handy! When I personally get stressed I turn to Soaking in His Presence by William Augusto. He does such a great job of putting me in the right frame of mind. This music is also amazing to pray with.
4 – Boxing bag
Get some aggression out and throw some punches at a boxing bag. It not only relieves stress, but it gives you a workout at the same time. Boxing improves strength, improves your balance and stability, and helps you build endurance. Heck, you might even lose weight! Check out your neighborhood sales or Marketplace for deals. Amazon has boxing stands for under $60 or you can go with the classic boxing bag or a speed bag. Lots of options! Don’t forget the gloves.
Along with boxing, any general exercise could be your go-to for reducing stress. There’s nothing like a good run or long bike ride. Get your heart pumping and mind clear with at least 30 minutes of exercise. To make your run more enjoyable, be sure to have the proper running shoes based on your feet. As for the long bike ride, invest in some biking shorts and reflective gear.
5 – Scents
The essential oil craze is still going on. Scents take a direct route to the brain. It’s pretty awesome how the smell of something can have such a powerful effect on your mood, memory, and mental health. Just think about the smell of garlic bread, or banana bread for that matter. What about lilacs or roses? Fresh-cut grass, campfires, or burning autumn leaves anyone? Use that nose to help you experience happiness and calm.
6 – Heavy blanket
The weighted blanket does wonders for a lot of people. There is something about the weight of a heavy blanket that gives a sense of security and safety. Heavy blankets are known to reduce anxiety. However, it’s not for everyone. I tried a weighted blanket and it was personally too heavy for me. A folded quilt is my absolute favorite blanket to sleep or nap with. Before you head out and spend $25+ on a weighted blanket, use what you have in the house, if it’s not heavy enough then start shopping for deals.
7 – Art project
Get your hands busy and your creative juices flowing. Whether it’s coloring, woodworking, or gardening, get your mind focusing on something else. Being creative is an excellent outlet for reducing stress naturally. You could even grab a notebook and start doodling! Essentially find a hobby that you can go to when you feel stress coming on.
8 – Plants
Having something to take care of gives us a sense of purpose and peace, I’m talking about a houseplant. Green plants are soothing to the eye. Plants promote peace, and healing, and they help you focus. Gardening is a big bonus when it comes to reducing stress, especially if you can see it from your house window. Don’t have space for a garden? No problem. There are numerous planter boxes designed for small spaces for under $13.
9 – Journal
Writing your frustrations down helps you release them from your mind. Stop letting your mind mess with you, get it down on paper instead. There are times when we need to vent. Save your friend’s ear and vent onto paper. Journaling also helps you from saying something stupid if you’re venting. When you have it all written out, pray over it, then destroy it. Give it all to God. Lament if you will. He will hear your cry for help. And His hand is ready to grab yours.
On that note, you can also use your journal as a prayer resource.
10 – Routine
What is one thing that helps reduce anxiety in kids? A routine. Structure is important for human mental health. Having a routine helps us to prepare mentally for what is coming next. It also gives us a sense of control. Plus you feel more productive when you can carry out your routine daily. Did I mention more organized? Use a daily planner to help keep your routine in shape.
11 – Printable Wall Art
Who doesn’t need daily inspiration? Simply looking at encouraging and inspiring artwork or words can do wonders to naturally reduce stress. Looking at affirmations to speak goodness into your heart builds self-esteem. Reading Biblical truth that is on your wall emits power in your home. Looking at a beautiful piece of art helps you to escape reality for just a minute. Download some Scripture Wall Art from Freebies!
12 – Finance Journal Step-by-Step Guide
Managing money is the top stress trigger. We all face it at some point in our lives, everyone has a season. Everyone. Using a budget is by far the best way to understand your money management situation. We’re all adults and we need to take responsibility for our lives and for our future for that matter. Have a plan. Download a finance journal form and fill in it (we have one in our Freebies). This is a small action that has huge benefits. When you understand what’s going out and what’s coming in, you can then be at rest and start to plan how to move forward.
13 – Diet
What I’m talking about is sugar. Sugar was my number one weakness, and I was stressed…not to mention overweight. Sugar causes all sorts of issues in our bodies: diabetes, weight gain, stress, tooth decay, yo-yo energy levels, it slows growth, can cause skin issues, digestive distress, and inflammation to name a few! Like any drug, sugar can be addicting.
Other addicting additives include MSG and High Fructose Corn Syrup. In the long run of consuming these substances, our bodies get tired of trying to process them and we gain weight. On top of the weight gain, we also carry around inflammation which could lead to disease down the road. Take it from someone who has been there and done that. It’s just not worth the 5 seconds of tasting good.
When I adjusted my intake of the sweet stuff I finally understood the ‘less is more’ philosophy. My taste buds became more content with fewer sweets and my body was happier a.k.a. less inflammation and less stress! This is a super cost-effective way to reduce stress and lose weight. Choose water to drink, check the label on products, and look for high fructose corn syrup, msg, and sugar. Simply pay attention to what you’re consuming.
I hope that when you feel stress coming on first try a natural approach. Experiment with one of the tactics I mention and find what natural stress relief products work for who you are. Do yourself a favor and take care of your mind and body in a natural way. You will have more control and a sense of peace knowing that you’re not dependent on medication, drugs, or food.
*This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician before jumping into new things. This article is for information purposes only.
Before you go, check out these other great posts about stress relief:
When it comes to learning how to relax there are a few things one must do to achieve a peaceful relaxed state. If there is one thing that can mess with our minds when we’re trying to relax it’s guilt. To feel guilty because we are taking a break can ruin our efforts to relax. Why? Because “busy” is the norm in this day and age. “Busy” is acceptable and at times “busy” is how we measure our days. Let’s permit our mind and body to let go and loosen the tension.
What does busy mean anyway?
Why would we need a definition of busy? Because it helps us understand if we really are busy. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says ‘busy’ is: engaged in action, occupied. My definition of ‘busy’ is this: ‘Busy’ is yearning to do things you want to do without having the time to do them. The difference between the two definitions is this: when I’m ‘engaged in action’ with an activity I want to do, I’m not ‘busy’, but when I want to do something I can’t because of running errands, etc, then I am ‘busy’. You might need to read that again to let it sink in. Where do you lay right now with ‘busy’?
How to relax?
How do we relax so we have the freedom to work on the things that bring purpose into our lives? Or on the flip-side, how do we not think about anything and just be?
Men are pretty good at being able to turn their minds off. My husband and I will be having coffee, talking right along then five minutes of silence go by. I ask my husband what he’s thinking; and he says, “Nothing”. Seriously? Mark Gungor, author, and motivational speaker has an excellent and hilarious way of describing the differences between men’s and women’s minds. For instance, men have this thing called the ‘Nothing Box’. I mean, what the heck is that? You can watch it here; so funny yet true.
5 essential tips for us ladies to learn how to relax
But how do we ladies go about finding relaxation when so much pressure is put on us daily and even socially?
1. Change environments
Escape from the environment that is causing you to constantly think of your to-do list or the problem you’re facing. For instance, I need to step away from the house. Because I’m a stay-at-home mom I live in my work. So when I’m at my house it’s natural for me to always have a project. For short-term results, I’ll go to my favorite store and wonder. I didn’t say buy stuff, just window shop. For long-term effects, we get out of town; and for my family that means camping.
If you’re stuck inside there are a few things you can do to escape. You can find a space that is only yours; a closet works, the laundry room, even a corner space that says you. Make this space a place for your soul to regenerate. Get some amazing wall art and lose yourself in the picture, find inspirational quotes or scripture (in Freebies) and post them on the wall, decorate with string lights, put splashes of your favorite colors throughout, and be sure to have something cozy. Make this a space you can’t wait to escape to.
2. Write things out, this is how.
Writing all the crud or to-do list down on paper can lessen the power it has in your mind. When it’s on paper, it makes something that was a big deal in our minds, easier to digest. We, humans, tend to let our minds get away from us. I enjoy taking a clean sheet of copy paper, grabbing a pencil, and drawing a circle. From the circle, I create branches of all the things I’m thinking about, then I break those branches into smaller doable bites. A journal works too.
Speaking of journaling. Writing freely helps too. Ask yourself thought-provoking questions that can get to the meat of the busyness.
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3. Converse with God
Talking with God helps to release the chains and give them to Him. Did you catch what I said? “Talking with God, not at Him or to Him, but with, like a friend talks with a friend. He wants a relationship with you, he wants to hear your side of the story, and he wants to help you. All you need to do is talk with Him.
For instance, I escape to my favorite walking place and pray while I’m walking. For me, hearing my voice speak rather than trying to sort it all out in my mind helps me focus on the conversation. Then I stop talking and just listen; this gives me a breather and a chance for God to breathe into me. I enjoy Jesus Calling as a nice devotional to help hear His voice.
4. Watch a good show, read a book, or listen to instrumental music
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When we are entertained it gives us time to relax and just be. It’s a chance we get to wander out of our reality and into a story. Whether it’s a good movie or book, get the comfy clothes on and kindly alert the family to not interrupt your time.
Here’s a tip, be picky of what you put in your brain. If you’re looking to just feel good and float on a cloud, don’t choose The Silence of the Lambs; maybe try La La Land, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, or Steel Magnolias. Ask yourself what you want to get out of a show before you start channel-flipping. And yes, it’s true, what you put in your mind affects how you think, and how you think affects how you act. Be careful of what you put in your mind, you could be inviting darkness in.
Instrumental music is an extremely effective way to relax. Find a track you enjoy. When I get stressed I turn to Soaking in His Presence by William Augusto. He does a great job of putting me in the right frame of mind. This music is also amazing to pray with. Love it!
5. Create
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Creativity gets your mind off the stress and into a relaxed state of being. Entrepreneur.com has a great article on the benefits of putting our creativity to use. There are scientific studies on how it can reduce stress. Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, says that when you “lose yourself” in the composition of a song (creating)…, you are essentially entering a healthy flow state. No wonder I feel so great after I create something. Try experimenting in the kitchen, rearrange your furniture, color, sew a baby quilt, and create a playlist…we all have creative abilities. Tap into your creativity and make it a hobby.
In conclusion
There are other obvious tips to relax like taking a hot bath, getting a massage, taking your time in sipping a fancy coffee, or watching the birds, my last bonus tip is to set boundaries for yourself and those around you. Don’t let others steal your relax time, protect it with all your might. If you’re at the coffee shop and there is an annoying person by you, get up and move.
I challenge you to tap into at least two of the above suggestions this week to relax. Ask yourself what do I need to let go of to give myself the time I need. Know how to slow down and be less busy so you can be your best!
How to stay healthy is a skill. To keep our immune system functioning at top speed during ‘sick season’ there are a few things we can do to ward off illness and increase health. I’ve got 15 simple yet powerful ways you won’t want to miss in preventing sickness. However, it’s first important to understand where our immune system resides.
Our body is absolutely amazing! When the Lord created our bodies He did a fantastic job to teach us a few things about how it works, but He also left some mystery. Some of the things we know about our immune system are that the thymus, bone marrow, and spleen have a say in how things function. With that said, before I get going on the 15 simple ways to stay healthy, some more in-depth ways to stay healthy would be to research and do some self-exploration on how to feed our thymus, bone marrow, and spleen, no? We’re not going to get into that, but I wanted to put that out there for you to look into if you want to know more.
Germaphobe, not so.
Please know I am not a full-blown germaphobic. Yes, I pay attention to my surroundings and am aware of the little buggers, but I also know it’s important to develop our immune systems by offering hospitality to our bug friends. Throughout life, I have learned a lot about germs and how to care for myself, and I certainly want to pass this knowledge on to you. Whether you’re on medication treatment or just want to remain healthy during outbreaks, keep these things in mind in caring for yourself and your family.
**First off, I’m not a doctor, nor am I trying to be. I share the information I have either experienced myself or am extremely interested in, and then I keep things simple and give you the nutshell version. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician before jumping into new things. This article is for information purposes only.**
15 Ways: How to Stay Healthy and Boost Immune System
1. Exercise
I read an article about longevity. And the number one action we can take to live longer is to move our bodies. Exercising keeps the blood flowing and pumping. It keeps us young and helps the joints loosen up and work like they’re supposed to. It’s also good for regularity, which is key to rid of toxins. Aim for at least 20 minutes, 30 minutes is ideal. Try breathing in your nose and out your mouth.
2. Use a humidifier.
In the winter months, my humidifier is my best friend. I LOVE my humidifier. In my book on how to stay healthy during the sick season, I use a humidifier to keep nasal passageways moist. Meaning with viruses, when a surface is moist it has a harder time sticking and penetrating through our body. Keep things slippery. Sleep with a humidifier and drink a lot of water. The noise of the humidifier will rock you to sleep as well. Here’s my happy little humidifier.
3. Drink lots of water.
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Remember, keep things slippery in your body. Viruses like to stick to things. They like dryness. Don’t give them a foothold. Because our drinking water out of the faucets and plastic bottles is somewhat questionable, it’s more cost-effective and valuable to our health to install a water filter on the kitchen sink. My family uses this kind of water filter. If you can’t do this with your sink, get one of the water filter pitchers or a Berkey.
This is common sense, but many of us forget to wash our hands with soap! Ever since my son was a toddler I have drilled into him to wash his hands every time we walk in the house. Now I don’t have to ask him to wash his hands because he automatically does it!
This goes along with hand sanitizer. There are a lot of opinions on hand sanitizer. I get it. But if you have a compromised immune system, my opinion is to use it. Put a squirt or a spray on your patty cakes. Especially so if you’re in a place where you just shook someone’s hand who is clearly sick, use hand sanitizer when they’re not looking.
5. Keep your humor.
Keep the mood light. There have been studies about how humor can help heal and how to stay healthy. The mind and body work together, and when one is off it usually affects the other. Being funny isn’t that hard around the family. One idea is to tell a corny joke at the dinner table or in the car. Kids love these things, even tweens and teens! To help you out I have 120 family-friendly jokes ready to go!
The hand wipes (not the cleaning wipes) come in handy in traveling situations or times when a bathroom is not available. Similar to hand sanitizer they clean up most germs but wipes also get the dirt off. When we’re on a road trip, I use wipes to wash our hands before biting into our burgers. Or when I hop on a plane, I always wipe down the armrests and table in my airplane seat. Simply look at the surfaces you’re touching and wipe.
7. How to stay healthy, keep fingers off your face.
This is one of the main causes of sickness. Picking our noses without thinking, rubbing our eyes, putting our pen up to our lips, and picking our teeth can be a welcome mat for germs. To keep our digits from messing with our face it’s best to train yourself to not touch your face. Simply make it a game to see how long you can go without touching your face. If you have an itch, use your arm, tissue, or sleeve.
8. Eat immune-boosting foods
Here are some simple foods that increase your odds of how to stay healthy.
Broccoli. This green veggie is packed with vitamins A, C, and E. It has amazing antioxidants and is full of fiber.
Bone Broth. Bone what? This is broth from boiling chicken bones or beef bones for long periods of time. The collagen and amino acids is cooked out of the bones. And it’s these hidden gems that help repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation. Not to mention help our joints.
Garlic and Ginger. These antibacterial powerhouses have the ability to be like a hand wipe but for inside our bodies. The list of benefits is way too long to list here. These yum-yums also boost up our lung health.
Vitamin C Foods: citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, spinach. I don’t think you need an explanation of vitamin C. Just know your body doesn’t accumulate it, so you’ll need to consume it every day.
Vitamin E. This vitamin is equally important as vitamin C. It is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it needs to have fat to absorb properly. Sources of vitamin E include almonds, avocado, butternut squash, and wheat germ.
More great options
Yogurt. Bust into the probiotics. For yogurt to be effective choose Greek PLAIN yogurt. If there is sugar added to the yogurt it defeats it purpose. I know there are delicious flavors out there, but save those as a dessert, not for your daily probiotic. Use berries or honey to flavor your yogurt.
Turmeric. It’s filled with curcumin, this is what makes it a bright color. Turmeric has massive amounts of anti-inflammatory properties that help with all sorts of inflammation. It’s like a superfood. Check it out here.
Zinc. This micro-mineral is essential for a healthy immune system, although it is touchy. If you have too much you could get sick, and if you have too little you can get sick. It’s best to get your zinc through foods. High sources of zinc are found in chicken, chickpeas, clams, crab, eggs, grass-fed beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, and plain yogurt.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to recharge your body. It’s when we’re sleeping that our body does the most of the healing. Have a bedtime routine. And get your room ready for slumber. Things you’ll want to consider are room temperature, the number of blankets, humidifier, pillow comfort, and sound machine. These are my must-do’s for sleepy time.
10. Clean your home.
Clean your house. Seriously, I know this can be a drag, but a clean home is a healthy home. I’m not just talking about vacuuming, I’m referring to wiping things down with disinfectant wipes or sprays. You’ll want to do countertops, kitchen cupboard knobs, faucet handle, refrigerator/freezer door handles, microwave handles, stove and oven knobs, all door handles, and more. I have a checklist for you to download right here: Disinfecting Checklist.
11. Vaccines.
This is such a touchy subject. Again everyone has their own opinion of vaccines, so I’ll leave this one up to you.
12. Steer clear of smoking and limit alcohol.
I know these are fun things to indulge in but if you’re serious about becoming stronger and healthier, these can’t be ignored. Pay attention to how much you’re using and consuming. Remember less is more.
13. Facemasks.
Again, this is a touchy subject. Do what you want, but in my experience, I have found these helpful in highly contagious situations. Herd immunity is a great thing, but if you just got done being sick with something and need a break before joining the herd again, wear a facemask to give your immune system a time-out. You can make your own mask at home. Here is the pattern on YouTube. And here is a great article on what type of fabric is the most effective. It’s very surprising! I made this silly video when COVID first hit the planet.
14. Cover hands after the bathroom
Do you know that door handles in public restrooms? After you wash your hands, keep the paper towel you dried your hands with and use that to open the door. No paper towel? Use your sleeve.
15. Gargle salt water
If you feel a tingle in your throat or have a hunch you may be coming down with something, gargle saltwater. Salt can kill those pesky bugs and viruses if you get at it in time before it’s too late. In how to stay healthy, this trick is a great yet simple weapon. It may not be task pleasant, and you may accidentally swallow a little bit, but gargling salt water helps.
How to gargle saltwater starts with warm water and table salt. I mix 2 tablespoons or 1.5 tablespoons of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Make sure you stir it. Take a small sip, tilt your head back and gargle for about 20 seconds then spit it out. Repeat this until all the water is gone. You want to make sure you’re getting the back of the throat, but try not to swallow. I repeat, DO NOT swallow the saltwater.
In conclusion our immune system
Out of all these 15 suggestions on how to stay healthy during the sick season, there is one that is super important: keep your fingers off your face. I know that sounds ‘toddler-ish’ but it really is the most important factor. Use common sense too. Drinking from someone else’s drink or using the same spoon for a taste is not a good idea. Neither is kissing a sick person. Use the brain to protect the body, and the body will then protect you. Stay healthy, be mindful, and teach your family how to stay healthy.
