The Power of Mindfulness In Self-Care

 By Leila

From the moment you wake up, your mind begins to run through what you need to do during the day.

This is okay because well… life has to keep moving, bills need to be paid, you need to advance in your personal life… the list goes on and on.

This causes the mind to always be on rush mode and you will find yourself not relaxing and enjoying your breakfast, feeling the fresh air, enjoying your shower or observing the weather.

You may even miss out on your neighbor's or family's 'Good morning' greeting.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is described as being in the moment; allowing yourself to feel what you're feeling, awakening your senses by taking note of your environment and focusing on the present and what's in front of you.

Mindfulness or living in the present is very powerful. It contributes to having a positive attitude, smiling more and enjoying life.

Lack of mindfulness on the other hand is detrimental to your mental and emotional health because it increases the levels of anxiety, apprehension, nervousness and increases the negative thoughts and attitudes.

Is mindfulness related to self-care?

Yes, mindfulness is a form of self-care and self-care is taking care of your wellbeing.

 Mindfulness allows you to stay grounded by opening up your senses to feel and experience your surroundings.

When you choose to be mindful, you notice the good things in front of you such as:

• The weather

• Fresh air

• Soft breeze

• Your neighbor who is always thoughtful enough to greet you with a smile

• The taste of your meal

• Your co-worker's beautiful outfit or shoes

• Your beautiful smile and gorgeous self.

All these things make you smile as you go through your day.

As you allow yourself to live in the moment and experience these great things, you will notice an increase in your positive energy levels and thoughts.

How does mindfulness impact mental and emotional health?

Living in the moment increases your level of awareness and attention to your emotions.

You allow yourself to feel what you feel hence you're able to manage your emotions effectively and reduce impulsive behaviors.

You also notice your behavior patterns and are able to develop new habits which help you become a better human being.

This contributes to your happiness hence improving your mental and emotional health.

Being in the moment and allowing yourself to feel and experience the present, enables you to handle problems effectively while taking off the pressure of overthinking.

So, yes… Practice more mindfulness, be here…right now. It's good for your mind and spirit.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthcaretips #selfcare #wellness #wellbeing

Writer's bio

 Leila is a Content Writer by profession and the lead writer at Let's Talk Blog and Bold Millennial Boss Blog.

She says, "I believe that self-love is the beginning of healing. When you heal, you glow more, impact more lives, love healthily, confidently set boundaries and set your soul free.

Love yourself. You are worth it!"

Blog links:

Let's Talk Blog

https:letstalkblog2015.blogspot.com

Bold Millennial Boss

https://boldmillennialboss.wordpress.com/

Anxiety Self Care Tips

 #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness

5 Simple Home and School Self Care Tips

By: Leila 

 We live in a fast paced world.

From the moment adults or school going kids wake up to the moment they all go to bed, they're always on the go. There is barely any time to slow down and enjoy a meal.

I am now learning as an adult the importance of slowing down and self care.

I've always been on the move and recently, I discovered that it doesn't allow me to process my emotions, listen to them and take charge of them. Hence, it's easy to snap and assume control of things instead of moving at the pace of things.

I've started setting aside time for me to take a look around and observe my environment, organize my thoughts and feelings and postpone what I can't complete today to the following day.

The need for mental health care has never been as high in the years before as it is now. This need covers all demographics regardless of socio-economic background.

Research shows that lack of proper self care, rest and mental health care leads to stress which is the reason for the increasing cases of depression and anxiety.

A recent study shows that more therapists and counselors have been hired since the early 2000s until now in schools, corporates, personal level, family level, prisons, judiciary level and government workplaces.

There is a great need to empower people with the importance of self care and rest from the school and home level.

Here are simple and easy to implement self care tips that can be taught at home and at school:

Meditation

Training kids to sit in silence then write down their thoughts will raise adults who are more self aware emotionally and mentally.

When at home, set aside 10-20 minutes on Sunday mornings for you and your family to meditate. 

In school, set aside the same amount of time before a lesson begins. This silence will calm students and probably reduce cases of bullying and irate student acts.

Train kids that... A calm mind is a rational mind.

Napping

A 20 minute to an hour nap can change an indecisive mind to a decisive one. It can calm a restless soul.

When setting aside self care time for kids at home, add napping as an option. Switch off phones or tv and use this time to relax the mind and soul.

When they learn to understand the importance of a nap, it will aid them in appreciating Me-time in adulthood as well as taking a mental and emotional pause.

Journaling

Writing down thoughts, experiences and feelings is helpful and carthatic.

When kids get to puberty, they experience heightened emotions and they can be erratic which leads them to making irrational decisions.

As an adult, being impulsive can ruin relationships and hurt oneself and others.

Learning to journal helps with keeping your emotions and thoughts in check. Hence leading to more calm and rational adults.

Moreover, it improves communication especially when expressing emotions.

Gratitude Jar

At the beginning of every year, give kids an empty jar and tell them to fill it with notes of good things that happened to them every month. 

Tell them to read the notes when they're having a bad day or feeling low. It will elevate their mood and improve their mental health.

This will cultivate a positive and grateful attitude towards life as they become adults.

Additionally, during dinner time, you can ask everyone to say what they're grateful for. This will create an understanding and positive attitude towards each other.

Art time

Set aside 1-2 hour during the weekend at home or at school during the weekday when kids take time to do what they're passionate about. This will allow them to tap into their talents and allow them to express themselves.

Doing what you're passionate about helps reduce anxiety and depression because it triggers the dopamine levels in the brain that are responsible for good moods.

Parting shot:

A good self care routine leads to mentally and emotionally healthy adults. 

Self care should not be learnt in adulthood because by then, unlearning certain behaviors may be difficult.

Let's teach kids that self care and rest are not signs of laziness but good for their holistic development. 

#selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #wellbeing #parenting #schooling

7 Wellness Tips For Boss Babes

By: Leila

 This is how you know you are a boss babe..

 You wake up early, do your meditation, prepare yourself and your family for the day and get started on impacting the world with your feminine power. You know what that is?

It is called QUEENING!!!

While you are up and down advancing your life and making the world a better place, how much time do you take to care for your mind, body and soul?

Here are some important boss babe tips to help you through your mental health care:

1. Sitting still in silence

Personally, this has always got me geared up for the day.

When in this state, the mind settles and organizes your thoughts, the soul calms itself and your heart speaks to you through intuition.

If you were uncertain about something for instance, a business deal, opportunity or anything work-related or in an uncomfortable emotional state such as an argument with a friend, spouse or family member, the stillness will settle you and help you make a decision.

2. Journaling

Writing down how I feel is part of my weekly mental and emotional health care check-up.

It has proven to help me keep track of my emotions and it relieves me off mental pressure.

Journaling can be done daily or weekly depending on your schedule.

When you write down your thoughts and feelings, you relieve yourself of any tension that may throw you off-balance and prevent you from performing at your best.

3. Sleep

Taking that random 20 minute nap or 1-2 hour sleep is very helpful in reducing stress and organizing your thoughts, ideas, dilemmas and emotions.

Sleep is as important to your normal functioning as food and shelter.

According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Study subject was Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep

"...Recent findings suggest that sleep plays a housekeeping role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake."

When you sleep, negative feelings are obliterated thus elevating your moods and improved moods allow you to relate better with people. 

Once toxins are removed from the brain, your creativity and performance levels increase thus raising your productivity.

In addition, sleep improves your physical health. When you are asleep, the body activates your nervous system and repairs worn out tissues thus strengthening your immune system.

Contrary to the negative perception of sleep created by society, it actually works in your favor.

So boss babe, switch off that phone, iPad, tv or laptop and jump into the sack for a nice relaxing sleep. It is good for your general health.

4. Talk to a confidant

As a boss babe, you are naturally a problem solver. You are used to handling and overcoming obstacles by yourself and so far you have done well! Look at you, you are winning!!

But every queen needs a confidant especially with matters involving the heart and emotions.

Personally, I am just learning how to open up and talk about my problems as I go through them and not after I have gone through them. 

It has proven to be very helpful in solving business and personal disputes.

Seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self-respect and emotional intelligence.

So it is okay to ask for help, boss babe. It does not take away your power. It replenishes it.

5. Affirmations

Speaking power into yourself translates to speaking well of yourself and increases a positive attitude towards others and situations in life.

Whatever you speak about, you bring about. You manifest your affirmations.

Affirming yourself every morning before you begin your routine enables you to perceive your day positively and face it with confidence.

Affirmations also elevate your mindset and calm your spirit. Affirmations alter any negative self-perception.

Moreover, they also improve your mood hence improving your relationships and people love to work and hang out where there are positive vibes.

6. Exercise

Physical exercise not only keeps you fit and gets your sexy back but also strengthens your heart's muscles, elevates your mood and refreshes your mind.

Exercise fosters growth of your brain cells and aids in memory and creativity.

According to Cleveland Clinic

Study subject: Healthy Brains

"Strength training isn’t just for body builders. Lifting weights or using a resistance band not only builds muscle and strengthens bone; it can boost brain power, improve mood, enhance concentration and increase decision-making skills."

Additionally, "Exercise improves blood flow and memory; it stimulates chemical changes in the brain that enhance learning, mood and thinking."

If you are tense about something, working out or taking a stroll will calm your nerves and allow your brain to come up with a solution.

So boss babe, get on that workout routine and keep at it. It makes you a better human.

7. Gratitude

 

That quote is true to the letter.

Being thankful for what you have enhances a positive attitude towards life. 

Gratitude also benefits your mental health in a way that activates good memories, positive perception of problems and problem-solving abilities. 

It also enhances positive emotions which in turn improve business and interpersonal communication.

Gratitude is a magnet for relationships. People like to be appreciated and they do more when they feel appreciated.

When you also thank yourself, you do more for yourself which means your personal growth and life goals will sky rocket.

Take some time to write down what you are grateful for. Even in the bad situations, look at the good that came out. Did you learn something that has been beneficial to your journey moving forward?

I have learnt to be grateful throughout my journey and I no longer complain or look back in regret or pain.

Be thankful. It is good for your life in general.

#wellness #wellbeing #womenempowerment #bossbabes #selfcare #mentalhealth

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Appreciate Yourself 🥰

 

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Strong Women Deserve Protection and Gentle Care Too

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 Early last week I came across an interesting tweet. Let me paraphrase it "Men actually think that calling a woman 'strong' is a compliment. I'm appalled at how quick y'all are to strip women off protection and care. Strong is no longer a compliment but a mental health hazard."
I definitely pressed the like button and left a supportive comment.

It got me thinking.... How many times have I seen strong women in real life and on TV neglected and overburdened with responsibilities that don't concern them just for the sake of that compliment? How many women had to fight for themselves while the men stepped aside or turned their backs on them simply because they are 'strong women'?
It's probably the way we are raised as girls... We are belittled by comments such as "Who is going to love you or marry you if you don't clean dishes, cook, do the laundry or clean your room?" Such comments demean the human in her while raising her in fear of being unloved or valued if she doesn't meet certain conditions yet placing high expectations on her to take care of other people while neglecting herself.
This is one of the reasons most women fear marriage because it's portrayed as burdensome instead of a union of team work, companionship and a relationship that fosters personal growth.

Most of the time, when she decides to open up and be vulnerable she is avoided and told to be the 'bigger person'. 

Want to know why many women stay in abusive marriages or relationships, toxic workplaces and toxic friendships? Because of how society has defined the word 'strong woman' as the woman who can take in the most pain regardless of her mental or emotional health. It has even become some sort of competition of whoever endures the most pain from a spouse is qualified to be recognized as a wife. 😤 

Since when did becoming a loving partner be determined by pain?? How is that enjoyable??

To make it worse, there are men who will proudly praise a 'strong woman' in public but abuse, neglect, take advantage of her compassion and belittle her in private. 😤 And women get used to this such that when they find a man who wants to love and protect her feminine softness, she will do everything possible to sabotage it because that's how her subconscious has been conditioned: That love is pain.

This is my definition of a strong woman: a woman who is self aware, has embraced her feminine softness, has healthy boundaries on her compassion, has accepted her strengths, insecurities and weaknesses and only goes to places where she feels her human side is valued, protected and appreciated.

Final take: To all the women... Get used to being in peaceful healthy relationships where you are treated nicely with the tenderness you deserve.

Feel free to comment and share with your followers using the social media buttons 😊.

#womenempowerment #strongwomen #mentalhealth #personaldevelopment #peraonalhealing

Self Treat 🥰

 #selfcare #selflove #personalhealing #personalgrowth #Fridayvibes #Fridaymood #Fridaymotivation

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Power of Self Care 🥰

 

#selfcare #selflove #personalgrowth #Thursdayvibes #Thursdaymood

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My Organic Skin Care Tips 🥰🌹

From time immemorial, skin care has been the most popular form of self care. In every culture or community, skin care is highly recommended in order to maintain a youthful and supple appearance.
Personally, skin care is part of my regular routine which has always got my squad and neighbours asking "Why is your face so smooth? You have such a baby face." That makes me feel good 😊 and motivates me to keep taking care of my skin. I shared my tips with them and received alot of positive feedback.
I only use organic items and so today, I'd like to share them with you.

Let's get right to it, shall we?

1. Aloe Vera Gel

This quarantine season got me focused on self care so much and I noticed some dark spots on my face and a few bumps.
I reached out to the CEO and Founder of Natural's Pride, Amelia Basil, for advice.
She recommended aloe vera gel and cucumber juice. I tried it and wow!!! I loved it!!

Photo courtesy

Photo courtesy

In 2 weeks, the dark eye patches under my eyes were gone and I applied the aloe vera gel on my entire body after a shower then applied my body lotion after 15-20 minutes and y'all..... My skin was SMOOTH!!! 🤩😍 It looks fresh and bubbly.
To get these results, you'll have to apply the combination consistently for 2 weeks.
The best part about it all is that you can make it at home.
This is the procedure:

• Pluck some aloe vera leaves.
• Extract the gel with a knife and place it in a container.
• Use a blender or squeeze in a piece of light cloth (preferably a stocking)
• Refrigerate it.
• Peel the cucumber and grate it on a piece of cloth
• Squeeze the juice in a separate container
• Take a portion of the refrigerated aloe vera gel (the amount you intend to use at that moment) and mix with a portion of the cucumber juice.
• Apply on your skin. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes. 
• Finally, apply your moisturizer or body lotion.
• To get the best results, apply the mixture before bed and in the morning.

Not only does aloe vera gel clear dark spots and acne but also cures sunburns. The large amount of antioxidants heal skin irritation and cool it hence giving it a fresh appeal.
In addition, if you have cracked heels on your feet, apply the gel to smoothen them.

2. Tomato

This amazing curlinary essential works wonders on eradicating acne, moderating oily skin, clearing dark spots and making the skin soft and supple. 💖

Photo courtesy

Its usage procedure is very simple:

• Cut a piece of tomato.
• Apply the juice on your skin
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes then wash it off.
• Apply moisturizer.
• For best results, apply twice a day.

It also brightens dark armpits. Use it after you've shaved.

3. Ripe banana

This sweet fruit has been the most consistent item in my skin care products.

It cleanses the skin leaving it smooth, glowing, moisturized and feeling fresh. 🌬️

Struggling with acne or black spots? Banana is here to help.

Photo courtesy

It's very easy to use:

• Cut a piece of ripe banana
• Mash it in a bowl into a paste
• Apply it on your face and any other part of your skin
• Let it sit for 20-25 minutes
• Wash it off
• For best results, apply regularly twice a day 

The after effects... You'll feel your skin hydrated, soft and supple. 😍

4. Lemon

If you're a sweaty babe like me, then lemon is very essential to your daily life.
This sour fruit reduces excess sweat and brightens dark armpits leaving you feeling fresh. ✨✨

Photo courtesy

Usage procedure:

• Cut a piece of lemon
• Apply the juice on your armpits
• Let it sit for however long you want i.e. a whole day or a while after shower then wash off.

5. Cucumber

This plant has worked very well for me in getting rid of eye bags and excess water in my armpits.
It also brightens dark armpits and spots, makes the skin resistant to acne and serves as an anti-aging ingredient since it tightens the skin thus making it firm. 🥰
Want to look youthful? Cucumber is your answer.

Photo courtesy

How to use it:

• Cut it into 6 pieces
• Use 2 to apply the juice on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes
• Place 2 under your armpits for 20 minutes
• Lie down and place 2 on your eyes for 20 minutes
• Wash off with warm water
• Repeat regularly once a day before bed for best results

6. Water

I've been drinking 2 litres of water daily since 2017 and it has done alot of good for my skin and body. 💙
Water hydrates your skin by flushing out toxins leaving it toned, tight, glowing and reduces acne.
If you're working out to shed off some weight or stay fit, drink water once you're done. It highly contributes to weight loss by pushing excess fluids in the belly area to spread all over the body.

Photo courtesy

I'm an organic enthusiast hence I trust that nature has all we need.
Feel free to share your feedback and your tips in the comments. We would love to know how you care for your skin.

Skin care is self love 💖🥰

Article written by:

Leila, lead writer at Let's Talk Blog.

"I believe that self love is the beginning of healing."

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#skincare #selfcare #selflove #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth

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Rest Is Good For Your Mental Health 💛💙

Rest is good by Let's Talk

#mentalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalhealing

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Wanna Feel Sexy..? Watch Yourself Naked.

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"Hey pretty girl..", Tori beckoned at herself while she walked past her bedroom mirror from the shower.
"You are so beautiful 😍", she said to herself as she dropped the towel and admired her bare self.
"Damn sis! I see you packing 'em curves! Twerk that girl", she complimented herself as she did a dutty whine.
"Check out your beautiful, glowy skin! And your smile lights up the world! I love you girl! 😘" she exclaimed as she blew her reflection a kiss
Ever since Tori started watching herself in her birthday suit, she's been really taking good care of herself.
Her skin care routine has become part of her daily schedule. She buys outfits that accentuate her curves and make her feel sexy and attractive.
This is why you should have a nude moment every morning:

1. Love yourself more
The first step to elevating self love is to see YOU. Your nudity is the outer intimate part of you that reflects how you feel about yourself on the inside. When you love every inch of your body, you feel good and and you'll have a positive attitude towards yourself.

2. Elevated self confidence
Embracing your spirit's cover is the first step to building self-confidence.
When you constantly check out your naked body, you start working on making it better and more attractive. You start speaking well and confidently about yourself; dress it appropriately and walk with a spring.

3. Feel attractive and sexy
Attractiveness is a result of a deep personal relationship with your entire outer and inner self.
Sexiness is about presentation. Not to be confused with skimpy or ratchet. It's about adorning your curves with what makes you comfortable and confident. After all... wouldn't it be great to receive compliments from your type of suitors? 😉
Nude moments lead you to start dressing your beautiful body appropriately, ensure that it's always smelling good and looking good in public even when you're just going to the shop! 😊


4. Self care
Just like Tori, you start taking care of your skin to ensure that it's always glowing, start doing those situps or neighbourhood jogs you've been postponing 😊.
Speaking well and gently to yourself is an essential part of self care because that will mean no more harsh self criticism or negative talk.

5. Enjoy sex
Oh yes, when you feel attractive, sexy, have self confidence and take good care of yourself you'll understand your body's pleasure points.
Self love and high self esteem are the best recipes for great sex.

6. Positive body image towards others
We treat and perceive people based on how we perceive ourselves.
We tend to project how we feel about ourselves onto others.
When we love ourselves, we tend to see the beauty in others and spend most of the time complimenting them.
Besides.. The Bible clearly states.. "Love your neighbor as you love thyself."

So girl... Get your nude moment on! It's part of self care! 😊


#selflove #selfcare #positivebodyimage #personalintimacy

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You are BeYOUtiful 😍🌸🏵️

#selflove #selfcare #womenempowerment #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth

Time Alone = Peace

                                    Photo courtesy.

"Girl, I just wonder how you're so happy yet you're single. You travel alone, take yourself on a date, despite all the guys you've dated you never rant nor complain about how men are trash. You're still positive that there are good men. Lord knows I'm tired of the 3 guys I'm dating. You just look happy in your singlehood. You glow, you're always enthusiastic about your work and you laugh a lot. You look like a free spirit. Sometimes I wonder if you ever experience normal adult problems. What is your secret?" Rita asked her long time friend, Sheena.
"Time alone." Sheena replied.
 "It gives you confidence, courage, focus and clarity." Sheena elaborated.

Many people cringe at doing things alone. They believe the dogma that being alone is boring, a sign of anti social, loneliness and queer character.
"Travel alone? How? I must have someone to accompany me. The only way I can enjoy myself is with someone else." Is what a large percentage of the population believes.

There's more to travelling alone than just the fun social aspect. It opens your mind, revitalises your soul and energizes your spirit.

Time alone allows you to discover yourself beyond what your environment has taught you to become. It makes you understand why you're naturally attracted to certain colours, characters and outfits.
It allows you to heal from past wounds and envision the future you desire. It comes in handy when making important life decisions because it narrows all the options to what suits you.

Time alone allows you to take care of yourself and treat yourself well because we only treat others as we treat ourselves.

Get comfortable with being with yourself. It teaches you to draw boundaries and protect yourself from manipulation and society norms that harm your peace.

You are the only one living your one life. You are the only one that will show up for you. You are the only one that understands you better. You are the only constant in your life. So spend time with You. Date You. Love You. Be You. (Click the link below to tweet this)
The more you take care of yourself, the better for everyone around you.
If you cannot appreciate and create time for you then how will you appreciate and create time for another person in your life?

https://ctt.ac/6iT30
#mentalhealth #personalhealing #innerpeace #personaldevelopment #timealone #selfcare

Article written by:

Leila, lead writer at Let's Talk Blog.

"I believe that self love is the beginning of healing."