How to stay motivated During Quarantine?

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As the coronavirus quarantine continues, it is challenging to maintain enthusiasm to work, especially if you are one of those people working from home. Weeks of working and living in one spot can greatly affect your productivity. It takes some few changes for you to be motivated and productive during this period:

1. To do list: This will help you change up your routine and plan what you want to achieve before the end of the day. Having a routine has made me more productive and motivated. Your to-do list does not have to compose of work. It can also include hobbies such as reading a book.
2. Setting the alarm: This has worked for me. I wake up at the same time every day. Working from home is not easy, and you can be tempted to snooze the alarm. To avoid snoozing the alarm, I place my phone away from the bed. Waking up at the same time every day will also enable your body to maintain the same sleeping cycle. This means that you will not be left feeling tired.
3. Separate home from work: This can seem a bit challenging since work and home are in the same spot. One of the ways to separate work from home is by having a separate room as an office. It does not have to be a home office. It can even be your bedroom once you start working in a room more frequently you will find that you enjoy yourself in that room and you will be able to think about work.
4. Take social media breaks: Social media is good for catching up with friends and family. However, it can be time consuming and de-motivator. Please do whatever you can to keep yourself off it.
5. Exercise: Keep yourself healthy by exercising at least three times every week. You can look for videos on YouTube. Something as simple as riding a bike or taking a walk can help you stay energized.
6. Self-care: From time to time, it is good to pamper yourself. It would help if you always had time at the end of the day to focus on yourself. Simple things such as doing your skincare routine, bubble bath, video games, and Netflix will help you feel relaxed and happy.

Follow your dream

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Have you ever worked at a place that you were not happy? Or Afraid of moving out of your comfort zone? This article is for you.

Everyone will tell you ”Follow your dream”. But not everyone does it. Life interjects bills, and sometimes we have to go to the job that we do not like to make ends meet. One of the reasons why you should follow your dream is that it gives you purpose and focus. Your dream can be becoming a lawyer, doctor, or the President of the United States. Your dream can also be looking for a way to travel more. Whatever it is, if it is so important to you and does not cause harm or injury to other people, go ahead and pursue it.

Some of the steps that you can take in order to make your dream a reality is to:

• Have a clear vision of what you want.
• Look for people who are doing what you want to do. This will help you in your personal journey.
• Find out what it will take for you to get there.
• Set both large and small goals and track progress.
• Prepare yourself mentally and physically for setbacks.

Remember, no dream is dead unless you quit. One of the common dream killers is laziness. Having a negative attitude that it is too much work. There will always be more than a thousand reasons to quit. Always remember that as long as you are headed in the right direction, you are successful. Following your dream means putting in the work, being consistent, and persistent. Nobody ever achieved their dreams through wishing. Everyone was created with unique abilities and talents to achieve that purpose. God plants that desire in your heart.

Why it is important to admit your toxic traits?

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Most of the articles talk about eliminating toxic people in your life. In reality, this advice helps. We only live once, therefore, subjecting ourselves to toxicity can be very harmful. It is not enough to remove the toxic people in our lives. We also need to be true to ourselves concerning our own toxic tendencies. It is important to understand your toxic behaviors and believe that it is possible to change those behaviors.

Some of the toxic behaviors can include selfishness, being controlling, abusive, and manipulative behavior.
Sometimes it is not what you say but how you say it. Sometimes it is your attitude that is toxic or how you treat other people. Toxicity is not always obvious; it is how you make other people feel. It is difficult to admit when you are the problem. It is hard to admit that you get more out of a relationship than you give. One of the biggest signs of maturity is self-realization. Instead of saying what other ways other people offended, you learn to admit the mistakes that you did.

Most of the time, you will ask someone about their ex, and all they see is what they did that made the relationship not to work. Sometimes we get defensive instead of owning up to our mistakes and apologizing. It is important to note that just because you are not toxic to your friends and spouse does not mean that you are not toxic to your co-workers. One important lesson that I have learned is that we need to admit our toxic traits and mistakes. We also need to work on changing our mindset.

Slave of overthinking

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I have been a slave of overthinking. I can not stop thinking about how life would have been better if I did things differently. I get so lost in my thoughts. Some of the thoughts are positive, and others are negative. It’s like I am having a conversation with myself: the what-if and maybe thoughts. On the outside, I feel calm but on the inside, I am undergoing millions of feelings. The only time that I am at peace is when I am writing or listening to music. Music and games distract me and make me feel so happy for a moment. I could sit and think for the whole day, not realizing that time is going. Sometimes I get emotional.

This topic is so dear to my heart, but I decided to share my struggles with the world. I think that we should all be kind to one another because everyone is fighting a demon that you have no idea about. It could be an addiction. Instead of making people feel pathetic about their life, it will not cost you anything to be nice. I have come across people who are rude to others, and I always ask myself does this person thinks that tearing someone else down will make their candle burn brighter.

Why attraction fades away?

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We are all different. Some of the couples who have been together for years can have a strong attraction that they had when they first met. The rush of attraction is what makes the relationship blossom. The continuity of attraction is what makes the relation keep going. In some instances, this is not the case. Sometimes when the attraction is at its peak, it begins to fade. This can happen overnight or after a couple of years. 

How does attraction grow? 

Attraction involves a lot of factors. Some of the factors we do not have control over. The attraction is entirely out of your hands and it occurs without any warning. Attraction grows and flourishes through continuous encouragement. It also grows with time efforts and attention. When two individuals decide to devote their time and lives to one another attraction can flourish with care. Simple things such as checking up on one another and supporting one another can increase the attraction. 

When attraction fades?

Attraction fades when you focus on the flaws of the other person. When you think of the negative experiences that you have had with someone. Dwelling on the negative experiences that you have had together. Other ways that attraction can fade unintentionally include resentment, distraction, and fatigue. Attracting fading can be frustrating. However, this doesn’t mean that it is the end. 

Losing attraction to your spouse can be frightening. You may feel confused and angry. You can become eager to recapture and reconnect what you had. Loss of attraction can also result in you two going your separate ways. If the attraction has faded you can try to reconnect. Other ways that attraction can fade include lack of communication, distance as well as change in behavior. 

4 Ways to relax when you feel overwhelmed

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It is essential to balance both work life and home life. Overwhelmed with family responsibilities, work and health issues are culprits that can lead to anxiety and stress which manifests differently in each and every one of us. Some of us are becoming better at identifying what can trigger us to feel these. It is important to know when to detach yourself from work so that you can enjoy relaxation.

I have been a victim of overworking and not knowing when to stop working. Working from home can be overwhelming. I have found myself sleeping past midnight working on a project. This year one of my resolutions was coming up with a schedule and giving myself a break when I feel that I need to. Little things such as taking a long shower help me relax. I have also come up with a self-care routine.

Here are 4 ways you can relax after a stressful day both mentally and physical

1. Take a walk

One of my favorite ways to relax is to take a nature walk. You get to enjoy the fresh air and this can be very peaceful and therapeutic. Walking with your friends can be a nice way to find social support. Walking alone will give you time to reflect, reframe and return with a more optimistic mindset.

2. Take a bubble bath

When I need to be alone and relax I take a bubble bath or long showers. I also love listening to music. Music is a good way to connect with your emotions. Tune in some music that helps you relax and feel good.

3. Journal

One of the great ways to release negative thoughts is through journaling. I love writing down my frustrations and thoughts. This method has worked for me. Writing down what you feel at that moment will help you to process your feelings.

4. Watching movies

Watching movies are a great way of getting your mind off reality. When I am stressed I tend to watch comedy movies on Netflix.

It is essential to make time for yourself so that you can recharge. Once you have calmed down, you will be in a better position to address the issues that you are facing.

How to enjoy your own company.

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Some people do not like to be alone while others are contented with spending time in their own company. There is no right or wrong. However, you may find that people who enjoy their own company are more confident and satisfied with life. Even though things don’t go as planned and people leave, you will always have you. So love and cherish yourself first because that is who you will be spending the rest of your life with. The relationship that we have with ourselves is one that we should cherish.  

We are often occupied with work, friends, and family that we do not get to spend much time alone. As a result, most individuals feel awkward when they are alone since they do not understand who they are. If we can take time to know ourselves then we can get a deeper understanding of who we truly are. We can also learn to love who we are. When we are constantly surrounded by people it is quite challenging to tap into our higher selves.

Ways that you can enjoy being alone

1. Understand that you are good enough by yourself

It is important to value yourself. Speak positively about yourself. Remember you do not need approval from anyone else. When you are alone always remind yourself that you choose to be alone.

2. Learn how to talk to yourself

Every person has an inner voice that talks to them at all hours of all day. Getting to understand that inner voice is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself. The way to talk to yourself when no one else is around will shape who you are in this world more than anything else.

3. Avoid mindless consumption

When you are alone you have an incredible opportunity to think clearly about your life and the direction that you want to take Are you happy and fulfilled? What would you like to achieve? These are some of the questions that you ask yourself when you are alone.

4. Look for fun activities to do

Go to the movie alone. Have a great dinner by yourself. Take yourself on dates and learn to treat yourself well. This can be awkward at first since you are used to going out with others. However, do not try to hide away from the discomfort accept it. In order to enjoy things with others, you have to learn to enjoy them alone first.

From the day you are born to the day that you die the one person that is going to be with you through thick and thin is you. If you do not love yourself and treat yourself well, you will spend the rest of your life drowning in your own toxicity. How you treat yourself affects how other people will treat you. If you do not love yourself and find yourself unworthy you allow yourself to settle for less than you deserve. People will get away with treating you badly since you do not realize that you deserve to be treated better and loved beyond.

Toxic relationship habits that people think are normal

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A toxic relationship is any relationship between two people who do not support each other, and when there is a conflict one person seems to undermine the other. Well, every relationship has its ups and downs. Toxic relationships are draining and unpleasant to a point that the negative moments outweigh the positive moments. The relationship can be mental, emotional and physically draining to the partners. 

People who harm or undermine their spouse whether intentionally or not often have a reason for their behaviour. Some of the reasons include unloving upbringing, unsupportive upbringing or they were involved in a toxic relationship when they were children or romantically. They could have also been bullied in school. They may also be suffering from a mental disorder such as anxiety and depression. 

Here are some of the habits in a relationship that couples think are healthy and normal but they are toxic and harmful: 

1. When someone that you are dating keeps blaming you for your past mistakes. To the extent where the relationship devolves into a battle to see who screwed up the most in the past months or years. Therefore, who is most indebted to the other. 

Why is it toxic?

This habit is toxic since you are deflecting from the current issue by focusing on past mistakes. Your partner may also tend to use your previous wrongs to manipulate you into feeling bad in the present. If this habit goes on for a very long time, more energy will be spent on that you are less capable than the other rather than solving the current problem. 

2. Instead of saying what is pissing you off, you look for small and petty ways to piss your spouse off. So you will then feel justified in complaining to them. They become passively aggressive. 

Why is it toxic? 

It shows that you two are not comfortable communicating with each other openly. An individual should not be passive-aggressive if they feel safe to express their anger, fears and insecurity in the relationship. 

3. When an individual has a complaint and blackmails the other person by threatening the commitment of the relationship as a whole. 

Why is it toxic?

Threatening and blackmailing your partner can result in a ton of unnecessary drama. Both people need to know that negative thoughts and feeling can be communicated safely without threatening the future of the entire relationship. 

Ending a relationship especially the one that you love being in is not easy. However, it is important to know the difference between a toxic relationship and a relationship that needs a little bit of work. 

Using the power of positive thinking to transform your life

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Positive thinking is an emotional and mental attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects a positive outcome. A person with a positive mindset believes that they can accomplish anything that they put their mind on. He or she can overcome any obstacle and difficulty. Positive thinking is not a concept that everyone believes or follows. Some people consider it nonsense. 

Why is it difficult to think positively?

Humans pay more attention to dark emotions such as sadness, pain, anger and disappointments than we do to great feelings such as contentment, joy, happiness, and gratitude. Good news tends to expire while bad news tends to stick with us. Negativity is addictive.  If the negative thoughts are repetitive our brain will connect synapses that were not previously stimulated to associate those thoughts with other behaviors and turn them into habits 

For instance, if you work at a coffee shop and you do not like your job with the time you may start to despite the smell of coffee. 

How positive thinking affects our day to day activities?

With a positive attitude, we experience happy and pleasant feelings. This brings more happiness and energy. Even our physical fitness and health are affected by beneficially. We feel more confident about ourselves. We walk tall and our voices are more powerful. Both positive thinking and negative thinking are contagious. 

Positive thinking words and phases

Add optimistic, encouraging, motivating and helpful words during a conversation. While speaking try to use these words to drive away negative thoughts. This way you can change your mindset from negative to positive. 

List of words:

Happy, satisfied, successful, motivated, attractive, beautiful, helpful, constructive, inspirational, motivated, kind, charming and patient. 

List of phrases 

I can this

It is possible 

I can and will accomplish my goal

I am beautiful 

It is within my reach 

Some of the ways that you can change your way of thinking are through:

1. Ignoring what other people say about you and speak positively about yourself. 
2. Smile more since it helps to think positively. 
3. Once a negative thought is in your mind. You need to be aware of it and replace it with a constructive one. 
4. It does not matter what situation you are in think positively. 
5. Another method is the repetition of affirmation.  

Unlocking new levels in your life

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One thing that worked to get you to one level will not work to get you to the next level. Every phase in your life will require a different you. It is essential to acknowledge where you are in life right now. Some of the habits that you will need to acquire include waking up early. Getting up early gives you a kick start to your day. Besides allowing you more hours to work it will also boost your energy. I always ensure that I am up by 6 am. I spend the first few minutes planning my day in my journal. Writing a to-do list is very beneficial since you get to prioritize your work. I also love exercising in the morning and planning for my meals.

Here are the steps you can take to unlock new levels in your life 

1. Consistency 

If you are persistent you will get it but if you are consistent you will keep it. Consistency builds momentum and routines. It also forms habits. For you to achieve your goal you will require consistent efforts. If you lack consistency and focus you might fall back into old habits or lose interest.

2. Limit the time spent on social media platforms

I have been a social media addict in the past. I used to wake up and before I could even think about what my plan is for the day. I could start scrolling my phone. I one day decided to monitor the amount of time that I spend on social media and shockingly I spent more than six hours a day on my phone. I decided to delete some of the apps from my phone and it is amazing what I get done at that time. Try and set a tech time. Condense the social media platform into one block and download an app like Moment on your phone to become aware of the media consumption habits.

3. Wake up early 

Waking up early should not be something that you follow irregularly but it needs to be established as a routine in your life. If you wake up at 9 am and decide that tomorrow you will wake up at 5 am you are setting yourself up for failure. Try and wake up 15 minutes earlier each day. Within a week you will be waking up two hours earlier. Try to go to bed earlier than you normally would.

4. Routine

Most people reject routine since they would rather be adventurous and go with the flow and keep their schedule open-ended. However, there is something to be said about keeping a routine: it improves the overall well-being, productivity, and health. 

How you wake up every day and your morning routine affects your level of success in every single area in life.