writer 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?

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!

Here’s How I Plan to Improve My life in 2022

February 6, 2022

It’s the second month of the new year, and I still want nothing more than to improve my life in 2022.

Before the year started, I promised myself that 2022 was going to be MY year. Yes, everyone says this. Yes, I said the same thing about 2021. But, you know that feeling of elevation? I’ve been experiencing this since the year started. It might be my determination to make this year better than the last, or I could be in the process of elevating.

Whatever’s the case, it has me even more pumped to see what I can accomplish. Since I’m excited about the future, I’ve decided to share three ways I plan to improve my life in 2022. I hope this can help my readers or people just visiting prepare themselves to spread their wings and soar.

My 3 Way Journey to Improvement

Ways to improve your life in 2022 — Photo by Bruno Bueno on Pexels.com

No more sleepless, burnout nights

Nothing prevented me from accomplishing my goals more than sleepless, burnout nights. We’ve all watched success stories of individuals who do nothing but work, work, and work. They preach about how they’ve gone days without sleep to perfect a launch or create content. To improve my life, I choose not to glamourize the ‘all work, no play’ mindset. I’m human, and I need sleep–of course. But, I also need time to relax and have fun. I don’t want to overwork myself and not enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Write/Plan… Organization Matters

This is a very imperative way to improve your life. In 2021, I did not write and plan out my content, organize homework assignments or digital content. This is a significant reason I did not accomplish a lot of my goals last year. Since I started mapping things out–from articles to content– I’ve seen an increase in my consistency. When I write something down, it’s easier for me to complete it and check off my list when I can see it… crazy. Sidenote: I’m currently writing this post at 11 pm. 2021 Lashaunta would’ve never done this!

Morning Affirmations? Yes, please.

Okay, I started getting into affirmations in 2021, but I’ve been deep into it this year. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you’ll know that I’d talk negatively about myself when I was younger. And, of course, this is far from a confidence booster. However, now that I’m in my 20’s, I want to love myself more than anyone. Because if I love myself, I can love others properly. Writing and saying morning affirmations set the tone for the day. I always feel like I’m important in this world because I am– and you are too.

How are you improving your life in 2022? We have so much time to get things started.

Hey, you made it this far! Check out. So, you failed? Here’s How To Recharge

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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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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

Read my latest Interview in Sheen Magazine!

To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese visit my about page.

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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The Key To Having a Productive Day

September 24, 2021

It’s time we discussed the key to having a productive day.

Every day we wake up with the intention of having a better day than before. Because no one wants their days to be worse, that’s insane.

Of course, in the life we live, there are times where events will happen out of the blue that alters your day. However, it shouldn’t stop you from at least trying to map out what you’d like your day to be like.

As a grad student who’s also a journalist/creative marketer/digital content producer (I wear a lot of hats, I know), I need to create a plan for my days, or else I’d drive myself crazy.

In my opinion, the key to having a productive day starts with realistic planning and allowing yourself time to relax.

Let’s get to it.

The Key To a Productive Day

The Key To Having a Productive Day — Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

Realistic Planning

Let me start by saying planning helps a lot with trying to stay organized. If I didn’t plan what days to do my homework and the number of hours I’d spend on each class, I’d be stressed out. However, sometimes we plan things outrageously.

What do I mean by that?

You should plan realistically, meaning map out things you know you’d for sure have time to do. For example, today is my content day for this week.

I planned to write this blog post and create social media content. For me, this is realistic because I know for sure I could get it done without feeling tired. Outrageous planning would be me planning to write 10 blog posts, 5 social media content, and a youtube production.

Don’t get me wrong, there are people who can plan all of those things and get it done, but for me and all that I have to do, it’s not realistic. Planning this would’ve resulted in me thinking my day was unproductive because I couldn’t get it all done.

woman sleeping — Photo by Ivan Oboleninov on Pexels.com

Allowing Yourself Time To Relax

In order to have the energy to be productive, you have to allow yourself to relax. Yes, you read that correctly. If you go the entire day just working, more than likely you won’t finish all of the tasks you’ve planned. Give yourself a coffee/tea break in between projects, read a book or do something relaxing. I usually read a chapter of my favorite book or have a tea break.

What’s your key to a productive day?

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So, You’re On A Budget?

July 28, 2021

So, you’re on a budget?

Being on a budget can be both life-changing and challenging. Obviously, the Pros of being on a budget are far more important than the Cons, but we can’t act like they don’t exist. Many people create budgets for a plethora of reasons. You could simply be saving up towards a goal/ item you’ve always wanted or things in your life have taken a slight turn and in response, you’re being cautious. Either way, there’s a limit on what you can and can not spend.

To some people, BUDGETS=NO FUN, STRICT RULES, WORK WORK WORK.

As a young Graduate student on a budget, I can’t say this has been the easiest experience. While everyone else is taking trips outside the country, I’m saving majority of money to further my brand and expand in the media industry. There were days where I found myself STRESSED OUT, especially during my undergrad years.

However, there are ways to have fun on a budget. Some people even find ways to take small getaways without going over their limit. I found a way to do that, and honestly, it’s beyond a life saver. I coudn’t wait to share them with you all.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Nerd alert. For a lot of people, museums are only seen as educational, but they’re really fun to me. From looking at massive art scultpures to paintings from centuries ago, I really enjoy walking through those ancient hallways. Some of you may already know, but recently I visited the Morton Arboretum in Lisel, Illinois (Visiting The Morton Arboretum). It was only $16 which is much less than I anticipated. I left with a lot of photos and videos, plus an experience that I’ll forever cherish.

STAY AT A HOTEL FOR A WEEKEND

white bed sheet set — Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Okay, I have yet to do this but I know many people who have and it’s always praised. When we think of hotels, we automatically think of overpriced and expensive. Yet, there are hotels that are inexpensive and are still highly ranked. This mini vacation is a perfect reward for those who have been on a budget and stayed true to it. This one little simple weekend vacay won’t hurt your pockets. Don’t forget, you need to treat yourself sometimes.

photo of cafe interior — Photo by Igor Starkov on Pexels.com

BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS

Whether it’s brunch or an early morning breakfast date, this type of small date will lift your spirits while not hurting your pockets. If I could visit my favorite small cafe every day with my laptop, I would. My main goal is to try to do this once of week, but for now once a month works perfectly fine. I know someone might ask, ‘Well, how is this fun?’. It’s fun because, in my opinion, you’re pampering yourself. You get to relax and eat outside of your home, which for some people are toxic places.

I really hope these simple things bring fun into your life, if you happen to try them. Remember, saving is imperative but a life you enjoy is even more imperative.

Lessons Learned: Don’t Allow Greed To Take Over What You Love

January 22, 2021

Sometimes, life will humble you faster than you can blink.

We learn so much as we grow and explore life.

We tend to look for things that make us better human beings, but we don’t like to take into consideration that we could use self evaluations often.

I know, we don’t like to hear it.

Yet, many people, including myself, need to use the advice we give others.

I’ve always told others not to allow greed to take over what they love to do.

What do I mean by that?

I mean, never let the thought of being bigger and making more money overshadow your love for your dream, to be exact.

I need to take my own advice.

I’m currently a Freelance Journalist, just one of the many aspects of media that I’m apart of. I absolutely love to write, film, and edit my own content.

I never wanted to be in the media industry to become a billionaire and own my own continent, or something outrageous.

But, lately I’ve found myself worrying more about the perks of being known in the media industry than my actual love for it.

This has to stop, like ASAP.

I never want greed to take over what I love, because then it becomes a chore and we never love chores.

It’s the main reasons why I haven’t been writing my weekly journals and blogging like I was before.

I’m taking my own advice and getting back into my zone!

I’m taking back what I love and I’m doing it because it brings me happiness.

Do you know anyone that chose greed over what they loved? Why do you think this is common?