life Archives

SUNDAY RESET: journaling, prepping and relaxing

July 23, 2023

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is Sunday the best day to reset?” There are a few reasons, but the primary one is that it begins a new week. This means it doesn’t matter if the week prior was good or bad; it’s a chance to start over completely.

Of course, if it was a good week, that will motivate you to keep the streak going. However, if it was terrible, you could move on and let go.

That’s the mindset I had to get myself into this year, specifically. A lot can impede growth, and being unable to let things go is one of them. Sundays are the PERFECT time (at least for me) to prepare for the new week ahead.

So, how do I reset on Sundays? Easy. I journal, prep and relax.

Journaling (Oh, how I love to write.)

It’s something about hearing ink glide across a nice crisp sheet of paper in a journal. I usually write the date at the top of the page, so when I re-read my journal, seeing how far I’ve come will be more satisfying.

I write about how I feel, my weekly goals and more. Reminder: Refrain from cramming a lot into your journal. Take it week by week, you’ll accomplish goals faster, and life will be less stressful.

Prepping (Let’s put the action to the word.)

Prepping can be a lot of different things. You can prepare your food for the week, outfits, social content, etc… For me, it’s getting organized. I prep specific content ideas (personal and work-related) and more.

Relaxing (The most vital of the three.)

Weekends are for fun and relaxation. You work the entire week and only have two days to get your energy back. I like to watch a movie, binge my favorite comfort shows, cook, bake, etc… Relaxing is excellent for your mind and body.

What do you do to reset on Sundays?

5 Reasons Why You Should Rest EVERY Weekend

April 2, 2022

What are you doing this weekend? Resting? If not, we need to talk. Because now I have to rant to you about five reasons why you should rest EVERY weekend.

It doesn’t take a lot for our bodies to shut down completely. You may think you have a high tolerance for overworking, but your body says otherwise. How does your body feel when you just finished working a 12 hour day, five days a week, while standing the entire shift? I felt like my legs were about to fall off from someone who had done this in the past.

No, you know what? My legs were in pain so bad that I could not walk anywhere but from my bathroom back to my room. My mom and sister had to cook my food and bring it to me (forever grateful for them, by the way.) I never wanted to feel that type of pain again.

After experiencing that, I vowed never to overwork my body, especially on the weekends.

Still, feel the urge to overwork? I have five reasons you shouldn’t, especially on the weekends. You might ask, why the weekends? It’s usually the time people have off from work. You should never strain your body anytime, but at least allow yourself two days or more to unwind.

5 Reasons Why You Should Rest Every Weekend

Your body is not a robot. We can’t easily replace parts of our body when worn out. There are no stores to go to if you broke your back consistently lifting heavy boxes. If you overwork yourself consistently, you’ll end up sick.
Your mind deserves a break. Have you ever thought so hard that your head started to hurt? Sometimes our minds want to relax and not deal with complex thoughts every day.
It’s time to start living. Are you alive? Yes. But, are you living? No. We only get one chance to live. Why spend 90 percent of your life wearing and tearing your body down 24/7?
Self-care is vital. Self-care might be the word of the decade, but it’s imperative to make time to cater to your mind and body.
JUST DO IT. If the first four reasons weren’t good enough for you to rest, be like Nike and just do it. Do something for yourself for once.

We all need to take better care of our bodies, it might not be the easiest thing to do, but we can start by resting when we can, especially on the weekends.

For more in-depth reasons why you should relax, check out this article.

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How To Improve Your Time Management Skills

March 26, 2022

If you want to start prospering, you must improve your time management skills. This might seem like an annoying topic, but I promise, managing your time will increase productivity.

Have you ever felt highly stressed? So, noted that you sit and decide not to do anything on your to-do list because the thought stresses you even more? Then, you wait until the last minute to start. Now, you’re rushing to finish everything. I’m here to tell you that we’ve all been there.

You need to find a process that works for you. One that allows you to get everything done in a timely matter. Some people might say:

What is time management?

“The process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity”

There are many ways to improve this skill, but here is a method that works for me.

What You Need To Improve Your Time Management Skills

How To Improve Your Time Management Skills

Improve Your Effectiveness

Write down a list of things you need to do. (It’s always best to see, in order, everything that needs to be done.)
Write a due date next to the item. Starting with the closest date to furthest. (It’s always best to do things in whatever order makes sense to you, but if there’s a due date, start with the activity that’s closer to being due.)
Pick the first two to three things on your list to get started with.
Figure out how much time you want to spend on each. 30 mins to an hour works best for me. (Of course, it depends on how big the project is, but always map out how much time needs to be spent on one project.)
Do this daily or weekly, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed. (Not only that, but you’ll also have more energy to finish your entire list and put more effort into completing each item successfully.

Try out this process, and let me know if it works!

5 Things To Do Before You Go To Bed | Clear Your Mind

March 12, 2022

Did you know that your pre-sleep routine can affect your night’s rest? Here are five things to do before you go to bed to help clear your mind.

If you’re like me, you often find yourself waking up out of your sleep often– even when you’re sleepy. It wasn’t until recently that I thought of asking google, “why can’t I have a good night’s sleep?” because, you know, we ask google everything.

And, google being google showed me the scariest symptoms to my issue. Ignoring google’s suggestions of chopping off my hair, I thought of something else. I knew I wanted to have a clear mind before I slept, but it was just a matter of how I could do that. Then, the imaginary light bulb over my head lit up, and I decided to change my pre-sleep routine.

This routine is not the nightly face wash, and it’s what you do while you’re lying in bed. So, here are five things to do before you go to bed– I’m sharing what helps me in hopes of it helping at least one person.

5 things to do before you go to bed

1. Sit your phone on a desk.

Once I sit my phone on a desk or chair by my bed, I do NOT pick it back up when I lay down anymore. I used to find myself on my phone all night, and my eyes would be crying, literally. This helps me focus more on trying to go to sleep.

2. Drink some water.

I don’t know why, but most of the time I’m hot before I go to bed. When I drink water, it chills my body temperature, so when I wrap myself in a blanket (because I can’t sleep without one), it feels like heaven on earth.

3. Relax your mind.

I try to push away stressful thoughts when I’m lying down. Whatever happened during the day is now in the past, so I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day.

4. Think of something funny.

Okay, I’m weird. However, I always find myself thinking of something I laughed about a long time ago. You know, one of those hilarious moments that crack you up every time you think about it? That’s what I do.

5. Find a “Cool” spot on your pillow.

My pillow needs to be excellent for me to lay on it. So I toss it around several times just to get that “perfect ” spot. Once I do, my head feels like it’s on a cloud.

Here’s an in-depth article I found online from experts because, you know, I’m just a twenty-something-year-old woman navigating through life. What are the five things you do before you go to bed?

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Learn more about “Girl, Just Prosper.”

3 Breathing Techniques To Help With Stress and Anxiety

January 21, 2022

Sometimes, life can be overpowering, and we do not always have the answers to keep us calm. We face challenges that cause us to overthink to a point where we can barely breathe. These challenges can be big or small, yet the effects of both can take a toll on our health the same way. If you’ve ever had an intense worry about everyday situations, you’ve had anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by work stress, relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event, and more. There are four different levels of anxiety: mild, moderate, severe, and panic. Each group can dominate your mind and body if you can’t keep it under control. Here are three breathing techniques to help with stress and anxiety.

3 Breathing Techniques To Help With Stress and Anxiety

The One Minute Breath Concentration

This is a simple breathing exercise that you can perform several times per day to keep your nerves under control. It consists of concentrating precisely on breathing with no other movement. Sit motionless, clear your mind, and try to ease your body for one minute. As you close your eyes, take deep breaths in and out. This usually works best for mild anxiety.

4-7-8 Breathing

This is a mindful pattern of breathing that lowers stress levels and helps with relaxation. Sit up straight as you inhale, counting to four, hold your breath to the count of seven, and exhale at the count of 8. This should be repeated four times. There’s a common side effect of lightheadedness, so make sure to only practice when needed.

2 to 1 Breathing

This is a yogic breathing technique that serves to calm your nervous system. Sit in a comfortable position, inhale at the count of 4 through your nose, exhale at the count of 8. Your body and mind should feel energized. This exercise is excellent for severe and panic levels of anxiety.

It’s easier to say, “don’t allow stress and anxiety to control your life” than to take action. The road to controlling them might be a little challenging, but you got this. Use these three breathing techniques to help with stress and anxiety.

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5 Things To Do Instead of Being on Your Device

January 7, 2022

In 2022, we’re focusing on the real world. Here are 5 things to do instead of being on your device.

As humanity evolves, we’ve developed an attachment to our cellular devices now more than before. It provides access to jobs, connects us with family and strangers worldwide, and even stores valuable information. The connection with our devices is so strong that it has become a morning ritual to check it as soon as you wake up. With newly addictive devices comes detachment from the real world. Think about it. How many hours do you spend on your electronics per day? Now, how many times have you gone for a walk? Friends, it’s time to put the phone down. Here are five things to do instead.

5 Things To Do Instead of Being on Your Device

Read a book

So many phenomenal new books are waiting for you to indulge in its characters. From fantasy to urban fiction, don’t miss the chance to visit your local bookstore and start your bookworm journey. To stay away from the urge of using your phone, stick to hard copies.

At-Home date night with friends

What’s better than a night full of great vibes in the comfort of your own home? Invite some of your closet friends over, reminisce, and enjoy a night full of laughter. Create some ‘boss friends’ goals together and talk about how you all can better support each other.

Take a walk

Life isn’t a walk in the park, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a walk often. Walking is known to help clear your mind and release negative energy. If you don’t want to take one alone, ask a friend.

Game night with your family

Thanksgiving and Christmas don’t have to be the only time families come together. Have a game night with your loved ones instead of texting or calling them. Talk about those embarrassing times when you were younger. Play spades or claim someone is cheating during a fun game of Uno.

Buy a journal and write your heart out.

Feel like writing a social media post about how you feel? Buy a journal instead. Sometimes we give too much insight into our personal lives to strangers who find amusement in our pain. Use that journal to get your feelings out and keep adverse people out of your business.

If you like this post, you’ll love What To Do In The First Days Of 2022

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What To Do In The First Days Of 2022

January 1, 2022

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s day 1 of 365, and we’ve already accomplished one of the biggest goals— we lived to see another year! Everyone expects the New Year to be completely different than the last. We want our lives to change for the better, but sometimes we don’t know how to get to that point. We start to stress ourselves out the first few days of the year. Let’s not do that— here’s what to do in the first days of 2022.

What to do in the first days of 2022

Don’t stress about New Year’s resolutions.

I get it. Every time the New Year comes around, we force ourselves to create one goal that we want to achieve in the year. Yes, New Year’s resolutions were made to challenge yourself, but they can be done in a fun, non-stressful way. It also doesn’t have to be something extremely challenging. Don’t create a goal that you genuinely don’t want to achieve. That’s how you end up putting yourself down. Also, New Year’s resolutions do not have to be completed within the first two or six months of the new year. Please don’t put a time limit on it. You have the entire year to meet this goal. It’s also not a crime to not have a resolution at all.

Relax your body and mind.

This is something I had to learn. You do not need to go into the New Year pushing yourself. Use this time to relax or write in your planner/journal in the first few days. Give yourself time to breathe before you go hard; you don’t want to burn yourself out before the year even settles in.

New Year, New Growth

Leave the past in the past.

Try not to think about negativity from the past year. Think of this year as a fresh start and allow yourself to bring in good energy. For you to grow this year, you must not let the past hold you back.

Speak highly of yourself and make it a habit.

In the first days of the new year, get used to speaking positivity into your life. This year is yours, and you’re going to achieve everything you have planned. Speak that into existence so you can get used to doing it every day of the year.

I’m excited for the New Year, and I know you all will achieve so many goals. Please don’t be hard on yourself. Move at your own pace, and everything will run smoothly. What to do in the first days of 2022? Relax and prepare for greatness! Happy New Year, everyone.

If you like this post, you’ll love 6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day
To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese, visit her website
Please read my latest article for Sheen Magazine

These 4 Things Can Prevent Your Growth

December 17, 2021

As the new year approaches, the last thing we need is growth prevention. So let’s get into how these 4 things can prevent your growth.

Growth can be stimulating— especially when you’re having a hard time figuring out what’s taking the process so long. For one, we can’t rush it. Growth is something that transpires when you permit yourself to change. It’s when your mind becomes more assorted and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Honestly, the process is dissimilar for everyone. For some of us, we can easily adapt to this new form of thinking which allows growth to overtake our lives. And for others, it’s not a walk in the park.

Either way, there are 4 things that can prevent your growth— whether you can easily adapt to changes or not. Let’s Talk!

These 4 Things Can Prevent Your Growth

Low Self-Esteem

If you’ve never experienced low self-esteem, you’re an icon—seriously. It’s when someone lacks confidence about themselves and what they can achieve. They often think of themselves as failures before they even begin. Low self-esteem is one of the main problems that prevents growth— because in their mind, they already loss.

Environment

Yes, your environment can prevent growth. Sometimes we get too attached to the areas we grew up around and become scared of the thought of leaving. It is possible to grow in the same environment, but not much. We need to experience new surroundings and people from different cultures. We need to experience the world. It’s much bigger than the neighborhood or city you’re used to.

Overly Procrastination

It’s no secret that everyone procrastinates. Even the most successful people talk about how there are times when they ‘put off’ doing something until the last minute. However, overly procrastination can prevent growth. What is overly procrastination? It’s when your motivation is erased by consistently waiting until the last minute to do something. You eventually choose to not finish the project— for example— at all. And we all know, if you don’t finish what you start, you’ll still be in the same position.

Negative Nancy’s (Naysayers)

The people you choose to be around can affect your growth. If you surround yourself with unsupportive people, that energy affects you mentally. You start to second guess yourself and your talent, which can create low self-esteem. If people are always negative around you, distance yourself. Nothing positive comes from that negative energy.

You know you have what it takes to take the world by storm. Grow and allow yourself to stay away from those 4 things. You got this.

If you like this post, you’ll love 6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day

To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese visit my website.

Read my latest article for Sheen Magazine.

6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day

December 8, 2021

With these 6 affirmations to start off your day, you’ll feel happy and calm.

As women continue to dominate in every industry, it’s crucial to avoid exhaustion and adverse energy. Affirmations are known to boost the power and mindset of an individual. It’s the exercise of optimistic thinking and self-improvement that many believe helps achieve success and good mental health. Every day we are confronted with challenges that regularly make us question our abilities to succeed. We interrogate ourselves so severely that it eventually halts our growth. It’s time to start uplifting ourselves every day and making sure we comprehend how deserving we are of love, success, and much more. Here are six affirmations to start your day.

6 Affirmations

Today will be wonderful.

Wake up with the mindset of having a great day. Never think about past upsetting events or revenge. Today will be good because your mind is allowing good energy to flow right through.

I am a magnificent piece of art.

You are a walking Van Gogh painting. Pay no attention to societal ‘beauty standards.’ You are one of a kind, and your features are showstopping.

I choose peace and happiness.

Protect your peace and happiness today— and every day. Adverse energy cannot get close to you.

I am worthy of love.

You are worthy of the love you’ve always wanted. You do not have to lower your standards and accept scraps. Give yourself that love until the right person comes along.

I deserve to buy myself something nice.

That new car? You deserved it. That new purse? You deserved it. Always know that you deserve to have nice things, and it’s even more imperative that it was a gift to yourself. You worked hard for your money, and there’s nothing wrong with showering yourself with the best things in life.

I am deserving of career growth and opportunities.

You deserve that new job title and raise. You deserve that six-figure business. Your name deserves to be in rooms where the opportunities will be endless.

Of course, these 6 affirmations to start off your day can be used by men as well. Let’s uplift ourselves and embrace who we are.

If you love this post, you’ll love My Self-Care Plans For 2022

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Protect Your Energy: Life 101

October 18, 2021

Let’s learn ways to protect your energy in this crazy world.

One of my favorite topics to write about is protecting your energy. I’ve witnessed some crazy things in my life, and so far, I can comprehend how imperative it is to put a protective barrier around your energy.

Let’s be honest.

As much as we wish the world were a better place, we have to admit that people often push out negative agendas. They always find something hateful to share or say, and they never see anything wrong with their actions. These are the type of individuals that we should plan on staying far away.

These people find joy in seeing others sad and hurt, so the best way to deal with it is to keep your distance.

But, what if we have to be around these people? Let’s get started! That’s when you use these three different ways to protect your energy.

3 Ways To Protect Your Energy

Try to avoid conflict

I know, I know. Sometimes conflict comes around and we have to defend ourselves. However, please try to avoid it as much as possible. It’s one of the quickest ways to take in bad energy. As I said, there are people who will purposely target you and try to bring you down. Most of the time walking away or agreeing to disagree works. Don’t let them win!

photo of a sign and eyeglasses on table — Photo by Binti Malu on Pexels.com

Choose positivity, always

Of course, this is better said than done. We all have bad days even when we try to think positive. It’s a part of life. However, as long as you’re choosing to think positive thoughts, you’re fighting against the negative energy in this world. Also, just because you have a bad day doesn’t mean you’re a negative person. Don’t worry, we all have those moments, even the most positive people in the world do.

woman doing cobra pose — Photo by Marcus Aurelius on Pexels.com

Clear your mind with meditation

When I feel overwhelmed by negative energy, I take a moment to breathe. I usually use the mone minute breathe concentration on my apple watch to help calm my nerves. This is a part of meditation, and there are many other ways you can clear your mind and body of toxic thoughts. Although I still have a lot to learn about meditation, this method works for me.

Now go out there and protect your peace!

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