15 Ways to Take 15 Minutes for Yourself {Guest Post}
Author: Whitney Hollingshead
Do you feel like you never have any time for yourself? Is your to do list always growing in length? Are you exhausted all of the time? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you are in good company. Day to day life can be both exhausting and stressful! Before the stress leads to major physical, mental, and emotional consequences, it’s time to take some time for yourself.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. When your basic needs are met you are much more capable of meeting the needs of others. So make taking time for yourself a priority each day and set aside 15 minutes.
What can you do for yourself in those 15 minutes? Check out these suggestions:
1. Rest. 15 minutes may not be long enough to take a nap, but you can gain a lot from a 15 minute rest. Lay flat on your back on your bed. Keep your arms gently at your sides and do not cross your ankles. Close your eyes and think restful thoughts. If your mind is racing about all of the things you have to do when you get up again, focus strictly on breathing in and out.
2. Listen to five songs. Put your mp3 player on shuffle and listen to the first five songs that play. Allow yourself to really enjoy the music. Don’t do anything else while the music is playing.
3. Write in a journal. Grab your journal and write about anything you want. Recount a funny experience, record what you are grateful for, or compose a simple poem. If you don’t feel like writing, read older entries instead.
4. Sit in the sun. Take a chair out to the middle of your yard or sit on your front porch. Make sure you are sitting in direct sun and then do nothing. If you must do something, sip lemonade or water.
5. Take a hot shower. Since you most likely take a shower daily already, the key is to quickly wash and then spend the remaining time relaxing in the hot water. Just stop and let the water cascade over you for the remaining time. If the temperature of your shower is lacking, read up on these tips. You won’t get the same relaxing benefits with a cold shower.
6. Read one chapter in a book. Grab a book you’ve been wanting to read and head to the couch. Read one chapter and set the book aside. You don’t need to feel guilty about reading one chapter and you will most likely make time to read another chapter tomorrow too.
7. Talk to a friend on the phone. Call up a good friend just to chat. Catch up on each other’s lives and take time to laugh. Set a timer for 15 minutes before you make the call and when the time is up, tell your friend that you have to go.
8. Dance. Turn on some music and dance around your house. Dancing talent is not required.
9. Make something with your hands. Creating something with your hands can do wonders for your emotional health. Consider arranging fresh flowers, making cards, painting, sewing, wrapping a pretty gift, making origami, scrapbooking, or crafting. Choose something you enjoy and get a little creative.
10. Relax in the tub. This is different than taking a hot shower. Relaxing in the tub is not about getting cleaned up, rather it’s about pure relaxation. Light a scented candle in the bathroom, or use a scented plugin. Add bubbles to the water. Place the softest towel you own nearby to dry off when you are finished.
11. Eat your favorite healthy snack. Choose a snack that you know is good for you, but also tastes really good. Take time to savor the food instead of eating it on the go.
12. Go for a walk. If you can get out alone, walk without having a destination in mind. Don’t worry about your pace, just enjoy the stroll. If you have a baby, put them in a stroller and head out to tour your neighborhood.
13. Do a puzzle. You can choose from jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku puzzles, etc. Pick a type of puzzle that you find both enjoyable and relaxing. Set the timer for 15 minutes and work on the puzzle until the timer goes off. If you are using a digital format for your puzzle, be careful to not get distracted by other things like social media or the news.
14. Organize something. If you like having your movies in alphabetical order or enjoy color coding your closet, taking the time to get things back in shape will make you feel better. The key is to choose something that you want to organize. For example, take a few minutes to organize the photos on your computer or make your favorite seasonal shoes more easily accessible.
15. Get dolled up. Spend a little extra time on yourself. Put on a little extra makeup. Exfoliate some skin. Paint your nails. Add accessories to your outfit. Pick a process that makes you feel good. The key is to choose one or two extra things that you can accomplish in 15 minutes or less.
Think of yourself as having a battery just like your smartphone or tablet. When the battery runs down you have to plug the battery into a charger and wait until the battery is recharged. You need to treat yourself the same way. When your battery is running low, you won’t have the power to get things done. Find the suggestions above that really help you to recharge, or a use a few of your own. Remember that recharging your battery on a daily basis is crucial to extending your battery life.
Disclaimer: This Guest Post was written by someone other than the author of DeDivahDeals. The author of this post, has submitted their article to DeDivahDeals for the purpose of being published on this blog as a Guest Writer.
The long, hot, lazy days of summer are the perfect time to relax, and for women to take a few simple steps to improve their health. These warm weather health tips are easy and do not require a lot of effort. While you are lounging in the sun, with plenty of sunscreen on, you can also reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.
Image: Shutterstock
Summer is the Golden Period for Women to get Healthy These health tips are perfect for summer, and may even help you relax and enjoy the warm weather. Easy to implement into your daily routine, you might not even notice that you are taking the time to improve your general health.
1. Remember to enjoy summer berries. Blueberries, strawberries, along with raspberries and black berries are common during the warm summer months, and are a healthy treat that many women look forward to. Not only are these berries delicious, the summer fruits are also high in fiber and antioxidants. Studies are showing that berries can help reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, and can also help repair tissue damage. As an added bonus, berries can also help to lower high cholesterol levels and improve your overall health. Related Info: 11 Foods to eat When You Are Stressed
2. Reduce stress in the dirt. One of the biggest health risks that most women face is stress due to daily life, and summer is a golden opportunity for them to relax. Many experts recommend using this time to “play in the dirt”, and nothing can ease stress like planting a garden. Whether it is one green plant in a pot or a flower and vegetable garden, plunging your hands in the soil can reduce stress levels to improve your overall health. Along with helping you to relax, it is also a good way to get a little exercise in during the hot weather.
3. Enjoy the warm weather outside. After being cooped up indoors during the winter, summer is a golden period for women to get healthy outside. The fresh air can reduce stress and anxiety, and help to improve your overall mood. Enjoying the warm weather is also an excellent way to burn excess calories, though it is important to remember to stay hydrated. Walks and hikes, along with swimming and cycling can not only help you burn calories, it is also a great way to spend time with your family.
4. Don’t forget about oral hygiene. Brushing and especially flossing is not something that most women think about during the summer, but it is still important for good health. Ice cream and other frozen treats are common when it is hot outside, and the added sugar can be detrimental to your oral health. Along with remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, regular flossing can help keep your teeth strong and white.
5. Enjoy vacation time. Between work, family, and daily life, women often suffer from high levels of stress. Not only can this cause physical problems, but it can also affect a woman’s mental health. Summer is the perfect time of year for women to take a vacation. Whether you stay at home or go to a special destination, the most important aspect to remember is for women to take some time for themselves. Spending time relaxing can reduce high stress levels, which can have amazing benefits on women’s health. Along with improving heart health, the lower levels of cortisol in the body can also help reduce body fat.
6. Watch alcohol intake during the summer While the summer is a perfect time to relax with friends and family, and throw plenty of outdoor parties it is important to watch your alcoholic intake. Dehydration is always a concern during the summer, and alcohol beverages can increase a person’s risk of developing heat related complications. Even though you are supposed to take this time to relax and enjoy yourself, overindulging in alcohol can cause more health complications. Health care experts recommend avoiding hard liquor if you have to drink, and instead choose lighter beverages such as a watered down wine spritzer or a lite beer.
7. Get plenty of sleep. The most important thing a woman can do for her health during the summer is to get plenty of sleep. While the extra hours of daylight and general playful atmosphere might entice women to stay up later, this will only add to the already high levels of stress, giving sleep problems. Instead enjoy having the option of catching up on your sleep, along with seeing an improvement in your energy levels. Catching up on your sleep can not only improve your overall health, it can also help you look and feel younger.
Summary These simple tips will help women take advantage of the summertime to improve their health, while enjoying themselves. Easy to implement in your daily life these tips can help improve your overall health, along keep you young and energetic so you can truly enjoy your summer.
Author Bio Kelly Everson (@kellyeverson12) is an American author and MA in English literature. She is a health article writer who has written numerous articles/online journals on stretch marks, pregnancy, sleep disorders, female health and joint pain problems. She is also passionate about health, beauty and fitness. She is contributing to Consumer Health Digest from 2011. Examiner from 2013, Epochtimes & Healthline from 2014
Disclaimer: This Guest Post was written by someone other than the author of DeDivahDeals. The author of this post, has submitted their article to DeDivahDeals for the purpose of being published on this blog as a Guest Writer.
As we get closer to “Tax Day”, I wanted to repost this article to help you find additional deductions before you file this year’s tax returns.
Hello friends, if you make money from your blog and live in the United States, you have to claim that income on your tax return. Fortunately, there are many deductions you can take on your tax return as a blogger. PLEASE NOTE that it is always best to seek the advice of a tax professional to make sure you qualify for any and all deductions based on your individual tax situation.
The following list provided by Susan Gunelius will give you an idea of some blogging breaks/deductions that you should be aware of and consider as you prepare your tax return.
1. Internet-related Expenses
As a blogger, you may be able to deduct your internet-related investments and expenses. For example, consider deducting:
Hosting fees
Domain name registration fees
Internet access fees
Blogging software fees (for example, TypePad charges fees)
Many of the communications-related equipment and tools you use to run your blog could be deductible, including:
Second phone line for your business or fax machine
Fax machine
Cell phone calls
Long distance calls
Blackberry, iPhone, etc.
4. Office Equipment
Traditional office items could be deductible such as:
New desk
Chairs
Lights
File cabinets
5. Supplies and Stationery
Little supplies can add up quickly. Keep track of the receipts as these items could be deductible:
Business cards
Letterhead
Envelopes
Paper clips
Staplers and staples
Paper
Post-its
Folders
6. Advertising, Promotion and Design
Most bloggers invest something into design, advertising or promotion each year. Remember to deduct applicable expenses such as:
Blog design (custom blog, header, etc.)
Advertising design
Logo, letterhead, etc. design
Advertising placement
Contest prizes
Promotional giveaways (for example, imprinted pens, magnets, etc.)
Paid site submissions
Search engine optimization services
7. Travel and Entertainment
If you attend blogging conferences or meetings, you can most likely deduct those expenses :
Conference fees
Hotel charges while away on business related to your blog
Dining charges while away on business related to your blog
Entertainment for clients you take out related to your blog
Transportation (car, train, plane, etc.) when it relates to business for your blog
8. Professional Association Memberships and Periodicals
Many bloggers belong to professional associations related to the topic of their blog or to blogging, itself. Professional dues may be deductible. Similarly, periodicals and books that you purchase to help you learn and grow could be deductible, including:
Professional association dues
Books, magazines, online subscriptions
Professional website memberships
9. Office Space and Related Expenses
If you work out of your home to conduct your blogging business, you may be able to deduct the rent for your office space from your tax return. Alternatively, if you work from your home, you may be able to deduct a portion of your household bills as “rent” for that space (if you use that space solely to conduct your blogging business. Expenses in this category could include:
Rent
Electricity
Water
Natural gas
10. Miscellaneous Other Expenses
There are a multitude of little out-of-pocket expenses that you may be able to deduct as a blogger. Consider the following as you prepare your tax return:
Costs to re-use photos or images owned by another person or entity
Headshots used on your blog, website or marketing materials
Postage
Post office box (if you use one solely for your blogging business)
Safe deposit box (if you use one solely for your blogging business)
Fees for professional services such as a lawyer or accountant
Hello friends, yesterday’s Goodwill thrifting haul was very successful and I can’t wait to show you what I got, but here is a picture of a pair of cute, yet too small shoes that I didn’t get!
Do you remember my YouTube video in which I talked about disinfecting accessories, well in that video I failed to include a tip on how to remove odors from clothing.
As much as I try to avoid thrifting clothes that have an odor, sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially if it’s a must-have vintage piece. So today’s guest post from Edna Thomson gives us a few tips for removing odors from clothing whether they come from thrifting or from natural body fluids.
Having smelly clothes? You are not alone. We all experience this problem from time to time during hot summer days and sometimes all year long. Whether you like doing physical activity in the gym or you just sweat more than normal, your clothes can still be fresh using a couple of methods. Have a look.
Method 1: The Vinegar Solution
Start by putting the drain stopper on your sink. Fill the sink with clean water. Add two cups of vinegar and soak your clothes inside. Let sit for half an hour or so. When the time is up, toss the clothes into the washing machine and run a full cycle. Hopefully, your clothes will come out fresh and odor-free.
Another way to do this is to add vinegar directly to your laundry. Ideally, you will add ½ cup or ¼ cup vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the machine do the trick. Make it two cups if you want to deal with a heavy stink.
As you know, vinegar is a natural odor remover and there is no need to explain how effective it is.
Mind you that the vinegar should not be mixed with the detergent, mainly because it will neutralize its effect. Put simply, you should add the detergent separately of the vinegar. Note that the laundry won’t come out fresh as limes, no matter how hard you’re hoping it will. However, as it dries, the bad smell will go away eventually.
Method 2: The Baking Soda Solution
Prepare a solution of water and baking soda. Just add one cup of soda and fill the rest of the sink/container with water. Then soak your clothes for about half an hour. When the time has elapsed, do as in the previous method – put your laundry in the washing machine and wash as usual, adding the detergent you usually use.
The ingredients in the baking soda will help deal with bad odors. If you need more evidence about its efficiency, let me point out one thing. Baking soda is the main ingredient in many homemade deodorants, mainly because of its ability to absorb bad smells.
Both methods work well for smelly clothing. Whether you want to freshen your gear or your work clothes, it’s strictly a matter of personal preferences. Determine for you which of the two methods works better for you. This means that you may have to experiment before you can tell which is the most convenient.
Alternative Methods
But what if none of the methods works? Well, there are other options as well. Check this out:
There are a variety of specialty detergents which, added to the wash cycle, either along with the detergent or used separately, will make sure your clothes smell just fine when they dry. Search the stores for appropriate products and feel free to experiment. Just to name a few that may work for you, you can use Scent-A-Way, Tide Pus Febreze Sport, WIN, OdorKlenz, etc. Most of these cleaners not only remove bad odors, but also retain the color of the clothing and are used by many companies like TenancyCleaners W4.
Who knew that good old freezer can help you eliminate bad odors. It may sound crazy but putting your clothes in the freezer will actually deal with the bad smells. Of course, make sure you put them in a plastic bag to keep them from direct contact with the cold.
A natural method for dealing with the problem is to hang your clothes in the sunshine. Just make sure they are inside out. This is the greatest odor neutralizer that Mother Nature provides for us.
In addition to the regular detergent you use, you may want to add another solution to boost the former’s effect. For example, you can use Charlie’s Soap or borax.
Finally, make sure you use less detergent when washing your smelly clothes. Even though it seems illogical, it’s the best way to ensure that your stinky wash comes out odor-free. Using lots of detergent will cause build up in the fabric, which will prevent the product to work its magic.
Disclaimer: This Guest Post was written by someone other than the author of DeDivahDeals. The author of this post, has submitted their article to DeDivahDeals for the purpose of being published on this blog as a Guest Writer.
Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world. If you saw my Instagram video Sunday then you’d know that I celebrated my 3rd Blovgoversary but had totally forgotten about it, well not totally…just forgot to do something special for it, but since it was Palm Sunday, I’m sure no one would have read a post anyway.
Anywho, I couldn’t let this milestone event go by without at least saying “THANK YOU” to all of my beautiful blog and social media followers as well as to my YouTube subscribers. I have so many great plans for the future that I know with the grace of God they will come to a successful fruition and I trust you guys will be cheering me on along the way.
Now on to the Giveaway, in this recycled box I have packed in some Walmart jewelry, Sally Hansen nailwear,Avon beauty products and a few other goodies but I will not reveal it’s entire contents because I want the winner to be totally surprised! I will however, give you one sneak peek…
You can enter for a chance to win by answering this question : “What was your favorite post on DeDivahDeals.com? and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
This Rafflecopter giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at midnight on Saturday, April 11th.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter whether or you work in an office or at home, there are times when you hit a slump and feel the need for an afternoon pick-me-up. I try to remember to pack a piece of fruit or keep peanut butter crackers in my desk but if you work in a building with vending machines you may be tempted to slip in a dollar or your credit/debit card for a small bag of air chips or a chocolate bar.
For the longest time, I have watched vloggers and read blog posts featuring food subscription boxes so I’ve finally taken the plunge and signed up with one. A few weeks ago, I signed up for Graze.com, a snack subscription box that has a variety of over ninety tasty snacks including nuts, seeds, juicy dried fruits, tasty crackers, dips and dippers, and natural treats.
The box I ordered contained 4 savory treats at a cost of $6.99 plus free shipping and the packaging size and contents were perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. After you have received and tried the products you can go online to alter the box size, delivery frequency and dates as well as update your preferences. You can rate the foods with a like, love, trash or even check others as a try, then Graze will put together the box based on these ratings ensuring you always receive the foods you like.
Fruity Mango Chutney with Black Pepper Dippers
Punchy Protein Nuts
Salt & Vinegar Almonds and Peanuts
Spicy Sriracha Peas witj Jumbo Corn Graze
After signing up with Graze.com, you’ll automatically receive a box every week or every two weeks depending on where you are located or your preference and you can cancel at any time.
I like spicy snack so I chose the “Savory Box” Spicy Sriracha Peas with Jumbo Corn, Punchy Protein Nuts, Salt & Vinegar Nuts and Fruity Mango Chutney with Black Pepper Dippers which was my absolute favorite!
Click here to view the short unboxing video of my first Graze.com box then go online at *Graze.comand let me know which box you would choose.
*Contains affiliate links which will earn me Reward points if you place an order.
You’re not you when you’re hungry and SNICKERS® is here to help! Have you ever had a time when you realized that you were hungry…. and grumpy? Not feeling like yourself? A little out of sorts?
Maybe you need a SNICKERS®. Head on over to the SNICKERS® Facebook page and check out the Hunger Handler App. You can take a quiz and figure out which SNICKERS® is right for you. You’ll also receive a buy one, get one free coupon for any SNICKERS® variant.
Don’t delay, the coupon is live April 1stand only good until supplies last.
