Habits

Hey there! Ever thought about how habits can be your secret weapon in navigating life's transitions, especially when the nest starts feeling a little emptier? Picture this: instead of dwelling on the empty spaces, why not fill them with purposeful habits that light up your days?

 

Think of habits as your trusty sidekicks on this journey. They give structure to your days and a sense of accomplishment, even in the smallest actions. Start small – maybe it's a morning walk, a daily journaling session, or dedicating time to a hobby you've always wanted to explore.

 

These habits not only add meaning to your days but also open up new avenues for growth and self-discovery. As the nest empties, it's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself and rediscover what truly brings you joy.

 

I understand this is a journey and there will be ups and downs. You can do this and I am here to help. Let’s start small, and embrace the power of habits to infuse hope and purpose into your life. With each small habit, you're building a foundation for a brighter, more fulfilling future – one step at a time.

 

There is hope!

Crafting a Healthy Summer Morning Routine: A Guide for the Working Midlife Woman

As the warm rays of the sun filter through the curtains, signaling the arrival of a new day, it's time to embrace the serenity and promise of a summer morning. Amidst the demands of career and family, a well-crafted morning routine can set the tone for a productive, balanced, and fulfilling day. Here's a guide to curating the perfect summer morning routine tailored to the needs of the modern midlife woman.

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Make One, Break One: A 30-Day Challenge to Transform Your Habits

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.

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Break Free: Your Cold Turkey Guide to Quitting Bad Habits

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.

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Breaking Free: A Practical Guide to Quitting Bad Habits

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.

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The Power of Micro Habits: Small Steps, Big Changes

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of making big changes in your life? You're not alone. The good news is that success lies in the power of micro habits – tiny, manageable actions that add up to significant progress over time.So, what exactly are micro habits? Picture this: instead of trying to overhaul your entire routine overnight, you focus on small, achievable actions that align with your goals. Whether it's drinking an extra glass of water each day, taking a 10-minute walk, or spending five minutes meditating, these tiny habits may seem insignificant on their own, but they pack a powerful punch when practiced consistently.Why are micro habits so effective? Well, for starters, they're easy to integrate into your daily life. Unlike massive changes that can feel daunting and unsustainable, micro habits are bite-sized enough to slip seamlessly into your routine without causing disruption.Micro habits help build momentum. By starting small and gradually increasing the difficulty over time, you create a sense of accomplishment with each tiny victory. This positive reinforcement fuels your motivation and makes it easier to stick to your habits long-term.Another benefit of micro habits is their ability to bypass the brain's resistance to change. Our brains are wired to seek comfort and avoid discomfort, making it challenging to adopt new behaviors. However, by breaking down your goals into small, manageable steps, you trick your brain into accepting the change without triggering its alarm bells.But perhaps the most significant advantage of micro habits is their compounding effect. Just like how a small investment grows exponentially over time, consistent practice of micro habits yields remarkable results in the long run. Each tiny action builds upon the last, leading to transformative changes that far exceed your initial expectations.So, whether you're aiming to improve your health, boost productivity, or cultivate positive habits, remember: it's the little things that count. Embrace the power of micro habits, and watch as those small steps pave the way for big successes in your life.

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More to explore

Walk Your Way to Wellness: A Review of the Top 5 Step Monitoring Devices

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!

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Walk Your Way to Wellness: Starting a Walking Routine for Women Over 40

Are you ready to put on those sneakers and step into a healthier lifestyle? Walking is an excellent way to boost your well-being, and starting a walking routine is easier than you might think. Let's dive into some simple steps to get you on the path to a walking habit that sticks.First things first, start slow and steady. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a walking habit. Begin by setting achievable goals, like starting with just 10 minutes a day. Gradually increase your walking time and intensity as you build stamina and confidence. This step is crucial. The hardest part is just STARTING. So, take the guess work out of it and just go for a leisurely stroll. Next, find what works for you. Whether it's early morning walks to kickstart your day or a casual stroll after dinner to unwind, choose a time that fits into your schedule and feels enjoyable. Make it a priority by blocking off dedicated walking time on your calendar, just like you would for any other appointment.Invest in comfortable footwear and attire. A good pair of walking shoes that provide support and cushioning is essential to prevent discomfort and injury. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, and don't forget to apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you're walking outdoors.Mix it up to keep things interesting. Explore different routes in your neighborhood, try walking trails in nearby parks, or hop on a treadmill if the weather isn't cooperating. Invite a friend or family member to join you for added motivation and companionship. At first, I recommend making a weekly habit of finding a new place to walk. Explore your area and see new places!Track your progress to stay motivated. Use a fitness tracker or smartphone app to monitor your steps, distance, and time spent walking. Celebrate your achievements, whether it's reaching a milestone distance or consistently sticking to your walking routine for a week.Lastly, be kind to yourself and listen to your body. If you miss a day or two, don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is a new day! So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step today towards a healthier, happier you by starting your walking routine. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

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Walk Your Way to Wellness: How Much & How Fast for Women Over 40

Have you ever wondered how much walking you need to do to reap all of the health benefits? Well, here's the scoop: experts suggest aiming for around 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking most days of the week. Translation? That's about 150 minutes spread out across your week.But, what exactly does "moderate intensity" mean? Picture this: you're walking at a pace that gets your heart pumping a bit faster and your breath a tad heavier, but you're still able to chat without feeling like you're gasping for air. It's like hitting that sweet spot where you're breaking a sweat, but you're not totally out of breath.So, what's the magic formula? Try keeping a pace where you cover roughly 100 steps per minute or more. That's the sweet spot where you're getting the most bang for your buck in terms of health benefits. Personally, I'm not a step counter, so I prefer to just pay attention to my breathing and make sure I'm working but not out of breath. Why does it matter? Well, walking at this moderate intensity level helps improve your cardiovascular fitness, manage your weight, and boost your mood. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some me-time and enjoy the outdoors.And here's the best part: you don't have to do it all in one go. Break up your 30 minutes into smaller chunks throughout the day if that works better for your schedule. Three 10-minute walks? Absolutely! The key is to make walking a regular part of your routine.As always, listen to your body and chat with your doc before diving into any new exercise routine, especially if you've got any health concerns.So, lace up those sneakers, grab a friend if you fancy some company, and hit the pavement. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

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Walk Your Way to Wellness: 25 Benefits of Walking for Women Over 40

Hey ladies! Are you looking for a simple yet effective way to boost your health and well-being? Look no further than walking! It's not just a stroll in the park; it's a powerhouse of benefits, especially for women over 40. Let's dive into why lacing up those sneakers and hitting the pavement could be the best decision you make for your health.1. Heart Health: Walking strengthens your heart, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.2. Weight Management: Burn calories and shed those extra pounds by incorporating brisk walking into your routine.3. Joint Health: Low-impact and gentle on the joints, walking helps improve joint flexibility and reduces the risk of arthritis.4. Mood Booster: Say goodbye to stress and anxiety as walking releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones.5. Improved Sleep: Enjoy better sleep quality and say farewell to insomnia with regular walking.6. Brain Power: Boost cognitive function and reduce the risk of memory decline associated with aging.7. Energy Boost: Feel more energized throughout the day as walking increases circulation and oxygen flow.8. Bone Strength: Reduce the risk of osteoporosis by strengthening bones through weight-bearing activity like walking.9. Better Posture: Walking regularly helps improve posture, preventing back and neck pain.10. Social Connection: Join a walking group or stroll with friends for added motivation and social interaction.11. Immune System Support: Strengthen your immune system and ward off illnesses by making walking a habit.12. Increased Productivity: Clear your mind and boost productivity with a brisk walk during breaks.13. Lower Blood Pressure: Manage hypertension and keep your blood pressure in check with regular walks.14. Improved Digestion: Aid digestion and prevent constipation by incorporating walking into your daily routine.15. Strengthened Muscles: Tone your muscles and improve overall muscle strength with consistent walking.16. Longevity: Studies show that regular walking can increase lifespan and promote healthy aging.17. Stress Relief: Walking outdoors in nature provides a calming effect, reducing stress levels.18. Creativity Boost: Spark creativity and enhance problem-solving skills with a leisurely walk.19. Healthy Skin: Improve circulation and achieve that healthy glow with regular walking.20. Balance and Coordination: Enhance balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.21. Pain Relief: Alleviate chronic pain, including back and joint pain, through low-impact walking.22. Improved Lung Function: Enhance lung capacity and respiratory health with aerobic walking.23. Vitamin D Synthesis: Get your daily dose of vitamin D by walking outdoors, promoting bone health.24. Heartburn Relief: Relieve heartburn symptoms by taking a post-meal walk.25. Lower Blood Sugar: Manage diabetes and keep your blood glucose in check with regular walks.So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those shoes, step outside, and start reaping the incredible benefits of walking today!

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