Categories
Wellness and Sex

Tackling Loneliness: Strategies for Overcoming Isolation

Anybody, regardless of age, gender, or origin, can experience loneliness as it is a common human emotion. It is distinguished by a feeling of detachment, loneliness, or a lack of deep social ties. Loneliness can still be prevalent in the modern digital age, even if social media frequently presents a façade of constant connection

Due to being an only child, I remember at a young age always wanting to speak or be around others because I was always alone. I attached loneliness to being a loner with no friends or not being “popular”. I would have sad moments and ask my parents for a sibling, but they really had no time for another kid.

Being an only kid, I can recall from a young age my constant need to talk to people or be in a group. I associated being alone with being lonely without friends or not being “popular.” My parents had no time for another child, so when I was sad, I would beg them for a sibling. Social isolation, emotional loneliness, and existential loneliness are just a few ways that loneliness can show up. Over time, I came to see that my solitude was actually a strength. You are the only one whom can fill a hole in your life; others cannot. At times, when we feel alone and lonely, we could be more receptive to anything or anyone.

Despite the fact that loneliness is frequently seen as a bad thing, certain viewpoints clarify that it isn’t necessarily awful. Here are some explanations as to why loneliness may not be as bad as we think:

  • Self-Reflection and Growth: Loneliness can provide an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. It allows individuals to reflect on their values, goals, and priorities without external distractions. This period of solitude can foster personal growth and development.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Research has shown that periods of solitude can enhance creativity and innovation. When individuals are alone, they have the freedom to explore their thoughts, ideas, and imagination without the influence or judgment of others. Many great works of art, literature, and scientific breakthroughs have emerged from moments of solitude.
  • Independence and Self-Reliance: Experiencing loneliness can encourage individuals to become more self-reliant and independent. It prompts them to rely on their own resources, problem-solving abilities, and resilience to navigate challenges. This can lead to increased self-confidence and a greater sense of autonomy.
  • Clarification of Relationships: Loneliness can help individuals evaluate the quality of their relationships and identify which ones are truly meaningful and supportive. It prompts them to seek out genuine connections and invest in relationships that bring fulfillment and joy.
  • Appreciation for Social Connections: Experiencing loneliness can heighten appreciation for social connections and meaningful relationships. It serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and encourages individuals to cherish and nurture their bonds with others.
  • Growth and Self-Reflection: Loneliness can offer a chance for self-examination and self-realization. It enables people to consider their interests, values, and aspirations free from outside interference. This time alone can help you grow and develop personally.
  • Originality and Creativity: Studies have indicated that isolation can foster originality and creativity. People can freely explore their ideas, thoughts, and imaginations when they are by themselves, free from the criticism or influence of others. Moments of alone have produced many great pieces of literature, art, and science.
  • Independence and Self-Reliance: Being lonely might motivate people to become more independent and self-sufficient. In order to overcome obstacles, it encourages individuals  to rely on their own resources, resilience, and problem-solving skills. 

Higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of independence may result from this.

  • Relationship Clarification: Loneliness can assist people in assessing the strength of their bonds and determining which ones are genuinely sustaining and significant. It encourages people to look for sincere ties and make investments in happy and fulfilling partnerships. An increased appreciation for meaningful relationships and social interactions can result from loneliness. It pushes people to value and cultivate their relationships with others by serving as a reminder of the significance of human connection.
Solo trip to California ways to deal with loneliness

Factors that lead to feelings of loneliness

Loneliness can originate from a number of factors:

  • Social media: By encouraging fragile relationships, social media usage gone out of control can unintentionally cause feelings of loneliness.
  • Transitions in Life: Life events that cause loneliness include relocating, changing jobs, or losing a loved one.
  • Lack of social skills: is the difficulty to establish and maintain meaningful relationships because of poor interpersonal skills or social anxiety.

Dealing with Loneliness

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness:

  • Reflect on your emotions and identify the root causes of loneliness.
  • Understand that loneliness is a natural human emotion, and you are not alone in feeling this way.

2. Strengthen Existing Relationships:

  • Nurture existing connections by spending quality time with friends and family.
  • Communicate openly about your feelings to those you trust.

3. Expand Social Circles:

  • Join clubs, classes, or groups centered around your interests.
  • Attend social events to meet new people and broaden your social network.

4. Embrace Solitude:

  • Learn to enjoy your own company through activities like reading, meditation, or pursuing hobbies.
  • Use alone time for self-reflection and personal growth.

5. Volunteer or Help Others:

  • Engaging in acts of kindness can provide a sense of purpose and create meaningful connections.
  • Volunteering also exposes you to a diverse range of people and experiences.
Alone working out at the gym ways to deal with loneliness

Managing your loneliness 

1. Develop self-awareness: Consider your feelings and determine what is causing you to feel alone. Recognize that loneliness is a common human emotion and that you are not the only one who experiences it.

2. Strengthen Current Relationships: Spend meaningful time with friends and family to nurture current relationships.Openly discuss your feelings with those you can trust.

3. Widen your social networks: Enroll in classes, clubs, or interest-based groups. Go to social gatherings to expand your social circle and meet new people.

4. Accept Solitude: Develop the ability to enjoy your alone time by engaging in hobbies, reading, or meditation. Make the most of your alone time to reflect on and advance yourself.

5.Offer assistance or helping others:  Doing good deeds can give people a sense of direction and foster deep relationships.Additionally, volunteering exposes you to a wide variety of individuals and situations.

6. Regulate social media use: Establish limits on social media to steer clear of comparison and surface-level relationships.Give in-person conversations precedence over online ones.

7. Seek professional assistance: If loneliness overwhelms you, think about getting the advice of a mental health specialist.Therapy can address underlying issues and offer coping mechanisms for loneliness.

Conclusion

Being lonely is a complicated feeling that needs to be addressed in many ways. People can manage and lessen the consequences of loneliness in their life by comprehending its various forms, identifying risk factors, and putting tactics into place to build meaningful connections.

Check out some of our other blog posts!

* Leave a comment below if you have tried or have your own ways of dealing with loneliness.*

Categories
Wellness and Sex

The Profound Power of Healing: Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul

Intro

The idea of healing is something we frequently overlook in the midst of our everyday chaos. But it’s impossible to exaggerate how crucial healing is. We regretfully endure trauma, sorrow, or just ordinary experiences from time to time that can either positively or negatively impact us. Everything becomes hypersensitive while we are going through painful or traumatic experiences since they have a way of changing our minds. There are several possible reasons for these encounters, but I think healing is the key message we should spread and encourage more of. We’ll discuss the healing process transforming potential and why it’s crucial for leading a happy life in this post.

dreaming of healing  black woman leaning on table

Understanding Healing

The National Library of Medicine states that themes of narrative, completeness, and spirituality are connected to healing. Developing a sense of personal wholeness encompassing every aspect of the human experience—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual—is the definition of healing.In reality, healing is a process that you go through on your own. You are making these changes in your life and letting go of things by doing these actions and stages. It can occasionally be quite difficult to talk about or open up about trauma or suffering immediately after it has occurred, which typically leads to people suppressing these feelings or the trauma. The problem with repressing is that if you’re not processing or experiencing these feelings, they may eventually just come to the surface and blow you up in a way you never would have predicted. I truly believe in the saying, “Feel, deal, heal.” 

I really do allow myself to feel the feelings and process them in order for me to make sense of events or things that happened. Feelings are like guests; they will genuinely go after you give them permission to “feel, deal, and heal.” The trouble with most is that nobody wants to feel these emotions at all, and the more deeply repressed they are, the greater the chance of a more significant eruption in life later on.I’m not suggesting that this is a simple process; in fact, I believe that death was the final straw for the horrific experiences that changed the way I saw life and the process of healing.

Journey of healing

The Journey of Healing

Someone who is so important to who you are passing away will cause you to change. After my father passed away, I knew I would need counseling in order to talk to someone and process everything—including the hospice experience, seeing him deteriorate daily, and the overwhelming shock of going through this at such a young age. I can guarantee you that my grieving process would be even more challenging and tough if I had not taken the necessary actions. Although the road is still tough, it has allowed me to become more vulnerable and emotionally intelligent. 

It is important to keep in mind that discomfort is the enemy of growth; when you are at ease, you cannot face challenges that force you to expand your abilities. Healing is a lifelong process rather than an end point. An encouragement to hope comes from the stories of people who have overcome misfortune. Every step toward recovery is a victory,  and the process itself shows how resilient the human spirit can be. All you need to do is start by admitting the feelings, traumas, or difficulties you have gone through. Being uncertain about what is ahead causes discomfort in the process of growing. By being honest and upfront with yourself, though, you may better prepare yourself for life’s uncomfortable times and turn them into opportunities for progress.

Here are a few strategies to get your healing started:

  • The Power of Self-Care: The act of self-care is essential to the healing process. Prioritizing our well-being is a vital act of self-love, not selfishness. Self-care is crucial for keeping everything in balance in our life, from straightforward everyday routines to joyful pursuits.
emotional healing
  • Emotional Healing: Emotional scars that are not healed might remain and diminish our quality of life in general. It takes guts to face and acknowledge these feelings in order to begin the healing process. A healthy and balanced life depends on taking care of our emotional well-being, whether it be through art, mindfulness, or therapy.
physical healing
  • Physical Healing: Our bodies are amazing machines that need to be taken good care of. Making healthy lifestyle decisions, feeding our bodies with the right food, and exercising on a regular basis are all necessary for physical healing. We give ourselves the ability to live vibrant active lives by doing this.
mental healing
  • Mental Healing: Our general well-being is greatly impacted by our mental health. Key elements of mental healing include adopting resilience, managing stress, and developing a positive outlook. It’s an insightful trip that results in a deeper comprehension of our feelings and ideas.
Support system
  • Getting Support: Since no one is an island, asking for help is a strength rather than a weakness. Having a support network, whether it comes from professionals, friends, or family, is essential for the recovery process. Transparently discussing our challenges with one another promotes understanding and enables genuine connections.
Self care healing

In conclusion: It’s a tremendous act of self-compassion to take the time to heal in a society that frequently demands continual action. It’s an investment in our own health that pays rewards in many areas of our life. Recognizing the significance of healing in creating a life that is not just lived but fully cherished, let us embrace its enormous strength.  May we find comfort, resilience, and a fresh sense of purpose as we set off on our journey. 

Check out some other posts on our site!

Categories
Wellness and Sex

4 Ways that I Lost Weight Successfully


It’s 2024, and I know the girls want to get ready for the summer early! Before you know it, summer will arrive and it will be swimsuit season! So let’s get ready! Some family members, I believe, are the reason I had negative body ideas. Caribbean families are highly direct, rude, and abrasive; thus, being in one is not for the weak. Though my weight has fluctuated constantly for as long as I can remember, I have undoubtedly inherited that tendency from them. I kept my weight in check through exercise and sports, but it is harder to reduce weight as you age. Being an adult entails a lot of responsibility. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with a thousand tasks that we overlook what really matters most: OURSELVES.

woman in activewear exercising outside

I’ve always understood that being healthy is valuable, especially for those in the family who have experienced illness or disease. My parents have always encouraged me to keep active and in shape, saying that it’s important to be able to move around even as we age. I made the decision to give body sculpting a try in the middle of 2023. Years ago, I had seen this on the show ” Keeping Up With the Kardashians”, they appeared there before the public was fully aware of it. I made the decision to go see an office since I was so anxious and excited. The next thing I know, I am consenting to my session package and getting a consultation. The number of sessions you have determines the pricing. I spent over $1,000 on more than ten sessions. Keep in mind I did two different treatments: EMSCULPT AND EMTONE which would be why my pricing was that much. 

close up view of a persons abs

My attention started to focus more on my dad and his treatments because he was undergoing chemotherapy at the time.  My findings weren’t too bad, I believe, considering everything I went through. They recommend drinking a lot of water to help burn fat cells in between sessions. I believe my outcomes would have been slightly different if I had this during the session because I was lacking it. Nevertheless, because of all that was going on with my dad, I wasn’t taking care of myself. I just wanted to get rid of some belly fat before going back to the gym and restoring my motivation to work out consistently. Now it’s  2024, and looking at my past results and adding in how often I workout, my intermittent fasting, and high water intake, my body should be right where I need it to be. I’m going to give you all my four ways I have used and will reuse to lose weight. Just wait until the summer; I will be flexing that body all on your TLs.

Here are the four ways I lost weight :

slice lemon beside glass pitcher on wooden table

1. Water, water, water 

Water consumption lowers hunger cravings and enhances calorie burning. Lowering calorie and sugar intake can be achieved by substituting water for sugary drinks. Increased water consumption can lower the risk of obesity and long-term weight gain, particularly in youngsters. 

on the treadmill working towards weight loss

2. Gym

I genuinely enjoy the gym, which has become my second home. I feel like that girl the moment I walk in and the time I leave! Building lean body mass with strength training is an efficient way to exercise that can enhance look and help with weight loss. For many people who set out to reduce weight, this enhanced body composition is often the common goal. Another key strategy for losing abdominal fat is weight exercise. Possessing more muscular tone will help you burn more fat because at rest, muscles burn off more calories than fat. Because strength training aids in fat reduction while preserving or increasing muscle size and strength, it is essential for weight loss. It has been demonstrated that combining four elements—strength training, HIIT, cardio, and rest—will increase metabolism and result in increased calorie burn after the workout. Losing weight and keeping it off are aided by exercise. Your metabolism, or the number of calories you burn each day, can be raised by exercise. Additionally, it can support and enhance your lean body mass, which raises your daily calorie burn. Exercise can stop the effects of some diseases or even reverse them. Exercise is proven to aid with confidence and well-being, which in turn improves mental health, as I mentioned in my previous blog post.

Fasting and Dieting for Weight Loss

  3. Intermittent fasting and dieting

 An eating strategy known as intermittent fasting alternates between regular meals and fasting periods. You only eat during designated times when you practice intermittent fasting. According to research, there may be health advantages to eating only one meal every few days of the week or fasting for a specific number of hours every day. While there are many variations on the practice of intermittent fasting, they are all predicated on selecting a consistent window of time for both eating and fasting. For example, I only eat between 11am and 8pm with the exception of travel and late birthday celebrations, I never ate before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Schedules for sporadic fasting vary widely. Essentially, intermittent fasting extends the time your body takes to start burning fat after it has expended all of the calories from your most recent meal. Some advantages of fasting include improvements in heart health, athletic performance, and verbal memory.

I try not to consume as much fried or processed food these days. I eat fruit, vegetables, and protein in addition to mostly drinking water. It’s not like I overindulge in junk food and sweets. You can lose extra weight with proper nutrition—without experiencing food cravings or hunger! This is so because processed foods, which are usually high in fat, sugar, and salt, lack the nutrients that whole foods do. It is vital what you place in your body since it uses that food to create and provide you energy. Additionally, be sure the food you eat is safe to consume and won’t upset your stomach. It is more successful to lose weight by combining exercise and a nutritious diet than by limiting calories alone. 

Results showing weight loss from body sculpting
Results showing weight loss from body sculpting
Results showing weight loss from body sculpting

4. Body Sculpting

To simultaneously burn fat and increase muscle, EMSCULPT NEO is a non-invasive treatment that combines radiofrequency heating and HIFEM techniques. Through forceful contractions of the muscles, the treatment promotes muscle growth and aids in the removal of fat cells from the body. According to clinical research, EMSCULPT NEO often results in a 25% increase in muscle thickness and a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat.

EMTONE is the first and only device that concurrently delivers both thermal and mechanical energy to address all primary contributing reasons to cellulite. Cellulite is a buildup of subcutaneous fat in fibrous connective tissue (found in the buttocks, thighs, and hips) that causes the skin’s surface to appear dimpled and puckered. multifaceted issue. Skin laxity, a loss of skin integrity and thickness, increased cumulative UV exposure, and body obesity can all contribute to the development of cellulite.

Emtone releases focused pressure energy and radiofrequency radiation concurrently. When two technologies work together, they can accomplish a synergistic impact that neither one could do alone.I underwent two treatments; as it was my first experience, I was unsure of how it would function exactly. When my stomach is a little more developed and my abs look amazing, I will most definitely do it again.

*Please feel free to share any advice you may have below if I haven’t included it. If any of these suggestions work for you, please let me know*

For an overview of the steps and equipment used during my body-sculpting sessions, visit my TikTok.

@thenakedtruth101

Mini Vlog: A day of body sculpting with me. My results are at the end I loved it! It gave me the motivation to get back in the gym consistently, can’t wait to go back once I lose more weight 😏. #bodysculpting #emsculptneoexperience #emtonetreatment #emsculptneo✨ #results #wellness #weightloss

♬ Let’s Go – Key Glock
Categories
Wellness and Sex

3 Types Of Books That Aid In Relieving Stress

Stress is a natural human reaction to changes or challenges. This is a typical human reaction that everyone experiences. It’s a sense of being threatened and under pressure. Everyone experiences stress in their lives, whether it comes from work, school, family, or other sources. Wellness has risen in recent years as people have learned to take better care of themselves. This has even been incorporated into our school curriculum in order to begin educating children at a young age in order for them to have the skills necessary to succeed. There are several approaches to stress reduction. The most important thing is to relieve stress in a beneficial way rather than a detrimental way. One of the ways to reduce stress is by using books. There is an escapism from being able to read and place yourself wherever the words, images, lines, etc. are. I created three types of books to aid children and adults in relieving stress.

Here are the books below :

  1. Coloring Book

As I previously stated, they have even incorporated stress-relieving techniques into the curriculum for children. Coloring books help with stress relief and motor skill development. By focusing on the activity, one is able to relax and quiet their mind. It boosts and stimulates one’s creativity, allowing for an outlet for self-expression.

2. Word Search Book

My favorite thing to do! Another method that keeps the brain active while focusing on finding the words is word searches. An important part of this is expanding your vocabulary, which will give you a wider and richer range of fluency. This is not the easiest task to complete, but it teaches you patience and persistence throughout the book. It’s another therapeutic activity that distracts your mind from the stress.

3. Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal reminds us to appreciate the good things in life that we often take for granted. You begin to live each day with the intention of experiencing more positive emotions and compassion. When I have a bad day, I just look at my journal and remember all the good things that are still in my life, despite the bad moment. It boosts your self-esteem, makes you more resilient, and reduces stress.

Check out my books on Amazon. Leave a comment on what you think:)

Categories
Wellness and Sex

Why You Need A Meditation Altar

In the past two years, I’ve made regular meditation one of my core routines. I’m aware that asking for help might be challenging at times, but the real power comes from the bravery it takes to admit that you need support. The majority of individuals do not frequently discuss spiritual healing. I had to perform my own study and follow through with the findings. I’ve always had a strong sense of connection to the spiritual realm, and God granted me the ability to be an empath, which has been both a blessing and a curse. An empath has the capacity to detect emotions from a person’s face and sense their energy. Compared to the average person, I have greater empathy. I can sometimes feel too much and the strength is too powerful, which makes me limit my own potential.

I sought out a spiritual counselor because I thought I had energy obstacles and darkness that I couldn’t control on my own. Meditation was another element of my spiritual restoration. At first, it was really challenging! My mind kept going because I couldn’t lie still and just be. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t need to overthink the meditation procedure because it’s not always about remaining motionless. You can take some time to relax and think about what you want by sitting, lying down, or standing, depending on what is most comfortable for you. The space serves as a constant reminder for me to meditate and maintain my motivation.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

A meditation altar offers a chance to take a break from your busy schedule and a reminder to make time for yourself. The altar might be anything, including a desk, table, wine rack, etc. Instead of purchasing, make an altar out of anything you can! For me, meditation feels and grounds me; it is like breathing. I prefer a calm, focused mind to one that is in a state of confusion. My enthusiasm and sense of security about the future have increased to the point where I no longer have to doubt either myself or God. Towards the end of each therapeutic session, my spiritual counselor asks me to meditate for ten minutes. I became so enamored with the procedure that I made the decision to construct my own personal meditation altar.

Here are the things I brought for my altar that I love and use each session!

Diffuser for Essential Oils

With the help of the diffuser, aromatherapy can be used while meditating. I bought a diffuser with seven essential oils that help to promote calm. My brightness and attention are increased throughout the day by the calming sensation and delicious smell. I enjoy the practice of setting my intentions for my day and life during meditation while sitting on my yoga mat and inhaling these lovely oils.

Singing Bowl

The bowl encourages sound therapy, which enforces harmony by dispersing waves throughout my body. In my body, I sensed a sense of balance being restored. I only purchased a tiny bowl to begin with in order to get accustomed to it, but I have seen countless others use it and adore it.

Chakra Crystals

Crystals offer excellent physical and spiritual protection. My energy level increases, as does my capacity to realign my energy channels. To interact with my chakras and improve my energy flow, I typically meditate with my crystals. Our pleasure and health are influenced by the free passage of energy through our bodies, which is made possible by properly aligned chakras. The extraordinary qualities of crystals and the rich tone of our chakra bowl can naturally balance blocked chakras.

Yoga Mat

Due to its non-slip surface, the yoga mat is perfect for having a sturdy platform to practice yoga, meditation, or other exercises. Between the body and the ground, it acts as a kind of insulation. This offers thermal insulation by preventing the loss of any heat, charge, or energy from the body to the ground.

Each item you click will direct you to Amazon where they can be purchased. Try it out and let us know how it worked for you in the comments! 

Categories
Wellness and Sex

Why Wearing Lingerie Benefits Your Sex Life

It’s not about seducing men. It’s about embracing womanhood.- Dilta Von Tesse

Every woman knows the rush she gets when she slips on some sexy lingerie, whether it’s for herself or for her partner. This feeling contributes to a woman’s inner contentment and happiness. When I see how good I look in the mirror, it gives me an extra boost of confidence. That extra boost goes directly to my brain, causing positive thoughts and vibes to emanate from me. When your partner sees how you feel, it heightens the sexual mood even more, and they are now eager to admire your confidence in the bedroom.

Comfortability is an important factor in demonstrating dominance in the bed. The fabric and support within the material allow me to physically excel and expose more. My physicality has also improved; I am more relaxed, my body is curvier, there is no slouching, and my back is straight. When lingerie fits like a glove on the body, there’s no need to panic or keep adjusting it. There are no restrictions or tightness anywhere on the body; there is only freedom for breathing, touch, and sensation. You begin to appreciate and embrace your beautiful body for what it is. Aside from how the lingerie makes you feel, your partner’s excitement is the icing on the cake.

Lingerie is not a one-time purchase; it should be a part of your wardrobe rotation. Assume you had a long day at work and desired a glass of wine as a mood lifter. Lingerie can be exactly that! I occasionally sit in my office, thinking and creating while wearing intimate apparel . That boost of confidence and sense of freedom helps me complete my tasks while I’m sitting at my desk. It’s a vehicle for a variety of activities that all benefit your self-esteem.

When was the last time you did something sexy for yourself? If you love it, just imagine how your partner will react 🙂 Look how great it emphasizes my assets!

Check out this line I’m wearing called Aurelia Intimates ! Use DREDONNA20 for discount code.

https://aureliaintimates.com/

P.S. I’m wearing the Venice Bra, & Venice Thong and Garter in the pictures above. If you want top quality on that skin girl, the quantity should not be too cheap. 

Categories
Self Love and Relationships Wellness and Sex

5 Techniques To Build Your Self-Esteem

I have struggled with low self-esteem throughout my life. I always experienced ups and downs in my well being because of how I saw myself. I came to the realization that I had to believe in my own value and worth regardless of what other people thought. Easier said than done, right?  Simply admitting that your self-esteem is low and that it has to rise in order to improve your quality of life is all it takes to start improving it. My decision-making and mental state were damaged by all those years of low self-esteem. Knowing my potential helps me find the drive I require to reach my full potential and take on new challenges. Here are some methods I’ve used to improve my self-confidence and sense of self-worth.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

1.In the bathroom mirror, stick notes with positive affirmations

Writing positive affirmations has helped my self-esteem so much. By placing them on the bathroom mirror, seeing them and reading them, it will eventually reprogram your mind by replacing the negative thoughts. When adding it to your routine, it will lead to the best results in how you perceive yourself.

2. Get up and work out

We all know how exercise is great for your mind and body. It aids in making your body stronger and relieving stress. Depending on the circumstances, body perception can be linked to self-esteem issues. Exercising can help boost confidence by improving your body image. You can control your weight, build stronger bones and muscles, and elevate your mood by exercising.

Photo by Alex Azabache on Pexels.com

3. Make sure you eat healthy

In terms of body image, proper nutrition is important. Your physical well-being is influenced by what you put into your body. To genuinely see effects outside of your body, your workout should consist of 75% diet and 25% activity. Nutrients that support brain function are brought by eating rich foods. It keeps your mind sharp because the brain reacts to what you put into your body.

4.  Embrace compliments

Normally when someone compliments me, I go all quiet and shy, but this is something to be proud of! Gratitude and positive feelings are fostered by compliments. You must accept it both inwardly and externally since doing so will strengthen your sense of self-worth and self-assurance. Your brain receives a signal that simulates the exhilarating sensation. Give yourself a pat on the back and acknowledge the compliance.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

5. Set some goals

Setting goals is one of my favorite methods overall. I can always stay focused and exercise self-control when I have goals. I develop new behaviors that help me maintain balance in my life when I establish new goals. Your self-worth and confidence will rise after you stick to a set regimen and see results. This will inspire you to set and accomplish ever-higher goals.

P.S. Building your self-esteem is not a simple 1: 2: 3 procedure or something that just happens. You must fully commit to recognizing yourself and holding yourself to a higher level. It’s fine if my advice doesn’t apply to everyone. Try that, and if it doesn’t work, look up other advice that might. Always remember to be kind to yourself and move forward slowly each day. You are capable of handling this.

Categories
Beauty and Fashion Wellness and Sex

Sultry Summer : The Guide to Sun-Kissed Skin

In my last post, I shared what was hot on the streets in the swim department. While I’m glad you enjoyed the read, I can’t help but notice… that I didn’t help my girls with the skin prep! Personally, I have never been very attentive when it came to taking care of my skin until I realized the dangers of neglecting it! 

I think around the age of twelve or so, was when I started to open my eyes to things I hadn’t necessarily paid attention to before. This, of course, comes with the territory of puberty and, of course, is when curiosity fills my brain. Why did my hair grow here? Where did this body odor come from? Why is my chest a little tender? I am so confused.

One day, I remember I had gone to an end-of-the-year pool party that was hosted by my middle school for all of the students. To sum up the experience, I had come home crying, pleading with my mom to allow me to shave my legs. The answer was still no. Thirty swift minutes later, and I was attempting to shave every single piece of hair off of my shins and calves with my father’s razor to save myself the embarrassment at school tomorrow.

The next morning, before school, red marks from scratches swelled up my legs. Hives raised and increased on my pre-teen skin that very next day as my mother realized I had been scratching my bare skin all night. All I wanted was smooth hairless skin, yet I ended up with even worse legs as I accidentally broke the skin from the irritation. I share this incredibly embarrassing story because, to tell you the truth, there are probably a lot of us out there that don’t know how to properly shave, exfoliate, and moisturize. Being the queen of trial and error that I am, I feel it’s important for me to share my experience and help other black women.

Shaving

Flamingo | @flamingo

Shaving can be a pain in the ass if not done correctly. If you’re a black woman reading this like me, you’re more than likely aware of how easily prone our skin can be to razor bumps. The difference between whether you’re left with bumps or smooth-ass skin comes down to one very important tool: your razor. Did you know women’s razors typically have 3 blades as opposed to men’s having 5? Men’s razors can also be easier to use, as they’re meant to navigate the contours of the face. It’ll glide perfectly around the bikini area.

When it comes to shaving, the blade is not only important, but the motion and direction in which you’re shaving is helpful when reducing irritation. Your pubic hair is thicker than the hair on the rest of your body, and the skin in that area is ultra-delicate, so you want to shave in the same direction as your natural hair growth to avoid any bumps and irritation.

Exfoliation

Frank Body | @frankbody

When you hear the word exfoliate, you immediately think of smooth and soft skin. So naturally, exfoliating is essential when it comes to shaving. It’s always recommended to do so before shaving to avoid any hair follicles curling back up into your pores.

Exfoliating buffs away the product buildup, oil, and dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface of your skin—if you don’t get rid of that layer, those dead skin cells can clog your hair follicles and trap your hair under the skin, which results in ingrown hairs. Removing dead skin first through a process of exfoliation will not only ensure the hair follicle is in the best condition for hair removal, but will also help allow for normal growth post-shave.

Moisturizer

Lady Suite Beauty | @ladysuitebeauty

Now that we have an understanding of the importance of properly shaving and maintenance such as exfoliating, it’s time to show off that summer glow. Sharing my story about my irritated skin was to highlight how sensitive our skin is post-shaving. The skin can be raw coming out of the shower due to not only the shaving but also the heat from the steam of the shower. Not only do I slab my body with a thick-based lubricant post shower, but I also use an in-shower body lotion to coat my skin while it’s still wet. This added pomade seals and locks in any additional moisture to keep your skin calm.

What are your ways to implement healthy skin this summer? Leave us a comment down below or feel free to message us!