What makes you happy? Do that.

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It’s easy to make excuses during busy times,  but if exercise makes you feel good and is part of your self care then do not neglect it! Exercise should not have to be a chore, and if it is, then you need to keep searching for the activity that is right for you. I was an athlete from the time I was little through most of high school, but when I came to college it took me about a year to find an activity that I could stick with and truly enjoy.

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 I take thirty to forty minutes to do Blogilates, whether before or after my classes for the day. I make it a part of my schedule that is just as important as attending class or brushing my teeth. I feel healthy and it centers me. I feel strong and centered, which enhances every aspect of my life. Taking the time to turn my mind off and focus on the physical feeling of challenging my body is refreshing and is the ultimate form of self-care, at least for me it is.  Self-care isn’t selfish; find what brings you that feeling and prioritize it. Love yourself. I feel like we often glorify suffering and being overly busy and stressed, but why? Is it helpful? No. Does it make us happy? Definitely not. Be a rebel–take some time for you.

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Strengths, Self Love, and a Giveaway

I am majoring in Psychology and Human Health and have become completely enamored with the field of Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is not about mental illness, but instead focuses on positive mental health and improving wellbeing. I have been lucky enough to take classes on the topic and learn about simple lifestyle choices that lead to happier, and often healthier, lives. The quote on my Yogi Tea the other day was a reminder of a key focus of Positive Psych: focus on your strengths. Our strengths are a mixture of natural talent and hard work (I would argue mostly hard work and perseverance!), but utilizing them and letting our strengths shine is a wonderful way to maximize our abilities and feel successful. It is easy to focus on where we are lacking or areas where we struggle, but if we focus on our strengths and how to use them to achieve our goals we can maintain a positive mindset.

In no way do I believe that we should not strive to improve and challenge ourselves–that is a huge piece of happiness and growth! Striving for improvement is crucial to success, but it is important to maintain appreciation for your strengths throughout the process. What are your strengths? How have you used them today?

On a less serious note, the NuNaturals giveaway has been extended to December 31! Enter here for your chance to win:

NuNaturals Stevia Giveaway!
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