Category Archives: Inspiration

Thirty Ways To Improve Your Mood When You Are Having A Bad Day

May 8, 2019 Lasonia 25 Comments

Everyone is entitled to a bad day. I mean, life happens to the best of us, right?

Even the happiest of people have bad days here and there, and that’s OK. But sometimes we have a tendency to want to wallow in self-pity when negative situations arise.

Often, one of our first instincts is to over-indulge in ALL of the comfort foods and shut ourselves up from the rest of the world (speaking from experience here).

I think it’s important that we give ourselves permission to not always be happy, while also realizing that there are several things that we can do that will help to improve our mood when we’re feeling down.

Instead of letting those negative feelings fester, or overdosing on chocolate, here are 30 simple things that you can do when you’re having a bad day.

How To Improve Your Mood

Spend some time outdoors. Breathing in the fresh air, and letting the sun shine on your face will do wonders for your mood.

Pray. Spend some time in prayer talking to God about your problems. You’ll feel better instantly!

Enjoy some aromatherapy. Light up your favorite scented candle, or throw some essential oils into the diffuser. Certain scents like jasmine, sandalwood, and bergamot are known to boost your mood.

Unplug from technology for the day. Sometimes we can become overloaded with technology. Whether it’s sitting in front of a computer at work all day, or the endless scrolling we do on social media. Take a much needed break from your devices.

Enjoy some time with your kids. Children know how to have fun. Spend the day playing games and eating junk with the kids.

Take a long, hot bath. Turn your bathroom into a spa. Gather your favorite bath products and beverage of choice and enjoy a nice, long soak.

Listen to a comedy podcast. Laughter is the best medicine, so listen to a comedy podcast and get your laugh on!

Go for a walk with your dog. Grab your furry friend and enjoy the outdoors together.

Read a book. Grab one of your favorite books off of the shelf, or if you prefer an audiobook, you can listen on Audible.

Cry. Sometimes you just need a good cry. Tears can be healing. So, let your emotions flow. And if necessary, you can even yell while you’re crying.

Call up a loved one and vent. Whether it’s your mom, sister or best friend, call them up and vent your feelings. Sometimes you just need a listening ear, and for someone to let you know that your feelings are validated.

Write in your journal. If you don’t have a person that you can really talk to, write your feelings down on paper. Journaling is great for your mental health. Instead of keeping things pinned up inside, letting your emotions flow out onto the paper. You’ll feel so much better afterwards.

Buy yourself some flowers. Flowers can be an instant mood booster. They’re just so pretty to look at that you can’t help but feel better.

Enjoy a bowl of ice cream. Fix yourself the biggest bowl of ice cream with all of your favorite toppings, and dive in. It feels so good to indulge every now and then.

Listen to music. Even if you don’t consider yourself a good dancer, crank up your favorite music and dance.

Try retail therapy. Who doesn’t love shopping? Hey, I’m just saying. Head out to your favorite retailer and buy yourself something nice. Or you could do a little online shopping – just don’t overspend.

Exercise. Exercise is good for the body and mind.

Bake your favorite sweet treat. Head to the kitchen, and whip up a batch of your favorite cookies. Or break out grandma’s recipe for a delicious cake.

Netflix anyone? Watch a few sitcoms and have yourself a good laugh.

Color in an adult coloring book. Grab some coloring pencils or markers and relive one of your favorite childhood pastimes.

Recite a few motivational quotes to help lift your spirits.

Do something nice for someone else. Shift your focus to a person in need and see how you can help them. By doing something nice for someone else, it will in turn help you to feel better.

Take some deep breaths. Deep breathing is naturally therapeutic, and can ground you and help you reconnect.

Take a much-needed nap. Sometimes you just need to re-set. Getting a couple of hours of shut-eye can do wonders for your mood.

Rearrange the furniture. This may sound strange, but rearranging the furniture can not only give the room a fresh look, but can give you a fresh perspective, and help to bring you out of a funk.

Spend time with your bestie. Spend the day hanging out with your best friend.

Go for a leisurely drive. Ease your pensive mood by going for a drive. Take the scenic route!

Visit a nice restaurant and enjoy your favorite comfort meal.

Start a gratitude list. Instead of focusing on the negatives, write down a list of things that you are grateful for.

Have some chocolate. Eating chocolate actually releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, into particular regions of the brain. So, go ahead and enjoy a few pieces.

The good news my friend is those bad days won’t last forever. Give yourself a little time and you are sure to feel better.

What are some of the things that you do to help improve your mood?

Inspiration

Five Things To Do On Sunday To Prepare For A Productive Week

January 27, 2019 Lasonia 4 Comments

Let’s all be honest, Monday’s tend to suck (for a lot of us anyway). Even Sunday afternoons can start looking a little bleak as we anticipate the work week ahead.

But, what if I told you a few small changes could help to totally transform your week. In order for us to really be productive, we have to be intentional about how we’re spending our time. And that my friend starts on Sunday.

I have learned that being productive is all about preparation. By preparing for the upcoming week on Sundays, you’ll know what you need to do ahead of time, and it will actually help to alleviate some of your stress so that you’re ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Who knows, you may actually start to enjoy waking up and heading off to work each morning.

Here are a few simple and easy hacks I do every Sunday to ensure that I have a less stressful, more productive week.

How To Have A Productive Week

“A Sunday well spent brings a week of content.” – Proverb
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Plan your week in your planner

There’s nothing worse than waking up on a Monday morning and realizing you have three meetings in a row, all before noon! On Sunday, look over your calendar for the upcoming week. Do you need to add, cancel, or reschedule any appointments or meetings? Reviewing what’s already on your schedule for the coming week will help you feel more prepared to handle it.

Don’t forget to plan all the fun stuff. Date night with “bae”, or movie night with the girls, add it to your calendar. I personally, would be lost without my planner. But, if you are not a pen and paper person like myself, make sure that you keep important dates and meetings in your calendar on your phone.

Meal prep for the week

Who wants to come home after a long, hard day of work only to have to try and figure out what you’re going to prepare for dinner? I didn’t think so. By simply prepping a few meals on Sunday evening, you’ll be able to come in and get dinner on the table in no time.

And I know that everyone is different: some people prefer to cook several meals at once and then freeze them, others like myself prefer to make out a weekly menu plan and then shop for meals on a weekly basis. Do what works for you and your household.

Make a to-do list

I love lists! I make a weekly to-do list for things that I specifically need to get done that week. After writing them all down, I check them off as I complete them. Trust me it works! If you don’t write things down, the chances of you forgetting them are inevitable.

Declutter

Take a little bit of time to declutter. Wash the dishes and put them away. Make sure that toys are put back into bins and remote controls and things like that are put in their proper place. Go through the piles of junk mail on your counter and toss as much of it as you can. Put those piles of laundry away sis! You’ll thank me later.
As you declutter find a home for everything that you are keeping and make sure you always put things back in the right spot.

Take some time to relax

Sunday evenings are for self-care. That’s my motto anyways. Read a good book, catch up with your bestie, take a long, hot bath, give yourself a facial, check out a movie — do whatever feels good to your soul, and allows you to start the week refreshed and fully prepared.

Go to bed early

Going to bed early on Sunday night allows you to wake up fully rested on Monday morning. It sounds like such a small thing, but it is not, my friends. I can’t tell you how many Mondays have been completely unproductive because I failed to get enough sleep the night before. By hitting the sack a few hours early on Sunday night, your body and mind will be ever so grateful.

When it comes to having a productive work week, the adage “A Sunday well spent brings a week of content” is one of the absolute best tips.

How do you like to prepare for the upcoming week?

Inspiration, Lifestyle

5 Ways To Stay On Track With Your New Years Resolutions

January 18, 2019 Lasonia 2 Comments

How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution and found that a couple of days, weeks or months into the year your good intentions seemed almost impossible to keep?

Trust me, my friend, you are not alone. No matter how good our intentions are, resolutions are simply hard to keep for the vast majority of us who set them.

Setting goals tend to be quite easy, but staying on top of them is a whole different ball game. This is something I know all too well. However, the new year can be a great opportunity to re-focus, set goals and get your life back on track.

“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
C. S. Lewis

Reflect over the previous year

One of our greatest opportunities for growth and change is in reflecting on the lessons of our past.

Take some time to reflect on the previous year. Certainly, there were some highs and some lows, but what were the major takeaways?

This type of reflection is important because it helps you to learn about yourself. It gives you the opportunity to analyze things that happened, how you reacted, and what, if anything, you might change in the future.

One of the best things that you can do is to look back on previous experiences – whether good or bad and to learn from them.

Create a master plan

After reflecting over the previous year, the next step in sticking to your resolutions is to decide what goals you want to achieve and determining what you actually need to do to achieve those goals.

When listing your goals, it is best to focus on one or two small goals as opposed to a long list. That way, you don’t spread yourself too thin.

Next you’ll want to list the necessary steps you should take in order to accomplish your goal. Writing down your goals, and having a clear plan of action is critical when it comes to knowing exactly what you want to achieve. It also helps you to know the exact steps you should take in order to get there.

As you achieve a goal, you’ll build your self-confidence, and

Remember that achieving your goals is the result of self discipline, not just hope.

Be willing to change

When you start to write out your resolutions or goals, you have to be willing to change in order to actually reach those goals. Otherwise, you won’t stick to them, my friend.

If you are doubtful or hesitant in any area, it may not be the best time for you to start working towards that specific goal. Give yourself some time, then revisit that goal at a later date.

You should also keep in mind that change is gradual. Like anything you’re working towards, you have to remember that it takes time for new routines and habits to feel normal.

Start small and work your way up. You will not have mastered each of your goals by January 31st. Be realistic with yourself and your goals, so that you not only follow through but that you adopt the new habits as part of your daily lifestyle going forward.

Reward yourself

To stay focused on your New Year’s resolutions and be motivated for the long haul, celebrate your successes. For every milestone, you achieve, reward yourself by doing something you love. It may be a sweet treat, a delicious meal from your favorite restaurant, or my personal favorite – online shopping.

The key is to reward yourself with something that will entice you to work hard without actually getting in the way of the goal itself.

Learn from your mistakes and adapt

You don’t ever have to wait for a new year in order to start new habits. You can reaffirm your goals and get back to work on achieving them anytime during the year.

If you fall off of the wagon, simply dust yourself off and hop back on. Missed a few days of working out? Did you smoke a cigarette after lunch? It’s no big deal. Figure out what triggered your setback so that you will know what to do differently in the future.

After a few weeks (or maybe even days), your motivation may start to dwindle. Find a source of inspiration to keep you going during the rough times. And remember, each day that you wake up, you’re given a fresh start.

Happy goal setting!

Inspiration

15 Bible Verses To Turn To When You Feel Like Giving Up

September 7, 2018 Lasonia 4 Comments

“Be still and KNOW that I AM God.”
Psalm 46:10

No matter how close your walk is with Christ, there are seasons in life that tend to be extremely hard. It is during those times that our faith tends to waver, and we feel like giving up.

But when life happens, and believe me it happens to the best of us, we can take comfort in the fact that though things may seem out of control, God is always in control of every circumstance we face.

It may be the loss of a job, a relationship, a sudden illness, or the death of a family member and suddenly the feeling of simply giving up seems to be the best thing to do, at least at that moment.

But, I have found that the best thing we can do when we are feeling down and out or overwhelmed is to turn to the One who offers us hope and strength so that we can continue on this journey called life.

Meditating on His word will give us the strength that we need to overcome any situation that we could ever face.

God is such a wonderful Father, and I am grateful that He gives us words of comfort and encouragement to strengthen us when we are at our lowest point.

Here are 15 of my favorite scriptures. These are simply a few of my go-to scriptures that I refer to when the trials and tribulations of life have gotten the best of me, and I feel like giving up.

These scriptures encourage me to keep going. I pray that they will encourage you as well.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. –Matthew 11:28

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – Galatians 6:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. – Romans 8:37

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10

What are some of your favorite bible verses?

Inspiration, Lifestyle, Self Care

25 Self Care Ideas To Incorporate Into Your Life

February 6, 2018 Lasonia 3 Comments

Self-care is oftentimes associated with selfish behavior. This type of mentality usually makes us feel guilty for even thinking about taking a break from our everyday lives to do something that, simply put, makes us feel better and improves our mental health.

We’re all familiar with the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup”, but how often do we actually take heed to those words? I, myself have been guilty of this. But I had to learn to make myself a priority. No matter how fancy the term “self-care” may sound, it is extremely crucial to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

When it comes to carving out the time to practice self-care, consider this: You probably don’t engage in it often enough, which in turn means that you are left feeling tired, run-down, and overwhelmed. Therefore, honey, it’s time to treat yo self!

“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”
Audre Lorde

25 Self Care Ideas

1. Turn off your phone for a few hours, and totally unplug.
2. Have a mini pamper session.
3. Go for a long walk, or run.
4. Start a gratitude journal. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day.
5. Indulge in some retail therapy.
6. Treat yourself to your favorite dessert.
7. Buy yourself some flowers.
8. Close your eyes and listen to some relaxing music.
9. Create a vision board for yourself.
10. Call someone you love and have a meaningful conversation.
11. Curl up on the couch or bed and read a good book.
12. Take a much-needed nap.
13. Plan a fun weekend for yourself and your partner.
14. Do something you love.
15. Sleep in on the weekend.
16. Spend some time in the sun.
17. Have a girls’ night in, and pop a few bottles.
18. Cuddle with your favorite person (or pet).
19. Engage in some aromatherapy. Burn your favorite candle or diffuse some essential oils.
20. Watch a stand-up comedy show, and laugh out loud.
21. Enjoy the outdoors. Sit on your porch or patio and just soak it all in.
22. Take a day off of work if needed.
23. Take several deep breaths. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
24. Journal. Get it all out on paper.
25. Lie in the grass and watch the clouds.
Lastly, don’t wait until you can “fit it into your schedule” to take some time for yourself. Start immediately, and make it a part of your regular routine. Trust me, my friend, you won’t regret it!

How do you practice self-care?

25 Self Care Ideas To Incorporate Into Your Life

Inspiration, Lifestyle

10 Motivational Quotes That Will Help Transform Your Day

January 25, 2018 Lasonia 1 Comment

I love a good quote. Motivational quotes have the ability to change how we feel about ourselves. An inspiring quote can sometimes be the very thing that helps you to make it through a tough day, or encourage you when you are feeling a bit down.

It’s amazing how a few simple, inspirational words can impact the way we feel.

I keep a list of motivational quotes in my travelers notebook, and I also keep several on my computer. When I am in need of a little motivation or a pick me up, I open up my notebook or computer and read them.

Here are ten of my favorite motivational quotes that I hope will encourage you as much as they encourage me.

1. Your only limit is you.

2. If you can change your mind, you can change your life.

10 Motivational Quotes That Will Help Transform Your Day

3. A goal without a plan is just a wish.

4. It always seems impossible until it’s done.

5. When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.

6. Life is like a camera. Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, take another shot.

7. There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.

8. When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

Lasonia B Graves