​Extreme self-care is more than an hour workout. It entails mindfulness, boundaries and a firm grasp of what matters most to each person. Most people give to everyone else before themselves. They do not respect their personal journey, and relinquish inner peace to keep the peace. Intuitive soul guide Steph Palermo explains the benefits of extreme self-care and how to incorporate it into your life.

It can be difficult to begin to put oneself first. It seems selfish and self-centered. This thinking cannot be any further from the truth. When you put yourself first, you create space for others. You become sensitive to any thoughts, feelings, actions, experiences and people who are not in alignment with where you are. Consequently, you will attract those that bring value to you and your world.

Extreme self-care teaches others how you expect to be treated, how you deserve to be treated. You know your worth, everyone else will too. It takes courage. Self-care means saying “no” to those events that drain you. It entails choosing activities that fill your heart, soul and restore your body. Others may not like the “new you.” However, you will enjoy how you feel in your soul and body.
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Here are a few benefits of extreme self-care:
1. Reducing stress and anxiety: Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to cope with the challenges of daily life.

2. Improving physical health: Extreme self-care can improve your physical health by helping you make healthier choices such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

3. Boosting self-esteem: When you prioritize yourself and engage in activities that make you feel good, you boost our self-esteem and self-worth.

4. Enhancing relationships: When you take care of yourself, you have space for the people about whom you care. Your relationships with others can benefit from your self-care practices. You can be the example to others on what living your best, purpose driven life looks like.
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So how can you incorporate extreme self-care into your life? Here are some ideas:
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1. Make a list of activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and schedule time for them regularly. This could include things like taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or going for a hike.

2. Prioritize sleep by setting a consistent bedtime and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

3. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety.

4. Say no to commitments that do not align with your values or priorities.

5. Invest time in your hobbies and interests, even if it means taking time off work or saying no to other commitments.

6. Seek support from a therapist or soul guide to help you develop a self-care plan that works for you.
Engaging in extreme self-care is an important part of prioritizing your own needs and taking care of yourself on a deeper level. By incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical health, boost self-esteem, and enhance relationships. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary for a happy and healthy life.
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​Meet Our Contributor — Steph Palermo
Steph is an intuitive soul guide and healer, radio talk show host, international speaker, and published author. Steph helps clients discover their spirituality and incorporate it into their lives. Steph teaches her clients and audiences how to meld a spiritual practice with the realities of daily life in order to enjoy the fullest expression of themselves, “the complete life package.” Steph offers Soul Journey Retreats in Sicily, 1:1 Soul Journey Guidance, workshops, keynote speaking and a weekly talk radio show on WATD 95.9 FM. Steph is a Master Catechist, certified in identifying charismatic gifts and a Certified Infinite Possibilities Trainer. As an intuitive soul guide and entrepreneur, Steph combines her natural and supernatural gifts of empathy, encouragement, prophecy, healing and discernment, to name a few, to guide clients and audiences toward their own soul’s path, purpose and personal growth. Learn more about Steph and support her work here!

To gain insight into the future of app popularity, we asked industry leaders, including CEOs, founders, and software engineers, for their thoughts on the matter.

Smartphone Usage and Emerging Technologies
Is there a future for apps? I can confidently say that apps will continue to be popular in the next five years. The rise of smartphone usage and the increasing demand for digital solutions make apps a necessary tool for daily life. People rely on apps for entertainment, communication, and productivity‌. The continuous development of mobile technology creates new opportunities for app developers to innovate and improve their products. Integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies into apps enhances user experience and opens up new possibilities for app functionality. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the shift toward digital technologies, making apps more important than ever. In conclusion, apps will remain popular in the next five years and beyond. As long as there is a need for digital solutions, apps will continue to strengthen and adapt to meet the demands of users.
- Samuel Fletcher, Co-founder, SupplyGem

Growing Demand for Digital Applications
​Digital applications are only set to gain popularity in the coming years. As businesses turn from analog to digital, apps will be developed to match the growing demand. As work environments shift toward a remote bias, there will be more apps made to increase work processes and productivity. In a digital world where an increasing number of people have access to computers and smartphones, the popularity of apps will only increase with this movement.
- Tyler York, CEO, Achievable

User Habituation and Continuous Innovation
As an entrepreneur in the tech field and having faced certain situations, I would like to share my thoughts on this topic. Yes, apps are likely to remain popular. The reason is twofold: user habituation and continuous innovation. People are accustomed to using apps for various activities, from communication to shopping. Technological advancements, including augmented reality, AI, and IoT, are constantly expanding app capabilities, making them more integrated and indispensable in our daily lives. However, the form and function of apps may advance significantly, driven by advancements in technology and changes in user expectations. In the last two years, visitors to our website have downloaded more Android applications than the Windows operating system. - John Willis, Software Engineer, Moo Soft

Revenue Growth and Successful Platforms
Apps will continue to be popular five years from now, but their usage patterns and features will change. According to Statista, mobile apps are expected to generate $935 billion in revenue in 2023, showing the immense popularity of apps. In addition, the pandemic has sped up the adoption of mobile technology, and many businesses have pivoted to mobile apps to meet consumer demands. The future of apps lies in their ability to provide personalized experiences and added convenience. Apps that can adapt to user behavior and preferences while leveraging new technologies, such as AI and AR, will stand out. Real-time examples of the continued popularity of apps can be seen in the success of platforms such as TikTok, which surpassed 2 billion downloads in April 2020, and Clubhouse, which reached 10 million downloads in just a few months.
Apps will remain a fixture in our lives for years to come, providing users with convenience, accessibility, and endless possibilities. - Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing

E-Commerce and App Technology Advancements
The popularity of apps is likely to remain strong because of the prevalence of e-commerce and advancements in app technology. Consumers now rely on apps for various tasks, from ordering groceries online to booking flights and hotels.
Developers are creating increasingly dynamic apps that can identify objects in photos, process voice commands, and even detect emotions. This progress in app technology has made it possible for developers to create innovative solutions to help people with their day-to-day activities. The prevalent use of apps will probably continue to grow in the coming years.
- Nick Rivadeneira, Founder, Racebuilds

​Data Privacy Concerns and Regulations
As data privacy concerns become increasingly prominent, more people may opt to avoid using apps if they fear their personal information being leaked or accessed without permission. Governments are also beginning to regulate the use of apps, creating laws requiring companies to be more transparent about how they handle user data. This could lead to fewer people using apps and a slowdown in app development. - Karl Robinson, CEO, Logicata

Personalization and Technology Advancements
Yes, apps will still be popular five years from now because of their ability to offer personalized experiences and customization options. In an increasingly digital and connected world, users value convenience and tailored content. Apps provide a platform where businesses can gather user data and deliver personalized recommendations, services, and experiences. This level of customization creates a sense of relevance and engagement, enhancing user satisfaction and loyalty. Advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning will further enhance the personalization capabilities of apps, making them even more indispensable in the future. As long as users seek personalized and tailored experiences, apps will continue to be popular and grow to meet their changing needs.
- Roy Lau, Co-founder, 28 Mortgage

Daily Reliance and Developing Technology
As a CEO of a mobile app development company, I believe apps will continue to be popular. Our daily lives are becoming increasingly reliant on smartphones, especially if we are talking about applications that cover our daily routine tasks, from navigation apps like Google Maps or banking products to food delivery apps like Uber Eats. The constantly advancing technology will bring new opportunities for app developers, so the experience will become even more exciting. Let’s take an example: a mobile app that uses AR technology to let users virtually try on clothes before buying them online. Thus, the online shopping industry will continue to grow. - Michael Chepurnyak, CEO and Founder, Ein-Des-Ein

Digital Revolution and Intelligent Solutions
Certainly! Apps will continue to be popular in the next five years, without question. Apps have been essential in this alteration of how we interact with information and services brought about by the digital revolution. Apps provide ease, seamless access to data, and personalized experiences. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continue to improve, apps will use these advancements to deliver even more intelligent and efficient solutions.
- Ali Ashraf, Director of Operations, App Development Force

​To help couples plan their perfect wedding, Style My Soul asked 11 industry professionals for their top recommendations.

Prioritize Punctuality and Delegate
Starting a wedding ceremony on time is crucial. The tradition that the bride(s) or groom(s) can arrive as late as they want is one urban myth that needs to be squashed. Before the celebrant/officiant has even wowed the crowd with their well-written and witty ceremony, most of the guests will already be “over it”. Late arrival also causes unnecessary stress to the partner-to-be and can lead to the bridezilla or groomzilla tag. Starting late can also eat into party time, affect the timeline for vendors, and incur late arrival fees from celebrants. Give someone in your wedding party the task of being in charge of the timeline. This is not a job you want to be worrying about on the day. Delegate it to someone responsible, not your best friend that you love but who is late for everything! When you are getting ready, someone should announce to the room that it’s 1 hour to go, 30 mins to go, and 10 mins till you leave, so that everyone agrees.
- Julie Muir, Boss Lady, Julie Muir — Celebrant

Invest in Wedding Insurance
​One valuable wedding planning tip I often share, grounded in my personal experience, is to seriously consider getting wedding insurance. Think of it as a safety net for your big day. Recently, my cousin had planned an exquisite beach wedding. However, an unexpected storm hit on that day, leading to a last-minute cancellation. Thankfully, they had wedding insurance, which covered the non-refundable deposits and expenses associated with rescheduling. Without the insurance, they would’ve faced significant financial loss. Thus, investing in wedding insurance can save you from unforeseen circumstances and allow you to focus on what truly matters — celebrating your love and commitment.
- Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer

Hire a Day-of Coordinator
Wedding planning can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but there is one tip that all couples should consider for a smooth event: hire a day-of coordinator. A day-of coordinator can help ease the stress on the big day by managing vendors (florists, caterers, photographers, musicians, etc.), coordinating with the venue, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They can also troubleshoot any issues that may arise, allowing the couple to fully enjoy their special day without the added stress of managing logistics. It’s important to choose a day-of coordinator who is experienced, reliable, and has excellent communication skills; checking online reviews is great, but word-of-mouth from a trusted friend is even better!
By hiring a day-of coordinator, couples can relax and enjoy their wedding day knowing that someone else is handling the details. - Tali Ditye, PhD, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder, Mommyhood101.com

Prioritize Clear Communication
Effective planning and communication are essential for a smooth wedding event. Prioritize communication between you and your partner, as well as with your vendors, wedding planner, or coordinator. Assigning clear roles and responsibilities, setting deadlines, and discussing frequently about progress, expectations, and changes will help you stay organized, and calm, and avoid confusion or disappointment. Create a shared document or use a project management tool where everyone has access to important information, updates, and feedback. Keep in mind the importance of being flexible, open-minded, and respectful of each other’s opinions and preferences. Clear communication is the key to assure that everyone agrees and that your wedding day is unforgettable in all the right ways. - Jefferson McCall, Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish

​Use a Wedding Checklist
​Use a free wedding checklist to keep you on track leading up to your special day. Unless you’re using a professional wedding planner, it’s almost impossible to think of all the tasks you need to accomplish. A checklist may also give you ideas to implement activities, decorations, or other things you hadn’t thought of previously. You might also want to use a wedding day checklist for items pertaining strictly to that day. Both checklists will help put your mind at ease and likely ensure a more stress-free wedding. - Shelley Grieshop, Writer, Totally Promotional

​Focus On Meaningful Expenses
Don’t spend money on the little things. It’s likely that they’ll just get tossed by the end of the night. For example, don’t put too much thought into your place cards. They don’t hold any sentimental value, so don’t put the money behind them and budget the funds for something more meaningful. - Stephanie Venn-Watson, Co-founder, fatty15

Schedule Prep Appointments Early
Book your prep appointments well in advance. For the bride, she may want to book an appointment a day or two before the event, or even a lip filler touch-up, for example. For the groom, he may want a haircut the day before. Be sure to schedule these appointments well in advance to ensure you get the time and date that you need them for. This avoids stress later down the road and the last-minute scrambling to find a provider to do it for you.
- Maegan Griffin, Founder, CEO, and Nurse Practitioner, Skin Pharm

​Define Your Guest List Early
One essential wedding planning tip all couples should consider is to prioritize their guest list early in the planning process. By deciding on an approximate number of guests and creating a preliminary list, you can ensure that your wedding venue will accommodate everyone comfortably and that you won’t go over budget on unnecessary expenses such as catering or rentals. Clearly defining who is invited and who is not can also help decrease tension and potential confrontations with friends and family. Also, limiting your guest list can definitely help you personalize and concentrate on the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you as a couple, rather than getting bogged down in trying to please everyone.
- Basana Saha, Founder, KidsCareIdeas

Use a Rewards Credit Card
​Sign up for a credit card that comes with a great rewards program and use this card for all of your wedding-related purchases and expenses. This way, you’ll be able to amass many points that you can redeem to pay for enormous expenses such as airline tickets to your honeymoon destination or upgrades to your matrimonial home. The best wedding expenses to put on the credit card include venue costs, flowers, and catering expenses. However, if you don’t have the requisite cash flow to pay off the credit card debt quickly, it’s best to avoid using a card for your wedding expenses. Otherwise, the interest will generate a significant amount of debt that could be detrimental to your financial health as a couple.
- Dr. Willy Portier, Co-founder, Concerty

Hire a Wedding Planner
​A professional wedding planner can help guide you through the planning process and ensure that your big day runs smoothly. From selecting vendors and coordinating logistics to managing timelines and budgets, a wedding planner can take care of all the details so that you can focus on enjoying your special day. They can help ease stress and ensure that everything stays on track. They can also troubleshoot any issues that arise and handle any last-minute changes or emergencies, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your wedding day. Finally, they might help you save money. They can negotiate with vendors on your behalf and help you stay within your budget, while also ensuring that you get the best possible value for your money. They can also offer advice and insight based on their experience in the industry, helping you to avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions. - Will Baker, Founder, Skirtings R Us

Communicate Effectively With Vendors
​Ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding by prioritizing effective communication with all vendors involved in your big day. When discussing your specific needs, be clear about your vision, the type of experience you want, your timeline, your budget, and your expectations. Double-check all details and contracts, and ensure your vendors understand your needs by asking if there are any clarifications or questions that need addressing. Setting up a regular check-in schedule can also ensure that you’re both on the same page throughout the planning process. Remember, communication is key to making sure your wedding day runs smoothly and efficiently. - Anirban Saha, Founder, MrPlanter