Self-Care Hacks: Recent Episodes
Anita Ojeda
Overwhelmed? Listen to Self-Care Hacks, a short podcast with actionable steps you can take today to overcome the overwhelm.
It’s so easy to resort to faulty thinking when it comes to our physical appearance. What I discovered about my calves shocked me.
Do You Suffer From Faulty Thinking?“Don’t you remember when the Roman soldiers came to the door?” I asked my older sister about thirty years ago.
“What?! Roman soldiers? What in the world are you talking about?” she answered.
“You know,” I said, speaking more slowly, wondering at my memory, “Mom would turn the lights off, shut the curtains, and we’d have to be really quiet so the Roman soldiers wouldn’t arrest us.”
My sister burst into laughter. “I remember nap time each afternoon, and Mom turning the lights off and closing the curtains so we’d fall asleep more easily.”
“No,” I insisted. “I distinctly remember knocking at the door, peeking out the window, and seeing Roman soldiers.”
“That’s some crazy faulty thinking,” my sister assured me. The Jehova’s Witnesses or Mormon missionaries would come by every couple of weeks, and Mom always ignored them.”
“Why did I see Roman soldiers?” I wondered.
“Mom always played the Bible in Living Sound records during our nap time,” my sister reminded me. “You must have confused the missionaries at the door with the records.”
I still shake my head at the convoluted thinking five-year-old mind came up with. Not just faulty thinking, but faulty interpretations of events. Even worse, I waited over 20 years to share my ‘memory’ with anyone. For some reason, I thought I had to keep it a secret. Most likely because we were supposed to stay quiet during nap time.
The Lies We Believe About OurselvesBut how often do we have faulty thinking in other, not-so-amusing areas of our lives? I can attest to how easily I fall prey to cognitive distortions in my life. The devil likes to present distortions as the truth in areas we feel most vulnerable. For me, it’s my weight and my overall appearance. For others, it might be something else.
In order to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally, we need to learn about faulty thinking, also known as cognitive distortions. It’s also helpful to understand the role of emotions in our lives.
Listen to today’s podcast and let me know in the comments section if you’ve ever fallen prey to any of the ten distortions. How have those distortions prevented you from living your best life?
If your struggle with faulty thinking has led you to depression, seek professional help immediately!
Show NotesThis book by Dr. David Burns is easy to read and full of ways to deal with our cognitive distortions: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy.
Come Back Next WeekNext week I’ll share what I’ve learned about the role of doing brave things in order to take care of myself.
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We all need spiritual self-care routines, whether we realize it or not! I’ll share a handy acronym to help you set new goals and habits.
Who Needs Spiritual Self-Care?“Who wants to give their life to Jesus?” the pastor’s piercing eyes searched the congregation.
I sat paralyzed on the front pew. My hand wanted to shoot up in the air; I had questions. For example, if I gave my life to Jesus, would I have to become a missionary? What if some African chief offered me meat? Would I have to eat it? Did God want me to dedicate myself to martyrdom at the tender age of five?
If I gave my life to Jesus, would I enter into a constant round of doing things for the church? What if I had to stand up front and preach? Would I have to serve at potlucks while watching everyone else eat my favorite things?
It seemed as if the adults in the pews around me spent a lot of time doing God’s work. Would making a decision to follow Jesus launch me straight into adulthood?
I grew up thinking busyness for God meant spiritual self-care. If I taught classes to the youngsters, faithfully went to prayer meetings, vespers, church, and evening programs, I must be doing what God wanted, right?
Wrong. It took me a few decades to realize it’s not what I do for God that matters. It’s what God does for me.
“All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”
Luke 10:20 The Message
Don’t Confuse Busyness with RelationshipSpiritual self-care means we enter into a life-long relationship with Creator God. We don’t have to follow a church’s formula or a set of rules. But we do have to take time to nurture our relationship. In today’s podcast, I’ll share four ways you can work on your spiritual self-care (without signing up for potluck duty or preaching a sermon).
Show NotesDownload your FREE spiritual self-care printable here!
Check out Michelle DeRusha’s book here, or listen to an interview with her here.
You might enjoy this series on rest.
https://anitaojeda.com/finding-sabbath-rest-for-your-brain-in-a-restless-world/https://anitaojeda.com/the-connection-between-creativity-and-sabbath-rest/https://anitaojeda.com/how-playfulness-and-adventure-help-you-find-sabbath-rest/https://anitaojeda.com/the-key-to-finding-true-sabbath-rest/Come Back Next Week Next week, I’ll share the surprising thing I’ve learned about distortions.
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You CAN improve your physical health, but the latest diet probably won’t help you. This checklist will.
It’s NOT Impossible to Improve Your Physical HealthMy health journey has lasted almost half of my life. I’m glad to report I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in my entire life. Not bad for an old gal approaching 60! In the past thirty years, I’ve discovered magic pills to improve your physical health don’t exist. But you CAN improve your physical health, one small choice at a time.
Everyone has a unique struggle, and no one-size-fits-all regimen, routine, diet, or program will work for everyone. The magic pill isn’t even a pill. It’s self-knowledge. The better we understand ourselves, the better we’ll understand where we need help (from a friend or a professional). When we feel comfortable in our own skin and analyze what we like and don’t like, it’s easier to choose help wisely.
I don’t like exercising on a regular basis with other people. It took thousands of dollars in gym memberships to figure it out. A treadmill, the iFit app, and a stationary bike cost less than a year at the gym, and I actually use them. Someone else may need the interaction of a community. Today’s self-care hacks to improve physical health include a free checklist.
It’s not the kind of checklist where someone else decides what you need to do. Instead, you get to explore your likes and dislikes and motivations. Start small, but start. Your body will thank you. All the people who love you and want to see you live a long and happy life will thank you.
Download the FREE Self-care Checklist for Health
Show NotesThis article on fitness trackers may help you decide which one to purchase.
You can find healthy (er) vegan and vegetarian recipes here.
The experts weigh in on how much exercise we need each week here.
Do you really need to walk 10,000 steps a day? It depends!
Come Back Next WeekNext week I’ll share four self-care hacks to improve your spiritual self-care routines.
Inspire Me Monday Link-Up* Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time. * Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please). * Visit the person who links up BOTH before you and after you and leave a comment. This helps keep our community vibrant!
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How is YOUR brain holding out? Just because we get older doesn’t mean we have to get dumber. This free checklist will help you form a plan.
Is Your Brain Holding Out Over the Summer?“The computer program thinks you should gain one RIT point between now and next September,” I explained to a student. “What goal would you like to set for yourself for the MAP test in September?”
“I think I can go up three or four points,” the student assured me.
“Do you plan on reading books all summer and playing Free Rice?”
The look of horror on his face said it all.
“Remember, the brain is a muscle; if you don’t use it, you lose it,” I said. “If you don’t plan on reading and playing educational games this summer, why don’t you go with the computer’s suggestion for growth.”
“You mean I’ll get dumber over the summer?”
“First, you’re not dumb, so you can’t ‘get dumber.’ But yes, you can lose learning over the summer because you’re not practicing what you learned. Teachers call it the ‘summer slide.'”
“And if I read books, it won’t happen?”
“Not as much,” I assured him. “If you want to keep your brain holding out over the next two months, you’ll need to do a little reading and math each day.”
“Imma not promising anything,” he told me, “but I might pick up a book.”
I smiled and wrote his goal for next fall on my spreadsheet. Maybe he would; maybe he wouldn’t. I’ve discovered the same thing happens to adults when they quit actively learning.
Today’s podcast will help you identify four ways to create a life-long learning habit.
Show NotesSome studies have also shown that learning new skills (especially those involving speed and processing) can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Reviewing helps us move information from our short-term memory to our long-term memory, according to an article on Mind Tools.
The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature
Set a goal for the year to create something—and then use the handy habit-tracking sheet to help make your goal a reality.G
Get your FREE academic and artistic self-care checklist here.
A person will never get too old to learn something new. #lifelonglearner #selfcarechecklist
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Come Back Next Week!Next week I’ll share five self-care hacks for improving your physical self-care routine, along with another FREE checklist!
Learn to focus on what YOU need with this FREE mental health checklist!
Get a FREE Mental Health Checklist!I love checklists and marking things off. In fact, I may forget to make a to-do list at times, and write down things I’ve already done just for the satisfaction of checking the box next to them. I hope I’m not alone. Not everyone loves checklists, though, and I understand. If you operate more efficiently by keeping a mental list in your head, today’s podcast episode can still help you.
I’ve come up with a handy acronym to help you remember four essential ways we can foster good mental health habits. Even if you don’t think you need to have a mental health checklist, and doubt whether you need to spend time each week fostering good mental health, listen anyway. You may already do all of things on the checklist, and then you can pat yourself on the back because you have learned how to focus on what YOU need.
I’d love to hear how other people incorporate good mental health habits into their daily lives, so leave a comment in the show notes if you have a hack you want to share with others!
Show NotesResearchers have discovered that talking to yourself and using your name (third-person) actually helps you maintain a positive attitude about messing up
This article from Psychology Today explains the benefits of smiling.
You can check out this article on WebMD to assess whether you need more mental health help.
If you need help forming an action plan and an after-action review, this post will help you.
f you’d like a free printable self-care checklist for mental health habits, just click here. It comes with instructions and takes about 15 minutes to complete at the start of each week.
This Mental Health Checklist is FREE! And #mentalhealthawarenessmonth is a great time to evaluate your mental health habits. #selfcare #mentalhealth
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You know you need to take care of yourself, now you’re wondering how to fit self-care goals into your daily routines. Here’s how!
CAN You Fit Self-Care Goals Into Your Busy Life?During my younger years, I had a vague sense I needed to eat healthfully, exercise, and spend time with God. Forty or fifty years ago, no one talked about self-care or setting self-care goals. I also heard vague numbers for how long I should exercise each day and spend in prayer. For both of those, experts seemed to agree 60 minutes a day should suffice. Who has time for that when you work full-time and have a young family to care for? I did what I could.
For the first thirty years of my life, I got away with exercising occasionally, eating just about whatever I wanted, and spending time with God most days. But when Pedro got non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with central nervous system involvement in our mid-thirties, the fallacy of my casual attitude about self-care caught up with me. I gained 60 pounds, suffered from depression (after Pedro’s miraculous recovery), and suffered from random health problems that took twenty years to figure out.
In today’s podcast episode, I’ll share what I’ve learned about setting self-care goals over the past twenty years. You don’t have to set huge goals, but you do need to form small habits. Sure, you can get away with not caring for yourself for years, decades, even. But if you set self-care goals, you’ll discover you have more energy, better health, and healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Show NotesYou can find research on how long it takes to form a habit here.
You can download a free self-care checklist here.
Come Back Next WeekNext week we’ll get a head start on mental health month!
Inspire Me Monday Link-Up* Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time. * Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please). * Visit the person who links up BOTH before you and after you and leave a comment. This helps keep our community vibrant!
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Do you belong to a cult? Chances are, you don’t. But you might get sucked into one without even realizing it. Six things to consider when analyzing the groups you belong to.
Do You Belong to a Cult?I remember picking up a book on sects and cults as a teenager and the shock I felt when I discovered the author classified the denomination I belonged to as a cult. I knew I didn’t belong to a cult (only stupid people got suckered into cults, right?). No one stood up front and harangued me to give more money or move into a communal farm in the middle of nowhere. No one shaved their heads, wore orange robes, or passed laws against wearing clothes in the park. Nope. I didn’t belong to a cult.
But the word cult has a broader meaning than most of us imagine. According to Stephen Hassan, cults fall on a spectrum. Many groups have cultish tendencies (Swifties and Pelaton owners come to mind). But not all cult leaders turn into Jim Jones or Adolf Hitler.
No one wakes up one day and says, “Hey, I need to join a cult.” But it would behoove each of us to examine our group memberships periodically to ensure we don’t get sucked into a destructive cult without realizing it (not all cults require communal living).
News is No Longer Impartial Facts When I think of some of the cult-like behavior I see today in the United States, I’m shocked by how the media (both social and so-called news) seems to support cults. I haven’t watched the news regularly for a quarter of a century, but I recently stayed with a sweet family that religiously watched the evening ‘news.’ The commentators and newscasters seemed intent on polarizing the country with one of the classic cult objectives (instill an ‘Us versus Them’ attitude in followers). What I saw on the evening ‘news’ made me fear for my country, my neighbors, and my freedom.
I challenge you to listen to today’s podcast and spend some time analyzing the groups you belong to. Maybe you belong to a cult and didn’t even know it!
Show NotesThese books might interest you.
Do you belong to a cult and don't even know it? #cult #cultish #selfcare
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Come Back Next WeekNext week we’ll tackle how to fit self-care into our busy lives.
Inspire Me Monday Link-Up* Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time. * Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please). * Visit the person who links up BOTH before you and after you and leave a comment. This helps keep our community vibrant!
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Have you ever wonder if there was anything you could do to stop a verbal attack or diffuse a tense situation? I’ll share six actions you can take in today’s episode of Self-Care Hacks.
Is there Anything YOU Can Do to Stop a Verbal Attack?“Where’s Mr. Ojeda?” Jennifer, a second-grade girl, asked me.
“He’s in a meeting,” I told her. She wandered away but came back a few minutes later.
“Is Mr. Ojeda here?”
“Not yet,” I told her. “What did you need?”
“Can you tell him Penny coughed in my face!”
I tried not to laugh. There’s a reason I don’t teach elementary school. “Oh.” I said. “Did she do it on purpose?”
“Yes. She coughed in my face on purpose.”
“What did you say to her?”
“I told her it makes me sad when she coughs in my face.”
“It sounds like you did the right thing,” I assured her, hoping the tattling incident was resolved. It wasn’t.
“But she did it on purpose!” Jennifer said.
“Does she have COVID?”
Jennifer shook her head.
“Then what does it really matter?”
She looked at me, startled, then walked away.
An Approach I Never ConsideredLater, when Pedro had his meal and sat beside me, Jennifer returned.
“Mr. Ojeda, Rachel stepped on my foot in line.”
“That must have hurt,” Pedro said.
“It really hurt,” Jennifer agreed. “She did it on purpose.”
“Here’s what I want you to do the next time Rachel steps on your foot. I want you to turn to her and say, ‘I love you.’ Then, walk away.”
Jennifer looked skeptical.
“Can you do that?” Pedro asked.
“I guess.” Jennifer shrugged and walked off.
What would happen if we all took Pedro’s advice when someone offended us? We have the example of a man on the cross for how to treat those who revile and hate us.
But when we witness someone else under a verbal attack, what actions can we take? We don’t have to stand helplessly by. We CAN take action to show our ‘I love you’ to the person under attack. Bullies flourish when no one stands up to them.
This episode covers what to do with random verbal attacks or racial slurs you might witness. Domestic violence is a different story. Never be afraid to dial 9-1-1. I did so immediately when I felt isolated (jogging on a country road) and saw verbal assault (a woman walking on the other side of the road and a man harassing her with his pickup and his words).
Show NotesYou can find more tips on stopping a racist attack here.
Psychology Today has a great article on the bystander effect.
The Christian’s response to racism.
Come Back Next WeekHave you ever thought to yourself, “I’D never join a cult?” Me, too. But we might be closer than we think.
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You may do challenging things, but how are you at loving outside your comfort zone?
Don’t Live Outside Your Comfort Zone, Love Outside Your Comfort Zone!“I don’t know if I can do this,” one of the ladies in our group said.
“Take your time,” the guide assured her, “I know you’re outside your comfort zone.”
We stood at the top of a waterfall that plunged 120 feet to the ground. Our goal? Rappel over the edge.
“Aren’t you scared?” Pedro asked.
“Not really,” I answered. “I did this on a backpacking trip as a kid. We had a blast.”
“I really don’t want to go first,” the lady said.
“No problem.” The guide turned to the rest of us. “Is there anyone else who’d like to go first?”
No one answered, so I raised my hand. Normally, I don’t offer to go first, but I volunteered since rappelling wasn’t outside my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong; my core still tingled when I stepped backward over the edge. My heart skipped a beat when I swung too fast toward the wall of granite. But I loved every minute of the experience.
One by one, the rest of the group completed the descent. Some shaking the entire time, others hooting in excitement. I overheard another couple chatting as they took off their harnesses.
“I’m hooked! When can we go again?” the woman asked.
“Hmmm, you can go again, and I’ll watch,” the man said.
“You survived going out of your comfort zone once,” she cajoled, “maybe you’ll have more fun the second time.”
“Let’s just say I’m not ready to try again anytime soon,” he answered. “But I’m happy to watch you!”
In today’s podcast, I give three hacks for loving outside your comfort zone. They might seem normal for some and impossible for others (especially introverts). I urge you to try them all and let me know what ones you’ll need to practice more often and which seem easy.
Show NotesTake five minutes to watch this video. You’ll be glad you did.
https://youtu.be/oGu_xGBekpoCome Back Next WeekSome people find it easy to step in and defend the underdog. Others need practice and a game plan. Next week I’ll share six ways you can help stop a verbal attack—a great way to love outside your comfort zone!
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A mountain biking ride with a group of students taught me three surefire ways to turn people off Christianity. Learn from my mistakes!
Do You Ever Turn People Off Christianity Without Realizing it?“Did you sign up to go on the bike ride?” I asked one of my students.
“No, I signed up to make cards.”
“Really? That sounds like fun. How come you don’t want to ride?”
“Honestly, Mrs. Ojeda, I don’t know if I’ll ever go again,” the student confessed.
“You’ve improved so much,” I exclaimed.
“Yeah, but you guys keep going on harder and harder rides, and I’m not having fun anymore.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know how to respond to my student’s honesty, so I fumbled for a good response and hope it worked. “I’ll let you know the next time we go on an easier ride, ok?”
“Sure.” The student didn’t sound convinced.
Pedro and I needed to have a conversation about truth in advertising our bike rides. I hated to think of kids giving up because the trails scared them or they felt inadequate. This conversation happened five or six years ago, and we’ve done a better job of fitting riders to the terrain. Occasionally, one slips through our system, and we end up with near-disastrous results.
I’ve learned a few lessons from our mountain biking experiences about how we inadvertently turn people off Christianity. We can have the best intentions, but if we don’t watch these three things, we can turn people off Christianity faster than we can say, “Let’s go mountain biking!”
Show NotesIf you’d like to read about more of our mountain biking adventures, you can click here and here.
Come Back Next WeekNext week I’ll continue to theme of spiritual self-care when I share three ways to learn to love outside your comfort zone.
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What you enter crisis mode, it’s easy to abandon art or learning. But if you do, you cut yourself off from opportunities to heal.
Don’t Abandon Art During a Crisis!“Look!” I pointed outside, “it’s snowing!”
“No way,” Pedro said as he carefully turned towards the windows a few days after his surgery.
“Not only is it snowing in southern California, but it’s also sticking! I’m headed outside to take photos. Will you be ok?”
“Absolutely,” he replied. After living through more than one health crisis together, Pedro knows the importance of having a healthy caregiver who doesn’t abandon art or other forms of self-care during a crisis. In fact, I’d taken photos of something beautiful every day during our two-week stint in Redlands, CA, during Pedro’s surgery and recovery.
Now I would add snow on oranges and avocadoes to my photo library of beautiful and unusual things I noticed during my latest caregiving stint.
During Pedro’s first cancer journey (twenty years ago), I felt I had to abandon art and every other self-care form while caring for him. That attitude didn’t serve me well. I gained weight, got really grumpy, developed lupus, and struggled with key relationships. It took me almost a decade to recover.
So, whether you face a little crisis or a big crisis, don’t abandon art or learning. These five hacks will help you find ways to stay creative when life feels overwhelming.
Show NotesWatch this TEDMED talk as psychology researcher Jennifer Stellar explains the importance of awe.
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It’s easy to quit your mental self-care during a crisis, but it’s vitally important to continue. Today’s podcast has seven hacks to help you take care of yourself during difficult times.
Who Has Time for Self-Care During a Crisis?“The good news,” the surgeon said, “is we decided before surgery to take the nerves and get wide margins. The bad news? You have a very aggressive form of prostate cancer.”
“It’s only been two years since I had my PSA levels checked,” Pedro said.
“Yeah. I thought prostate cancer was one of those slow-growing-we-can-wait-years-before-we-decide-what-to-do cancers!”
“I don’t do things normally,” Pedro joked.
What made you decide to go to the doctor,” I asked Pedro.
“I hadn’t been in two years, and I just felt impressed to make an appointment.”
“I’m glad you listened to the Holy Spirit,” the surgeon said.
Although this second round of cancer seems so different from the first time, it still qualifies as a crisis. I learned from the first go-round twenty years ago the importance of self-care during a crisis, so I determined to do things differently. It probably helps that I’ve studied, written about, and practiced healthy self-care for the past six years.
I learned the hard way what happens when I forgo self-care during a crisis. Most people don’t know how to care for themselves during normal times. Sure, we might exercise a time or two each week and schedule our yearly doctor’s appointments, but we rarely schedule intentional time for our mental, academic, physical, and spiritual self-care.
Whether you consider yourself a pro at self-care or have never heard the term before, the following tips will help you continue or start self-care during a crisis. You may already do some of them. If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Show NotesTips on starting a journal for mental self-care.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline: 24/7 national hotline dedicated to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs at 66746.
Mental Health America has tips for helping you identify common reactions to crises and how to cope with them.
NAMI also has wonderful resources, especially for family members whose loved one is dealing with a mental health crisis.
Come Back Next WeekJoin me next week when we explore academic and artistic self-care during a crisis.
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- Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please).
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It’s important to maintain spiritual self-care during a crisis. If you don’t regularly practice spiritual self-care, these self-care hacks will get you started.
What is Spiritual Self-Care?“I think we should leave after church today,” I told Pedro. “Fifteen of our students are getting baptized.”
“Absolutely!” he said, “I didn’t realize so many had decided to follow Jesus!”
Pedro and I had missed most of the nightly services leading up to the baptisms. He missed them because he had a cold and needed to stay healthy for his upcoming surgery. I missed them because I had so much to do in preparation for taking three weeks off work to be with Pedro during his cancer surgery and recovery.
I knew what would happen during church that day, so I stuffed my pockets full of tissue. Most of the time, I feel ambivalent about church attendance. But sometimes, I feel a great need to worship with others. I also wanted to celebrate with my students. Song service started my tears, and each baptism brought a fresh stream of them.
Happy tears. Grateful tears. Tears of uncertainty. During Pedro’s first cancer journey 20 years ago, I learned the importance of spiritual self-care. I wanted to start this journey with a fresh commitment to take care of myself spiritually. By the end of the morning, my tissue supply had turned into a soggy mess. But my heart felt light and at peace, despite the travel and uncertainties of the coming weeks.
In today’s podcast, I share three hacks for spiritual self-care you can start when you stare your next crisis in the face. Or, you can start them now and build up your reserves for whatever life tosses your way.
Show NotesYou can check out these posts if you’d like more information about spiritual wholeness.
Sabbath rest is a huge part of my spiritual journey. You can find out more here.
You can find Catherine Marshall’s classic book on prayer here.
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Twenty years ago I discovered what happens when you don’t take care of yourselfself physically during a crisis. Armed with that knowledge, I’ve made different choices this time around.
What Happens When You Don’t Take Care of Yourself Physically During a Crisis?The first time Pedro had cancer, I failed to take care of myself physically. My mistake caused me years of medical problems, emotional turmoil, and other unintended repercussions. This time around, I know better, and I’m determined to take care of myself physically.
It’s a lot easier this time. Maybe because I know so much more about the importance of self-care, or perhaps because we no longer have young children at home. Now I have a plan and the ability to stick to it. For the past five months, I’ve used iFit (a subscription service that works with my treadmill and stationary bicycle) to make my exercise more meaningful. I realized this summer that although I exercise every day, I do the same routines repeatedly, and I never push myself.
I discovered several trainers I really like on the iFit app, and have started training with a goal in mind. Instead of just plodding, the trainers help me sprint, recover, build muscle, and increase my endurance. If I run on my treadmill, the app will change the incline and speed, forcing me to mix things up.
So although we’re away from home, I’ve kept up my exercise routines. This has helped me stay positive mentally, which in turn makes it easier for me to handle all the stress of Pedro’s treatment and recovery. No matter what adversity your face, whether a crisis or a CRISIS, taking care of yourself physically will improve your chances of weathering the storm with minimal damage to your health.
Show NotesImprove your health with a hobby (resources of stress and cortisol).
Family bonds improved with shared exercise activities.
The importance of scheduling the important stuff.
You can find healthy recipes here.
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These five self-care hacks will improve your health as you make them habits in your life. Which do you think is the most important for you?
Hacks to Improve Your Health Bonus Episode“Walk every two hours, drink lots of water, get a lot of sleep, and try not to stress,” the surgeon told Pedro before discharging him from the hospital. Funny, four of those directives align with the five hacks to improve your short- and long-term health.
These past few weeks have filled us with stress and uncertainty. Pedro underwent surgery for cancer last week at a hospital far from home. That meant lesson planning for a substitute teacher for me, packing, traveling, and spending hours at the hospital.
In today’s episode, I mention a recent surgery I had which took place several years ago. I’m unashamedly recycling an episode from the first season of the Self-Care Hacks podcast. The essential self-care hacks from this episode help me handle the stresses of surgery, mine or Pedro’s.
Pedro improves daily, but we’ll be away from home for another ten days. God has provided gracious friends near the hospital where Pedro received treatment, so we have a lovely place to recover.
Show NotesDo Americans really drink three times their body weight in soda each year?
How much sugar should the average woman consume each day?
How many steps should I take a day?
Looking for a fitness tracker?
Why is sleep so important?
Will journaling help you decompress? What about other hobbies?
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Have you ever noticed that men seem to lose weight easily and women seem to struggle? This episode of self-care hacks might help you understand why.
Do Men Really Lose Weight Easily?Everyone’s body works differently, and the quickest path to discouragement on a health journey begins with comparing ourselves with others. Now that I’ve shared my lofty thoughts, I’ll confess I struggle with this concept. Men seem to lose weight easily, and women seem to struggle. I know it’s true in my family. I remember my grandpa making jokes about his girlish figure. He ate whatever he wanted to and remained tall and thin. We call my father, now in his 80s, our human garbage disposal because he always happily ate everyone else’s leftovers. And he never gains weight. But the women in my family? Looking a food seems to equal ingesting it.
In today’s episode, I’ll share some of the reasons why we need to stop comparing ourselves to others and not give up hope because men seem to lose weight easily while women have to work really hard. Above all, remember your health journey is YOURS, and it will never look exactly like someone else’s journey. We can learn from others, but since God knit each of us together differently, the results won’t turn out the same.
Show NotesYou can find a FREE self-care checklist here that will walk you through, step by step, how to set goals for your physical health.
What’s a personist?
This post on growth-mindset will help you understand its importance.
Here are some posts on fitness trackers and which ones I like. Remember, the best fitness tracker for you is the one you’ll use!
Blaz Kos has excellent resources on his website.
You can find more on the difference between men and women here and here.
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You need to prioritize your health now, while you still have life left in you. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve wandered from a vibrant, healthy, you.
It’s Never too Late to Prioritize Your Health It doesn’t matter how out of shape, overweight, undernourished, skinny obese, inflexible, unhealthy, or sick you are right now. It’s never too late to prioritize your health (unless you’re dead). My trip down the overweight, unhealthy, unmotivated, and slightly depressed road didn’t happen overnight. It took years of failing to care for myself during the baby and toddler years. Add on a bent towards inaction (I’d rather read than exercise) and a love for good food, and you have the perfect recipe for finding excuses not to prioritize my health.
I had undiagnosed health problems in my late thirties, and during my research, I discovered a term that struck terror in my heart: Fat, fair, and forty. The term applied to the physical makeup of women most likely to suffer from gallstones. But it also applied to me (almost). I also realized I could barely hike a mile without huffing and puffing. My body seemed to fail me for the first time in my life.
No matter what point you find yourself at, it’s never too late to prioritize your health. You don’t have to start by making huge changes. Don’t go vegetarian or vegan, or start training for a marathon. Small changes and baby steps in the right direction will serve you much better.
Show NotesIf you’re interested in a plant-based diet, you can check out this series of healthy recipes.
Wanting to learn how to set habit goals? This post will help.
Check out this interactive body map that shows you the importance of physical health.
The importance of physical activity as a part of your overall health.
Tofu doesn’t have to taste bland! Try this grilled tofu recipe.
Do you need to take 10,000 steps a day?
Maybe an after-action review plan will help you regain your physical health.
Come Back Next WeekJoin me next week when I dig in to the big mystery of life: why men lose weight more easily than women!
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If you struggle with weight loss, try to get more rest. The importance of rest for achieving a healthy weight is backed by science.
Try Sleeping More?I looked at the number on the scales and sighed. For some reason, it seemed so. hard. to lose weight. I’d had initial success eating keto, but I always hit a plateau at around the same weight each time I tried it. Eating keto didn’t feel sustainable, either. So, I’d give up in discouragement and regain some of the weight I lost.
I would blame my failure on my slow metabolism (I figured since I have a low heartbeat, I must have a slow metabolism). In reality, I needed to build muscle to fire up my mitochondria. I could maintain strict self-discipline for five or six months and then slowly return to eating carbs (healthy ones, but carbs, nonetheless).
Two years ago, I joined Noom and discovered a key to why I always struggled. It turns out needed to try sleeping more. For the past few years, I’ve paid close attention to the relationship between my sleep patterns, food choices, and weight. I can see a direct relationship. Now, if I struggle to maintain weight, I check in with my sleep habits. Invariably, I’ve slept poorly or not slept enough for two or more days.
The older I get, the more difficult I find it to lose weight, so I have a strong incentive never to gain more than a pound or two above my ideal weight. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps. I realize moms with little ones will find it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule. I know one young mom who only gets regular sleep when she’s not at home. Her autistic son can sleep anywhere from 10 to 5 hours a night. If he wakes up at four in the morning ready for breakfast, his parents can’t ignore him.
Everyone has different challenges during each season of their life. If you’re young with small ones, aim for what’s reasonable. When your kids get older, or your nest empties, you may need to form new sleep habits in order to lose all that mommy weight.
Show NotesCheck out this article on the importance of rest and adequate sleep.
You can download a free checklist to help you figure out your why.
Self-Care Hacks for setting up bedtime routines.
Using the After-Action Review process for physical health goals.
You can listen to episodes SCH 069, 070, 071, and 072 for ideas on a weekly Sabbath rest.
Come Back Next WeekJoin me next week when we explore why we need to prioritize our health.
- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
- Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please).
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If you want to avoid winter weight gain (and who doesn’t?!), follow these simple self-care hacks.
You CAN Avoid Winter Weight Gain!Everyone talks about losing weight for bikini season. Ha! I quit wearing bikinis about the time I finished college and decided to stop doing things that made me uncomfortable. Walking around in a bikini makes me uncomfortable. It’s too much like walking around in my underwear, and my skin is one shade darker than paper white. People had to put their sunglasses on when I walked by.
And then there are the 20 years I struggled with my weight. Pregnancy accounted for some of the weight gain, and poor health choices and stress accounted for most of it. Maybe you can relate. So when the final days of winter roll around and magazines start screaming promises from the checkout stands, I laugh. They claim this diet or that exercise program will get my body back in bikini shape.
What if we could keep our bodies healthy all. winter. long? Sure, the temptations loom larger (namely Thanksgiving and Christmas), and motivation shrinks with the hours of daylight. You might think avoiding winter weight gain presents an insurmountable goal. But these self-care hacks (not diets or exercise programs) will help you avoid winter weight gain. Trust me, I’ve made it through four super-stressful winters by using these hacks, and my weight has remained the same.
Which hack will you start with?
Show NotesYou can figure out your why by downloading this FREE Self-Care Checklist.
Here’s information on the science of self-talk that might interest you.
James Clear has a great post on stacking habits.
This post and this post talk about the benefits of healthy competition.
Do you need a fitness tracker? (Hint. YES!)
Come Back Next WeekDid you know sleep and weight have a strong connection? I didn’t, until I did some research on the importance of sleep for maintaining healthy weight.
- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
- Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please).
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Have you ever felt so discouraged about weight loss you’ve wanted to give up your journey to better health? These self-care hacks will help!
Help! I Feel Discouraged About About Weight Loss“Is it possible to make changes?” I asked my students.
“Umm, maybe?” one of them said.
“Probably not,” another chimed in.
“I can change my clothes,” the class clown said. “That’s a change, right?”
“Back when I weighed 190 lbs,” I said, “I didn’t–“
“Wait! Did you say one. hundred. and. ninety. pounds?” a student interrupted me.
“Yep. 190. Anyway, back–“
“How much do you weigh now?” one of the boys asked.
“You don’t ask a woman her weight,” a girl hissed at him.
“It’s ok,” I said, “I weigh 133 lbs. I don’t mind telling you because I want you to know you can make changes. It took five months to gain most of that weight and eighteen years to lose it and keep it all off.”
“I thought she weighed one-twelve or so,” I heard a girl whisper to her seatmate.
Inside, I laughed. I weighed 112 when I was 12. But life and 44 years have a way of changing how we look and how our body burns calories. “I’ve often felt discouraged about weight loss,” I assured my students. “But I want you to know you CAN make changes in your lives and in your world.”
The bell rang and interrupted our discussion.
In today’s podcast, I share nine hacks that helped me when I felt discouraged about weight loss. You can’t buy a magic pill to make you lose weight, get healthy, or make good choices. But you CAN make changes in your life, one baby step at a time.
Which hack will you start with?
Show NotesCheck out this FREE guide to physical wholeness and self-care.
For hacks on goal-setting, check out this episode.
How cortisol can mess with your get healthier goals.
Ghrelin and our weight.
Come Back Next WeekCome back next week when I share what I’ve learned about winter weight gain.
- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
- Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please).
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Listen in as middle school author William Daniel and I chat about his recently published joke book and the importance of laughter in our lives.
What Does a Middle School Author Know About the Importance of Laughter?First, let me clarify. William Daniel IS a middle school author. And he’s also in middle school! How cool is that? His book of jokes came out right before Christmas, and you’ll want to stock up on a few copies for last-minute gifts for the joke lovers in your life.
William grew up loving jokes and puns, and even though he hasn’t finished seventh grade yet, he understands the importance of laughter to help us keep our balance in life. If you’ve wondered where joke writers get their inspiration, you’ll want to listen in.
Have you ever written jokes or puns? In the comments section, I’d love to hear your best (family-appropriate)!
Show NotesYou can connect with William on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’d like to learn more about his book, check out this post.
Come Back Next WeekOn January first, I discussed why you should ditch your New Year’s goals and replace them with actionable solutions. Steps to lasting change will empower you more than a to-do list of vague aspirations. Next week, I’ll discuss what to do when you feel discouraged about weight loss.
Weight loss just to lose weight doesn’t make a good goal. Instead, learning to live healthier will engender weight loss and self-confidence. You may never weigh the same as you did for your high school prom, but who cares as long as you make healthy choices and develop self-confidence?!
Come back next week to find out more hacks to keep discouragement at bay.
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Tired of failing New Year’s Resolutions? Try these self-care hacks for lasting change instead!
From Failing New Year’s Resolutions to Lasting Change“What are your New Year’s Resolutions, Mrs. Ojeda?” one of my students asked me at the start of the new semester.
“I don’t have any,” I answered.
“That’s lame. Everyone has New Year’s resolutions!” he insisted.
“You mean, everyone makes resolutions on December 31, and by January 31, everyone has started failing their New Year’s resolutions.”
“Not me!”
“Tell me about your resolutions for this year.”
“I want to earn all As, get in better shape, and stop talking so much in class because I’m always getting in trouble.”
The class erupted in laughter. “You’ve already failed the third one!” someone whispered loudly.
“You’ve chosen some admirable goals,” I assured him. “Will you share your plan for meeting those goals with us?”
But Do You Have a Plan?“Uh, plan?” he said. “I figured I’d just do those things.”
“How’s it working for you so far?”
“It’s the first day of the new semester,” he said.
“And you’re still talking a lot,” another student pointed out.
“A resolution is just a wish,” I explained. “When I weighed 190 lbs, I wished I weighed less. But that wish didn’t help me make lasting changes.”
“What? You used to weigh 190 lbs!”
“No way.”
The class looked at me in disbelief.
“It’s true, and I have a few photos to prove it,” I said. “Maybe one day I’ll share them with you. I didn’t start losing weight or making lasting changes until I started looking for solutions to my problems instead of resolutions. They say a goal without a plan is just a wish.
“But we’ve used enough class time talking about New Year’s Resolutions today. Let’s get back to history.” Groans erupted. “Don’t worry,” I assured the class, “I’ll circle back tomorrow and tell you more about why I broke up with New Year’s Resolutions and what I use instead.”
If you’re reading this, you won’t have to join my history class to find out my plan for lasting change. Simply click the audio player above or download today’s podcast on your favorite podcast app.
Show NotesIf you’ve never heard of the after-action review concept, this post will help.
“The Psychology of Fresh Starts” by Greg Chertoff
You may find this post on goal-setting helpful. If you want to form habits, this post might help you.
Come Back Next WeekNext week, I promise you will hear the interview with William Daniel! He’s a super-cool middle-school kid who recently had a book of original jokes published. He has some great ideas on how to use laughter as a form of self-care.
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter* Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time. * Link up your family-friendly inspirational posts (no more than two, please). * Visit the person who links up BOTH before you and after you and leave a comment. This helps keep our community vibrant!
It might be Christmas day, but the post-holiday blues can hit you at any time during the holiday season. Here’s how to deal with those feelings.
The Post-Holiday Blues Can Start Before the Holiday Season EndsI know, Christmas wrapping paper and piles of dishes litter the house, but that doesn’t mean we can’t suffer from post-holiday blues. Sometimes the stress of preparing for a big event, along with misguided expectations of how our event will play out can set us up for a big emotional fall. And if we struggle to remain the present, we often miss the small moments that create the best memories.
Kicking yourself for any of the above won’t help. It will only make you feel worse. Even if your holiday dinner burns (or the dog steals the turkey) or Uncle Bob has a viterperous argument with Cousin Edward over politics, you can choose what you focus on. And I choose to focus on what I can control: myself and my emotions. I’ve spent a lot of time the past year learning to give up control over that which I can’t control.
For me, control looks a lot like responsibility. I’m not responsible for Uncle Bob or Counsin Edward. My children’s actions (they’re both adults) belong to my children. I don’t have to LIKE their decisions or actions, but I don’t have to take responsibility for them, either.
Looking back, the times I’ve succumbed to post-holiday blues involve the times when I tried to take control and responsibility for everyone else and failed to manage my own attitude.
Do you find yourself struggling with post-holiday blues? What go-to solutions do you use? I’d love to hear from you!
Come Back Next WeekFor years I thought I needed to set New Year’s resolutions. No more! I’ve thrown off the tyranny of unreleastic expectations. You can, too!
- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
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Christmas consumerism got you down? Try using JOY to avoid this pitfall!
The Christmas Consumerism Trap Won’t Make You HappyI recently read a sweet novel about two boys caught up in Christmas consumerism right after World War II. Their odyssey began with the Sears and Roebuck Christmas Wish Book. If only harried parents and grandparents had one catalog to contend with!
Instead, we have myriad sources bombarding us with ideas, suggestions, and pleas to buy, buy, buy. Marketers target ads to all ages and all walks of life. Before we know it, pressure starts to build. Does your child really need the in toy find happiness this season? Should you really spend so. much. money. on gifts? Does the garbage collector need a gift card during the holiday season?
Without trying, Christmas consumerism can wash out the joy of the holiday season. In today’s podcast, I’ll share three hacks for finding joy this season. JOY represents an acronym for three small steps you can take to keep the season filled with wonder and delight.
Show NotesNeed ideas for drawing closer to Jesus? Check out this post.
If you know a caregiver, this podcast has ideas for easing their burden during the holidays.
Lask week’s podcast has hacks for taking care of yourself during the holidays.
Come Back Next WeekEvery feel let down on the 26th of December? Next week we’ll explore five hacks to help you through the post-holiday blues.
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I’ll share five hacks to help you keep your cool this holiday season. We all know it’s dark and stressful with too many things going on. But we can ease up on the expectations.
Hacks to Help You Keep Your Cool During the HolidaysHave you ever felt like running through the house screaming (think Macauly Caulkin in Home Alone) during the holidays? I know I have. All those office parties, family visits, gift buying, gift wrapping, and decorating might be an extrovert’s paradise. But for this introvert, I’ve had to learn to take care of myself during the holidays if I want to keep my cool.
Face it, we can love our family to pieces, but some of those old family narratives can also drive us insane. To keep your cool, you must learn healthy ways to flip the script and adopt a positive mindset. We are NOT what people say about us.
Does your office or work party fill you with dread? Do you overindulge because it’s the only way to keep your cool while everyone else seems to be having a great time? Shy introverts can actually enjoy socializing at an office party (see hack number four).
Make this your best holiday season of all. Keep your cool no matter how difficult the conversations get or unrealistic the expectations seem.
Show NotesHow to handle difficult family members during the holidays.
Don’t feel like partying with the jerk at work? Check out this podcast episode.
Need tips on flipping the script?
Looking for some simple ways to make the holidays brighter? Check out this post.
Come Back Next WeekFirst, I apologize for not having the interview with the funny and entertaining William Daniel. My computer ate the zoom recording. I’ll keep you posted. Next week I’ll share another bonus episode on surviving the holidays.
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The best gifts for cancer caregivers (or any caregiver) aren't what you think. They don't involve extravagant gestures or lots of money. Here's how you can help a caregiver at Christmas this year! #caregiver #Christmas #selfcare #giftsforcaregivers #inspirememonday #selfcarehacks #holidays #giftideas
Psalm 91 offers encouraging words for caregivers. But they might surprise you. #NFCM #familycaregiver #cancer #mentalillness #selfcare #encouragement #biblepromises #psalm91 #selfcarehacks #podcast
If you care for a family member, you're a family caregiver. This month, we celebrate you! These self-care hacks will help you thrive. #familycaregiver #NFCM #catastropicillness #cancer #caringforaspouse #caringforachild #caringforaparent #caregiver #selfcarehacksforcaregivers
Have you ever found yourself suffering from caregiver fatigue? Or even compassion fatigue? Both happen when we care for others and don't take care of ourselves. How to identify it and cope with it. #caregiver #NFCM #caregiverfatigue #compassionfatigue #selfcare #selfcarehacks #selfcaresunday #cancer #longtermillness #TBI #specialneeds #dementia #alzhaimers #familycaregiver
You might think you're handling caregiver burnout just fine if you're a caregiver. But maybe you aren't. Here's what to look for. #NFCM #caregiver #caregiverburnout #caregiverselfcare #selfcare, #takecareofyourself #catastropicillness #cancersucks #hospital
Can you improve your physical health with a hobby? Absolutely! Listen to today's episode and you'll find out how! #hobby #selfcare #SelfCareSunday #SelfCareHacks #hiking #kayaking #canoeing #greenspace #bluespace #optoutside #geocaching #sports #mountainbiking #gravelbiking #biking #canyoneering
Want to improve your academic self-care quotient? Try a hobby! Leisure-time activities improve our academics. #lifelonglearning #lifelonglearner #academicselfcare #SelfCareSunday #selfcarehacks #podcast #hobby #knitting #painting #photography #baking #stampcollecting #gardening #hiking #kayaking #autorepair
Did you know you can improve your mental self-care quotient with a hobby? If you want a balanced life, take time for a hobby! #mentalhealth #hobby #selfcarehacks #selfcaresunday #inspirememonday #watercolor #painting #crafts #photography #balance
Everyone should have a self-care routine (if we don't take care of ourselves, who will?). Don't forget artistic self-care! #artisticselfcare #selfcareroutines #art #selfcare #photographytips #SelfCareSunday #selfcarehacks #podcast #takecareofyourself
I've learned from hummingbirds how to take better care of myself. Sure, I could have learned these lessons elsewhere, but who wouldn't want to learn from hummingbirds? #hummingbirds #selfcarehacks #selfcare #SelfCareSundays #migration #selfcareroutines
What have you learned from lizards lately? Try saying that five times fast! I've learned some important things about self-care from lizards. #selfcarehacks #selfcaresunday #selfcare #lizard #lessonsfromnature #toxicrelationship #regrowth #mindset #growthmindset
How do you respond to threat perception? I spent some time observing Dall Sheep, and decided I could learn a few things from them. #threatperception #responsetothreat #selfcare #selfcarehacks #frightorflightorfreeze #responsetodanger #dallsheep #podcast
Have you ever learned from sea otters or other species? This month on the podcast, I'll share what I've learned about self-care from the animal kingdom. #seaotters #selfcarehacks #selfcare #takecareofyourself #observeanimals #community #relationships #podcast
Parents of adults have a unique opportunity to mentor and befriend their adult children. But first, we need to learn how to take care of ourselves. #selfcarehacks #lovepraylisten #bethanyhouse #amreading #parentingadults #adultchildren #parenting #emptynest #selfcare #relationships #improverelationships
Looking back, I can hardly believe I've learned any self-care hacks from parenting. During those early years, I completely forgot how to take care of myself. But in retrospect, I did learn something. Maybe the lessons I've learned can help you. #selfcarehacks #selfcare #parenting #mom #tiredmom #parentingadvice #emptynest
If we said this one thing to every child we encounter, what a difference it would make. And if we say it to ourselves, too, even better! #onething #spreadthelove #hope #ACEScore #success #goals #mentor #teacher #parenthacks #parenttips #selfcare #selfcarehacks #beleiveinyourself
Want to be a better parent? Try using the do-over! This powerful tool will help you build better relationships with your children. #doover #mulligan #secondchance #parentingfail #parents #parenting #tiredmama #trauma #emotionalintelligence #selfawareness #selfcare #selfcarehacks
I'm on a journey to becoming self-aware, and I've discovered how self-awareness forms the foundation for healthy self-care routines. #selfaware #selfawareness #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #knowyourself #extrovert #introvert #bekindtoyourself
People aren't born with self-confidence, it has to be nurtured just like every other executive function. These hacks will help you nurture your kid's self-confidence. #nurturevsnature #selfconfidence #selfesteem #growthmindset #parenting #grandparenting #selfcarehacks #positivemindset #development
You're never too old to learn something new. It all depends on whether or not you foster a growth mindset. Check out today's episode for self-care hacks to foster growth. #growthmindset #octogenarian #adventuresnaging #goldenyears #growthmindset #change #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #lifelonglearning
You can develop a fixed mindset at any point in your life. Fortunately, you can adopt a growth mindset at any time in your life, too! #mindset #fixedmindset #lifelonglearning #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #neverstoplearning #agingwell #takecareofyourself #learn #chooseyourattitude
Who would have thought exercise has spiritual self-care benefits? Listen to this episode to discover the details. #spiritualselfcare #spirituality #spiritualwellbeing #spiritualhealth #exercise #health #routines #gethealthy #wholeness
Ever heard of green exercise? Me, neither! Listen in to today's podcast and decide what your favorite green exercise is! #greenexercise #blueexercise #selfcarehacks #selcarehackspodcast #selfcare #health #healthychoices #optoutside #exercise #peace #wellness #wellbeing
Want to know what can make you smarter? No pills needed. Just list to today's podcast to find the secret to a more agile, active, problem-solving brain #getsmarter #academicselfcare #neuroplasticity #getmoving #justmoveit #motionislotion #health
I never realized the importance of getting enough exercise until I couldn't exercise for a few months. Here's what I learned about the mental self-care benefits of exercise! #mentalhealth #exercise #rest #emotionalwellbeing #selfcare #selfcarehacks #mood #emotions #lupus #selfcaresunday
Church attendance isn't spiritual self-care. Find out how to improve your spiritual self-care in today's podcast. #spiritualselfcare #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #christian #religion #relationship #churchlady #church #denomination #spirituality #health
You read it right. We need to improve our artistic self-care routines. No artistic talent needed! #butimnotartistic #artisticselfcare #selfcare #selfcaresunday #selfcarehacks #artistic #creative #creativity #create #photography #painting #baking #knitting #sewing #dancing #theatre #doodling
Did you realize you need academic self-care routines? You don't have to commit to earning a degree, but you DO need to take care of your academic self (and we all have one). #academicselfcare #selfcare #selfcaresunday #selfcarehacks #selfcarepodcast #podcast #goals #AAR #routines #getsmarter #useyourbrain #inspirememonday
Yes! You need to improve your mental self-care routine! Why? If we don't take care of our mental health, we can sabotage it.#mentalhealthmonth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #selfcare #AAR #afteractionreview #selfcarehacks #podcast #improveyourmentalhealth
Have you ever thought about your need to take care of yourself spiritually? Author Michelle DeRusha walks us through her discoveries in spiritual self-care. #selfcare #selfcarehacks #spiritualselfcare #spirituality #church #trueyou #identity #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #inspirememonday #christianwalk #calling #vocation #author
Ever heard of spiritual orthorexia? Probably not, because I made up the term. I can't do that, right? Find out what it is and why it matters. #spirituality #orthorexia #christianwoman #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #christianwalk #micah68 #godswill #selfcare #spiritualselfcare #religion
An interview with Janyre Tromp will give you actionable steps to working through trauma.#selfcare #caregivertrauma #ShadowsintheMindsEye #authorinterview #trauma #PTSD #WWII #HotSprings #inspy #fiction #healing #greatestgeneration
Who would have thought you could feel better if you rethink one little word? I challenge you to ditch should from your life. #should #mood #depression #bossymuch #feelbetter #selfcare #SelfCareSunday #SelfCareHacks
Ever wondered about the best way to deal with pent-up anger? I used to think a punching bag was the answer. Now I know better. #angermanagement #anger #angermanagement #christian #christianwalk #christianlife #selfcare #EQ #emotionalintelligence #biblestudy #B2G2 #inspirememonday #selfcarehacks #podcast #SelfCareSunday
Everyone gets angry, but we don't always handle our anger well. This Christian's guide to getting angry should help. #anger #angermanagement #christian #christianwalk #christianlife #selfcare #EQ #emotionalintelligence #biblestudy #B2G2 #inspirememonday #selfcarehacks #podcast #SelfCareSunday
Is it really healthy to be angry and sin not? I'm starting to wonder how much damage that adage has caused over the centuries. #anger #angermanagement #christian #christianwalk #christianlife #selfcare #EQ #emotionalintelligence #biblestudy #B2G2 #inspirememonday #selfcarehacks #podcast #SelfCareSunday
The body keeps the score of emotional trauma, physcal trauma, and mental trauma where it festers into body toxicity. Which makes us sick. #trauma #ACE #childhood #parenting #Fibromyalgia #selfcare #selfcaresunday #thebodykeepsthescore #effectsoftrauma #healthproblems #anxiety #depression #alcoholism #childabuse #recovery #hepetitis #COPD #depression
You can never underestimate the need to take care of the past if you want to have a future filled with mental wholeness. #epigenetics #generationaltrauma #obesity #anxiety #depression #mentalhealthissues #mentalhealthawareness #counseling #therapy #selfcare #selfcaresunday
How would you react if someone discolses a mental health problem to you? This week's podcast will help you handle the unexpected. #mentalillness #stopthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #friends #mentalwholeness #SelfCareSunday #podcast #disclosure #anxiety #anorexia #bipolar #depression
Do you need to see a pastor or a therapist? It depends on what you want to accomplish. Don't confuse the two, and you'll be happier with your decision. #therapist #pastor #mentalhealawareness #mentalwholeness #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #bipolar #health #counselor #stopthestigma #selfcarehacks #inspirememonday
How do you know you need to see a therapist? The answer might surprise you. Therapy isn't just for the obviously depressed, anxious, or uptight. #anxiety #depression #mentalhealthmatters #stopthestigma #mentalwholeness #selfcare #selfcaresunday #podcast #trauma #epigenetics
Do we really need to speak well of our children? It seems like a no-brainer, but unless we make a concerted effort, we may fall into the habit of disparaging our kids. #parenting #gentleparenting #raisinggoodhumans #relationships #momlife #teacher #educator #doover
Have you ever longed for some friendly support? Life gets lonely as a lone wolf, we need to act like a pod of dolphins. Find out how. #relationships #friendlysupport #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcaresunday #friendships #community #communitymatters #introvert
Did you know you can improve your mental health by journaling? It sounds too good to be true, but it is. While you may still need to visit a therapist or counselor, journaling can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings. Here's how to get started. #journaling #journal #mentalwholeness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #writing #feelings #emotionintelligence #EQ #selfcarehacks
What IS mental wholeness and why do you need to seek it? Good questions! Listen to today's podcast to find out more. #mentalwholeness #selfcare #selfcaresunday #podcast #mentalhealthawareness #goodmentalhealth #therapist #counselor #goals #growthmindset
Everyone stresses about New Year's Resolutions this time of year, but what we really need are new solutions to problems that bother us. Here's how to come up with new solutions. #Newyearsresolutions #solutions #goalsetting #newyearnewattitude #2022 #bestyearever #change #health #weightloss #eatbetter
Those post-holiday blues can hit at anytime, even on Christmas Day. These hacks will help you banish the blues before they take hold of your life. #holidays #newyears #Christmas #holidayblues #depression #mood #attitude #Christian #bibliotherapy #goodnews
Forget New Year's Resolutions. They don't work. Instead, learn how to use the snowball effect in your habit-forming pursuits. Instead of temporary changes, you can leverage the power of permanent change. #habitforming #selfcarehacks #snowballeffect #lastingchange #newyearsresolutions #newyears #selfcare #routines #triggers #habitstacking
Recent events convince me I need to continually improve my personal spiritual growth. Without growth, I lose power and focus. #prayer #sabbathrest #yield #abide #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcaresunday
Check out these five actionable hacks to help you improve your health--despite the temptations of cookie exchanges and holiday meals. #holidays #healthylifestyle #selfcarehacks #selfcaresunday #selfcare #overwhelm #healthyrecipes #exercise #sleep #holidayseason #stress
Family caregivers, whether you care for a family member long term, or for just a few months, will want to listen in as I interview Elizabeth, the Happy, Healthy Caregiver, as she shares hacks for taking care of yourself so you can serve others. #NationlFamilyCaregiveMonth #caregiver #selfcare #selfcarehacks #sandwichgeneration #agingparents #cancercaregiving #familycaregiver #podcast
They say you lose what you don't use. And I certainly don't want to lose my mind! Check out today's podcast for hacks to turn life-long learning into a habit. #lifelonglearning #learning #growthmindset #selfcarechecklist #selfcare #selfcarehacks #keeponlearning
Even the most well-adjusted person can fine-tune their mental health habits. Listen to today's podcast to find out how.
Want to Improve Your Mental Health?
For most of my life, I've avoided depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues. Most people don't even realize I struggled with depression after my husband recovered from a brush with death (he spent almost a year fighting stage-IV non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma). And most people don't realize I suffered from the side-effects of cortisol overloads brought on by the stress of caregiving for almost twelve years.
A lot of mental health problems happen under the radar. I know I suffered in silence for years because I didn't even realize I needed help. And, because I grew up thinking Christians didn't have mental health problems. Just because we're Christians doesn't mean we don't have human problems.
The habits I'll share with you today helped me improve my mental health. But if I would have incorporated these four hacks AND seen a counselor, I probably would have healed so much faster. So whether you think you have everything under control, or whether you realize you could improve your mental health, these four hacks are for you.
Show Notes
How long does it take to form a habit?
For more on how gratitude can help improve your mental health, as well as help us live longer and eat healthier, check out this post.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
You can find the article on self-talk research here.
Read about the power of smiling here.
Find your FREE Self-Care Checklist here!
Come Back Next Week...
Next week I'll interview the Happy, Healthy Caregiver who will share self-care hacks for family caregivers.
There's Sabbath rest, and then there's true Sabbath rest. If you want to experience true Sabbath rest, you may need to make adjustments to how you view the Sabbath. #sabbath #sabbathrest #truesabbathrest #busymom #relationship #rest #burnout #takeabreak #mentalhealth #spiritualhealth #busy #relax #church
Looking for the adventure of Sabbath rest? Did you even know Sabbath rest can be playful and adventurous? Check out today's podcast and find four self-care hacks to help you in your quest for rest. #sabbathrest #rest #Sabbath #selfcare #adventure #playfulness #birding #selfcarehacks #hiking #kayaking #optoutside
Who knew you could increase your creativity with Sabbath rest? It took me a while to figure it out, and I'll share four hacks for increasing your creativity with Sabbath rest on today's podcast. #creativity #creative #SabbathRest #celebration #goals #accomplishments #artist #creator #writer #amwriting #ampainting
Looking for a way to corral your week and manage your fatigue? Try Sabbath rest! Todays episode will guide you through six self-care hacks for finding Sabbath rest.#Sabbath #SabbathRest #stress #anxiety #relationship #SelfCareHacks #selfcare
No. It's NOT too early to start thinking about the holidays and how you have have a happier, healthier holiday season! #relationships #holidayguide #selfcareduringholidays #Christmas #thanksgiving #familyfued #family #difficultpeople #celebration
Do you feel discouraged about your weight-loss journey? Self-Awareness will help you overcome your discouragement. #weightloss #journey #SelfCareAwarenessMonth #selfcaresunday #selfcarehacks #inspirememonday #linkup #healthylifestyle #exercise #discouragement #healthforlife
Do negative family interactions make you hate the holidays? Try these six self-care hacks for improving your family gatherings. It's not too early to start planning for a happy holiday season. #holidayplanning #family $frustration #happyholiday #fmailygathering #Thanksgiving #Christmas #selfcare #emotionalintelligence #EQ #SelfCareHacks #SelfCare #Relationships
Self-care awareness is important to our physical AND mental wellness. When we fail to take care of our emotions, they often show up in our physical health. #SelfCareAwarenessMonth #selfcareawareness #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #selfcare #selfcarehacks #emotinos #emotionalintelligence #EQ #selfhelp #mysteryillness #betterhealth #takecareofyourself
Want to form positive spiritual practices? Today's podcast episode will help you do just that. #spiritualselfcare #spiritualwholeness #spirituality #relationship #goals #Christianity #selfcare #selfcarehackspodcast #selfcarehacks #caregiver
How self-aware are you? I recently discovered that my self-awareness wasn’t all the great. Check out these five self-care hacks to help you develop your self-awareness. #SelfCareAwarenessMonth #SelfCareMonth #SelfCareSunday #selfcare #career #goals #growthmindset #healthyliving #mentalhealth
Gained a few poinds? Stop beating yourself up over weight gain! It won't do anything to help you lose weight. Weight loss is a complex problem with no one easy solution. But beating yourself up isn't part of it. #weightloss #weightgain #fatshaming #goals #healthylifestyle #healthychoices #exercise #eatingwell #joy
Ever heard of Self-Care Awareness Month? Me, neither. But it's a thing, and I'm so glad there's a whole month dedicated to our need for taking care of ourselves. Learn the difference between self-care and self-indulgence. #SelfCareAwarenessMonth #selfcareawareness #selfcare #selfcarehackspodcast #selfcarehacks #takecareofyourself #SpiritualHealth #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #lifelonglearning
You can learn to lead like a woman (even if you're a man). Find out the secrets on today's podcast. #leadership #womeninleadership #womanasleaders #selfcare #selfcarehacks #selfcarehackspodcast #teacher #SAHM #CEO #lead
Hacks to help you handle the biggest bully in your life--even if it's YOU! #bully #selfrespect #selfcare #selflove #backtoschool
Looking for some quick and easy ways to improve your health? Today's podcast will reveal hacks to sneak healthier habits into your life. #healthyhabits #healthy #health #selfcare #selfcarehackspodcast #selfcarehacks #podcast #holistic #easy
After many gym memberships I rarely used, and a string of gadgets, I've finally figured out what works for me. Listen in and maybe you can increase your self-care quotient, too! #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #healthylifestyle #healthychoices #noom #exercise #treadmill #exercisebicycle #mountainbiking #running #walking #weighttraining #applewatch #iFit #FitBit
While we'd all like to believe we can succeed on our journey by our own steam, the truth remains: a co-pilot or accountability tool can help us arrive more quickly. #healthyjourney #journeytohealth #exercise #diet #healthychoices #healthyliving #betterhealth #selfcarehacks #podcast #applewatch #fitbit #noom
Most of us are born healthy, but life circumstances, poor choices, heredity, and family of origin can chip away at our well being. These two hacks will help you start on your journey to better health. #healthylifestyle #journeytohealth #weightloss #exercisehabits #goals #habits #choices #family #journey #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare
If you didn't grow up exploring the great outdoors, taking a hike might intimidate you. Never fear, I share hacks to make your hike a success (even if you're taking your kids along). #optoutside #hikewithkids #survivalessentials #parenting #kids #summeractivities #hiking #outdoors #camping #waterpacks #funwithkids #nationalforest #parks #greenexercise
Camping in a Walmart parking lot? No thank you! Or, wait, maybe it's not such a bad idea. Self-care hacks to help you decide how to plan a hassle-free vacation. #vacation #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #family #relationships #vacationplanning #campingatwalmart #vacationideas #RVlife #RVing #MinnieWinnie #Winnabago
Want to have the best ever summer for your kids? These self-care hacks will help you keep your kids happy this summer and make life less chaotic for you. #selfcarehacks #summertime #summeractivities #planning #parenting #summeractivitiesforkids #happykids #children
Does the thought of traveling with a toddler bring on visions of meltdowns and hysteria? These self-care hacks will help your toddler travel better and help you avoid a meltdown (your child's or your own). #toddler #travel #parenting #meltdowns #schedule #summertime #airtravelwithtoddler #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
Vacation is good for your mental health, and these five hacks will help you reap the maximum benefits of your vacation time. #vacation #summervacation #travel #familytravel #parenting #mentalhealth #creativity #selfcarehacks #selfcare #camping #familyreunion #summer
Does the leadership in your church understand mental illnesses? Or does your pastor pulpit-shame the sick and hurting? These hacks will help you bring awareness to your church family. #mentalillness #stopthestigma #NAMI #depression #anxiety #epigenetics #therapist #counselor #pastor #churchfamily #selfcarehacks #podcast #anxiety
When our daughter struggled with a mental illness, we struggled to find resources for family members. No one at the psych ward gave us instructions on what to do when they released our daughter. This guide can help.#stopthestigma #NAMI #mentalhealthmonth #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #bipolarhandbook #adolescent #mentalillness #parenting
Health insurance companies treat mental illnesses differently from physical illnesses. How do I know? Our family has experienced both. The difference in our treatment was striking. Listen in to this imaginary conversation to see for yourself. #cancer #mentalillness #healthinsurance #NAMI #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthmonth #selfcarehacks #selfcare #podcast #bipolar #anxiety #depression #stopthestigma
Ever had one of those really awkwardly helpless moments when someone tells you about their mental health? What do you do when someone lays a mental mental health disclosure on you? How can you respond without making things worse? #stopthestigma #NAMI #mentalhealthmonth #bipolardisorder #bipolar #suicide #anxiety #worry #mentalhealthdisclosure #help #Christianresponse
Want to form healthy habits? The acronym SWEAT will help you remember five key habits you need in your life to improve your health. #goals #habits #improveyourhealth #healthyhabits #walking #10Ksteps #lifestylechanges #babysteps #gethealthy #sweat #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
These five small self-care hacks can help you improve your health today so you'll have more tomorrows. #sleep #water #exercise #walking #10k #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #healthylifestyle #goals #habits #babysteps
The road to better physical health is always open. You just have to turn down it and get started. Today's podcast will map out six hacks you can take to start down the road to a better you.#SelfCareHacks #physicalhealth #physicalselfcare #selfcare #goals #healthyliving #health #podcast #blogger
Who knew you could improve your health with a hobby? Check out the five ways an avocation (even quilting) can help you live longer.#hobby #avocation #healthbenefits #birding #gardening #quilting #mountainbiking #tennis #knitting #RCcars #improveyourhealth
Last week, we learned WHY we need a hobby or avocation. This week, you'll find six self-care hacks for picking a hobby you'll love. What will you choose? #avocation #goalsetting #hobby #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #birding #knitting #journaling #painting #sports #teamsports #runner #blogger #baker #watercolor #sewing
Feeling burned out at work? Overwhelmed and sick of your job? Check out these four hacks which will help you discover the difference between an avocation and a vocation. You need both. Who knew? #hobby #avocation #vocation #burnedout #burnout #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #blogger #arts #blogging #photography
People often ask me how long it takes to build a habit. I used to think it took a simple 21 days. Science shows this isn't true. #habits #goals #trigger #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #blogger
When your podcasting program eats four episode recordings and you're thousands of miles from home, what do you do? Go back to the beginning and give an introduction to why the Self-Care Hacks podcast exists! #SelfCareSunday #Self-Care #podcast #emotionalwholeness #lifelonglearning #physicalwholeness #spiritualselfcare
I didn't expect life to throw me a curveball this year. I don't even like baseball. But the first two months of the year have left me struggling. When life throws us curveballs, we still have choices. #curveballs #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #vaccine #mountainbiking #attitude
Everyone knows babies and toddlers do best with bedtime routines. But what about bedtime routines for adults, teenagers, and children? Corral the chaos by working as a family to set bedtime routines. #routines #parenting #chaos #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #children #kids #bedtime
Every child (and adult) needs to hear one thing in their lives. The more they hear it, the better off they are. It isn't easy to say it, though. These five hacks will help you learn to say what you need to say to help your child succeed in life. #growthmindset #emotionalIQ #parenting #raisingkids #affirmations #believeinyourself #powerofpositivewords
Ever heard of a do-over? What about a Mulligan? In today's self-care hacks episode I'll share five ways to establish the do-over in your family. You'll love this powerful way to extend grace and give second chances. #doover #mulligan #parenting #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcare #emotionalintelligence
How self-aware are you? I recently discovered that my self-awareness wasn't all the great. Check out these five self-care hacks to help you develop your self-awareness.#selfcarehacks #selfcare #podcast #selfawareness #selfknowledge #growthmindset #podcaster #blogger
Do you know the important difference between self-confidence and self-esteem? Today's podcast will give you five hacks for helping your kids develop self-confidence and a growth mindset. #growthmindset #selfconfidence #parenting #kids #parents #selfesteem #selfcarehacks #podcast
Have you ever thought you couldn't learn something or do something? Me, too! These five self-care hacks will help you foster a growth mindset and overcome the negative narratives in your life. #mindset #growthmindset #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #selfcaregoals #goalsetting #goals #lifelonglearning
Have you ever struggled to learn something? Maybe you have a fixed mindset and didn't know it. Today's episode will give you five self-care hacks for changing your mindset.#selfcarehacks #selfcarepodcast #selfcare #podcast #mindset #lifelonglearning #growthmindset #Goals #goalsetting
If you're a writer or a creative, you've probably never thought about the fact self-care hacks might look a bit different for you. In today's podcast episode, I interview Canadian YA author Tara Ross about specific self-care hacks for writers and creatives. #amwriting #creatives #writers #YAauthor #blogger #fiction #nonfiction #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Maybe it's time to break up and kiss those New Year's Resolutions goodbye! Instead, start focusing on solutions. #NewYearsResolutions #solutions #resolutions #habits #goals #knowyourwhy #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
It might be the happiest time of the year for some people, but what if you're fighting a case of the holiday blues? These five hacks will help you fight back. #holidayblues #holidays #podcast #selfcare #selfcarehacks #depression #SAD #badnews #goodnews
Want to know how to spend less AND stress less this holiday season? I've got nine hacks to help you do just that. #stress #holidayseason #giftgiving #samaritanspurse #toysfortots #prisonfellowship #makeawish #mytwofrontteeth #salvationarmy #socialjustice #Christmas
Consumerism at Christmas seems like a rampant reality. But does it have to be? These three hacks will help you take care of yourself by curbing your spending impulses this holiday season.#holiday #consumerism #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #gifts #giftgiving #truemeaningofchristmas
Find out what gift you need to give yourself in order to thrive during the craziness between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. #holidayselfcare #podcast #selfcarehacks #selfcare #relationships #peace #joy
Unfortunately, family plus the holidays often equals drama. These self-care hacks for avoiding family drama will help you have a happier holiday season. #holidays #thanksgiving #christmas #family #drama #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
Dr. Michelle Bengtson joins the podcast today to give insights into self-care for caregivers from a neuropsychologist’s perspective. Dr. Michelle has not only acted as a family caregiver, she's been the recipient of care from a family member. #hopeprevails #familycaregivermonth #selfcare #selfcarehacks #caregiver #stress #burnout #overwhelm #podcast #christian
At some point in our lives, we'll probably be called on to care for an aging parent. And no matter how much our parent may plan ahead, caregiving will still take a toll on us. #caregiver #familycaregivermonth #selfcare #caregiverselfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #elder #aging #parents #familycaregiver
You've heard of mommy guilt, but what is the new mommy guilt and how can a gal deal with it? Special guest Michele Morin shares her experience on today's podcast episode. #momguilt #elderlyparents #caregiver #nationalfamilycaregiversmonth #caregiveralliance #podcast #assistedliving #eldercare
Ever heard of caregiver burnout? Or maybe caregiver fatigue? If you are a family caregiver, these hacks are for you. If you know a family caregiver, these hacks are for you, too! #caregiver #caregiverburnout #stress #PTSD #caregiverfatigue #parent #alzheimers #dementia #disabled #specialneeds #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
Do you feel discouraged about your weight-loss journey? Check out today's podcast where I share seven hacks to help you overcome your discouragement. #discouragement #weightloss #health #babysteps #growthmindset #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
I know, it's scarcely fall and I'm talking about how to avoid winter weight gain. But if we don't start planning and thinking now, we'll find ourselves five, ten, or fifteen pounds heavier without even trying. Good health requires intentional planning. Here's how.#weightloss #weightgain #winter #healthgoals #goals #planning #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast
Just take 10,000 steps a day. Eat less fat. You've heard all the dictums. They don't work, but they do overwhelm. These six hacks will help you overcome discouragement on your journey to better health. Learn how to work with your body and forget about everybody else's! #weightloss #selfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #health #goodhealth #changes #goals
If you don't prioritize your physical health, you may end up losing it. How do I know? I learned the hard way. On today's podcast, I'll share five hacks to help you make physical health a priority in your life. #priority #goals #physicalhealth #exercise #weightloss #podcast #selfcare #selfcarehacks #selfcarehackspodcast
Often, when faced with a crisis, we resort to tossing prayers heavenward and hoping for the best. I know. I've done this. But how would things be different if you worked to take care of yourself spiritually during times of crisis and uncertainty? #spirituality #spiritualselfcare #selfcarehacks #podcast #takecareofyourself
To take care of yourself physically during a crisis seems like a no-brainer. But trust me, it's not as easy as that. Find out what happens when I failed to take care of myself physically during a cancer crisis on today's podcast episode.#podcast #selfcare #SelfCareHacks #takecareofyourself #physicalhealth #healthychoices #stressmanagement #stress #crisis #lifehacks
When a crisis comes out of left field, we often cut out life's simple pleasures like art and creativity. But we shouldn't. Check out today's podcast for five hacks to take care of yourself artistically during a crisis. #crisis #takecareofyourself #podcast #selfcare #art #artheals #lifehacks
Who knew that COVID-19 would keep us in a constant state of crisis for so long? Listen to today's podcast for seven hacks for taking care of yourself during a crisis. #crisis #selfcare #takecareofyourself #podcast #mentalhealth #mentalselfcare
When should you start to teach your kids about emotional health? When their five? Six? Fifteen? The answer might surprise you. Check out this week's Self-Care Hacks podcast for seven hacks that will help you teach your kids (and you) about emotional health. #parenting #emotionalhealth #EQ #selfcarehacks #selfcarehackspodcast #podcast #emotionalintelligence #emotions
No one enjoys it when someone unloads their out-of-control emotions on them. No one. Today's episode shares five hacks for dealing with someone else's big emotions in a positive way. #anger #angermanagement #harshwords #emotions #emotionalintelligence #dealingwithanger #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth
Can out-of-control emotions ruin your physical health? The answer might surprise you. This episode of Self-Care Hacks explains the role of cortisol in your life and offers five hacks for regulating your emotions. #EQ #emotionalintelligence #cortisol #anger #emotions #lifehacks #selfcarehacks #podcast #illness #stress
C'mon, does a person REALLY need to get in touch with his or her emotions? Well, yes. Unless you want to go through life like a zombie. And who wants to do that? Listen in to today's podcast and discover five hacks for getting in touch with your emotions. #emotionalintelligence #EQ #selfawareness #selfcare #podcast #selfcarehackspodcast #selfcarehacks
Have you ever thought about setting emotional health goals? And what's the difference between emotional health and mental health? Find out in today's Self-Care Hacks podcast. #selfcare #selfcarehacks #emotionalhealth #emotions #mentalhealth #podcast #anger #relationships
Ever worked with a real jerk and wondered how you would survive? Today's episode has five hacks for working with a jerk that will help you overcome the overwhelm of outlandish behavior. #selfcarehacks #podcast #work #selfcare #boorishbehavior #jerkatwork #colleagues #relationships #metoo #workenvironment #harassment #stupidpeople #selfcare
Whether you have grandkids yet or not, you need to listen to this podcast. It's never too soon to start setting relationship goals for one of the most influential relationships you may ever enjoy. #goals #relationships #relationshipgoals #grandkids #grandma #grandpa #family #mentoring #grandchildren #grandchild
Do you fight with your spouse a lot? I don't have a Ph.D in counseling, but I do have over 30 years of experience being married to the love of my life. Don't mistake me, we're still improving our communication skills. I offer seven hacks for having a better relationship with your spouse.#marriage #relationship #overwhelm #SelfCareHacks #selfcare #communication #goals
Self-Care Hacks podcast episode 005 will take you through the steps necessary to set (and reach) achievement goals. We need achievement goals to help give meaning to our lives #podcast #selfcare #SelfCareHacks #goals #achievement #mom #parent #healthy #plan
How long does it take to form a habit? It depends! Hint, the 21-day-habit-forming fact is actually a myth. Today's Self-Care Hacks podcast will give you five hacks for forming habits. #shorttermgoals #goals #habits #habitformation #goodhabits #selfcare #triggers
Ever wondered how to avoid time suck? You know, that vortex of things you do that distract you from what's important? This five self-care hacks was get you started in setting long-term goals that will help you overcome time suck.
Nobody plans for failure, right? Maybe. But not planning and setting long-term goals, you just might be planning to fail. Listen in to this week's podcast and discover four self-care hacks to help you plan for success. #selfcarehacks #selfcare #podcast #plan #goals #failure #success
Welcome to Self-Care Hacks, a short podcast for stressed-out and overwhelmed women with weekly actionable steps to help you overcome the overwhelm.