#CalmTip: September, 29th, 2015

Posted on September 29, 2015September 29, 2015 by Jamie

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, being physically active is considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can also reduce stress, making it a great way to find your calm. Studies show that it’s very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be really helpful when stress has drained your energy or ability to concentrate.

You don’t have to join the gym or spend two hours per day exercising (unless you want to). You could take a 20 or 30 minute walk after work, go for a bike ride, or work out at home with exercise DVDs or YouTube videos (I’ve used Blogilates, FitnessBlender, and HangTightWMarC). Figure out what you like, and get moving!

#CalmTip: September 22nd, 2015

Posted on September 22, 2015September 22, 2015 by Jamie

If you pay attention, you’ll notice that your breath is closely linked with how your feeling. When you’re relaxed, calm or content, your breath is deep and slow (how it should be). When you’re tense, angry, anxious, or fearful, your breath is either held in or it becomes irregular, short, or difficult. When you’re mindful of how you’re feeling, you can change your breath to what it should be and feel more calm.

Here’s a breathing technique to try for relaxation: Inhale deeply for four counts; pause; exhale fully for eight counts. Do this for a minute or two until you feel relaxed.

#CalmTip: September 15th, 2015

Posted on September 15, 2015September 15, 2015 by Jamie

Affirmations are a great way to create more peace and calm in your life. They are statements you can write down then repeat regularly so you bombard your subconscious mind with the thoughts, images, and feelings you would be experiencing if your goal was complete already. Here are a few tips for writing them:

Begin with the words “I am,” and/or use present tense.
Make it positive.
Keep it short.
Be specific.
Make them for yourself.

(From The Black Girl’s Guide to Calm)

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My book, The Black Girl’s Guide to Calm, is available now! Get your print or digital copy now; and don’t forget to tell a friend (sharing is caring!).

#CalmTip: September 8th, 2015

Posted on September 8, 2015September 8, 2015 by Jamie

Practicing mindfulness is simply being aware of the present moment, not judging or reacting to what’s going on around you. Whenever thoughts come, you observe them with a friendly interest then let them go. Today, practice mindfulness by doing one thing — and one thing only — for at least five minutes.

“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment. We also gain immediate access to our own powerful inner resources for insight, transformation, and healing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

#CalmTip: September 1st, 2015

Posted on September 1, 2015September 1, 2015 by Jamie

We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, grinding, and hustling. Of course, there are times when you’ll have to work a little longer than you want, and you may have to make time sacrifices, particularly if you’re an entrepreneur. But making time for rest rejuvenates your body and mind, and regulates your mood. Take breaks, and schedule time (even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes) to rest.

#CalmTip: August 25th, 2015

Posted on August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 by Jamie

Focusing on what other people are doing and comparing yourself to them can cause you to feel frustrated and stressed about what’s happening in your own life. It’s important to remember that we are each on our own journeys, so there’s no point in comparing yours to the next person’s. Concentrate on creating the life you want and bettering yourself.

“The grass is always greener where you water it.” – Unknown

#CalmTip: August 18th, 2015

Posted on August 18, 2015August 18, 2015 by Jamie

Trust the process of your life, and know that everything happens when it’s supposed to. So, don’t fret about the future, and do your best to live in the moment and take things one day at a time.

#CalmTip: August 11, 2015

Posted on August 11, 2015August 11, 2015 by Jamie

Yoga is one of my favorite ways to find calm. Practicing yoga helps you de-stress, learn to stay in the moment, and reminds you to breathe through whatever is going on and how you’re feeling. I know a lot of people think yoga is for “flexible” people or certain body types, but it’s for everybody– and I do mean EVERYBODY. With several types of yoga to choose from, find the one that works for you, and hit that mat!

#CalmTip: August 4, 2015

Posted on August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 by Jamie

August 1st-7th is Simplify Your Life Week! By simplifying your life, you invite more calm and peace in. One of my favorite sites, Zen Habits, has several ways to simplify your life which include:

Evaluating your time.
Learning to say no.
Limiting media consumption.
Editing your rooms, drawers, and closets.
Being present.
Creating morning and evening routines.
Doing nothing.

You can read all the ideas here.

#CalmTip: July 28th, 2015

Posted on July 28, 2015July 28, 2015 by Jamie

Talking to God and letting Him know how you feel about what’s going on in your life is a great way to find calm and ease anxiety because praying lets you know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to face what you’re going through alone.

I’m someone who finds it easier to express myself through the written word rather than speaking out loud, and if you’re the same way, keeping a prayer journal is a great way to pour your heart out to God. In addition to writing out how you feel and your desires, you can write down answers you receive from Him and how He’s answered your prayers, which can serve as a reminder of his goodness during tough times in the future.