“Managing Stress: Practical Ways for Busy Professionals to Prioritize Self-Care” by Laura Hansen5/17/2023 As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I have seen how stress can impact busy professionals. With demanding work schedules, personal responsibilities, and the pressure to be constantly connected, it is no surprise that stress levels continue to rise. Many people are burning the candle at both ends with no end in sight. From my experience coaching high-functioning professionals, there is a need for those who ask a lot from themselves to create habits and ways to improve overall well-being. With that in mind, there are practical ways to manage stress and prioritize self-care, even amid a busy lifestyle. One of the most effective ways to manage stress is through mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing. According to a recent article on mindful.org, mindfulness has numerous benefits for individuals looking to manage anxiety and stress. The article highlights the ability of mindfulness to help individuals become more present and gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, mindfulness can create space around worries, allowing individuals to approach problems clearly. The article mentions the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program as a research-backed method for managing anxiety. It also explores the benefits of mindfulness practices such as meditation, explaining that even a few minutes of these practices each day can significantly reduce overall stress levels and improve mental health. Many clients find that starting with small ways to be present in the moment is an excellent first step to creating mindfulness. In addition to mindfulness, regular physical activity is a crucial aspect of stress management. Exercise releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones, boosting mood and reducing stress: [1]. Even a short walk around the block or stretching exercises can help clear your mind and relieve tension. Movement has direct stress-busting benefits, reducing the adverse effects of stress and providing stress relief for your body by imitating the effects of stress [2]. Studies have also shown that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional well-being and lower rates of mental illness [3]. To make the most of exercise, it is essential to consult your doctor and build up your fitness level gradually before starting an exercise program. You should also pick an activity you enjoy and schedule it throughout the week, setting SMART goals and finding a support system to help you stick with your routine. In addition to mindfulness and physical activity, prioritizing self-care in all areas of your life is important. This means making time for activities that bring you joy, such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby. It also means taking care of your body by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. Developing a personalized stress-management plan takes time and effort, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be helpful. Many people care about you and your well-being and would happily offer their support. However, sometimes you need to ask. By incorporating these techniques and seeking support, you can develop a more resilient mindset and lead a happier and healthier life. As a busy professional, it can be challenging to prioritize self-care, but doing so can significantly impact your overall well-being. Remember that managing stress is not a one-time fix but a continuous process. It requires consistent effort and a willingness to adapt and try new techniques. By prioritizing stress management, you can achieve a healthier work-life balance and live a more fulfilling life. References: [1] How to Reduce Stress Through Mindfulness [2] How to Manage Stress with Mindfulness and Meditation [3] How Does Mindfulness Help with Stress Reduction? (+ 5 … Meet Our Contributor — Laura Hansen Laura Hansen is a board-certified health and wellness coach on a mission to help people live healthier, happier lives through lifestyle medicine. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, with a compassionate, gentle approach to guide busy professions to better health. Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest near the stunning Salish Sea, where she loves spending time with her four children and appreciating the natural beauty of the P.N.W. To get in touch with Laura or to schedule a free get-acquainted session, visit www.laurajanewellness.com
0 Comments
To help you find the perfect destination for a culturally rich and budget-friendly experience, Style My Soul asked nine travel experts and industry leaders for their top picks.
India: Diverse Culture and Affordability For novice travelers looking for a culturally rich experience on a budget, India is a great option. With its diverse culture, fascinating history, and affordable cost of living, India offers a unique and unforgettable experience. India is known for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a different way of life. Additionally, the cost of living in India is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. One real-life example is the “Golden Triangle” tour, which includes visits to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, three cities that showcase the diversity of Indian culture. This tour offers an excellent introduction to India and its rich history, while also being affordable. - Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing Cuba: Rich Culture on a Budget Cuba provides a unique opportunity to explore an island nation rich in culture, history, and tradition while keeping your budget in check. As a novice traveler, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene, taste the flavorful cuisine, and explore the stunning landscapes. The country offers budget-friendly accommodation options such as casas particulares (homestays) and paladares (private restaurants), which are affordable alternatives to hotels and restaurants. Additionally, Cuba’s rich history and fascinating political climate make it an ideal destination for those looking to expand their knowledge of the world. So, pack your bags and get ready for a cultural adventure in Cuba, where you will enjoy plenty of experiences without breaking the bank. - Tarun Saha, Co-founder and CEO, StallionZo Experience Vietnam’s Rich History Affordably If you’re a novice traveler looking to experience new cultures and lifestyles while still staying on a budget, Vietnam is a great option. This Southeast Asian country boasts a rich history, delicious food, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. From exploring the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to trekking through the rice terraces in Sapa, there is no shortage of experiences to be had in Vietnam. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, meaning your money will go further and you can experience more of what this vibrant country offers. Overall, Vietnam is a fantastic choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in a new culture without breaking the bank. - Jo Larsen, Travel Blogger, Best Family Beach Vacations Andorra: Affordable Beauty and Culture The principality of Andorra is a perfect destination for novice travelers looking to experience culture and lifestyle while sticking to a budget. The country offers stunning natural beauty with its mountain ranges and valleys. What makes Andorra stand out is its affordability compared to other European countries. Accommodations are reasonably priced, and food is inexpensive, making it a good option for those traveling on a tight budget. You can explore the country’s capital, Andorra la Vella, and its historic old town, visit the iconic Sant Esteve church or stroll along the beautiful Gran Valira River. - Peter Lucas, Owner, Relocate to Andorra Budapest: Affordable World-Class Culture Over the past 24 years, our company has organized thousands of trips to almost every major European city, and most times, our groups are working within a budget. Your money goes further in Eastern Europe than anywhere else. Take Budapest as an example. The Hungarian capital has centuries of history, while there are museums and the Szechenyi spa baths that, as an experience, rival anything else in Europe but for a fraction of the price. On the other side, you have incredible nightclubs and the Szimpla Kert, a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter that is a real bucket list experience. It is a world-class night out, yet a beer can cost around $1 and food and accommodation are much cheaper than most other European capitals. It is frequently one of our most booked cities, and customers often return because of the value for money it offers. - Matt Mavir, Managing Director, Last Night of Freedom Discover The Cotswolds on a Budget The United Kingdom is one of the most beautiful, vibrant countries in the world. In 2019, over 39 million tourists flocked to Britain, and it’s not hard to see why. While most tourists venture to the bright lights of London or travel to the tranquil Peak District, many completely overlook The Cotswolds, one of the UK’s hidden gems. So what makes it worth traveling to? The Cotswolds is home to the city of Gloucester, one of the UK’s cheapest student cities. The city is full of fun things to do, such as visiting its famous medieval cathedral or strolling alongside its peaceful docks. There are plenty of museums and galleries to explore (many of which are free), and the city has plenty of brilliant restaurants and bars. Looking for a cheap place to stay in or around the city? StayCotswolds has affordable accommodation — suitable for larger groups, solo travelers, or pet owners! - Hollie Marsh, Digital Marketing Assistant, Aqueous Digital Welcoming and Economical Thailand Thailand is an excellent country for novice travelers to experience local culture without breaking the bank. Exploring Thailand is easy for people new to traveling internationally, given that lots of people speak English, many signs and restaurant menus have English translations, and the people are welcoming and friendly. Yet the beauty of traveling to Thailand is that it’s unmistakable that you’re in a different country; the food, religion, and tourist attractions differ completely from Western countries. Thailand is also an economical country to explore. Cheap hostels are abundant, transportation is low cost, and meals start at just a couple of dollars. - Laura Olds, Travel Writer, A Piece of Travel As we anticipate the arrival of Spring 2023, Style My Soul asked nine professionals from various industries to share their favorite fashion trends for the season.
Oversized Blazers As someone who has always loved experimenting with fashion, I have to say that I am absolutely smitten with the Spring 2023 trend of oversized blazers paired with shorts or skirts. There is just something about the effortless coolness of this look that draws me in every time. Plus, oversized blazers are so versatile — you can dress them up for a professional look or down for a more casual vibe. And when paired with shorts or a skirt, they just scream “springtime fun!” I love being able to experiment with different colors and patterns to create a look that is uniquely mine. It’s a trend that makes me feel confident and stylish, and I can’t wait to see how other fashion enthusiasts will interpret it this season. Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer Groovy Prints and Playful Patterns I think Spring 2023 is all about embracing your inner free spirit with a splash of bold colors and patterns to really drive the point home. You could go with muted pastels or vivid contrasting colors as long as you’re enjoying expressing your inner flower child. Think groovy printed blouses, psychedelic patterned dresses, or even a pair of floral trousers into your wardrobe — it’s all about expressing your individuality. Larissa Pickens, Founder, Everfumed Retro-inspired Styles As someone who loves fashion, I am excited to see that retro-inspired styles are making a comeback as a Spring 2023 fashion trend. The 70s and 80s-inspired looks are my absolute favorite, with bold colors, funky patterns, and a sense of playfulness. I love how these styles are versatile, allowing me to mix and match different pieces to create unique and personalized outfits. The throwback pieces remind me of my mom’s fashion sense back in the day, and it makes me feel connected to the past while still being fashionable in the present. Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, ePassportPhoto Tie-Dye One of my favorite Spring 2023 fashion trends is tie-dye. Tie-dye is a fun and expressive way to show off your personality. The bright colors and patterns of tie-dye can create unique and stylish outfits, perfect for the upcoming Spring season. I love tie-dye because it allows me to stand out and be creative with my wardrobe. Farhan Advani, Co-founder, Hair Extensions Advisor High-Waisted Shorts High-waisted shorts create a flattering and timeless look, perfect for any day or night out. The cut and shape of the shorts emphasize curves in all the right places while also providing comfort and flexibility. They look great paired with various tops, from casual tank tops to luxurious blazers for an office-ready ensemble. High-waisted shorts can easily transition from day to night with minimal effort — just swap out your shoes, and you’re ready to go. They’re also extremely versatile — we can dress them up with heels or down with sandals, depending on the look you are going for. Whether at a beach party, strolling around town, or meeting friends for lunch, high-waisted shorts will keep your style game strong! Effie Asafu-Adjaye, Founder, Beautiful Sparks Shag Haircut Revival One of my favorite Spring 2023 hair trends is the return of the “shag” haircut. This modern take on the classic 70s style features layers, texture, and often incorporates curtain bangs. The shag haircut is versatile and works well with various hair types, from straight to wavy and curly. I appreciate this trend because it offers a carefree, lived-in look that exudes effortless cool. Additionally, the shag haircut can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences, making it a popular and stylish choice for the season. In my salon, most of my clients are asking for it. Khamis Maiouf, CEO, Book of Barbering Bold, Vibrant Colors My favorite Spring 2023 fashion trend is the use of bold, bright, and vibrant colors. Designers are embracing bold colors, such as neon shades of green, pink, and orange, as well as bright hues of blue, red, and yellow. These colors are being incorporated into various fashion pieces, including dresses, suits, and accessories. One reason why this trend is gaining popularity is that it is a departure from the muted and understated colors that have dominated fashion in recent years. Bold and bright colors are associated with confidence, positivity, and energy, which is something that many people are looking for after a year of lockdowns and social distancing. In addition, the use of bold colors is also a reflection of a broader trend toward individual expression and personal style. With the rise of social media and online shopping, people are more aware of the latest fashion trends and are more likely to experiment with their style. Daniel Foley Carter, Founder, Daniel Foley SEO Colorful Eyeliner I love how easily it can enhance a simple outfit. The vibrant hues and unexpected pops of color add a playful and fun touch to any look. I appreciate how this trend allows for creativity and experimentation in makeup without requiring a lot of extra effort or accessories. Magdalena Sadowska, Community Manager, UK Passport Photo Loose and Bootleg Jeans Bye-bye, skinny jeans! I am beyond excited to see the return of loose and bootleg jeans as a popular fashion trend for women this spring. Although I still love a good legging, it’s nice to see some variation when it comes to putting on a great pair of jeans to dress up or down. Way more comfortable, in my opinion! Kristina Ramos, Reverse Recruiter, Find My Profession |