Hygge for the Holidays…..

Slowing down……such a foreign concept to me for several years until I settled down in the south. As a single mom slowing down is a challenge everyday because there is always something to do on the checklist. However, in the last two years I have been challenged to slow down and really embrace the present moment. The present moment is crystallized by focusing on the now. The “now” moments are the moments we can never gain back. If this is true, then why do we rush through one event to the next?

Lately, I have been intrigued with going a lot slower in my everyday life. It has made a big difference in my mindset. Although, the holidays are here I am truly embracing slow motion. In my pursuit of this new lifestyle I have came across the word hygge (hoo-gah) practiced by the Danish culture. This lifestyle is a Danish concept that has been popping up everywhere I go. I can’t remember exactly where I heard it but I have been researching a little deeper about this concept. For a long time there was no formal definition for this word however, more Americans have become aware of this concept.

The holidays is great time to practice this Danish concept especially since Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. I don’t believe in putting concepts in a box so you have the power to rearrange it the way it fits your life. For example, hygge to me is drinking hot cocoa, tea or wine during the winter months, watching a movie, reading a book and spending some quality time with my daughter.

No matter what concept, tradition or non-tradition you practice slowing down and enjoying the moment should be apart of your daily regiment.

Here is a book I am currently reading check it out in Stylicia’s Reads.

7 Ways To Reconnect With Yourself

How often do you check in with yourself? It is important to ask yourself questions to make sure your mind, body, and soul are aligned. Sometimes we go through our daily routine in life forgetting to check in with our self. We rush through each day just to get to the weekend to repeat the endless cycle. However, we never realize that stress or being burnout is due to us losing the connection with ourselves. When you begin to take a daily inventory of your happiness you will bring awareness back to yourself.  Spending time reconnecting with yourself is essential to living a well-balanced life.  Below are 7 ways to help you reconnect with yourself.

1. Breathe. Yes, breathing is a sure way to reconnect you back to your body energy. If you take the time to slow down your breath & breathe slowly it will help you calm down. According to an article in Living Strong, “Deep breathing relieves stress and anxiety due to its physiological effect on the nervous system.”

2. Go outside. Nature is a great way to connect yourself back to the beauty around you. The more you are aware of all the godly beauty it will refresh your soul. 

3. Meditate. Meditation is one great way to feel at peace, to clear scattered thoughts and bring you to a place of oneness. Even if you meditate for 8 minutes a day it will change your mental state. There are many apps that you can download to start your meditation journey. You can also sit in silence without any distractions to assist you on your meditation path.

4. Pamper Yourself. When was the last time you took some time to pamper yourself? 

Indulge a little whether it is take a spa day, getting a glass of wine, exercising or eating alone at your favorite restaurant understand pampering yourself will help you re-energize.

5. Read Your Favorite Book. Spending time to read your favorite book can help you escape from the chaos. According to Reader’s Digest,”snuggling up with a good read tamps down levels of unhealthy stress hormones such as cortisol, Weight Watchers recently reported.

6. Sit by the Water. I always felt that sitting by water has a calming effect. If you spend time at a body of water it will help you reflect on positive things.

7. Unplug. Unplugging from technology and social media can help you reconnect as well. Spending time to stay present in the moment will help you appreciate the current moment.I would also suggest not posting every moment on social media. Posting everything you do on social media can take away from the authenticity of the moment.

After practicing these seven ways you will feel less stressed and more connected with your mind, body & soul!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/136646-why-does-deep-breathing-calm-you-down/ 

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/benefits-of-reading/

Beach Therapy

Summer has officially arrived with kids out of school and beaches packed to capacity. As the heat beats and temperatures rise  the greatest place to stay cool and relaxed is at the beach. The beach is my favorite spot to go to when I want to feel the water tingle against my feet and get a clear perspective on my life. It is always soothing to get a good book to read when I am at the beach. 

The beach has a magical vibe especially during the week while everyone is working. The soothing swoosh of the waves have a melodic tune. When I look out into the water I get lost and let my thoughts wander aimlessly. It is great sense of healing and therapy to me when life seems to suffocate me.

Below are three ways you can use the beach as your own personal therapist to help you relax this summer:

1) Go Workout At The Beach. It is so refreshing when you decide to take your workout outdoors. It gives you a chance to connect with nature & start your morning off to a positive start. However, taking your morning jog, run or yoga exercise to the beach can be even more relaxing. It will help you connect with your inner self & create a positive mindset for your workout.

2) Meditate At The Beach. Meditation is one of the most important part of my morning routines. Taking your morning meditations to the beach can enhance your mental awareness, assist in your breathing techniques & help you visualize a beautiful picture as you look out in the sea.

3) Read A Book At The Beach. If you are a book lover like me books are a great form of relaxation. It helps you take your mind off the real world and allow you to bury yourself in a world of imagination. It is even more relaxing to take your favorite book to the beach & get lost in the beauty of the beach.

The summer is a great time to relax, unwind & embrace the joys of beach life, might as well get some beach therapy while the weather is still alluring!

Summer Reading List

The official kick-off of summer starts on June 22nd but the weather has a way of manipulating us to believe summer has started a little early. As school ends for children around the world summer is the best time to pick up a good book to read. If you are a book lover like me picking up a good book is the best thing for mental stimulation and relaxation. Below are a list of books to inspire, empower and uplift you to read during the hot summer months.

2015 Summer Book List

Self-Help Books

• Happy Women Live Better by Valorie Burton
• Fearless & Fabulous by Cara Alwill Leyba
• Thrive by Arianna Huffington
• What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
• The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

Travel

• Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach 
• Educating Alice by Alice Steinbach

Inspring

• The Alchemist
• Secrets of A Millionaire Mindset by T. Harv Eeker
•  As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
• #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

Business

• How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell
• Successful Women Think Differently by Valorie Burton

 Just For Fun

• A Belle In Brooklyn by Demetria Lucas

7 Things You Need To Do Before Summer Ends

As summer slowly sips in the cracks of yesteryear there are still a couple of more weeks to enjoy the hot weather before autumn makes her star studded appearance. Although, summer comes and goes quickly you still have time to get a little more sun, enjoy the beach and make some vacation plans with your loved ones. Summer is not yet over so keep your sundresses in rotation, put on your favorite sandals and protect your skin with your favorite sunscreen. Enjoy all of what summer has to give even in the last moments. Below are five things you can do before the days get shorter and nights become longer.

7 Things You Need To Do Before Summer Ends

1. Go to the beach one more time. As the temperature starts to drop down a little this is the perfect time to pack a cooler, take your favorite magazine and watch the waves.

2. Plan a road trip. Although, in the southern states kids have already started to go back to school you can still take advantage of the long weekend holidays such as Labor Day to take a road trip.

3. Wear your favorite summer dress. It is not cold yet so why are you bringing out the sweater. Put your fall clothes away and wear your cute summer dress. If you live down south summer never truly ends so keep your summer clothes in rotation.

4. Read your favorite book. You still can find some quiet moments to slip away and read your favorite book.

5. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Before the days get shorter and nights get longer enjoy the sunrise and be grateful to see the sunset.

6. Do some summer cleaning. So many people spring clean but I believe it is essential to clean out the old every season in order to make room for the new.

7. Summer shopping. As summer comes to an end on September 22^nd (the 1^st day of Fall) find time to catch all the last minute deals of the summer as you prepare your wardrobe for next year.

After you have completed these seven things you truly will be prepared to embrace your Fall season.  

Reference: Picture reference: http://thecareco.com/as-summer-comes-to-an-end/