Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: self-improvement

  • The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)

    The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)



    The 5:00 AM Pact (and My Immediate Betrayal)

    My alarm clock sang its cheerful tune at 5:00 AM. Okay, “cheerful” might be a stretch. It was more like a digital rooster crowing directly into my ear. I’d made a pact with myself, you see. I was going to be one of those mythical creatures: a morning person.

    This delusion usually strikes me once a year, usually after reading some article about the productivity secrets of CEOs who wake up before dawn. This time, it was an Instagram post showcasing a woman sipping lemon water in a sun-drenched yoga pose as a majestic sunrise painted the sky behind her. “This could be me,” I’d thought, blissfully ignorant of the sleep inertia that awaited me.

    Back to the alarm. I smashed the snooze button with the fury of a thousand grumpy bears. Nine minutes later, the rooster crowed again. This cycle repeated itself until my actual, human-powered alarm (my six-year-old son) burst into my room demanding pancakes.

    Operation Sunshine: My Failed Morning Routine Experiments

    My initial failure didn’t deter me. Oh no, I had strategies! I researched the science of sleep cycles, invested in a sunrise alarm clock, and even tried that whole “going to bed early” nonsense (spoiler alert: Netflix always wins).

    Here’s a glimpse into my week of valiant, albeit ridiculous, efforts:

    1. Monday: Sunrise alarm clock. Verdict: Pleasant, but entirely ineffective at rousing a determined sleeper. I woke up at noon to the smell of burning toast (apparently, I also tried to make breakfast before going back to sleep).
    2. Tuesday: Motivational mantra and vigorous exercise. Verdict: Managed to drag myself out of bed and through a 10-minute yoga video. Immediately rewarded myself with a nap on the yoga mat.
  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant


    My Thumb Went From Black to…Less Black?

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with the same enthusiasm one might have for a tax audit. I figured it was only a matter of time before I added “plant murderer” to my list of questionable talents.

    plant’s persistent perkiness, or maybe I was just tired of watching succulents spontaneously combust in my care, but I decided to actually try this whole “keeping something alive” thing.

    Lesson #1: Resilience Is About More Than Just Bouncing Back

    Turns out, peace lilies are pretty dramatic. Forget to water them for a few days? They wilt like a heartbroken teenager. Give them a little H2O? BAM! Back to life, good as new. This cycle repeated itself several times (okay, maybe more than several) before it finally sunk in: even after a major droop, a little TLC goes a long way.

    Who knew this applied to more than just thirsty flora? We all have those “wilting” moments, those times when we feel like we’re running on empty. But just like my little green roommate, we’re capable of bouncing back. Sometimes, all it takes is recognizing what we need (a good night’s sleep, a vent session with a friend, a whole pizza eaten in one sitting…no judgment here) and giving ourselves permission to recharge.

    Lesson #2: Embracing Imperfect Growth in Ourselves and Our Plants

    Remember how I said I’m not exactly a natural in the plant-parent department? Yeah, well, that learning curve was steep. There was accidental overwatering (RIP, bottom leaves), a near-death experience involving a heat vent, and let’s not even talk about the Great Repotting Fiasco of 2023.

    But through it all, my little plant persevered. It sprouted new leaves (some a little wonky, but hey, nobody’s perfect), and even—dare I say it—thrived. It was a messy, chaotic journey, but with each new leaf, I learned to embrace the process, imperfections and all.

  • The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)

    The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)




    The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)

    The 5 AM Alarm Clock Debacle

    Let me set the scene: 4:58 AM. My alarm clock, which I had lovingly nicknamed “The Rooster” (due to its earsplitting crowing sound), decided to unleash its fury upon my peaceful slumber. Now, for most normal, functioning members of society, this would be a sign to rise and shine. For me, it was more akin to a horror movie jump scare.

    You see, I, my friends, am not a morning person. I’m more of a “let’s stay up late watching documentaries about the mating habits of deep-sea creatures” kind of person. But, like a moth to a flame (or perhaps more accurately, a zombie to brains), I was drawn to the seductive idea of becoming a morning person.

    tried it.

    The results were…mixed. I did manage to stay awake (for the most part), but I also developed a nervous twitch and an uncanny ability to hear colors.

  • The Day My Inner Voice Became a Real Person (and Why I Kind of Hate It)

    The Day My Inner Voice Became a Real Person (and Why I Kind of Hate It)


    We all have that little voice inside our heads, right? The one that narrates our lives, offers (often unwanted) opinions, and occasionally bursts into song at the most inopportune moments. Well, mine decided to become a real person. And no, it’s not nearly as cool as it sounds.

    “You’re Wearing *That*?” – The Day My Inner Critic Came to Life

    It all started innocently enough. I was staring into my closet, crippled by the age-old question: “What do I wear?” Suddenly, a voice boomed from the corner, “Seriously? The floral dress again? You look like a walking garden gnome.”

    I whirled around, expecting to see a judgmental fashionista, but there was… nothing. Just a pile of neglected gym clothes silently judging me from the floor. That’s when it hit me: my inner voice had somehow manifested in the real world. And it sounded suspiciously like my snarky Aunt Mildred.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Building a Killer Morning Routine for Success

    The Ultimate Guide to Building a Killer Morning Routine for Success





    Introduction

    Want to unlock your full potential and conquer your day? It all starts with a killer morning routine. No more hitting snooze or scrambling out the door. By designing a morning ritual tailored to your goals, you can prime yourself for productivity, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being. This guide will walk you through the steps to craft a morning routine that sets you up for success.

    Why Is a Morning Routine So Powerful?

    Think of your morning routine as the launchpad for your day. A well-structured morning routine offers numerous benefits:

    • Increased Productivity: Studies show that our willpower and creativity are highest in the morning. By tackling important tasks early, you capitalize on this peak performance time.
    • Reduced Stress: Starting your day with intention and purpose can minimize feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
    • Improved Mental Clarity: Engaging in activities like meditation or journaling can clear your mind and enhance focus.
    • Boosted Mood: Incorporating exercise or activities you enjoy into your morning can elevate your mood and set a positive tone for the day.

    Building Your Killer Morning Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Crafting the perfect morning routine is a personal journey. Here’s a framework to get you started:

    1. Define Your Goals

    What do you want to achieve with your morning routine? Do you want to be more productive, reduce stress, or prioritize your health? Clearly defining your objectives will guide your routine design.

    Examples:

    • “I want to incorporate 30 minutes of exercise into my morning to improve my fitness.”
    • “I want to start each day feeling calm and focused, so I’ll try meditation.”

    2. Start Small and Be Consistent

    Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning overnight. Begin with one or two small changes and gradually incorporate more elements. Consistency is key! Aim for at least 21 days to solidify a new habit.

    Example:

    Instead of immediately aiming for a 6 am wake-up, start by setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier and gradually shift your wake-up time over a few weeks.

    3. Design Your Ideal Morning Flow

    Experiment with different activities and their order to find what feels best for you. Here are some popular elements to consider:

    1. Hydrate: Start your day by drinking a large glass of water to rehydrate after sleep.
    2. Mindful Movement: Engage in light exercise, yoga, or stretching to awaken your body and mind.
    3. Mindfulness Practice: Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to cultivate a sense of calm and focus.
  • The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)

    The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)




    The Time I Tried to Be a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)


    We’ve all seen them. Those mythical creatures who bound out of bed at the crack of dawn, chirping about sunshine and the promise of a fresh pot of coffee. They actually choose to exercise before the workday begins. These, my friends, are the morning people. And for a brief, shining moment, I thought I could be one of them.

    Operation: Rise and Shine (More Like Rise and Whine)

    My foray into the world of early rising began, ironically enough, in the dead of night. Scrolling through Pinterest at 2:00 AM, I stumbled upon countless infographics touting the benefits of waking up early: increased productivity, reduced stress levels, the ability to actually make a decent breakfast. I was sold.

    morning routine. This involved things like “meditation” (read: panicking about how little sleep I was getting) and “journaling” (scribbling incoherent sentences in the dark).

    The Yogurt Explosion: A Sign From the Universe?

    The first few days were rough. My brain felt like it was perpetually stuck in a fog bank, and I relied heavily on industrial-strength coffee to function. But then, something miraculous happened. One morning, I woke up before my alarm went off. I felt…dare I say…rested?

    Maybe, just maybe, I was becoming one of them.

    Fueled by this newfound sense of morning personhood, I decided to make a healthy breakfast. I grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and…well, let’s just say I forgot that unopened yogurt containers have a tendency to explode when shaken vigorously.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant





    My Black Thumb Gets a Green Makeover

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I’m the queen of accidentally leaving empty coffee mugs on shelves for weeks (don’t judge!) and my idea of “watering” plants involves a frantic splash every other Tuesday (or was it Wednesday?). So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily, I accepted it with a mix of forced enthusiasm and impending doom.

    “It’s practically impossible to kill!” she chirped, completely oblivious to the graveyard of succulents and cacti littering my past.

    Even Low-Maintenance Plants Need Love

    Turns out, “practically impossible to kill” doesn’t mean “completely invincible.” Who knew? (Spoiler alert: everyone but me.) After a few weeks of my haphazard care (or lack thereof), my poor peace lily started to resemble a sad, droopy salad. Its once vibrant green leaves were turning an alarming shade of yellow, and it looked about as lively as a disco ball at a funeral.

    That’s when I realized even low-maintenance beings need some level of maintenance. Just like friendships require effort and goals need consistent action, even the simplest living things thrive with a bit of attention and care. So, I rolled up my sleeves (figuratively, I was wearing a tank top), did some research, and embarked on a journey to revive my wilting friend.

    Lesson #2: Finding Your Sunshine (and Watering Schedule)

    It turns out, my peace lily wasn’t a fan of my bathroom’s dim lighting and my inconsistent watering schedule. Go figure! After relocating it to a sunnier spot and setting reminders on my phone (yes, I even set reminders for a plant), I watched in amazement as it slowly began to spring back to life. New leaves unfurled, the droopy ones perked up, and it even graced me with a beautiful white bloom! I was officially a plant whisperer (or at least, a plant listener).

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant


    succulent, I knew it was living on borrowed time.

    This wasn’t just any succulent, though. This one was tiny, a little green soldier in a plastic pot smaller than a coffee cup. I figured I’d give it a week before it joined the great compost heap in the sky.

    succulent could flourish, what else could I be wrong about?

    Lesson #1: Small Actions, Big Impact

    I’ll admit, my plant care routine was pretty basic. A splash of water every other week, a sunny spot on the windowsill – that’s it. Yet, these small, consistent actions made a world of difference. The succulent grew, proving that even the tiniest efforts, when done consistently, can have a huge impact.

    This realization spilled over into other areas of my life. I started applying the “small actions, big impact” principle to everything from writing (a paragraph a day adds up!) to fitness (hello, 10-minute workouts!). It was surprisingly effective and way less daunting than trying to overhaul my entire life overnight.

    Lesson #2: Sometimes, You Just Need a Change of Scenery

    One day, I noticed my trusty succulent was looking a little… droopy. I tried everything – more water, less water, even serenading it with my questionable rendition of “Here Comes the Sun.” Nothing worked. Then, it hit me: maybe it just needed a change.

    I moved the pot from the windowsill to a shelf across the room. And guess what? It perked right up! It turns out, even plants get stuck in a rut. Sometimes, a little change of environment is all it takes to thrive.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant



    From Black Thumb to Budding Botanist (Well, Almost)

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have always been more “charcoal” than “green.” I’m the person who could kill a cactus in a desert. So, naturally, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a delicate-looking fern, no less – I accepted it with a mixture of terror and feigned gratitude.

    fern would teach me more than just how to keep something alive. It would become my unlikely guru, imparting valuable life lessons I never expected.

    Lesson #1: Finding Balance: The Art of Tough Love (for Plants)

    My first mistake? Smothering the fern with attention (and water). I treated it like a fragile newborn, misting its leaves every hour and practically building a humidity dome around it. Unsurprisingly, it started to wilt.

    “It’s dying!” I wailed to my friend, convinced I’d committed plant homicide. She calmly explained that ferns actually thrive with a little less care. “Less is more,” she said. “Give it some space.”

    Hesitantly, I followed her advice. I cut back on the watering, moved the fern to a spot with less direct sunlight, and basically ignored it. And guess what? It perked right up! Turns out, sometimes giving something (or someone) a little space to breathe is the best thing you can do. Who knew?

    Lesson #2: Bouncing Back: My Fern’s Guide to Resilience

    Life, as we all know, happens. And sometimes, life throws shade…literally. One morning, I woke up to find my cat, Mittens, perched precariously on the windowsill, having used my poor fern as a launching pad. Leaves were scattered everywhere, branches were broken, and I was pretty sure I saw a tear roll down its…stem?

  • The Time I Tried to Become a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)

    The Time I Tried to Become a Morning Person (and Failed Spectacularly)



    morning people who seem to have it all together. You know the ones – they’re jogging in the park while the sun rises, green smoothie in hand, already halfway through their to-do list before you’ve even hit snooze for the third time.

    Operation: Sunshine and Smiles (aka My Failed Morning Routine Experiment)

    One particularly unproductive evening (or should I say, early morning), I decided enough was enough. Inspired by a particularly convincing self-help article, I vowed to become one of them – a morning person. I envisioned myself greeting the day with open arms, a serene smile, and a newfound zest for life. Oh, the naive optimism!

    Armed with a chirpy alarm clock (set for the ungodly hour of 6 AM), a brand-new meditation app, and a fridge stocked with enough kale to choke a rhinoceros, I embarked on my journey to the land of the morning people. What could possibly go wrong?

    Day 3: Caffeine Overload and My Downfall as a Morning Person