Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: wellness

  • Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)



    Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent: My Journey Begins

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a friend to foliage. In fact, I was notorious for accidentally offing any greenery that dared to cross my threshold. Cacti, succulents—you name it, I unintentionally sent them to the great greenhouse in the sky.

    plant parent bug bit me, and there was no turning back.

    Stress Relief? Interior Design Guru? The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

    Who knew that nurturing something green could be so therapeutic? These days, I swear by the calming ritual of watering, misting, and just generally hanging out with my plant babies. Forget meditation apps—give me a watering can and a fussy fern any day! Here’s the deal: plants are like leafy, low-maintenance companions that actually improve your air quality. What’s not to love?

    And speaking of love, let’s talk about how plants can transform your living space. Remember that dark, drab corner that’s been cramping your style? Enter: a majestic Monstera or a vibrant prayer plant. Suddenly, you’re not just a plant parent; you’re an interior design genius!

  • 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 been there. Scrolling through Instagram at midnight, stumbling upon a post of some impossibly perfect human who’s already finished their morning yoga, green smoothie, and daily meditation before the sun even thinks about rising.

    And in that moment, bathed in the pale glow of our phone screens, we think, “I could be like that! I could be a morning person!”

    The Pact I Made with the Devil (aka My Alarm Clock)

    My attempt to join the ranks of chipper morning people started innocently enough. It was a particularly brutal Monday morning, the kind where even my coffee looked at me with pity. I was running late, hair a mess, tripping over my own feet, and desperately trying to find my keys (spoiler alert: they were in the fridge).

    That’s when I decided, “Enough is enough! I’m going to become a morning person, conquer the day, and be the envy of all who cross my path!”

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer: The Unexpected Joys of Plant Parenthood (and Why You Should Join the Club)

    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, I used to be a plant serial killer. I’d walk into the garden center with the best intentions, promising myself (and the poor, unsuspecting fern) that this time would be different. But alas, my track record spoke for itself: a graveyard of neglected succulents and overwatered peace lilies.

    Then something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a quarter-life crisis, or maybe it was the realization that my apartment looked remarkably like a beige box. Whatever it was, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. And you know what? It’s been one of the most rewarding (and hilarious) experiences of my life.

    Plant Therapy!

    Who knew that watching a leaf unfurl could be so darn therapeutic? Seriously, there’s something incredibly calming about tending to your plants. The act of watering, pruning, and even just talking to them (don’t judge!) can melt away the day’s stresses. Plus, unlike my goldfish growing up, they don’t stare back with judgment when I inevitably forget to feed them for a week (sorry, Finny).

    Here are a few ways my plant babies have become my own personal therapists:

    • Mindful moments: Caring for plants forces me to slow down and be present. No more scrolling through social media while simultaneously burning dinner!
    • Sense of accomplishment: Every new leaf, bloom, or even just a plant that doesn’t die on me feels like a major victory. Take that, self-doubt!
    • Connection to nature: Living in a concrete jungle, it’s easy to forget the beauty of the natural world. My plants bring a little bit of the outdoors in, even if it’s just a rogue spider plant hanging from the ceiling.

    From Drab to Fab: Plants as Interior Design Hacks

    Remember that beige box I mentioned earlier? Well, let’s just say my plants have done wonders for my apartment’s aesthetic. A pop of green here, a trailing vine there, and suddenly my place looks like it belongs in an interior design magazine (or at least a slightly cooler version of my grandma’s house).

    And the best part? Plants are like living art! They add texture, color, and life to a room in a way that no mass-produced print ever could. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter. Just be prepared for questions like, “Is that a real plant?” or “How do you keep it alive?!”

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join My Club)




    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)



    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, folks. I used to be the grim reaper of greenery. I’m talking succulents shrivelling faster than my patience during rush hour traffic. My apartment resembled a graveyard of good intentions, littered with empty terracotta pots and drooping leaves.

    Then, something magical happened. Call it a quarantine whim, a desperate plea for something living in my apartment that wasn’t judging my snack choices, or maybe just a touch of plant-envy from scrolling through Instagram (you know those perfectly curated plant corners we’re talking about). Whatever the reason, I decided to give plant parenthood another shot.

    And guess what? It’s been amazing! Not only have I managed to keep a few leafy friends alive (some are even thriving, dare I say!), but the whole experience has brought a surprising amount of joy and calm into my life. Who knew?

    The Unexpected Perks of Plant Parenthood

    Here’s the thing about plants: they’re not as high-maintenance as you might think. Plus, they come with a whole host of unexpected perks:

    1. They’re the Chillest Roommates Ever

    No more passive-aggressive sticky notes about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Plants are silent, non-judgmental roommates who are content with a little water and sunlight. They won’t steal your food from the fridge, blast loud music at 3 am, or complain about your shoe collection (unless you count the occasional wilting leaf as a passive-aggressive protest, which I totally do).

    A close-up of a person's hands gently watering a small potted plant with a watering can.
  • Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Might Enjoy It Too)

    Confessions of a Recovering Plant Killer (and Why You Might Enjoy It Too)






    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, I wasn’t always a plant person. In fact, I used to be notorious for accidentally sending leafy friends to their doom. Overwatering, underwatering, you name it – my track record with plants was less than stellar. But then something changed. Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it was a sudden urge to nurture something other than my caffeine addiction, but I decided to give plant parenthood another shot. And guess what? I’m actually kind of…good at it?

    plant alive comes with a surprising number of perks. Who knew?

    Stress-Busting Superpowers (No Joke!)

    Remember that feeling of calm you get when you’re surrounded by nature? Turns out, a little bit of greenery in your living room can have the same effect. Studies have shown that caring for plants can actually reduce stress and boost your mood. Who needs a meditation app when you can just mist a fern, right?

    Plus, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging in the soil, repotting a leafy friend, or simply wiping down dusty leaves. It’s like a mini spa day for your soul (and your houseplant).

    Plants: Tiny Works of Art That Clean Your Air

    Let’s face it, plants are gorgeous. Whether you’re into dramatic monsteras, delicate ferns, or quirky succulents, there’s a plant out there to match your aesthetic. They’re basically living, breathing sculptures that add life and color to any room (without having to commit to a paint job).

    And the best part? These green masterpieces also act as natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. Talk about a win-win!

  • 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 Journey From Plant Killer to (Slightly) Less Brown Thumb

    Let’s be honest, my history with plants is more “crime scene” than “flourishing garden.” I once managed to kill a cactus, a feat that still baffles my friends. So, when my well-meaning partner gifted me a peace lily for our anniversary, I accepted it with the enthusiasm of someone handed a ticking time bomb.

    To my surprise, the peace lily thrived. I mean, it didn’t just survive, it flourished! It sprouted new leaves, bloomed with elegant white flowers, and even seemed to tilt towards the sunlight with a kind of botanical optimism that was frankly a little intimidating. This little plant, dubbed “Professor Sprout” by yours truly, became my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons I never expected.

    Professor Sprout wasn’t immune to hardship. I accidentally overwatered it (more than once!), forgot to fertilize, and even managed to leave it in a dark corner during a particularly hectic week. I expected to find it drooping in defeat, a testament to my plant-parenting failures. But each time, Professor Sprout bounced back.

    Sure, it might have taken a little TLC (and a frantic Google search on “how to revive a dying peace lily”), but it always found a way to recover. This little plant taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about having the strength to get back up, dust yourself off, and keep growing, even after a setback.

    Lesson #2: Patience – The Secret to Growth (For Plants and People)

    We live in a world of instant gratification. Need information? Google it. Want a pizza? Delivery app. But Professor Sprout doesn’t operate on internet time. It takes its sweet, botanical time to do everything.

    I’d eagerly check for new growth every day, convinced that my intense scrutiny would somehow speed up the process. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t.) But slowly, patiently, Professor Sprout would unfurl a new leaf or reveal a delicate bud, reminding me that the best things in life – like a plant reaching its full potential or achieving a long-term goal – take time, dedication, and a whole lot of patience.

  • 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 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 Brown-Thumb Redemption Story

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my gardening history is littered with the ghosts of succulents past. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily, I accepted it with the enthusiasm of someone handed a ticking time bomb.

    I envisioned a future of drooping leaves, frantic Googling, and ultimately, a silent, leafy judgment of my complete inability to keep anything alive. But, much to my surprise (and slight terror), the peace lily thrived. Not just survived, thrived. It sprouted new leaves, bloomed with unexpected regularity, and even seemed to tilt towards the sunlight with a newfound sense of purpose. This, my friends, is when I knew I had stumbled upon something profound.

    leaves drooped lower than my enthusiasm for doing laundry, and the once-perky blooms resembled something out of a post-apocalyptic floral arrangement.

    Just when I was about to accept defeat (and start browsing for replacement plants), I decided to give it one last shot. I watered it, gave it some encouraging words (don’t judge), and waited. To my utter astonishment, the little guy bounced back! Within days, it was standing tall, leaves gleaming with renewed vigor. It was a powerful reminder that even after experiencing hardship, we have the incredible capacity to recover, adapt, and thrive again.

    Lesson #2: The Importance of Attention and Self-Care

    As my peace lily flourished, I noticed a curious pattern. Whenever I took the time to dust its leaves, give it a little extra water, or simply pause to admire its growth, it seemed to respond with even more vibrancy. It was as if my simple act of paying attention was all the encouragement it needed to truly flourish.

    This got me thinking about our own lives. How often do we go through the motions, neglecting to give ourselves the care and attention we deserve? Just like my peace lily, we too blossom when we feel seen, appreciated, and cared for. Whether it’s taking a break, indulging in a hobby, or simply acknowledging our own accomplishments, those small acts of self-care can make a world of difference.

  • 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.

  • Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)

    Confessions of a Reformed Plant Killer (and Why You Should Totally Join the Club)



    From Black Thumb to Proud Plant Parent

    Let’s be honest, folks. I used to be a certified plant killer. I’m talking Sahara Desert levels of dryness in my apartment. If a plant even dared to wilt in my presence, I considered it a personal attack. My thumbs were decidedly not green. Then, something magical happened. My well-meaning friend, bless her soul, gifted me a resilient little snake plant for my birthday.

    plant thrived! It was like a tiny green beacon of hope in my otherwise plant-deprived life. And just like that, my black thumb started showing signs of life (pun intended!).

    The Unexpected Benefits of Plant Parenthood

    Fast forward to today, and my apartment is practically a jungle. I’ve discovered that being a plant parent comes with a whole host of unexpected perks:

    Stress Relief (No Xanax Required!)

    Remember those adult coloring books that were all the rage? Yeah, plant parenting is like that, but way cooler. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about digging your hands in soil, pruning leaves, and just generally tending to your green babies. It’s like meditation, but with more oxygen and fewer awkward chanting sessions.