30 Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better After Any Day

ife can be a lot sometimes. Shutting off my mind is difficult to do. One thing I've been trying to implement this year is a lot of self-love. I've talked about this a few time now, but Netflix is not my version of self-care. It is a version of escape, which is not healthy. It does nothing for my mind, body, or soul. So, I decided to challenge myself for 30 days to do something just for myself. Only one simple thing each day that makes me stop, recenter my focus, and calm down.

I created a list to keep track for this post, but to be honest it was healing. To see a list full of things that I did for myself made me proud. Baby steps, yes. But, that is apart of the process. Being able to reflect all of these simple actions reminded me that no particular day or mood should keep from a little self-love.

Creating habits like these truly turned my day around. If I was on the edge of a breakdown, I was able to pick myself up. If my day was full of happiness, it made it all the more brighter. If it was just a boring or lazy Sunday, I was able to be productive in a way that felt restful.

I hope that my version of self-care can make you feel better, no matter the day.

1. Eat an açai bowl.
Nothing like eating healthy!

2. Shopping spree in the dollar section at Target.
Okay, I firmly believe in therapy shopping. Target dollar section is the one place I can leave without breaking the bank.

3. Do some blogging.
I have been trying super hard to brainstorm post ideas, it's been so fun!

4. Lunch with a friend.
Ah, nothing more powering than being surrounded by a close friend. This helped me so much.

5. Let yourself be sad.
Okay, we hear so many times about picking yourself up. Yet, sometimes I push my feelings down so deep that they explode. Allowing myself to feel was exactly what I needed.


6. Have your eyebrows done.
Beauty appointments are the ultimate way I can take care of my body.

7. Attend a church service.
I'm not always in the mood to go to church, but those seem to be the nights when the sermon touches me the most.

8. Sweat it out at the gym.
Being active sucks. I do not have a lot of energy, I hate sweating, especially in public. So, I never thought I'd say this, but going to the gym feels amazing. My body needs the gym for so many mental and physical reasons. When I felt like I had nothing to show for during my day, I went to the gym.

9. Listen to a podcast.
Hearing different perspectives and life stories can be so impactful. I listened to an episode all about single-hood, and boy did I relate. This subject sometimes makes me feel too vulnerable, raw, or simply numb. Although now, I have found strength in being single, and this podcast just confirmed that for me.

10. Say yes to something that feels right.
This is vague and simple. I looked back on my day and said you know what, I don't have to perform tasks to take care of myself. Just being who I am, and saying yes to what I enjoy is good enough.

11. Paint your toes.
This was so therapeutic.

12. Turn on something that makes you laugh.
So, Netflix isn't healthy. But, being intentional is. My mood felt gloomy, so instead of listening to depressing music, I turned on Friends and laughed at the most ridiculous things. My problems didn't seem so awful anymore.

13. Spend a moment around animals.
Playing with my pup, Lily, brings me so much joy. Plus, she's a loves her toys!

14. Take a bath.
I made myself turn off my phone while enjoying a bath, and it felt great! Who says you can't have a spa at home?

15. Make a Starbucks run.
Black Iced Tea beats any unhealthy sugar I could reach for.

16. Phone a friend.
I personally, phoned my grandma. I love sharing my life with her, and it brightens her day as well.

17. Tidy up your space.
My brain cannot function in mess. Decluttering my brain begins with my space.

18. Let yourself rest.
Pure rest is what I need to allow myself to do. If you are a type three (enneagram) than you will understand.

19. Listen to some calming music.
My love for Sinatra has been rediscovered and it has been so much fun!

20. Give yourself grace.
Forgiving myself isn't easy, but some days need it more than others to keep moving forward.

21. Cook dinner.
Preparing myself a healthy dinner feels rewarding (and my bank account appreciates it too).

22. Dance it out.
I've been taking Zumba classes at the gym, so I've learned a few moves!

23. Light a candle.
So, I spend hundreds of dollars at Anthro on their candles. It is about time to use them up!

24. Go out in nature.
Clearing my mind in nature feels refreshing.

25. Be there for someone else.
Self care can become selfish, which isn't a bad thing in my book. But, doing something for someone else takes my mind off myself.

26. Read a book.
I finished a book during this challenge.

27. Find a new hobby.
I was so bored one day, so I worked on poetry writing. Loved this!!

28. Pray.
Praying helps my anxiety so much. Plus, it gives me so much gratitude that the Lord helps me in all circumstances.

29. Journal your thoughts.
I love reflecting at the end of the day.

30. Create a ritual you can use everyday.
This self care challenge of mine made me realize how important it is to have a few go-to habits that can turn my day around. Most importantly, to already implement these actions so that my day doesn't turn so quickly in a place that is not healthy for me.

How I Can Be Myself In A World That Wants To Change Me

ith my graduation growing closer it is making my mind ask questions over and over again. (What's next, will I enjoy it, will it be worth it?) It is saying goodbye to a special chapter in my life, while trying to figure who to be in my new one. There is so much pressure to be something at a certain age or time. It's overwhelming, really. Change seems to be praised a lot in society, and I hate it. I shouldn't have to change who I am or any life events to be something.

This is happening all around us, whether we realize it or not. Keeping up on our favorite influencers on Instagram is becoming harder, as algorithms change weekly. We barely have enough time to listen to number one hit songs on the radio before the next one comes out, let alone fashion trends, hashtags, or the latest preset filter. So, basically you have to be doing something new and big everyday to be noticed.

My life may not be interesting enough to follow or photographs not edited to perfection. But, I chose to share it all on the blog, because that is me. I have a perspective and story that is unique. I refuse to sit back and stay silent. The world may encouraging me to change, dress differently, or live more freely, but at the end of the day I am only me. So, here are a few ways I can stay true to myself in a world that is ever-so-changing.

1. // Be kind.
Being kind has been my life motto for such a long time. When I am kind to others, and myself it bring me so much joy. It is easy to freak out, keep a grudge, and be self absorbed. Sometimes, it's what society encourages. But, it simply does not bring me any satisfaction.

2. // Embrace my introverted self.
This is one area of my life when I once believed needed to change fast. I learned very quickly that it was the extroverted individuals who made all the friends, thrived at party's, and had lots to talk about. I tried all of that, but it left me feeling drained and more lonely than before. Yes, large crowds and new people make me nervous, but those things aren't everything in life. I have found more contentment in being shy, self aware, and independent, because that is me.

3. // Grow in my creative endeavors.
Like I mentioned above, I love to be creative. Even though its been six years, this blog of mine is tiny (who cares, right?). It is my outlet that I can get lost in, and for that I can be proud.

4. // Travel, Baby, Travel.
Staying true to myself can be felt the most when I travel. It reminds me where I come from, my likes/dislikes, and how blessed I am.

5. // Stop apologizing. 
I love that I don't have to be like one else. In fact, it's almost impossible. That is my gift, and I am done apologizing for it.

Life Lately

ello everyone! I've been going through a lot lately, so I figured an update was required. Honestly, below you'll see all that has been on my mind, but just trying to make it through the week has been priority. My English courses right now are pretty heavy duty with presentations and projects that take up so much more time! I find myself swamped on Sunday's, barely making the deadline by midnight to finish. I'm a procrastinator at heart, but also feeling overwhelmed with everything going on. To find out what I mean, keep reading!

Favorite songs at the moment: 
Pop has been my go-to lately, some super old and others just released! The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez, Silver Lining by Jacob Banks, Call Out My Name by the Weeknd, I Miss You by Julia Michaels, and Imagine by Ariana Grande.

Absolutely loving: 
My new day-planner by The Happy Planner. It is my second year using this brand, and it has does wonders for my organizing skills. It is so cute, and provides a monthly goal list, which is essentially the entire layout of this life lately post!

Excited about:
My best friend Emily is getting married in May and I am going to be her bridesmaid. I love weddings so much. Plus being apart of the wedding party is even better. I've been a flower girl twice, and now this makes me a bridesmaid for the second time too! It's the best feeling ever.

Desperately needing: 
A trip to the beach to feel the cold sand between my toes and watching a sunset. Carlsbad is really calling my name right now.

Currently watching:
So many YouTube vlogs from one channel in particular, "Other Monica." She lives in Seattle, which makes me want to visit this city so.freakin.bad. I just love her style, and over-all personality.

Working on: 
My health! It's been going really well, as I've been going to the gym a lot. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried a Zumba class for the very first time. It was actually really fun, and something that I'm trying to make apart of workout schedule. Oh, and running is something I'm implementing, so we'll see how I do with that.

Stressed over: 
All the steps to complete my application to begin my Master's and teaching credentials in the fall. I have over five things I have to gather and get approved for, like passing the CBEST, obtaining a certificate of clearance, gather all transcripts, the list goes on. Oy with the poodles already!

The Pro's & Con's Of Finishing Your Bachelor's Online

o, my college experience has been different pretty much every year. My first two years were at a community college to have zero debt, junior year I attended my dream university, and then senior year happened to take place online through a different university. I have talked a lot about the process of transferring both times, but never about my experience with how I've been doing online. It is a completely different way to experience college, one I cherish.

Today's post is sharing all the pro's and con's of doing college online, so I hope you find it helpful. As you can tell, there really aren't a lot of downsides to being an online college student. It has met so many of my needs! Also, if you wish to gather more about my college feelings or tips, I'll feature a few below (just like the green tabs).

1. Saves debt.
Now, to be clear, I never imagined myself finishing my Bachelor's degree online. But, once I received the total cost for my senior year at Vanguard, there was no way I could stomach the debt that seemed to triple from junior year. Hence my reason for finding a cheaper solution, online college!

2. Clears up your schedule.
I love being able to have an open schedule. It allows me to work in retail, and I've even been thinking about getting a second job. Maybe more towards the summer once my degree is finished.

3. Work at your own pace.
Since online school allows you to complete assignments at any time of the week, you have the opportunity to work ahead or wait until the last minute. The hours I spend on homework is literally 10 hours a week. That wouldn't have even compared to the hours I spent in classes. See how much time I am saving myself?

4.  You can live at home.
Ahh, the second reason why I said goodbye to the dorms. Living at home comes with so much freedom. I am the type of person who needs my own space to feel creative, safe, and happy. Plus, this also saves me tons of money.

5. Ditch the university pressures.
Okay, here I go spilling the tea. University clubs, music, or sports is a great way to get involved. I did it all. I was in the top concert choir, a writer for the college newspaper, had vocal lessons, and attended all types of campus events (floor meetings with RA's, spirit rally, chapels, etc.).  Over time these things weighed me down. Plus, in college everyone plans things at like 10pm or later. So, my chances of still being awake at that time was pretty brutal. I was always tired, or always ditched things anyways.

6. Able to eat healthier. 
Honestly, this is the best aspect of saying home. I missed my mom's cooking so much. Plus, I was spending so much money on a cafe meal plan that I never used. Don't miss college food for anything.

1. Lack of professor relationships. 
When I left Vanguard, I left behind my favorite professor ever! Of course, professors are extremely on top of their email game once online, but nothing compares to the relationship you can form in a professors classroom.

2. No longer able to give presentations. 
My favorite assignment in all my courses has always been presentations. Creating a powerpoint, and presenting in front of my class is just so empowering for me. An online assignment of this just isn't the same.

3. Group collaborations do not exist.
Group projects were always a pain, but I still miss the conversations that sparked from them.