I wanted to share with you why one should be mindful of what is going into our stomach, instead of simply stuffing food to satisfy the hunger urges.

After all, your body is not a machine. But with the kind of busy life you lead today, it seems that’s what you are doing.

Here is why you should be appreciative and thoughtful of what you’re eating:

Energizes You

The right and healthy foods energizes your body. When you need to get around with your car, you fill your car with oil. And especially if you own a nice car, you don’t just put any oil into your car. You put the oil that is perfect and beneficial for your car that causes it to run efficiently. It’s similar with eating. Your energy level will be high, light, and bouncy when you consume the right foods.

Nourishes the Spirit

The spiritual relationship with food is often overlooked. I myself never realized this until I started to pay attention to how my body responded. The food you eat connects you to the divine energy and source. It can heal your body and spirit. This is something that has been observed for hundreds of years in history.

Soothes the Soul and Body

Most of all, you feel relaxed when you incorporate vegetables, fruits, and natural foods into your diet. It’s like you’re celebrating the connection between your body and soul.

How is your relationship with food healing, nourishing, and even spiritual? Please share with me in the comments.

When I wrote Enchanted Silence, one of the most important skills I learned was managing my time. My schedule was packed and I knew I had to manage my time well in order to complete my novel.

I wanted to share some of these tips with you.

Prepare for Your Day or Week in Advance

When I know my week ahead is going to be busy, I take time the night before to make a list of what are the things I need to focus on and complete that week. It takes about fifteen to thirty minutes, but this time is well worth it because I am aware of what needs to be done and can make time for it.

Also, just knowing what needs to be done makes me feel reassured and relaxed.

Take Periodic Breaks

I make sure I take breaks through out the day whether I am at work or home. When I am eating lunch or dinner, I ensure I am not working and eating at the same time. The breaks you take should rejuvenate you. What’s the point of taking a break otherwise?

Tackle a Balance of Both Easy & Time-Consuming Tasks

People feel overwhelmed and drained when they do too many time-consuming tasks all at once. I strike a balance. I usually take care of the easy tasks in the mornings, so I am on a roll. Then, I tackle the more time-consuming ones. If possible, I only do two to three time-consuming tasks a week and leave the rest for another week.

Make Room for Socializing

Manage your time well so you are making progress, but it’s equally important to take out time to spend with your family and loved ones. A balanced life is key to feeling fulfilled.

How do you manage your time effectively? Do you have any tips? Please share with me in the comments.

 

The Importance of Setting Healthy Boundaries

Your days are jam packed with meetings, grocery shopping, errands, and the list goes on and on. I have found myself going overboard working and sleeping late and not eating healthy. This only left me drained. I had no energy and stamina by the time the day ended.

Setting healthy boundaries in both your work and personal lives helps you live a more balanced life. And a more balanced life = happier you

Set Aside Time for Healthy Practices

No matter how busy, stay true to your healthy practices. The busier I get, I try to stick to my practices of writing in my gratitude journal, meditating, and exercising. I love eating fruits and salads and stick to eating these foods that nourish my stomach and soul. You will be surprised at how calm and great you feel afterwards.

Allocate Time for Your Loved Ones

I get it, work gets in the way sometimes. That boss said something or that meeting didn’t go as planned. Really make an effort to not take your work home. Leave it where it belongs: the office (or whatever work environment). When you are home, be present for your loved ones. Don’t just eat dinner in front of the television. Go for a walk with your loved ones or go to a coffee shop. Enjoy your time with them.

Stay Away from Negative People

This is incredibly important. I cannot emphasize this enough, especially at your work place. Stay away from people who drain your energy and spirit. If he or she is a colleague, I get that you cannot isolate yourself from them. They may not even do it deliberately, but it’s become such a habit to be this way. Either way though, it’s too easy to get sucked into that energy. So quietly make an excuse and bow out. This way, you’re still polite.

What are some practices you do to set healthy boundaries in your work and personal lives? Please share with me in the comments.

It is a Sunday and I am thinking of all the things I need to do this upcoming week. That  familiar, frantic energy is circling my stomach and chest when I feel overwhelmed. I’m wondering to myself…

Will I be able to take care of everything? Will I have time for myself?

Yes, my week is filled with work, meetings, agendas, and family and social commitments, but I decided I must step away and clear my mind. If I am going to get through this week, I will need to take several breaks to rejuvenate my mind and body.

In fact, as soon as I write this post, I am going to the park to take a refreshing, cleansing walk.

Here are some other ways:

Breathe

Take several deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Focus only on your breath. You will feel cleansed and pure afterwards. Do this for several minutes and through out the day.

Relax

Slip away from your loved ones for an uninterrupted hour of bliss only to yourself. Paint your nails or read a book. Or close your eyes and lie on your back.

Sleep

Take a sweet, short nap. Your mind is filled with constant chatter that stepping away from whatever you’re doing and sleeping will relax your entire body.

Exercise

Go to the gym. Or not feeling up to going to the gym? Do yoga or stretching exercises in the comfort of your home.

Disconnect

Put your phone away. Switch off the television. Shut down your computer. Immerse yourself with nature instead. This will reawaken your mind and body with a fresh energy.

How do you rejuvenate your body and mind? Any ideas you would like to share? Please share with me in the comments.

Work, deadlines, laundry, dishes! Gosh, too much to do! You don’t know what to focus on because you’re overwhelmed with the long list of to-do items…

Feeling Overwhelmed

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s even more crucial to make time for yourself. Lately, I have been finding myself crunched with time – my website becoming live, working on the sequel of Enchanted Silence, family commitments, and a crazy social calendar! I am finding I don’t have enough time in the day to take care of all the items on my list… It’s definitely time for me to take a break and feel rejuvenated!

Your Happiness is Your # 1 Priority

I want to share some easy, practical suggestions on how to make for yourself. Your  happiness is your # 1 priority. When you make time for yourself, you discover your happiness and stillness which in turn you can transfer over to your loved ones. You will then be more tuned into being present for your loved ones.

Discover Your Stillness and Happiness

1. Drink Tea- Instead of gulping down coffee, drink tea. Herbal teas are calming and will help you slow down more than coffee.
2. Sleep – Take a long, luxurious nap. I just did before writing this post and I feel so fresh!
3. Eat Healthy Food – When you’re busy, you tend to slip into habits of eating junk food. Take the time to make a healthy meal that nourishes you.
   
4. Treat Yourself – Go for a manicure or a pedicure. Or get a massage. Whatever is your idea of a luxury, indulging once in a while is highly recommended.
   
5. Exercise – Hit the gym! Or go for a run outside at a gorgeous park or trail.
   
6. Surround yourself with Your Inspiration – I love to read quotes. Perhaps you can read a book that inspires you. Or watch a video or documentary.
   
7. Spend Time with Friends – Go out for a fun night with your girlfriends!

How do you make time for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed? I’d love to know! Please share with me in the comments.