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      in health and weelbeing

      Daytime Routine: How I Stay Productive, Happy, and Healthy During the Day

      by

      I’ll be the first to admit that working-from-home is not my strong suit. I live in a 300 sq. ft. box, get distracted easily, and have way too much to say during the day to be alone (and it is way too easy for my coworkers to ignore my hilarious messages all day long). It has also been hard for me to stay healthy (my fridge is just so close) and active while I’m home all day. But we’re on month #5 with months to go, and I’ve somehow figured out how to manage doing something I hated.We often discuss nighttime and morning routines here, but now that I do basically the same thing every single day, it was high time I started a routine for during the day too. I wanted something that I could loosely follow every day to create some healthy, productive habits while also not absolutely hating my life all day long. Am I the most productive person ever? Absolutely not. There are days when I look at the clock at 2:30pm and realize I’ve ticked off nothing from my to-do list. But I’ve noticed these simple steps have helped me stay on track throughout the day with work and make my evenings a lot better too! Here are a few things I’ve implemented into my day that have made going through the motions of stay-at-home life a little easier. 

      Do chores
      As you can tell, I basically do anything I can to add little breaks in my day. Sitting at my desk and cranking out a ton of work for eight hours a day just isn’t feasible for me; I have to keep myself excited by working toward breaks and timing myself. One way I build that into my day is by doing chores. I’ll tell myself I’ll write for 45 minutes uninterrupted, and then I’ll wash the dishes. I am not normally one who looks forward to chores in any capacity, but knowing that I’ll be able to get up and listen to music and do something else for a little bit of time keeps me moving, regardless of the task I’m convincing myself is fun to do. 

      currently reading The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai!

      Take a full lunch break
      When I was working in an office, I almost never took my entire lunch break. I would work through lunch to keep my productivity up. But even on my busiest days now, I make a point to give myself that full hour-long break every single day. It’s not much, but it’s the oomph I need to keep going throughout the day. Some days I’ll go outside and read, and others I’ll go for a walk. Sometimes, I honestly just watch TV. But I make sure to close my computer and do something else.

      Make lunch
      Now that I’m at home, it’s rare that I fully meal prep a lunch to go straight into the microwave. I might cook all of my ground turkey or chicken breast on Sunday, but that’s about it. While prepping your entire meal might help a lot of people, I find that taking the time to prepare lunch is a good break in my day. Some of my favorite lunches to make include salad with some kind of protein (I always buy the salad mixes at the grocery store and add extra veggies and protein), sandwiches, bowls, and more. 

      These leggings are from Girlfriend Collective—they’re made from recycled water bottles, go up to a 5X, and have a secret pocket for my keys. I own in two colors, and I’m obsessed!

      Workout/Go for the walk
      I won’t lie and say I get a workout in every single day (LOL, most days is even a stretch), but simply walking anywhere is something I try to accomplish every day (at least when my day isn’t an intentional Saturday binge-watching Selling Sunset, of course). I’ll try to take my lunch break or a short coffee break to go for a walk around my neighborhood. Or if I know I need to go to the grocery store or pick something up for dinner, I’ll walk a little farther just to get some more steps in.
      When I first switched to full-time WFH, I was getting maybe 2,000 steps a day, and if you’re someone who tracks their steps, you’ll know that is basically nothing. I had a hard time feeling like I could be productive all day long and move my body. Adding a couple of different walks throughout the day made it a lot easier, and I’ve even noticed that I sleep better and feel less drained at the end of the workday. 
      If I’m working out, it’s almost always on my lunch break and includes either an Obé Fitness workout or something from YouTube! I’m obsessed with MadFit’s dance workouts (this One Direction one gave me life), and POPSUGAR Fitness is also great for HIIT and barre workouts. I am still getting back in the habit of working out (I am a big “paying for a gym and having to walk somewhere motivates me to workout” person; I have little to no motivation to workout at home), but it helps to have a few workouts on hand that I know I enjoy.

      Prioritize to-do lists
      I make a to-do list every morning (sometimes the night before!), but I get to a point in my day where I have to prioritize what gets done and when. I’ll message my supervisors or anyone who’s waiting on something from me to ask if they need anything ASAP or let them know that I might get to something later in the day. While this maybe helps them, it’s more about keeping myself productive throughout the day and holding myself accountable. At home, it’s easy to say I’ll work on a project at 3pm, and then find myself invested in pop culture drama once 3pm rolls around with no end in sight. By telling someone I’ll have something to them at a certain time, I know I have to get it done. 
      Once I’ve done this, I’ll go through my to-do list and schedule when I’ll do them and what needs to get done versus what I’ll work on next. My to-do lists tend to get pretty lofty, which is likely a nightmare for anyone with perfectionist tendencies, but it actually keeps me motivated so I can have more time at the end of my day to get more done. But I make sure to mark which need to get done first by using the ABC system. A tasks need to get done immediately, B tasks should get done today but can be pushed, and C tasks are extras in case I have time. I used this before working-from-home, but it’s especially helpful now that my to-do list now contains random life tasks that I can now do during the day (is this my silver lining to WFH? perhaps). More

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      in health and weelbeing

      7 Ways to Practice Self-Care During Tough Times, According to Experts

      by

      #Selfcare is trending on social media, and yet, putting that trend into practice is not as easy as posting a picture on Instagram. Our health can easily become last priority when greater things feel more urgent. It might even feel selfish to do a face mask and turn off the news when the world is changing and our communities need us. In fact, Rachel Ricketts, an international thought leader, speaker, healer, and author, uses a totally different term. She said, “I prefer to refer to soul-care, which is the act of caring for ourselves in a soulful, nourishing, healing way, so that we can best show up for the collective. It is an act of communal care, which is the opposite of selfish.” In other words, forget about bubble baths and candles (although those things are still enjoyable!). Really caring for yourself means recharging your energy and prioritizing mental health for not only yourself, but for the betterment of the community.
      Ricketts explained, “The difference is most notably in the intention: am I partaking in an act or behavior solely to serve myself, or am I doing so to serve the community (which of course includes, but is not simply about, you)? Soul-care focuses on those most oppressed and how we can best heal our own hearts, and get to work creating change to dismantle the systems of oppression causing harm.” Whether you call it soul-care or self-care, think of it the same way: prioritize taking care of yourself so that you’re able to fully take care of others. 

      Why is caring for ourselves so important when overcoming social injustice?
      “Unless and until we have faced our own inner shadows, wounded inner child, and race-based traumas, we cannot create effective or sustainable collective change that prioritizes those most oppressed (and when we try to do so, we wind up causing more, not less, harm),” Ricketts said. “Racial justice work is healing work, and the healing work starts with you and it starts within. It is from this space that we create and cultivate critical collective change.”
      Jasmine Marie, founder of black girls breathing who just launched a campaign to make virtual breathwork sessions free for Black womxn, agreed. “I think even for those of us who’ve been immersed in this work beyond just this year, you can feel the shift,” she said. “It’s impossible to keep doing this work without taking care of yourself. I’ve had to relearn what my body, mind, and spirit needs during this time, versus what I needed before. There’s lots of unlearning and learning, so self-care is a must.”
      You know the old saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so why do we continue to try? Aside from sharing resources, educating yourself, and doing what you can to make changes in your community (go vote!), prioritizing mental health and protecting your energy is essential for making lasting changes in the world. Here are seven ways we can all care for ourselves during a time when it may feel selfish to do so.
       

      7 ways to practice self-care right now:

      1. Set boundaries
      On a daily basis, Ricketts recommended to, “Acknowledge your privilege, set boundaries, and learn to say no.” Setting boundaries is essential to a healthy life, but it’s a skill that many of us never learn. Sticking to specific limits can help boost self-esteem, force you to routinely check in with your needs, and serve as a reminder to put yourself first. Marie agrees that setting boundaries is crucial. “Create boundaries with how much news you allow into your world on the daily,” she recommended. “Log off. Go on social media breaks. Tune inward and ask yourself what you need.”
      Since emotional boundaries are not as obvious as physical limits like road signs or fences (though wouldn’t that be nice?), they can be hard to enforce. Start by considering what you can tolerate, and then what feels draining or overwhelming in order to set limits. Acting on boundaries might look like turning off the news and taking a social media break two hours before bedtime, or it might look like saying no when a family member asks you for a favor that you know will make too stressed. It also looks like taking responsibility for your own emotions, but not taking responsibility for the emotions of other people. No matter what boundaries look like to you, you’ll be conserving emotional energy for much more important things. 

      2. Move 
      Working out for calorie burn is so last year (or like, last decade?). Instead, work out for mental health, and move for the sake of caring for yourself. Exercise, in general, can boost your mental health and help ease stress, so fit in some kind of movement every day that you look forward to, whether it’s a dancing around your living room or going on a hike. For self-care bonus points, try calming activities that focus on relaxing the mind and slowing the breath, like restorative yoga. Ricketts loves yoga with Dionne Elizabeth and Marie counts long walks as one of her go-to self-care practices. 

      3. Meditate
      There’s a reason that meditation is one of the most talked-about practices in the wellness world—this sh*t is powerful. Meditation is effective for self-care because it takes our focus off of the world around us, and puts it back on ourselves. Taking a breath (literally) re-energizes you so you can bring your best self to everything you do, whether it’s tackling your work day, chasing after kids, or fighting social injustice. Ricketts recommends breathwork sessions with Maryam Ajayi, or you can check out black girl breathing for virtual classes. And if sitting still isn’t your thing? Try one of these ways to meditate that involve movement, instead. 

      4. Rest (no, not just sleeping)
      “Burnout is an epidemic for everyone, but no one more than Black and Indigenous women and femmes (especially queer and trans women and femmes). Learning how to rest is imperative for our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being,” Ricketts said. “Rest is more than sleep. Rest includes time offline, a break from feeling like we need to do it all or be helpful, turning phones off, prioritizing our peace, sitting in silence, spending time with people who nourish us (and avoiding those who do not), and doing absolutely nothing.”
      Think of yourself like the battery pack on an iPhone. If you just recharge for only small spurts at a time, your battery will always stay in red. In order to get all the way to full-charge, you must regularly turn the iPhone off and give it some time plugged in. Getting six hours of sleep and watching TV while scrolling through Instagram for 30 minutes a day does not count as restoration. Turn off technology, do something enjoyable and creative (like reading or painting), invite your best friend over, and give yourself permission to do less. 

      5. Check in with yourself frequently 
      Taking good care of yourself doesn’t have to mean long digital detoxes, consistent yoga flows, or never saying “yes” when you mean “no” (even though those are all good goals). Self-care can sometimes be as simple as feeling intuitive to your individual needs, and checking in with what you really want.
      We often look for outside validation for just about anything (does anyone else need to know what everyone is ordering before making a decision on which entree they want?). Instead, ask yourself what do I really want, and how do I really feel, so often that it becomes habit. Marie recommended, “Check in with how you feel. Validate internally before seeking external advice on your specific and particular experience. This practice is life-changing and will help you show up in all areas of your life.”

      6. Ask for help
      Remember that self-care is not just a buzzword, it’s health. “Therapy” should not be a dirty word, and we should not need to wait until severe symptoms or intense crisis to ask for help. Instead, think of therapy as an investment in your wellbeing. To find a therapist that’s right for you, click here, or check out online mental health resources like Therapy for Black Girls and Sista Afya.
      Beyond professional help, also make sure to ask your boss, coworkers, family members, and friends for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to depend on and connect with other people. Marie includes seeking help from other practitioners, having good conversations with friends, and allowing her tribe to support her, as some of her go-to self-care practices she does on a regular basis. 

      7. Seek out resources in a community setting
      If you haven’t gotten the gist already, self-care is not just about yourself; feeling a part of a larger community is crucial for optimal self-care. Even though the global pandemic might make it more difficult to feel community in the sense we’re used to (*sigh* does anyone else surprisingly miss crowds?), online resources are stronger than ever. Seek out resources that not only help you heal and take care of yourself, but make you feel like you’re not alone. 
      For some examples, check out Rickett’s Racial Justice Resources and her Spiritual Activism webinars and workshops, which she said are “rooted in the inner, healing work required for external, collective change.” To hear from more Women of Color on their favorite acts of self-care you can try for yourself, click here. 

      How do you care for yourself that has made the most difference? More

    • 125 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      All the Cool, Inexpensive Products I’ve Found on Etsy Lately

      by

      One of my most toxic traits is that I’m a bit of a hipster. Not in that I enjoy alt music no one’s ever heard of or that I wear cuffed chinos every day, but rather in that I have a real thing for unique material items. Once everyone gets their hands on something, my interest dwindles. And of course, exceptions are to be made. I’ll shout from the rooftops that everyone in the world deserves a pair of Spanx Leather Leggings, and I stan Glossier, one of the biggest beauty companies in the world. But for the most part, I’m significantly more interested in something if it means I’m the first to know about it. Lately, I’ve been going to Etsy as much as possible to find unique items from decor to beauty products to sweatshirts and more. Not only does it mean I’m getting fun, new items, but I get to support a small business, which means everything to me! So, you should know making this list and giving up my secrets was a little difficult, but if it means all of these amazing shops get a little more support, I’m all for it! Here are all the fun things I’ve eyed (and purchased!) on Etsy lately—and don’t worry, they’re all extra-affordable.

      An example page of the coloring book from Maddie—as if we needed any other reason to fall in love with this 🙂 

      Pop Culture

      Coolgirlcandles
      This Smells Like A One Direction Reunion Candle

      This is about to be my home’s signature scent. I ordered this a few weeks ago, and the second it becomes mine will be a glorious moment. Trying to decide if I’ll welcome it into my home with “Four” or “Midnight Memories.”

      CustomTeeZone
      Schrute Farms T-Shirt

      Fans of “The Office” (so basically everyone), here’s the cutest tee to show everyone your favorite show.

      Masks
      One of the best places to pick up face masks is from small sellers on Etsy. They’re likely handmade and comfortable, and you’re supporting a small business—what’s not to love! Here are a few of our editors’ favorites that they’ve purchased.

      These earrings are great for a gift, or for yourself because who doesn’t deserve it right now?

      Fashion + Beauty

      CaitlynMinimalist
      Personalized Name Earrings

      Our lovely Abigail got these for me for Christmas for our TEG Secret Santa, and I am completely and utterly obsessed with them. Anytime I wear them, I show them off to basically everyone Im with. “See, look, they say my name!” comes out of my mouth at least three times. I used my full name (Elizabeth), and I love the way cover my entire earlobe, but I think they would be equally as cute with a shorter name too.

      PurpleSoulHeart
      Tiny Stud Star Earrings

      I actually got these for our editor Maddie’s birthday because she has teensy-tiny ears. They’re handmade and look gorgeous IRL, but they cost a fraction of what you’d expect.

      EshJewelryCollection
      Tortoise Hoop Earrings

      One of the best things to find on Etsy is jewelry. The items are often unique and one-of-a-kind while keeping a pretty low price point. These tortoise hoop earrings are a perfect example, costing just under what you’d spend on takeout for two for a super cute pair of earrings to wear on all your Zoom calls.

      MosaicPopArt
      Black Lives Matter T-Shirt

      This tee has both a cute decision and a great message, with tons of positive reviews about the quality, the fit, and the graphic. Show your support for Black Lives Matter with this T-Shirt. This Black-owned shop also offers puzzles, backpacks, yard signs, sweatshirts, and more with tons of really cool designs.

      SouvenirAndFar
      ’70s Inspired Zodiac T-Shirt

      Show off your love for your Zodiac sign with this tee. Most graphic tees can look cheesy, but this one looks like it should cost over double the price for how cute it is. Pop this under blazers and cardigans this fall, or wear with your favorite sweatpants.

      Colornoise
      Beachy Mood Perfume

      I got this at the beginning of summer, and it is tres magnifique! I figured if I was going to buy a perfume without smelling it, I might as well choose something inexpensive and unrecognizable, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. It has that summertime sunscreen scent I love, mixed with a little bit of ~waves and saltwater~. Likely, that means nothing to you, so just trust me that it smells like summertime. I wear this basically every day now, and I can’t wait to get a fall scent from this line. In my order, I got a sample of the Chill Mood Perfume, and it is SO GOOD also.

      I’m sorry to subject you to this body butter porn, but give me a break—it is the most glorious texture.

      Elysium Naturals Co.
      Whipped Shea Body Butter

      Will I ever stop talking about this? No, I will not. I’ve raved about this in articles previously as one of the best products I’ve tried in 2020. It’s the smoothest, softest, most nourishing body butter I’ve ever used, and the scents just make it even better. I think everyone should have a tub of the Lavender Vanilla in their possession at all times.

      lorenklein
      “Vote” Hat

      Inspire those around you to engage in their community politics and be an active member of their democracy! (Oh, and the hat is just really cute too.) Keep voter registration information handy when you wear this to make sure you can inform everyone you meet.

      NaturallyEu
      Refreshing Bath Soak Salts

      These bath salts are made with peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus, so you know it’s about to be relaxing as all hell.

      HarlemRoots
      Sleep On It Tea

      Another really great thing to pick up on Etsy is tea. You can find really unique and interesting blends for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Tea lovers, don’t sleep on this one! 😉

      T-Shirt Hair Towel Wrap

      We all probably know that regular body towels aren’t the best thing to use on your hair, and it’s especially true for those with curly, coily, or kinky hair types. This towel wrap is made of a really soft T-shirt material that stays on your head to dry and smooth hair after your shower. Say goodbye to frizzy ends and hello to pillow-soft hair.

      Candle for scale—I love how small it is because it fits on my studio-apartment-sized coffee table!

      Home Decor + Art Prints

      MoonLineCo
      Modern Pillar Candle

      I’d seen gorgeous pillar candles all over Instagram that were way too expensive for a decor piece I likely won’t even light. I searched on Etsy one night, and I ordered this on a whim after looking at it briefly. It’s a great modern addition to a coffee table, a shelf, a side table—wherever! It’s a little smaller in real life than I was expecting, but this actually makes it easier to place and adds to the cutesy factor. Why are all small things just so darn cute?

      PinkSundaysStudio
      Pumpkin Spice Mug

      THE SZN IS HERE, PEOPLE. Just because you don’t have a Starbucks fall-themed cup in your hand doesn’t mean you can’t rep your favorite drink this year. I’m also a huge fan of this absolutely adorable ghost mug(I mean, come on), and who doesn’t need a Sanderson sisters mug from “Hocus Pocus” too? Fall mugs for all.

      DorothyBCo
      Interlock Soy Candle

      This gorgeous candle is basically a decor piece all in itself. Made by DorothyB herself, this Black-owned candle line has tons of scents to choose from that can all go inside this unqiue, gold candle. I’m eyeing “Peach Nectar”—sounds like the perfect all-seasons sweet scent.

      GodlyGorgeous
      Happy Illustration Notepad

      Keep your WFH-self organized with this notepad from this Black-owned Etsy shop. This would look super cute on a desk, but it also looks functional for list-making, to-do lists, appointments, and more.

      roughedgessupply
      Curvy Woman in a Bikini Line Art Print

      TBH, I bought this print because it looked like me! I had seen tons of pretty line art drawings of nude women, and I love them all, but I wanted to represent some body positivity in my home, and this beautiful gal did the job.

      GodlyGorgeous
      Be You Print

      Add this print to your space for a little extra motivation. I envision this placed beautifully on a desk or entryway or even in a gallery wall.

      WindsorRoseAtelier
      Italy Print

      Live vicariously through this gorgeous travel print of Italy while you’re stuck at home!

      LouLouArtStudio
      Printable Art

      For the minimalist, this gorgeous black-and-white print will absolutely turn heads.

      HomeThisWeekend
      South of France Summer Print

      Summer never has to end with this print in your home. Pretend you took this on your glorious vacation through the South of France last fall. More

    • 175 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      People Are Sleeping Less in Quarantine—Here Are Our Favorite Concealers to Pretend We Are

      by

      This season of life has come with a lot of surprise challenges. Who knew I’d stay up all night listening to Taylor Swift for days on end? Or that I’d learn the problem with my finances all this time was actually me going out to eat every other day? But the most surprising of all is that even though I spend the most time at home as ever, I get significantly less sleep. And I know I’m not the only one! The Sleep Foundation explained that everything from raised anxiety to changes to daily life to extra screen time can cause our sleep to decrease in length and quality. So we know we’re not sleeping, and while there are definitely a few healthy, natural ways to get that under control, you know my style: I’ll show you how to Band-Aid the problem for a little bit. What better way to hide all the sins of yesterday than concealer!? Until you can get those glorious few hours of sleep, these will save you for any shopping trip, meeting, or virtual happy hour you have planned—and they’ll do it without looking cakey, dry, or heavy on your face. Here are our favorites (and a reader-favorite!): 

      Best for dry skin:

      UOMA Beauty
      Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer

      If concealers typically make you feel parched under the eyes after a few hours, you need a creamy formula that keeps its moisture all day long, and Uoma’s Stay Woke concealer does just that. It’s hydrating right from the start and blends seamlessly into your skin or any foundation you might have underneath it. The creaminess doesn’t take away from the coverage though, so you’ll be sure to cover up those dark circles in a cinch.

      Best for oily skin:

      Shape Tape Concealer

      As someone with dry under eyes, I never found love with this concealer, but I can see how it would be an absolute dream for oily skin (and also, it’s one of the top-selling concealers in the world, so maybe it’s me!). When I’ve used it on the parts of my complexion that get oily, it stays put all day long and doesn’t move, which is exactly what you want in a concealer. It boasts full-coverage, all-day wear that causes minimal creasing.

      Best for high-coverage:

      Juvia’s Place
      I Am Magic Concealer

      Of all the concealers on this list, this ranks as the highest coverage. If you’re rocking deep, dark circles, this will be your saving grace. However, the high-coverage doesn’t result in cakey or dry under eyes either. Instead, you’ll notice a smooth canvas that barely needs set with a powder. Coming in at 24 shades, you’re bound to find one that works best with your skin tone.

      Reader and editor-favorite:

      Radiant Creamy Concealer

      This concealer is basically makeup royalty. It’s in the makeup bag of most celebrities, beauty editors, and normal people alike. Our editor Maddie once said it best in our annual empties: “It’s super natural looking while still giving the perfect amount of coverage, and never creases or looks dry (even on my crazy-dry skin). I’ve been loving putting a little of this under my eyes and on blemishes when I work from home to put a little put-together and awake. I love that I can wear it on its own without it ever looking like I’m obviously wearing concealer. This was an obvious re-purchase for me—I’ll never be without it.”

      Best at the drugstore:

      Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer

      This isn’t the first time I’ve raved about this concealer. It’s my favorite concealer I’ve ever found at the drugstore, and I think it’s ideal for all skin types. It has a natural matte finish, but don’t let that deter you dewy girls: it still looks gorgeous and natural when paired with your favorite dewy moisturizers, foundations, and highlighters. I love this all over my face to spot conceal as well because the coverage is amazing and it blends out to look just like my skin. At under $10, go ahead and buy your summer and winter shade.

      Best splurge:

      Armani Beauty
      Power Fabric Concealer

      I know this one is a little on the pricey side, but I couldn’t leave it out because it’s basically the only concealer I’ve worn the past five months. It is everything you want in a concealer: light, natural, hydrating, creaseless, and blendable. The price might put an ache in your neck for a second, but you only have to use a little bit so the concealer goes a long way. I also use it as a foundation sometimes, and that is absolutely *chef’s kiss*. I feel a little fancy and extra confident every time I use it, and that’s worth double the price to me!

      Most long-wearing:

      Fenty Beauty
      Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

      Fenty Beauty has to make its way into basically any roundup because the products are truly made for everyone. I could have given this “Best Shade Range” or “Best for Special Occasions” or “Best for All Skin Types,” but the magic of this concealer lies in its staying power. Dab it on the under eyes and without setting it, it lasts hours upon hours. If you set it (ideally with the Fenty powder, which I can vouch for, and it’s one of the best!), it’s over for your under eyes. Dark circles who? Never met her. This concealer has all the properties of those above, but how long it lasts without creasing or separating is what makes it stand out. If you have a hard time with concealers rubbing off on you, try this. More