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      17 One-Minute Habits That Will Change Your Life

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      So you want to get healthier, achieve your career goals, and feel happier? Sounds nice, but it’s always easier said than done. Where do you even start making such major changes? If lofty goals and ambitious resolutions feel overwhelming, know that you don’t need to immediately rearrange your entire life, spend $$$, or have unlimited time to achieve your best life. In fact, you need just one minute. That’s right: the difference between who you are and who you want to be might be just 60 seconds. Try these one-minute habits that will transform your life when done consistently. Add in lots of habits throughout your day or start with just one, but either way, one minute is all you need to change your life.
      1. Get out of bed right away
      If I have one weakness (besides a good cheese plate *swoon*), it’s scrolling through Instagram after waking up. While it seems like a harmless habit, the body won’t fully wake up until you get out of bed and move around, but also because you lose the full 10, 30, or 60-minute morning routine before you open your laptop for work. Get out of bed as soon as you wake up and fill your mornings with as many peaceful, productive, and fulfilling minutes as possible. Your inbox, TikTok explore page, or iMessage app can wait.

      2. Breathe deeply
      Deep breathing (or diaphragmatic breathing) is crucial for mental and physical health, but many of us never focus on our breath. If you think about it, oxygen is the one thing we can’t even go minutes without, so making sure we’re getting more of it can only be beneficial. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, take a few deep breaths to get more oxygen in the lungs and slow the heartbeat, which can help with anxiety. Try it right now (yes, I mean right now): slowly inhale, count to five, and then exhale, relaxing the entire body. It’s like instant medicine, right?

      3. Take movement breaks
      Whether an hour-long workout is a daily essential or you barely have time to change sweatpants before work starts, the body isn’t meant to sit for hours at a time, much less all day long. At least once every hour, take a minute to flow through yoga poses, do some stretches, or turn on your favorite song and dance. 60 seconds of movement is enough to energize the body, reset the mind, and will help you focus better for the rest of the day. Plus, if you don’t think you have time to work out, one-minute periods throughout the day add up.

      4. Add lemon to your water
      Squeezing a lemon into your go-to water bottle takes a couple of seconds, but can result in lasting benefits. Lemon packs nutrients like vitamin C, which plays an important role in the immune system and can boost skin glow. Stefanie Wilkerson, RDN, explained, “Vitamin C helps produce collagen and works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals that can damage our cells.” Hello supple, smooth skin! Bonus: while it is acidic, lemon has alkalizing effects in the body, meaning it might help balance pH levels. A squeeze of lemon basically turns a glass of water into a cocktail of super nutrients. As if you needed more convincing, adding delicious lemon will make you want to drink more water, and staying hydrated always comes with health perks. 

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      5. Mute negative social media accounts as they pop up
      In 2021, it’s high time to rethink whether the bloggers, celebrities, and brands we follow on social media make us feel inspired or bad about our lives. Want to feel instantly happier? If an account or post pops up on your feed that doesn’t leave you feeling inspired, happy, or confident, you know what to do: unfollow (or mute). That also means muting or unfollowing the frenemy you had in high school or your sorority sister’s ex-boyfriend’s cousin that you met a few times. Instead of watching other people live their lives, you can actually go live your own. Use social media to make you better instead of worse by replacing negative accounts with accounts that inspire you or bring you positivity whenever you’re tempted to scroll (like, IDK, @theeverygirl, for a totally random example).  

      6. Tidy up before bed
      That’s right: you only need 60 seconds of tidying up to make a major difference in your life. Whether it’s clearing the dirty laundry off the chair in your bedroom, organizing the bedside table, or wiping the kitchen counter, do a super quick decluttering or cleaning before hitting the hay. Not only can a cleaner environment help you sleep better, but you’ll wake up feeling stress-free and ready to start the day. That pile of dirty laundry on the bedroom chair really knows how to harsh one’s mellow (if you know, you know). 

      7. Express gratitude (out loud)
      You probably already know that gratitude is the secret to boosting mental health or fostering healthier relationships, so practice it beyond gratitude journaling in the morning. For example, whenever you say “thank you,” reflect on how grateful you feel, instead of just going through the motions. If your work wife offered to help with a big project, let her know how much you appreciate having her support, or if your roommate cleans your dishes, tell them how much it made a difference in your busy day. But it doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t be) just the times when you’d say “thank you” anyway. Text your mom out of the blue to say thanks for being there for you, or let your partner know how much you appreciate having them in your life. Express gratitude wherever and whenever you can, and watch how your life transforms. 

      8. Add a finishing touch to your OOTD that makes you feel confident 
      Whether you’re dressing up in business-casual, rocking a button-up and sweatpants (for Zoom meetings, of course), or never bother changing out of your pajamas to start the day (no shame), try adding one finishing touch that makes you feel like the badass you are. Depending on what makes you feel good, try a fitted pair of jeans, a swipe of mascara, or a trendy hair clip to add a little something to your OOTD. The goal isn’t to look better, it’s to feel better, so play around to find what small touches make you feel more confident, energized, or motivated. Never underestimate the power of a structured work blazer or swipe of red lipstick. 

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      9. Check your bank account
      Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths or face masks; sometimes, self-care means being an independent adult and doing what you can to feel in control of your finances. While having a detailed financial plan and setting goals can help you reduce money-related stress and achieve what you want out of life, feeling in control of your finances doesn’t always require a lot of time and energy. Every few days, take a minute to glance over your bank account and credit card statements. Getting in the habit of frequently checking can help identify fraud early-on, but will also give you a good idea of where you’re spending and where you can be saving.

      10. Use visualization
      Do you get nervous before a first date or big presentation? Do you ever lack motivation with health goals or feel stuck in your career? The fix to any negative thought could be as easy as visualizing an alternative. We get nervous, stuck, or unmotivated when we visualize the worst-case scenario: a bad date, a failed presentation, a boring job, or too-difficult workouts. So why not replace the thought with a more positive one?
      If you’re feeling nervous, imagine yourself acing the presentation or being your charming self on the date. When you lack motivation, visualize that you are the kind of person who prioritizes workouts and loves eating nourishing foods. And if you’re feeling stuck? Think about what you want the outcome to be, and then picture what that looks like. Visualization may be another name for imagination, but it can serve as the minor confidence boost you need to achieve the desired outcome.

      11. Make your bed
      I know I sound like your mom, but please make your bed. Not only will it feel good to get into a made bed at night, but it’s important for the success of your day. Making your bed first thing every morning means one small win before you even have a cup of coffee, which subconsciously will motivate you to achieve thousands of small wins throughout the day (and you know what they say about small wins: they lead up to big ones). Plus, Gretchen Rubin found in her research that it’s the easiest and most common daily habit you can do to boost happiness.

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      12. Fix your posture
      Bad news for all the other slouchers out there (guilty): your posture might be affecting your physical and mental health. Practice better posture by straightening your back and relaxing your shoulders (and stop looking down at your phone, damn it!). Did you sit up taller just now? Good. Improve your posture throughout the workday (yes, even while working from home) by setting reminders with phone alerts, sticky notes, or as your phone wallpaper to remind you to correct your posture whenever you check the time or read a text message.

      13. Set a mantra or intention
      Everyone has a mantra, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s that one phrase you hear in your head over and over, or what you tell yourself repeatedly. Many of us are plagued by phrases like “I’m not good enough,” or “What if something goes wrong?” We hear these phrases in our heads so often that we believe them. So what if we could replace these thoughts with phrases that are not only better for us, but can help us be more confident, feel less stressed, and live our best lives? Every morning, pick a mantra or daily intention and write it in your daily planner so you don’t forget it. If you find one phrase you particularly relate to, repeat it to yourself whenever you’re feeling stressed, scared, or not enough.

      14. Apply a layer of SPF at the end of your skincare routine
      It’s easy to remember SPF when the sun is out, the temperature’s warm, and we’re spending all day outside. But in cold weather, or even when we’re spending all day indoors, it’s a little less obvious. To set the record straight once and for all, yes, you still need sunscreen when it’s cloudy outside and even when you’re indoors. Wearing a daily SPF is not only good for skin glow (prevents aging, hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, keeps an even complexion, etc.), but is crucial for your health. Click here to find the perfect sunscreen for your skin, and click here for non-toxic options. 

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      15. Add a handful of leafy greens to your meal
      Being healthier does not have to be a dramatic transformation. It’s actually more sustainable when it’s a gradual series of small habits. The best place to start achieving a healthier diet is not cutting out entire food groups or limiting what you “should” and “should not” eat (which can lead to bingeing or an unhealthy relationship with food). Instead, start transforming your health by adding a handful of leafy greens to your meal. For example, add spinach if you’re making an omelet, throw kale into a pasta sauce, or order a side salad when you’re eating out. Not only are leafy greens superfoods that pack a lot of benefits and are easy to fit into the meals you’re already used to, but small, non-restrictive tweaks can snowball into an overall healthier diet and lifestyle. 

      16. Set your alarm 60 seconds earlier 
      If your mornings feel more like a race against the clock than the peaceful start you imagine, the fix is waking up earlier. However, a full 30 minutes, or even 10 minutes, might seem like you’re missing out on too much sleep. Instead of trying to transform your wake-up time (which would just make you hit “snooze” a couple more times), set your alarm one minute earlier every day. While it sounds like a small change, after 10 days, you could have 10 extra minutes in your morning without even noticing it. Whether you spend that time meditating, indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, or just brewing a cup of coffee with a moment of silence, you won’t miss the 10 minutes of sleep.

      17. Master the art of listening
      Perhaps the #1 life hack and most life-changing habit? Listening. And I mean really listening. Caring about what other people have to say can transform your personal relationships and strengthen (or build more) professional relationships. Your communication will be more effective, and you’ll experience more meaningful connections. You’ll feel less self-conscious when you’re less focused on yourself, and less unsure when you look for answers outside yourself. Of course, utilize important cues like eye contact and follow-up questions, but the best way to listen? Genuinely get curious about what other people have to say. Empathy, understanding, and curiosity will not only transform your life, but will transform the world too. 

      What one-minute habits have made the biggest difference for you? More

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      7 Tech Hacks to Help You Find Work-Life Balance

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      When it comes to work, technology can make or break you. While it’s made our work more efficient, it also can mean that you’re plugged into your job at all hours of every day—which can be draining and unnecessary. Obviously, 2020 heightened this even more; with work-from-home being the case for the foreseeable future, it’s important to be able to make your technology work for you. Here are easy ways to make sure you’re maintaining work-life balance—even when you’re working remote.

      1. Delete, delete, delete
      One easy way to not let work get in the way of your personal time is to delete the email app off your phone right after you finish working on Fridays (this can also apply to any communication apps your company uses). Then, you can re-download it every Monday morning once you officially start your work day. Not only will this allow you to enjoy your weekend fully and without distractions, but you’ll start your work week off on a much more peaceful foot. You really don’t need to start worrying about work emails the second you wake up on Monday morning. 
      This may sound like a pain, but it only takes 60 seconds to re-download the app each week, and you’ll gain so much by removing email completely from your view for the entire weekend.
      Social media managers: the same goes for you. Delete and re-download any social media apps you aren’t supposed to check during the weekend. If you’re not asked to be on call, it’s OK to step away and take a breather. 

      2. Don’t be afraid of do not disturb
      It can feel like a big deal to cut yourself off from the world, but trust us, once you learn to trust the “do not disturb” settings on your phone, you’ll never want to go back. If you have a work-only phone, even better—you can set your whole device to “do not disturb” for non-work hours. 
      If you use your personal phone as your work phone, you can still do this, but might want to allow certain friends and family members to call you during that time. If your boss really needs to reach you, don’t worry: if they call twice within three minutes, the phone will ring (you can learn more about how all these features work here). But no, you don’t need to respond to your boss’ brainstorming texts when you’re trying to enjoy dinner with your family. 

      Source: Colorjoy Stock

      3. Remove notifications
      Even if you don’t open that Slack message or email that comes in a little too early in the morning, it doesn’t mean it’s not disturbing your personal time. That’s time you’re spending reaching for your phone, looking at your screen, and making a mental note to respond later. You now may find yourself thinking about that message during your commute or while cleaning up after dinner instead of catching up on your favorite podcast. Turn off any non-necessary notifications—on your phone and computer—and cut out the distractions. This applies to personal apps too. Not only will your personal time feel more freeing, but you won’t get distracted during work. Get more done and get your butt home. 

      4. Block your worst distractions
      We all have a few websites that we gravitate towards a little too much during the day (this writer is guilty of refreshing New York Magazine’s site constantly since 2008). Try setting some website blockers on your computer to help you keep your focus during the work day. These distractions can slow you down and cause you to work later than you should, especially if you’re working from home where it’s easy to fall into a productivity guilt trap and to work late to compensate. Many of these tools allow you to block devices during set hours (think 9-5), and others remove your access to the site completely until you say you want them back. This list of website blockers is a great place to start!

      5. Use tech to set boundaries
      Remember back in the day when we would customize our AIM chat room away statuses whenever we stepped away from that precious screen? It’s not entirely clear why anyone needed to know we were in the shower, but that’s how it went. Today, you can do the same thing with your more modern forms of communication. Whenever you leave the office or simply want some heads down time, feel free to change your status on Slack, mark off time on your public calendar, or set OOO notices that inform your coworkers when you’ll be back online. This may feel harsh at times, but if expectations are set, no one will feel like they’re waiting around for your response since they know you aren’t available at the moment. 

      Source: Colorjoy Stock

      6. Track your movements
      We’re talking literally. Track every physical move you make with a smart watch, your phone, or some sort of exercise tracking device. Set movement goals for yourself and use your tech pal to track your steps and keep you accountable. Check in on your progress throughout the day—an app may just be the reminder you need to give yourself a break and get your blood flowing! 

      7. Set break reminders
      Similar to how you can use your tech devices to give you a nudge when you need to get moving, use your phone or computer to set break reminders. It’s so easy to get caught up in our work and forget to take breaks, but you need to take them. Block off time for a solid lunch break on your calendar, or set a timer to alert you when you’ve worked for an hour straight. Move. Breath. Stop typing. Do whatever you need to do to relieve tension, take a break, and come up for air. You deserve it.  More

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      Ready to Land Your Dream Job in 2021? Read This First

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      If you’re ready to stop spending 40+ hours a week hating what you do, we’re here to help.  We’re firm believers that it is possible to love your job and that there are specific strategies you can put in place to help you get there. 

      It all starts with identifying your passions, your strengths, and the uniqueness that makes you special—then highlighting all that goodness on paper, online, and in your interview to wow recruiters and future employers with what you already know you’re capable of. Our Landing Your Dream Job online course is a 100-page workbook packed with worksheets, prompts, templates, and advice to help you organize your online presence, buff up your resume, and enter the job market with the confidence to succeed. Because it’s just a matter of getting in front of the right person and showing them exactly what you can do. Ready to get started? 

      What does the course cover? 
      The 100-page workbook is broken down into seven sections, based on skills you’ll need as you prepare to enter the job market (either for the first time, to change careers, to spruce up your networking game, and more). Each section includes notes and insight from successful women (like our cofounders!), guided worksheets, prompts, resource lists, and further reading to help you organize your thoughts and ideas and feel prepared to wow recruiters and future employers. The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates to help you present your professional best. 

      What do I need to take this course? 
      All you need to get started is a pen and paper. We also recommend gathering any current materials you have—like your resumes and former cover letters—so you can review everything in one place and start making updates. 
      The course is completely self-paced, so you can start working through each section at the time that works for you—whether that is Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee, Tuesday nights with a glass of wine, or anywhere in between. After purchasing, you’ll have a full year of access to the course, and unlimited lifetime access to all the course downloads. 
      The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates which are available as both Photoshop and Word files, so you can edit them with your information and customize them to work for you.  
      You can access our course platform from any browser, so no apps or extra software needed. Once you purchase the course, you’ll be prompted to create an account with a username and password, which is how you’ll login to access your courses. Questions about how the course system works? Reach out to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help. 

      Frequently asked questions

      When does the course start? 

      Since the course is entirely self-paced, you can start it whenever works best for you! Upon purchasing, you’ll have immediate access to the full course, including the guided worksheets and templates. You can only enroll in the course until TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th, so be sure to grab your spot now. 

      How much does the course cost? 

      The full course—including the 100-page workbook, resource lists, templates, and Facebook group access— is $95 and we’re also offering a payment plan of two monthly payments of $47.50. 

      What’s included with the course?  

      Your purchase of the course gets you immediate access to our online platform, where you can download your workbook and templates and start learning immediately. Each section of the course includes section notes, advice, insight from experts, guided worksheets, prompts, and resource lists. The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates. And finally, the course includes an invitation to our private Facebook group, where you can ask questions and connect with other course attendees. 

      How do I claim my spot? 
      After you purchase, you’ll have immediate access to the course and the ability to start learning right away. Remember, the course is completely self-paced, so you can move through it at a rate that works for you. Enrollment is only open until TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th so be sure to grab your spot now before it’s too late! 

      Questions? 
      If you have any questions about our Landing Your Dream Job course or any of our other online courses, leave a comment here or reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help! More

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      What to Do if You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck

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      If it seems like your paycheck is disappearing right before your eyes and you’re always anxiously awaiting your next payday, you’re familiar with the feeling of stretching a dollar to its limits. The anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck is unnerving. Unfortunately, many of us have been there, and sometimes, at no fault of our own. Living from paycheck to paycheck might leave you to think that you are spending unwisely, but you may just need to fine-tune your expenses, set a budget, and take a closer look at what’s coming out and going into your bank account each payday. You deserve to see the fruits of your hard-earned money, not watch it go by while living on pins and needles financially until your next payday rolls in. 
      There are no shortcuts or secrets on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your money to avoid living from paycheck to paycheck, but you can be better equipped to make your money last longer and work smarter for you. Here are a few tips you can use if you are struggling to make ends meet in between paydays.
       
      Evaluate your expenses 
      Your expenses are usually the biggest culprit as to why you might be living paycheck to paycheck. Expenses often include fixed bills like your rent or mortgage, car payments, utilities, and other living expenses that don’t fluctuate much month-by-month, and variable expenses like transportation costs, dining and eating out, your personal care expenses, and other costs that can easily increase or decrease, depending on your personal spending. 
      Take a closer look at all of your expenses, down to the dollar, to evaluate where your money is truly going—even after you’ve paid all of your bills. This will help you map out how little or how much money is being spent after every paycheck. What is being spent each paycheck on food, drinks, living expenses, and other personal items? Write down how much you’re spending on a daily basis after each paycheck has hit your bank account. 
      As you assess your expenses on a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, evaluate what’s being spent and how much is going out, especially if you’ve set up auto-pay on any of your bills. Are you finding that your cable bill or your online subscriptions are going up each month? If you have these services on auto-pay, don’t continue to set and forget them. Make sure to skim through the breakdown of your bills each month to make sure you aren’t paying more than you should. 
      Another part of your expenses is how much is being taken out of your paycheck each pay for taxes, health, dental insurance, and retirement. It’s important to keep track of your contributions and elections for each to see if you can save any extra dollars by modifying your deductions. It’s best to consult with your Human Resources team or personal finance advisor about ways you can save money being taken out of your paycheck. 
      Evaluating your expenses can be cringeworthy, making you take a hard, honest look at your finances and addressing how you’re spending your money, but it’ll help you gain more control over where your hard-earned money is going to help you better manage it. 

      Now Available: The Everygirl 2021 Planners!

      Use a budgeting app 
      There’s no shortage of budgeting tools and apps on the market that can help you track and control your spending so that you can stop living from paycheck to paycheck. There are a wide variety of budgeting apps to choose from that can fit your financial situation and personal preferences, from apps that track your daily spending straight from your linked bank account to ones that let you manually track your expenses yourself. Many of these apps also offer tips and ways you can help curb your spending by grouping your transactions into categories so that you can easily visualize how much you’re spending in each area of your life, from shopping to bills and utilities. 
      From the EveryDollar app to You Need A Budget (YNAB), these device-friendly apps are designed to keep you on top of your spending and expenses in an easily accessible way. Stop living from paycheck to paycheck by using a budgeting tool to monitor your expenses and track where your money ends up after getting paid. Look at it as your accountability partner, reminding you to give every dollar a job, spend more wisely, and prepare for those unexpected expenses before they siphon your paycheck. 

      Consider a side hustle 
      Sometimes, no matter how much you try to make your check stretch after payday, one job may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, especially if you’re facing a financial hardship. If your schedule permits, pick up a side gig, as increasing your income might help alleviate some of the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. 
      Assess your personal and work schedules to see if picking up another source of income can work for you. If you have a specific skill or are trained in a specific field or trade, find a side job that will accommodate what you already have knowledge or experience in and what might fit your schedule. From freelancing to customer service to project-based jobs, there are many ways to make money on the side to offset any loss of income. Make sure your side hustle fits your lifestyle and is budgeted into your already-existing expenses, and that it doesn’t tempt you into adding more expenses to your budget. 

      Source: Abigail Yonker

      Downsize your lifestyle 
      After evaluating your bills and expenses, it may be time to cut some of your spending and downsize where you can to give yourself more room in between paychecks. 
      A great place to start is your personal spending. Are you able to cut out a few trips to Starbucks or on online shopping? Are you able to save a few extra dollars by doing your own hair and nails or working out at home instead of paying for the gym? See where you can cut back on your personal spending in a few areas like food, drinks, personal care, and entertainment—a few spending categories most people end up overspending each month.  
      Next, try evaluating ways you can save a few extra dollars by downsizing your living if possible, cutting back on what you spend on wants vs. needs each paycheck. This could include your cable and internet services, subscriptions you barely use, and other various services you could possibly live without. Find ways to share these services with friends and family and split the cost of them to help free up some money for you. 

      Don’t skimp on saving
      Even though living from paycheck to paycheck can be daunting, no matter how tight your wallet gets, don’t forget to budget in money for savings. It might be tempting to forget or push off saving due to the stress of taking care of bills and other expenses, but saving is a very important tool to help you get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. 
      Set aside a few dollars each paycheck to go straight into your savings automatically before any spending. Saving first before spending helps you set aside your hard-earned money for emergencies or future expenses so that you’re not using your last dollar solely on paying bills with nothing to fall back on. Even if it’s only small amounts here and there, each payday, designate a portion of your check to yourself in a savings account. Paying yourself first is one of the most important steps in managing your money wisely. 

      How do you avoid living from paycheck-to-paycheck? More

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      14 Mantras for Your Best Self Ever, and When to Use Them

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      What do you do when you’re in a stressful moment? When you’re anxious about giving a presentation, or your friends hang out without inviting you, or you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see? What about when bad things happen, or you make a mistake, or you doubt whether or not you’re good enough to have all that you want? Some people cope with stress and anxiety with a yoga flow, a Netflix show, or a sleeve of Oreos. While I still resort back to all those coping mechanisms here and there (healthy or not), the one thing I always have with me is a mantra.Technically, everyone has a mantra, whether they’re aware of it or not — it’s that one phrase you hear in your head over and over or tell yourself repeatedly. Some lucky people have great mantras: I’m awesome. What a beautiful day outside. I love my life. And then there are the mantras that many of us are plagued by: I’m not as pretty. I’m not good enough. What if something goes wrong?  Many of us hear these phrases in our heads so often that we believe them. So what if we could replace these thoughts with phrases that are not only better for us, but can help us be confident, feel less stressed, and live our best lives? The secret to achieving your best self might just be a mantra away…

      What is a “mantra?”
      The term “mantra” is an ancient Sanskrit term, used in Hindusim and Buddhism to mean a phrase that was repeated frequently in meditation. Nowadays, everyone from yogis to modern psychologists are relaying back to the ancient technique as a powerful therapy tool. Neurologically, mantra training can reduce distractions and calm the mind. It’s also been proven to reduce stress because repetition and focus regulate chemicals in the brain, releasing endorphins and blocking stress hormones like cortisol.
      Beyond just the physical benefits, a mantra puts you in a more positive mindset, and the repetitive nature trains your brain overtime. In other words, remember those negative thoughts? With mantra training, they will be a thing of the past, because you’ll naturally think more positively.
      Mantras can be repeated as a tool for focus during meditation, used as a tiny, consistent reminder throughout the day, or looked to when you’re in a moment of anxiety, stress, or lack of confidence. The goal is to find the mantra that clicks for you; the one that just makes sense. It’s the phrase you need to hear, and the repetition to allow you to actually hear it.
      Here are the mantras that have changed my mindset, my confidence, and my life. Memorize the one that clicks with you, write them down and tape them to your walls, or copy them in your phone notes to look to whenever you need it.  Get ready for your most powerful, confident, passionate, and best self, yet:

      1. “I am enough.”
      This is the reminder we all could probably use every now and then. It’s human nature to think we could be better, or there’s always someone better than us — it’s what drives competition and keeps us pushing ourselves to be better. But sometimes, that pushing becomes a lack of appreciation for who we are now, causing insecurity and self-doubt. Use this mantra when you’re worried about being liked, struggling with insecurity, meeting new people, or entering a new job. Remind yourself that you are pretty great, just the way you are.

      2. “I am ready to be healed.”
      Use this mantra when you’ve been having a particularly hard time and you’re ready to move on, or need help moving on. It’s so easy to get into a funk because we’re going through a hard time — maybe we lost our job, went through a breakup, or have just been feeling sad with winter blues. While grieving and downtime is important, and emotions should never be ignored, this funk can turn into a vicious cycle of self-pity and wallowing. The first step of moving on and feeling better is to acknowledge that it’s time to be healed and it’s ok to be healed. You’ll start to subconsciously seek out your own healing.

      Source: @metricdisco

      3. “I am discovering my inner superstar.”
      There is an inner “superstar” in all of us, even when we don’t think there is. I call it “superstar” because the word makes me smile, but you might call it your best self, your true self, or your own hero. Use this mantra when you need some extra motivation and inspiration to achieve your goals, and to believe in yourself. The wording of this mantra is particularly nonjudgmental. Rather than expecting yourself to achieve greater things (and the possibility of feeling disappointed or unconfident if you don’t achieve them), you’re acknowledging that you’re in the process of discovering your best self, without expectation or judgment.

      4. “I return my body to optimal health by giving it what it needs on every level.”
      Use this mantra when you want to resist the box of donuts at the office, or you know your body needs to be (and deserves to be) healthier. Rather than forcing yourself to eat healthy or exercise for vanity reasons, this mantra is allowing you to reflect on what your body actually wants and needs, whether that means having that piece of chocolate or adding in some leafy greens, or sleeping in and taking a rest day versus getting up before work to go to the gym. Remind yourself to listen to your body and act for the sake of nourishing it.

      5. “I am open and receptive to all good.”
      When you seek the good, you won’t notice as much bad. The issues you run into in your everyday life, like your train being late or your internet running slow, won’t feel so bad. Use this mantra when you need an extra boost of optimism. Train yourself to be a glass-half-full kinda girl by repeating this mantra whenever you start to complain or notice a negative thought. There’s so much good, whether it’s in a situation, a setting, or in a person. We just have to allow ourselves to be open to it.

      Source: @carlycristman

      6. “Today is about pleasure. I am living this day for the sole purpose of enjoying it.”
      What if you lived as if the purpose was to enjoy — not just to check items off your to-do list or just get through the work day until 5pm? Use this mantra when you notice you’ve just been going through the motions instead of living. Notice and value indulgences that truly make you happy — a new candle, a long hot bath, a bouquet of flowers you picked up on the way home from work. Fit small pleasurable activities into your day, and when something stresses you out like a tough deadline or a boss in a bad mood, remember that this day is for you to enjoy, and don’t let little problems bother you like they normally would.

      7. “Stop making people wrong.”
      You know the times when you’re in a fight and you just feel so annoyed, or sad, or angry? Maybe your roommate is annoying you about doing the dishes, or your kids are making you mad by not picking up their toys? Use this mantra when you’re in one of those times. If your mom missed an important event, your best friend has been too busy for you, or your significant other said something you don’t agree with, remind yourself to think about the other’s perspective. Be compassionate to their point of view and voice your feelings with the understanding that your loved ones don’t mean to make you feel bad. Remember that how the incident affects your relationship is not based on their actions, but the way you take them. Seek the right in the people you love instead of making them wrong.

      8. “Be the person who feels like sunshine.”
      Use this mantra when you’re in a social setting you don’t feel confident in. It might be tempting to be the girl that acts too-cool-for-school, or make jokes to get laughs (even if it’s at the expense of others). When we’re not feeling confident, these are easy defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from being disliked. But this mantra reminds me that what people actually like to be around is someone who exudes kindness, and is warm and happy — someone who feels like sunshine. Besides, what if your main purpose was to lift others up? Give them compliments, make them laugh, help out when you see they need it — how much happier would you be?

      9. “I give myself permission to be ok where I am. I know that I am doing my best.”
      We’re always thinking towards the next goal, always feeling behind or focused on the future so much that we don’t feel good about the present. It’s not often that we actually let ourselves be ok with where we are in our lives, knowing that it is exactly where we are meant to be and all good things will come. Use this mantra when you’re feeling anxious about the future.

      Source: @teresalaucar

      10. “I am seeking contentment, not perfection.”
      Use this mantra if you can be too much of a perfectionist. From the outside perspective, no one would expect me to call myself a “perfectionist” — I can be messy, my right brain is way more dominant than my left, and I’m a Libra (a social, charming, romance-obsessed sign — not a perfectionist). And yet, I find myself rewriting articles because they never feel good enough, obsessing over my hair when it’s not curling the way I’d hoped, or feeling anxious and stressed when something didn’t go the way I pictured. Sound familiar? Remind yourself that the goal in life is not for everything to be, look, and seem perfect. The goal, instead, is to be happy. It makes all the little things I worry about seem insignificant.

      11. “I trust that I, and only I, know what’s best for me.”
      We can so often be completely plagued by self-doubt, especially when we’re making huge choices like college decisions, getting into a relationship, moving cities, or which job to take. Oftentimes, we want validation because we don’t listen to the gut instinct, or maybe can’t hear it at all. Use this mantra when you’re making big life decisions. Listen for your gut reaction, and trust that you don’t need to listen to or seek out anyone else’s opinion because the answers to even your biggest life questions is something only you can know.

      12. “Don’t go in your mind where your body is not”
      Are you a worrier, or, like me, a constant worrier? Do you overthink whether or not your friends took your joke the wrong way, if your boss won’t like the work you did, or how a (perfectly normal) doctors appointment will go? Me too. Many of us torture ourselves by thinking about what might happen, we often forget to focus on what is actually happening. This mantra helps me remember I’m making up the worry in my mind, and I need to work on being present to what’s happening in the here and now. Use this mantra when you’re worrying about something.

      Source: @gypsykait

      13. “All is well.”
      Though simple, this powerful mantra serves as a constant reminder that everything is okay and will be okay. Use this mantra when you’re feeling anxious. Anxiety happens because you’re constantly telling yourself that something negative is happening, and your mind starts to believe it. Counteract that anxious voice by giving yourself peace of mind.

      14. “I surround myself with those who make me better.”
      Have you ever heard that study that says we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with? It’s an important study and makes a lot of sense — when you spend a lot of time with someone, you can adopt their mannerisms, their habits, and even their morals. Do you want to be like the 5 people you spend the most time with? Or is it time for a change? Use this mantra when you’re dealing with a toxic friendship or jealous coworker, and to remind yourself you have control over who you let affect you. 

      Which mantra do you use? Which one of these do you relate with the most? Let me know in the comments!

      This post was originally published on January 5, 2019. More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Want to Launch Your Business This Year? Read This First

      by

      I love the fresh start that a new year presents. The metaphorical clean slate; the revitalized energy to work and plan toward your goals. What better time than this to start thinking about launching your business? Something that has always helped me in my freelance work is recognizing that it’s all about progress over perfection. Following a few key checks and then just unleashing your idea or services or products onto the world and using that trial and error to strengthen and fortify your work and your business. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together eight important things to put in place before you launch your biz this year—everything from figuring out your current ideal clients to strategically launching your website with our go-to platform, Squarespace. Read on to start planning for your own launch, and don’t miss our free checklists! 

      1. Narrow in on your niche 
      I used to think that if the market was saturated it meant that I shouldn’t even consider entering it. If other graphic designers are out there creating brands for clients, why should I do it too? Oh, how wrong I was.
      Now I realize that we can all coexist within the market by narrowing in on niches. What do you bring to the table that is different from everyone else? Even if your products are similar—for example, brand and logo design—who are your specific ideal clients or customers? How does your business work in a way no one else’s does? When you get really detailed with these questions, you’ll hit on your niche and the place where your business will operate the best. Before you do anything else for your business this year,  take a moment to answer these questions. And remember, your niche can grow and change as your business and you do. This is just a blueprint for your next year. Who do you want to attract? Who are your dream clients? 

       
      2. Map out your services, products, or rates 
      After you’ve narrowed in on who exactly your ideal customers and clients are, it’s time to do an inventory of everything you’re offering. If you’re a service-based business, determine your pricing model. Will you bill by an hourly rate? Or a per-project rate? Do your research to determine what others in your industry are doing. Transparency within pricing has come such a long way over the years and the detailed cost information available now is so helpful when you’re starting out. Try a tool like How Much Should I Charge? or seek out peers or thought leaders in your field on places like Instagram, where they might be sharing about their process. As a designer with a branding and lettering studio, I love how open Molly Jacques has been about her pricing model. She creates lots of helpful pricing examples for designers, like this one. 
      If you’re a product-based business, seek out similar shops and do your research on the going rate-per-product. Map out your business costs like keeping inventory, shipping, and packaging and be sure you’re charging enough to avoid a deficit. Remember, these numbers aren’t carved in stone either. You’re allowed to raise your prices as your business grows and evolves. 
      READ: Here’s How to Charge What You’re Actually Worth

      Source: @kellyetz

      3. Start tracking your time 
      Even if you’re not planning to charge by hourly rate, tracking your time can be essential. Figuring out how long tasks actually take you—everything from packaging products to emailing clients—will help you determine your rates and understand how much time you’re putting into your business overall. You’ll be able to map out how much work you can realistically take on, whether you’re a full-time business owner or a freelancer or anywhere in between. To get started, try a time-tracking app like Harvest or Toggl. 

      4. Figure out your finances 
      Now that you have all your info gathered for what you want to charge and how long tasks and projects are actually taking you, it’s time to do a deep dive into your finances. This is definitely something I’ve struggled with in my freelance business, and trust me: figuring out a system for tracking your money right from the get-go is essential. It will save you so much time and headache later on. Start tracking every dollar that is coming in and out of your business so you can get an accurate picture of what you’re making. This will also save you during tax season, when you’ll have to account for how much you owe. 
      This is also where you’ll want to account for all the services you use to run your business. A huge reason I love Squarespace (and use it for my freelance biz) is that so many services are bundled in one place, so I don’t need to be juggling tons of different sites and logins. With Squarespace, I run my website and my online shop, integrate my email marketing, pull stock photography, link my shipping fulfillment automations, and more. That synchronicity saves me tons of time and effort. 
      READ: 7 Things to Do for Your Business RN to Save Time and Money Later

      Source: Social Squares

      5. Do a brand identity check 
      When you’re just starting out, you may not need all the bells and whistles of a full brand identity, but having things like a simple and chic logo, a predetermined color palette, and brand fonts will help your business look instantly elevated and pulled-together.
      Remember that a huge part of a successful business is about first impressions. What your audience sees when they first land on your website or your social media channels can determine whether or not they become a client or shop with your business. So you’ll want to put your best foot forward with your design. The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to hire a designer or invest in a lot of fancy design programs when you’re getting started. If you’re looking to DIY initial branding until you’re ready to invest, focus on keeping things simple and minimal. I always say to go with a text-based logo to start. Pick a font that you like, type in your business name, and go. If you have a Squarespace site, they make this process so easy by allowing you to create your text-based logo when you’re creating your site, with hundreds of high-quality fonts to choose from. Or, try out Squarespace’s free logo maker tool for a quick logo that still looks professional and modern.

      Keep in mind that minimal and simple don’t equal boring, especially in the design world. And by minimalism I don’t mean that you have to only use one font or just use black and white as your color scheme. It’s more about letting the simplicity of something speak for itself. If you get stuck, create a moodboard of designs that you like and refer back to that when needed. What colors do they have in common? What elements are repeated over and over? Squarespace also comes with pre-made font and color palette options, which is a great way to get started with something you know will look good. You can select different options from the backend of your site, and see the changes in real time, helping you create a site that looks cohesive without the headache of trying to figure it all out yourself from scratch. 
      READ: A Branding Expert Shares the Most Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

      6. Launch your website 
      As you’re figuring out the look and feel of your brand, it’s a great time to start putting together your website and preparing it for your launch. As I mentioned earlier, Squarespace is my go-to website platform, not just for myself but also for my freelance clients looking to build a site or online store. 
      I’m a big believer that at first, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to website design. I’ve backed myself into a corner many times by being too much of a perfectionist about my site, and then not having anything to launch at all. Remember, progress over perfection, in all areas of your business. I love that Squarespace allows you to start with demo content so that you can plug-and-play your own text and photos to get going. Not having to start totally from scratch makes such a difference in the time and effort it will take to build out your site.
      READ: Ready to Publish Your Website? Read This SEO Checklist First

      Source: @ayyonks

      7. Create a marketing schedule 
      Time to start planning how you’ll get all your beautiful work out into the world. If you want your business to thrive, you’ll want to be reaching new customers and clients on the platforms that make the most sense to you. Remember those questions you answered earlier? They’ll already start coming in handy as you analyze where your ideal clients are—whether that is Instagram, LinkedIn, email inboxes, a combination of all of the above, etc. 
      A little trial and error is completely normal here, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see hundreds of clients rolling in in the first week. This is where creating a marketing schedule will help, because you can refer back to what you’ve already tried and those results and tailor your future strategies accordingly. Utilize the data as it rolls in as well—keep track of where your traffic is coming from to your website to help you understand which platforms are working the best for you. Squarespace makes this easy with integrated analytics right within your site dashboard. 

      READ: Your Business Marketing Strategy, According to Your Enneagram

      8. Celebrate 
      You did it! Taking the time to be proud of where you’re at and how far you’ve come is so important and will help you continue to drive and care for your biz throughout the year. Celebrate your wins with your community as well, it will help people get to know you and start rooting for your success right alongside you. 

      This post is sponsored by Squarespace, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More