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Ways to Get Your Energy Back

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you ever had one of those days that left you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted?

If you answered yes – you are not alone. We all have those days. 

We have more control over our energy than we give ourselves credit for. 

Just because you wake up one morning with low energy doesn’t mean that feeling will last the entire day. 

There are several little things you can do, starting from the moment you wake up that can help increase your energy – even if it’s just a little bit.

Remember To Smile

You know that saying fake it till you make it?

Well, smiling (even when you don’t feel like it) is the perfect example of that saying in action. 

Smiling can trick our brains into thinking we are happy and in a great mood. 

The next time you’re feeling drained or not your best, walk on over to your bathroom mirror and smile for 5 minutes. 

It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but don’t knock until you try it. 

Take Your Time Getting Ready

Our morning routine can significantly impact the rest of our day.

Waking up ten minutes before you have to leave the house can be quite stressful and exhausting in itself.

Taking 30 minutes to an hour to take a long shower, pick out an outfit that makes you feel good and have a nice breakfast can help you walk into the day with a relaxed and upbeat mindset. 

Start Small

Not everything has to be done all at once. 

Knocking items off our list at a steady pace can help those more draining tasks feel simple and even fun.

The act of ticking items off of your list can be very motivating, which in turn can help increase our confidence and overall energy levels. 

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National Diversity Week: October 1-7

Jaclyn Baker
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October is a time to celebrate different cultures, races, and ethnicities in our community. With National Diversity Week starting from October 1-7 it’s important to spread awareness and honor the value of what each individual person has to offer. 

Since this national event was founded in 1998, it has helped shine a light on the diverse groups of people in the world around us and highlight their different perspectives.

Diversity is important from several different angles.  From a social justice perspective, it is important to address the barriers that have led to unequal opportunities for people of color, both historically and currently.  From an organizational perspective, businesses that reflect the diversity in the communities they serve will be stronger and more effective.

This week is also a time to have an open discussion about the biases and stereotypes presented in our society so that we can work to break down these barriers. Being open to listen and learn about the diversity that surrounds you every day can give you insight and create mutual respect across cultures. 

When you work to understand someone else in your workplace, classroom, or community, it brings us all closer together. We encourage you to speak to other people with cultures that differ from your own, watch videos about diversity, or read educational books. 

If you want to learn more about National Diversity Week, you can check out some of these helpful resources. 

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Online Resources for Diverse Children’s Literature

How To Be An Ally

From The Inside Out: Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging | TedTalk

Feeling Stuck? Here’s How to Move Forward

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you been feeling a little unmotivated lately? 

Well, you may be stuck in a rut. However, with some self-compassion and determination, you can turn things around. 

Rearrange Your Routine 

If you find yourself comfortably slipping into the same habits, challenge yourself to switch things up. 

Take a new route to work (even if it adds a few minutes to the commute), read a book in a genre you have never dived into before, or complete your daily chores in a different order. These small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in your overall motivation and energy levels. 

Have Quality Time With Yourself 

Part of feeling unstuck comes with self-compassion and taking care of yourself.

Getting enough sleep, spending time with people who support you, and checking in with yourself are all aspects of self-care. 

Sometimes the most productive and healthy thing you can do is call it a day a couple of hours earlier than you normally do and get lost in a good book. 

Find Motivation 

When motivation doesn’t find you, go out and find it.

Just because you woke up one morning feeling a little unmotivated, that doesn’t have to set the tone for the entire day. You have more control over your feelings and actions than you give yourself credit for.

You’ve got this.

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Do We Really Thrive On Structure?

Jaclyn Baker
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Let’s talk about structure, shall we? 

Having structure is more than just staying organized. 

Maintaining structure can build confidence and help you stay on track throughout the day. 

Have you ever had one of those days where you had a list a mile long and had no idea where to start?

We all have! 

Adding structure to your day may not be able to eliminate those moments completely…

But it can certainly help dial them down.  Remember – your entire day doesn’t have to be perfect. 

All you can do is start slow and work your way up at your own pace. 

Your Sleep Schedule

Shortcuts aren’t always a bad thing. But they do have their time and their place. 

Your sleep is one of those things that needs your undivided attention and should be taken seriously. 

When we are overtired, it is difficult to think clearly and put things in perspective, which can make it harder to make decisions throughout the day. 

Going to sleep and waking up at the same time can help take out the guesswork and keep your body on track. 

It all comes down to changing your mindset. Instead of telling yourself, you have to go to sleep, tell yourself it’s time to go to sleep. 

Sleep shouldn’t feel like a chore you have to do. It should feel like a treat! 

Reflection/Quiet Time

None of us are superheroes, and we all need some quiet time throughout the day. 

An uninterrupted moment free of distractions or overstimulating environments can help you to unplug and reflect. 

Let’s be honest. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy the moment when your phone is buzzing every 5 minutes

You deserve to have that time for yourself where you can think about what you’re grateful for and highlight all the ways you’ve made a mark on the day.

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The Twists And Turns of Parenting a Teen

Jaclyn Baker
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There is no super-secret manual for parenting a teen, and it can certainly be a confusing time for the entire family. 

Here are a few tips that can help you get through the unexpected twists and turns of parenting a teen. 

Be Prepared

Being a teen is far from easy. Their brain is not fully developed, and everything from school to friendships to dating to figuring out who they are can be very stressful. 

It’s normal for teens to experience mood swings and say things they don’t mean in the heat of the moment. 

Being prepared and having a game plan ahead of time can be a big help. 

Pick Your Battles

All family members disagree from time to time. Life would be pretty boring if we all agreed on everything, right?

It’s only a matter of time until your teen does something you don’t think is wise, such as staying up too late on a school night or quitting an after-school activity.

Even though you may not agree with their decisions, sometimes the best thing you can do is let them be independent and learn from their mistakes first hand. 

Some of the best lessons happen through experiences. 

Realize And Empathize

Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? 

Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. 

Getting into a fight with a friend or getting a bad grade on a test can be quite stressful. 

Now, you know that in a few days everything will be fine and back to normal…

But their mind may be spinning in several different directions, immediately jumping to the worst-case scenario. 

Do you remember what those days were like and how you felt?

When you are upset, hearing your parents say everything will be fine isn’t always enough.

If that’s the case, you can open up and let them know how you dealt with similar events when you were a teen and how feelings come and go.

Knowing that they are not alone can help put things in perspective. 

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No One Is You And That Is Your Superpower

Jaclyn Baker
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Here’s a quick question for you. 

What top three qualities do you love most about yourself?

Okay – now here is a second question. 

When was the last time you sat down and thought about all the amazing qualities you have? 

Sometimes we can forget to remind ourselves how much we have to offer.

No one is you, and that is your superpower. 

View Yourself With a Healthy Outlook 

We all have those days where it feels like nothing goes our way. 

Every “bad” day has the potential to turn into a great one. 

All it takes is a little perspective shifting. 

Even if something feels overwhelming or stressful right now, that does not mean you will feel this way forever.

Believe that you can handle anything – and you will! 

Listen To What Makes You Happy

Listing and respecting what makes you happy in life can significantly boost your self-esteem.

If reading just one chapter of a book makes you feel good, keep on doing it. 

There is no need to put excess pressure on yourself just to make someone else happy. 

Walking away from something that does not bring you joy is not quitting – it is respecting your time and wellbeing.

After all, the most important relationship you will ever have is the one with yourself.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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