Day 1 of my 30-Day Make One, Break One challenge started on Friday, May 10th. 

No worries, we aren't actually going to be attempting to twist ourselves up like pretzels here! 😉 These five stretches should only take 5-10 minutes of your day and can be done in the comfort of your pajamas. I personally like to take my warm bath at night and then do these gentle stretches in my walk in closet before I head to bed. 

In the journey towards personal growth, the concept of "make one, break one" serves as a powerful tool for fostering positive change. By simultaneously cultivating a new, beneficial habit while shedding an old, detrimental one, you can unlock your potential for lasting transformation. Embarking on a 30-day challenge centered around this principle involves committing to small, manageable steps each day. Whether it's incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, to make room for self-reflection, or gradually reducing screen time to break the habit of excessive digital consumption, every action contributes to the journey of self-improvement. Simply commit to making one small step towards the positive change you would like to adopt into your life. Throughout the challenge, it's essential to embrace patience and perseverance, recognizing that change doesn't happen overnight. Celebrate each milestone and learn from setbacks, understanding that progress is a continuous process.As the days pass, the synergy between making one positive change and breaking one negative pattern becomes increasingly evident. By the end of the 30 days, you will emerge with newfound habits that align with your goals and values, taking a small step towards your ultimate goals.The "make one, break one" approach empowers you to take control of your habits and shape your future one step at a time. Through consistent effort and dedication, the journey towards personal evolution becomes not only attainable but also immensely rewarding.

I think my brain is wired like so many other women's brains - I feel I have so many thoughts, plans, and ideas bouncing around in my head that I sometimes don't know which way is up. It can be hard to fully focus on one project or idea at a time because I quickly get distracted by another, more pressing project or task (why does this family expect me to constantly feed them?!?! j/k - kind of). I end most days wondering what happened to all of the time that day and why my list didn't get done. 

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Are you ready to break free from a habit (or habits) once and for all? Quitting cold turkey might seem daunting, but it's a powerful approach to reclaiming control over your life. Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and strategies for successfully kicking a habit to the curb without looking back. From understanding the psychology behind cold turkey to practical tips for staying strong, join me on a journey towards liberation and self-empowerment. It's time to take that first step towards a brighter, healthier you.

As you enter your 40s, your skincare needs evolve, requiring more targeted solutions to combat the signs of aging, including dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Daily face moisturizers play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and hydration, providing essential nutrients and protection against environmental stressors. Let’s take a look at the top five daily face moisturizers for women over 40, analyzing their key features, benefits, and why they stand out in the realm of skincare. But first, let’s look at the key ingredients added to a face moisturizer and the benefits of each so you will better understand WHY the below are the top 5 recommended moisturizers!

Breaking a bad habit is often easier said than done. Whether it's biting your nails, smoking, or procrastinating, habits can be deeply ingrained in our routines and psyche. However, with determination, patience, and the right strategies, it's possible to overcome them. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to quit a bad habit:1. Acknowledge the Habit: The first step towards change is recognizing and admitting the habit. Understand why it's harmful and how it impacts your life negatively. This self-awareness forms the foundation for your journey towards quitting.2. Set Clear Goals: Define your reasons for quitting and set specific, achievable goals. Whether it's improving your health, productivity, or relationships, having clear objectives will keep you motivated and focused.3. Replace with Positive Habits: Replace the negative habit with a positive one. For instance, if you're trying to quit smoking, find alternative activities like exercise or meditation to cope with cravings. Redirecting your energy towards constructive habits helps fill the void left by the old habit.4. Identify Triggers: Understand the triggers that prompt your habit and avoid them whenever possible. Whether it's stress, boredom, or social situations, recognizing and managing triggers is crucial for breaking the habit loop.5. Practice Mindfulness: Develop mindfulness techniques to observe your thoughts and cravings without acting on them. Mindfulness meditation can help increase self-awareness and control over your impulses, making it easier to resist temptation.6. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or support groups. Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you to stay on track. Sharing your struggles and progress with others can provide accountability and encouragement.7. Stay Patient and Persistent: Breaking a habit takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process and use them as learning opportunities. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges.8. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress boosts confidence and reinforces your commitment to change. Treat yourself to something special or indulge in a favorite activity as a reward for reaching milestones.9. Visualize Success: Visualize yourself free from the habit and living a healthier, happier life. Create mental images of the benefits of breaking the habit, such as improved health, productivity, and self-esteem. Visualizing success enhances motivation and reinforces your determination to quit.10. Learn from Relapses: If you slip up and revert to the old habit, don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, analyze what triggered the relapse and learn from it. Use the experience to adjust your strategies and strengthen your resolve to overcome the habit for good.Breaking a bad habit is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires commitment, self-discipline, and resilience. By following these steps and staying focused on your goals, you can successfully quit any bad habit and unlock a healthier, happier life. Remember, change is possible, and every step towards breaking free from a bad habit brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

As we age, maintaining healthy, radiant skin becomes increasingly important. Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, especially for women over 40. It helps slough off dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover, revealing a smoother, more youthful complexion. With an abundance of exfoliating products on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, let's compare the top five exfoliants tailored for women over 40:1. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This all-time favorite exfoliant features salicylic acid (BHA), which penetrates deep into pores to dissolve impurities and unclog them. Ideal for mature skin, it also contains soothing ingredients to reduce redness and inflammation, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.2. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial: This potent mask combines a blend of AHAs and BHAs to deliver a professional-grade exfoliation experience at home. Formulated with glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, it effectively resurfaces the skin, minimizes fine lines, and improves overall texture and tone. Perfect for those seeking a spa-like treatment in the comfort of their own home.3. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: Infused with lactic acid, this multitasking treatment gently exfoliates the skin while also brightening and clarifying it. Lactic acid is known for its hydrating properties, making it suitable for mature skin prone to dryness. With regular use, you can expect smoother, more luminous skin with reduced signs of aging.4. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Unlike traditional exfoliants, this unique powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes to polish away dull skin cells. Gentle yet effective, it buffs away impurities without causing irritation, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin.5. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: This intense exfoliating treatment combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to target multiple skin concerns, including dullness, uneven texture, and blemishes. Despite its high concentration of exfoliating acids, it's surprisingly gentle on the skin and delivers noticeable results after just one use. ***most economical***When choosing an exfoliant for your skincare routine, consider your skin type, concerns, and sensitivity level. Start with a lower concentration of acids and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin from potential sensitivity to sunlight. With the right exfoliant, you can achieve smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin at any age.

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In today's fast-paced world, staying active has never been more important. Step monitoring devices offer a convenient way to track your daily activity levels and stay motivated towards your fitness goals. In 2014, I started working from home, my first desk job as a nurse. My gym routine did not change. My diet did not change. But, I still gained 20 pounds that first year! In desperation, I went and bought an Apple Watch. I soon discovered I was averaging only 2,000 steps a day! Ouch! That explained the weight gain (and helped me as I worked to shed those pounds)! I have continued to wear an Apple Watch faithfully, but, there are several great options on the market today!