Category: Mental Health

5 Mental Health Tips for the Holidays

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Hello, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. It’s officially December, and we all know what that means; the Christmas season is finally here! And while the spirit of Christmas is in the air as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, many people find themselves more susceptible to stress and even depression during this time of year.

Let’s face it; everyone wants to feel great inside and out throughout the year, but even more so during the Christmas season. And we can all do that; all it needs is a little bit of work and preparation, and we’re all good to go! Today, I will be sharing my top 5 tips for maintaining mental wellness during the holidays. Let’s get started!

Maintain an ‘optimist-realist’ mindset.

The Christmas season is such a beautiful time of year; especially when it is Jesus’s birth that we are celebrating. And I believe that in our hearts, we all want every holiday season to be better than the last. And is it a good thing to maintain that holiday spirt? Absolutely! But we must also be sure to be realistic about our limits and those of the ones that we love as we work to throw huge family gatherings at the end of the year. This year my not be exactly like the last. People and families change. And financial situations and traditions might, as well. But as long as we keep both the optimism and the realism during this time of year, our holiday season will likely be the best one yet.

Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet.

I know, I know. You’ve probably read this only a thousand times, and would like to do nothing more than to skip to the next heading. But a huge part of the reason why many people feel stressed or depressed around this time of year is because they aren’t putting the work in to keep their body and minds healthy. As little as 30 minutes of exercise a day (even something as simple as yoga, walking, or hiking) as well as incorporating the necessary vitamins and minerals into your diet with fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein can cause a boost in your energy and sanity.

Besides, most of us will enjoy a nice break from our diets on Christmas Day, anyway. Just remember, when we do have a craving for something sweet or savory, what matters most is that we eat everything in moderation. ;))

Plan ahead.

What gets most people into a stressed crunch before Christmas and New Year’s Day arrive is they wait until the last minute to buy gifts, prepare Christmas dinners, and put up festive decorations around their home. But in reality, that can only hype up the stress when Christmas is only one or two weeks away. Do yourself and your family a favor by planning a grocery list, putting up most of your decorations for the year, and buying gifts while sales are still here. If you do, it is sure to help your peace of mind, and your wallet.

Volunteer.

One of the best parts of Christmas is that it gives us all another opportunity to look out for one another–meaning ourselves, our families, and those in our communities. God loves a cheerful giver, and if you have the means to give, a great thing to do would be to donate your time and/or money towards an organization that you support. Most of us are blessed by God to be able to afford a fairytale Christmas (or as close to it as we can get.) But everyone doesn’t have that luxury. And it’s important in both God’s will and the spirit of Christmas that we give back to the people and communities that have given to us.

Create a personal budget.

Budgets. Are they most people’s favorite word? Probably not. But are they a weight off of our shoulders during the Christmas season? You bet! This tip kind of goes hand in hand with #1, just because creating a budget requires us to tap into that ‘optimist-realist’ mindset that we discussed.

Sometimes, as much as we want something (for ourselves and/or those we love) it’s important to be realistic with ourselves in how much we can give. So, whether your budget is 50 or 500 dollars, this holiday season, remember that the true meaning of Christmas has no monetary value. Or in other words, a million gifts cannot replace the love that we share during this time of year.

While we cannot control everything that life brings, we can maintain faith in God’s plan for us and do all the preparations that we can for Christmas Day. And I hope that with these tips, your Christmas season will be the utmost merry and bright! Please comment down below some of your productive tips for maintaining mental wellness during this time of year. I would love to hear from you!

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all and I’ll see you next time! Peace in! ♡

25 Positive Affirmations to Begin Your Week ♡

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Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen! Today is Sunday, and that means a new week has officially begun. Regardless of what this upcoming week has in store for you, Sundays are a time for us to relax, recharge, and start off our week strong!

Positive affirmations are the perfect way to make sure your week is productive. And if Thanksgiving is coming up where you live, I’m sure we could all use a little bit of self care before the holiday season comes around!

Here are 25 fun, relaxing, and positive affirmations to help you start your week! Let’s get this party started!

25 Positive Affirmations to Begin Your Week

1. This week will be better than the last/ the best one yet!

2. This week, I will take time to recharge.

3. I am grateful for today, and I look forward to the week ahead of me.

4. I chose happiness today.

5. I am confident in the abilities that God has blessed me with.

6. This week, I will achieve my goals.

7. I am positive and creative.

8. I am enough, this week and forever.

9. I can handle whatever this week throws at me.

10. I am blessed.

11. My self-confidence is at an all-time high!

12. God is with me: there’s nothing I can’t do!

13. I will not allow anything to disturb my peace.

14. Many good things will happen, this week.

15. I am capable of doing great things!

16. I choose success and the work that will get me there!

17. This week is my time to shine!

18. I am unique, and proud of it!

19. I am exactly who God made me to be, and I will let my light shine, this week!

20. I will grow stronger every day, this week!

21. Today, I’ll take time to take care of myself.

22. Today is the new day that God has made!

23. My life has a purpose and a meaning.

24. Today, I chose healing.

25. This week will be a blessing in my life and the lives of others.

Whether or not it’s actually Sunday, for you, these positive affirmations are a great way to boost your energy level and make your week even more productive! And saying kind things to ourselves is one of the key factors to doing great things! I encourage you to try out these affirmations for yourself, and see just how positive your week can be!

Please tell me down below in the comments, which one of these encouraging and inspirational statements did you like the most? I would love to hear from you!

Have a happy and healthy rest of your day and/or night! God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

Our Diets are More Than What We Eat — Words of Wisdom #23

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For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 New International Version (NIV)

What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word “diet?” Is it fruits and vegetables? No pasta or bread? A real-life nightmare? Due to the world that we live in, diets have been defined as food restriction plans that are meant to help you loose weight. But I’m here to tell you that our diets are much more than just what we eat.

In today’s episode of Words of Wisdom, I’ll be discussing the reason why food is far from the only thing that makes up a diet. Without further ado, let’s get started!

What is a Diet?

As I’ve stated before, when most of us think of a diet, it is cutting back on the types and/or amount of food that we put into our bodies. But our physical health is only one aspect of a healthy (and happy) person. Therefore, the answer to the question “What is a diet” is not only about our bodies; it’s about our spiritual and emotional health.

While the food that we eat is important, it’s not the only thing that we consume. What about the shows that we watch or the music that we listen to? What about what we do and say when everyone’s watching? Does that correlate to how we act behind closed doors or by ourselves?

As followers of Jesus Christ, and human beings, our diet is what we eat, see, do, hear and think. Why, you ask? Because all of these things are in relation to the type of environments that we allow ourselves to be in. And whatever type of energy that is, whether it is of God or not, will likely rub off on us over time. That’s why it’s important that we use the guidance of God–both through prayer and studying His Word–to make decisions that are healthy for every single aspect of us (meaning our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits.)

Our diet also has a huge effect on our mood; the better our diet, the healthier, happier, and spirtiually in-tune with God we are. And if there’s anything that we can do to deepen our relationship with God, it’s to show ourselves approved by how we spend our time. And I think that as children of God, that’s something that we could all work on in our daily lives.

As you all can see, our diets are more than just the food we eat. Is nutrition important? Absolutely! In fact, taking care of our bodies can also have positive effects on our mental health. But everything that we consume–whether it’s food or what we allow into our spirits–is a huge part of the people that we are today. And that, my friends, is a lot deeper than food.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you and I’ll catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

Daily Habits for Mental Wellness as a Christian – PT. 1

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Hey, hey, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen.

There are so many aspects to being healthy . . . not just how much exercise you get or how healthy you eat. Are those things important? Absolutely! But a healthy body is not the only factor of a healthy spirit. That’s where mental wellness comes in. While this is a major topic on my blog, I realized that I’ve never directed a post about positive mental habits for fellow Christians. But that changes today.

As followers of Christ, there are so many ways to please God. And one thing that I know God wants is for us to be healthy–mentally, physically, and spiritually. And implementing healthy, productive habits into our daily lives to boost our mood and gain a sense of self worth is perfect for maintaining mental wellness and deepening our relationship with our Heavenly Father, in the process. Today, I will be listing a few ways that we can do so, with a scripture representing each point. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Practice Gratitude in all Circumstances

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For me, showing gratitude as a Christian is not simply just being thankful. It’s showing appreciation–through our actions, thoughts, and words–that God has loved us enough to bless us with salvation (eternal life) and all the other people and blessings that put the icing on the cake. While anyone can practice gratitude, it’s even more critical that we practice this lifestyle as followers of Christ.

By acknowledging the things that we are blessed to have, even in the moments where everything isn’t going our way or we don’t feel our best, we can build on our relationship with God as we give Him glory for all that He’s blessed us with. And the best part is, when we show God that we are thankful, He can (and will) bless us with even more than what we have now. What an amazing Father we serve!

Communicate with God through Prayer

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

– 1 John 5:14-15

Praying should be a no-brainer for all followers of Christ. Some people say that they are happier when they spend time with their family and friends. And while our loved ones are all wonderful gifts from God, it’s important that we take time everyday to communicate with the Lord, as well, with the power of prayer.

One of the most common questions that I see about prayer is simply “How do you pray?” Well, the simplest answer to that is have a conversation with God. That could be in the form of thanking Him (another great way to express our gratitude), asking Him for what we need, asking for forgiveness, and even using memorized scriptures to strengthen our conversations. Praying doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact. Even “Thank you, Lord” is a prayer.

Instead of thinking of praying as a daunting task (particularly for new Christians) think of it like this: God has given us the gift of being able to speak to Him whenever we’d like. We can get to know more about Him and better our spiritual and mental wellness while doing so. And when we decide to take that opportunity, we are taking a huge step towards becoming the best people that we can be; both as people and most importantly, God’s children.

Get Your Exercise

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Although they are most often separated as two different topics, our physical and mental health are more connected than some may realize. For example, if you eat an apple everyday, you will most likely have lower hormone fluctuations (meaning less mood swings) and a boosted mood. While on the other hand, too much stress can suppress one’s immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases.

Our bodies are yet another blessing from the Lord. And the functions of our bodies that seem as simple as walking and breathing are miracles. And because our bodies are such gifts, we’ve got to do what we can to keep them healthy. Exercise (preferably 30-60 minutes a day) is the perfect way to release happy hormones (therefore making you feel more relaxed and accomplished) while keeping our physical health in check. But, even if you get bored during your next jog, you can always play some of your favorite gospel tunes to add worship to your workout!

Understand Who You are In Christ

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

– John 14:27

Having a sense of confidence is something that anyone can struggle with, including God’s children. But the thing is, when we take a look into God’s Word, we notice that throughout the entire book, He is constantly telling us who we are to Him: the apple of His eye, forgiven, loved, saved, strong, made with a purpose, wonderfully made, and worthy to have a happy, eternal life.

While self confidence is something that can take time to build, we can’t help but be grateful when we receive all that God has called us to be. So whenever you need a little bit (or a lot) of encouragement, take time to study who God says you are. Because at the end of the day, that matters WAY more than what anyone else thinks/says about you.

Mental health is critical in our day to day lives, and we should all take time to make sure that we are taking time out of each day to maintain a happy, healthy, and godly state of mind. Hopefully, these simple yet life-changing habits will help you do just that. Please tell me some of your healthy habits (as a Christian) that you do to maintain mental wellness. Also, were any of these tips eye-openers for you?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

5 Things that Exercise Has Done for Me

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It’s been about a month since I started my fitness journey, and it all started when I began my ‘Physical Education with HOPE’ course. After struggling to complete the mile run for a baseline fitness assessment, me and my grandmother started walking a mile (at minimum) three days a week, while incorporating other exercises (like dancing and muscle strength training) to spice things up, in between.

Even though these awesome changes in our lifestyle are still pretty new, my life has changed for the better in so many ways (even as a teenager) and I’d like to share some of the things that exercise has done for me with you all! Let’s jump into it!

1. It’s made me stronger

Believe it or not, exercises as simple as walking engage quite a few of your muscles. And I’ve noticed that my muscular endurance–or the amount of walking that I can do without getting tired–has increased significantly within this first month. Now, we always manage to surpass our goal of 1 mile on our “park dates” and I always love the challenge.

2. It has increased my confidence

There’s something about creating an exercise routine and sticking with it that gives your self esteem a huge boost. Like you’re capable of anything that you set your mind to. For me, exercise has become a way for me to clear my mind and have a productive rest of the day. Whenever I’m done with a workout, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world!

3. I feel lighter on my feet (mentally and physically)

Even while scooting the results on the scale aside, I can see just by looking in the mirror that I am making progress. Plus, I can feel my progress with how much easier it is to engage in physical activity, both while exercising and doing everyday things. And while most people think that exercise is just for physical benefits, I think the mental aspect is what keeps me the most motivated. While getting a breath of fresh air and working off some calories, I can’t help but feel that much more at peace. And considering that that’s coming from someone who’s always had a happy personality, it means a lot!

4. I’m more productive

Remember how I said that walking has helped me prepare for a productive day? Well, something else that I’ve noticed in the last four weeks is how much more energy I have throughout the day. I’m able to focus on my school assignments even more than before, my attention span has increased, and I’m able to get more done throughout the week.

5. I have a better quality of life

In short, exercise has made me feel happier, healthier, and more productive every day. I’m able to do more and feel great while doing it. Even a little bit of exercise a few times a week has made a huge difference in my physical, mental, and spiritual health. And a healthier body, mind, and spirit make for a happier life.

As you all can see, exercise is a powerful tool that we all need a little bit of in our day to day life. I wrote this post not only to share my experiences during my fitness journey with other teenagers, but also to encourage other young people to get a few minutes of exercise every day! From dancing to playing fitness video games to playing sports, there are so many different ways to get active: we just have to be a little creative! Hopefully, this post will help you do just that!

What are some of your favorite (or most fun) ways to exercise? I would love to read your responses in the comments!

Have a healthy, happy day, everyone! May God bless you all, peace in, and never forget that God is love! Bye everybody! ♡

Graphic Novel Review: Guts by Raina Telgemeier

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BOOK INFORMATION

Publication Date: September 17, 2019

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Category: Middle Grade (MG)

Pages: 224

Publisher: Graphix

SYNOPSIS

A true story from Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts!

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it’s probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she’s dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina’s tummy trouble isn’t going away… and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What’s going on? Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face — and conquer — her fears.

MY TAKEAWAYS

I remember the moment I got the first two editions of this triology, Smile and Sisters, when I was nine years old. To make a long story short, I fell in love immediately, and I still re-read them every now and then to this day. On a recent trip to Barnes & Nobles, I finally got my hands on Guts, a highly-anticipated graphic novel for all of Telgemeier’s loyal fans–and let me tell you, it was all worth the wait! Guts is an absolute masterpiece!

At the beginning of this gem for tweens and teens, Raina (who is the author when she was in 4th grade), catches the stomach flu that had been spreading in her family. And when her stomach problems continue, she develops the fear of getting sick and throwing up (emetophobia) to the point where she is worried about catching something from her family and classmates. Eventually, her family signs her up to see a children’a therapist, and she progresses throughout the story learning how to face her fear while making new friends along the way.

Raina is such a quirky, fun, and relatable protagonist, so its not hard to take a liking to her character within the first few pages of the story. She seems like someone that I would’ve liked to be around back in elementary school. And believe me, having the protagonist be someone who I actually like as a person is critical to me when I read a novel for the first time.

While I thank God that I’m not a victim of anxiety, there are so many young people who struggle with their mental health, even if they fear something small like the dark or going to the doctor. Stories like Guts are not only relatable to a large range of audiences, but they also teach us that while fear is a normal feeling, we shouldn’t let the things that scare us take over our lives. And like any trial, fears can be conquered.

Like always, the vibrant illustrations on each page of this masterpiece illuminated the story, making it that much more entertaining for readers of all ages. Even though the topic of mental health among youth was discussed throughout the course of this story, the funny, light-hearted moments within the book didn’t fail to put a smile on my face.

Overall, Guts is a must-read for bookworms–and even non-bookworms–of all ages! I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it!

Rating: ★★★★✯ (4.5/5 stars, 5 being the best of the best)

Recommended Age: for readers 9+

I’ve got to admit that I am very pleased with Guts. It was one of the three books that I got for my birthday, earlier this week, and I’ve got to admit that I made some pretty good choices. Be on the look out for the book reviews for the other two novels of my choice; they’re coming soon!

If you haven’t read this book already, I hope my opinion will encourage you to give it a try! However, if you already have this book in your collection, tell me your thoughts on it in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your day/night, everybody! God bless you all and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

20 Simple Tips to Promote Relaxation

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Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to my blog! Since school is back in session for most of us, there might be less time within our day for us to sit back and relax. But the thing is, we shouldn’t put the priority of getting some rest on the back burner.

August 15th is National Relaxation Day, and that means that today is an opportunity for us to find different ways to unwind, even throughout busy weeks. I have created a list of 20 simple tips to promote relaxation in honor of this day of tranquility. Let’s get this party started!

1. Stop and smell the roses . . . literally: Plants are known to be very beneficial for our lungs and decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety. Perfect for any nature lover trying to relax.

2. Begin journaling: Writing about how you are feeling, the best part of each day, or even what you’re grateful for, can be a great way to unwind within just a few minutes of your day.

3. Read a book: On those late-summer days where it’s too rainy to go outside, there’s very few things that are more satisfying than snuggling up on the couch with a book in your hand.

4. Drink something warm (green tea, hot cocoa, latte, etc.): When it comes to relaxation, anything that involves a warm temperature has a soothing affect on both our bodies and minds. But sipping on a toasty beverage is definitely one of the most relaxing of them all.

5. Spend some time with your pet(s): Nobody can deny that our animal babies are always there when we need some companionship.

6. Try a face mask: Skin care is a great option for those who want to ‘feel the zen’ and touch up their pores. A face mask is a wonderful way to unwind just before bedtime.

7. Do some house cleaning: For those of us who can’t stand to see anything out of place, putting in some extra work to keep your house spick and span couldn’t be more gratifying.

8. Take a nap: I mean, do we really need an explanation, here?

9. Take a warm bath: Again, heat and relaxation are a match made in heaven. Keep in mind that if you aren’t into baths, a hot shower may also do a trick to help you relax.

10. Watch some TV: A 30-minute family sitcom or a little nostalgia with a show that you loved during your childhood is sure to make any day a little more lighthearted.

11. Do something creative: There’s something about taking simple things and making them into something beautiful that’s so rewarding. That makes it a perfect option for anyone with some time on their hands.

12. Get some exercise: While this may seem a little counter-productive, studies have shown that exercising is not only beneficial to our mood, but it also helps reduce depression and anxiety, therefore making it easier to relax. Cool right?

13. Think of who and what makes you the happiest: I mean, it’s pretty hard not to be relaxed when thinking about the support of the people who we love the most.

14. Just breathe: Sometimes all we need to wind down is to take a few deep breaths. Each time, breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Sure, it’s a simple technique. But it’s probably also one of the most effective methods on this list.

15. Get busy in the kitchen: Perhaps you are a person who enjoys making dinner for your family, or you’d like to learn a recipe that you’ve been eying. Considering that cooking can be relaxing for some people, now might be a good time to get busy. Just make sure that if you’re not an adult, you cook with the attendance and permission of a parent or legal guardian.

16. Do some light stretching: For those of you who are looking for ways to relax on the go, stretching is an instant way to remove some tension from your muscles and improve your blood flow, therefore making it much easier to ‘take a chill pill.’

17. Go bird watching: I think that birds–especially the ones in our backyards–are some of the most fascinating animals to watch. And if you have nothing else on your to-do list, bird watching is a great way to take your mind off of triggers of anxiety or stress. And what makes this even better is that you can make bird watching a fun summer outing by attending an event with your family or close friends.

18. Know your limit: Or in other words, when you feel that your mind or body needs a break, try to remove yourself from the situation and take a few minutes to recharge.

19. Ask for a hug: You know, most of us has that one person who’s hug always hits the right spot, even if we don’t have a furry friend to snuggle with. Hugs even release a ‘calm chemical’ called oxytocin in our brain, which helps us feel more at peace.

20. Do something that helps you relax: There’s one person in this world who knows what makes you calm–besides God, of course–and that person is you. Try thinking of things that make you feel happy and relaxed. Then, schedule time throughout you day for you to do what comes to mind.

Writing these tips to help us relax was really fun to do! Hopefully, you found a few suggestions here that will help you incorporate a few minutes of peace and quiet into your day. After all, there’s nothing like the boost of energy that we feel after a little bit of relaxation.

What are some of the fun and simple things that you do daily to relax? Also, which tip on this list did you find the most helpful? I would love to see your responses down below in the comments!

Have a fantabulous rest of your day or night, everybody! God bless you all and I will catch you later! Peace in!

The Difference Between Being Lonely vs. Being Alone – Words of Wisdom #21

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Two words: alone and lonely. While the two adjectives sound fairly similar, they also hold two completely different meanings. You see, a lot of people believe that “being alone” is the same thing as “being lonely.” But despite this common misconception, it remains very common for certain people to feel at peace when being alone, and others to feel lonely in a room full of people. Why is this? And moreover, what exactly does this mean?

In today’s episode of Words of Wisdom, we will be diving into the subject “How does being lonely differ from being alone?” a little further.

To begin, let’s review the top definition of each word of this comparison in the Oxford Dictionary. Take a look.

First, lonely’s definition.

Now, the definition of alone.

Do you see any difference? If not, try reading both definitions one more time, and see if you can detect it. Then, check your answer down below.

While the true meanings of alone and lonely may seem the same at first glance, I think the more you read them, the easier it is to understand why they’re so different. So the answer to today’s question is, being lonely represents an emotional longing to have a companionship, of some sort. Meanwhile, alone is just the physical state of being unattended by another person.

Many times, people mistake the word alone as a bad thing. But when we think about it, almost everyone enjoys a few minutes a day doing something that they love in solidarity, whether that something is listening to music, spending time with God, or even working up a sweat in the gym. In fact, I believe that the times in which we are enjoying the moment in solidarity are likely some of the most peaceful moments of all. That’s why it’s possible to be happy when we’re by ourselves, or lonely even when we are in the presence of others.

Really, identifying the difference between the two is all about our state of mind.

So, today’s final words: being alone is not the same as being lonely. Instead, it’s a great way for us all to practice self-care and come to a place where we can simply enjoy our own company–and develop a closer relationship to God, in the process. I challenge anyone who is willing to take some more time in solidarity, and find ways to enjoy moments of solitary peace. We all need them, every once in a while.

Have a fantabulous day, everybody! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

8 Wellness Tips for a Healthier (and Happier) Lifestyle

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What’s up, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to my blog! I hope all of you are enjoying the prime of summer!

As you all know, we recently entered the month of August. But did you know that the 8th month of the year also promotes wellness in our everyday lives? If not, then today’s the day! In honor of National Wellness Month, I have created a list of 8 simple tips to help us live our happiest and healthiest lives possible. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get this show on the road!

1. Start your mornings with something productive

The morning is one of the most important times of the day; it’s a time for us to get our gears moving and create a fresh start for a brand new 24 hours. After we finish our regular morning routine, we might as well do something to boost our energy. Stretching with some yoga poses, finishing another chapter of your new book, and learning a new language are a few options. You never know–after you begin to start your day doing something you love, you may even become a morning person.

2. Go outside and get some sunlight

Exercise is just as good for our minds as it is beneficial for our bodies. And that means that it’s one of the best ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle. A quick jog around your neighborhood or a local park is a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer while burning a few calories, before dinner. What’s not to love?

3. Eliminate negative self-talk

Wellness isn’t technically something that’s hard to achieve–but the progress starts with us. In order to transition to a state of better mental health, our mindsets have to be a reflection of that. This means that in order to make the progress that we want, we’ve got to be kind to ourselves by promoting positive words in our heads everyday. It’s much easier to reach a goal when we use our inner voice as an outlet of encouragement, rather than negativity.

4. Get a green thumb

Have you ever heard that people who garden tend to be happier? Well, then that is in fact correct. Multiple studies have shown that plants have a way of helping people feel more relaxed and content, similar to the effects of riding a bike everyday. Plants can even help increase concentration, your ability to breathe, and quality of life. So taking up the hobby of gardening might be a good idea to consider.

5. Creatively eat more fruits and veggies

Although we’ve all heard it thousands of times, we really do need to get our daily intakes of fruits and veggies. But just because we want to make an effort to make our diet more nutritious, doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun while doing it. Feel free to experiment with creative–and delicious–ways to eat healthier. Fruit smoothies, colorful salads, and veggie casseroles are a few tasty ways to spice things up in the kitchen.

6. Create something

I don’t know about you, but it always feels good when I take some time out of my day to be creative. There are so many options for what you can make–whether it’s a few quick doodles, a portrait, a paper craft, or even your own book. All it takes is a little imagination, and thousands of productive possibilities are within our reach!

7. Make sleep a priority

One of the things that we all need everyday is our beauty sleep. Without it, there’s no way that we could get through each day. So even if you find yourself busy as a bee, make sure that when your work for today is done, you get your 8 hours. This way, you can put just as much energy in the work that tomorrow has in store, and feel great while doing it.

8. Stay hydrated

The golden rule to a healthy lifestyle is to keep water in our systems. Not only does water reduce the risk of a large number of diseases, but it also does the basic job of maintaining high energy levels and keeping our brain functioning at its best. Considering all it’s benefits, drinking water is definitely a goal that we should all commit to.

Working towards a healthier lifestyle can be a challenge for some, but with a few simple changes here and there, achieving our wellness goals is a piece of cake. I challenge you all to take the time during National Wellness Month to make a few goals for yourself to pave the way for a healthier, and happier life. Hopefully, these tips were a good way to start your journey!

Let’s Chat~What are some of the methods that you take to achieve wellness? Feel free to share your response down below.

Have a blessed rest of your day, everyone! I’ll catch you later! ♡

Who’s Ready for Highschool? | How to Get Prepared — Reblog

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A/N~ Happy Saturday, everyone! Let. me. tell. you. Today was a busy day, for me. Still, I decided to reblog this super fun post of mine to help out 8th and 9th graders to prepare for high school, since most schools are already/almost back in session. I hope you all enjoy it!

When you’re in 8th grade, it can be a lot to think about your future. It’s the last year of middle school, a.k.a. the time in your life where you start thinking about college and what career you want to pursue, all while trying to find out more about yourself and how you are changing. I know that it can seem like a lot sometimes. However, as a soon-to-be-freshman myself, I’m here to tell you that everything will be okay! We just need to get prepared. And here’s how!

1.) Make Sure You Have a Consistent Schedule to Better Suit the Upcoming Changes ~ Highschool is nothing to be afraid of. Still, it’s a new chapter of our lives that requires preparation. And that means a schedule that will better suit the changes. In high school we will have new classes, teachers, peers, schools and our grades begin setting deeper footprints. This means that we need to make sure that we have routines that will give us plenty of time to stay productive during weekdays.

2.) Pay Attention to Academic Areas that Need Improving ~ Most of us have at least one favorite subject. And along with that, there might be some subjects that you feel like you could improve in. Now is the time to put those feelings into action. If we go through the process of getting more comfortable with the subjects that we need help in, we are setting ourselves up for success in the future and in life.

3.) Maintain Good Study Habits ~ One of the biggest differences in high school vs. middle school is the amount of work. High school is when we really start to prepare for our future, so why not start early? Maintaining positive and stable study habits will help prepare us for what’s to come, making the load lighter when high school is in session.

Recommended Post: How to Stay Organized as a Virtual Student

4.) Ask For Help If (and When) You Need It ~ At one point or another, we’ve all had to ask for help, whether it was from God, a parent, a teacher, a friend, or even our communities. And if there’s any stage in our lives that we need to ask for help, it’s probably now. New stages can be exciting, but for others they can be nerve-wracking. So, whenever you need a helping hand to lay on your shoulder during this time of transition, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Asking for assistance is a skill that we will need to use in all stages of our journeys as people and individuals.

5.) Create an Organized Workspace ~ While study habits are important, the only way that we can study effectively is if we have a constant place to do so. When you come home from school (or when you do your work if you’re homeschooled, like me) it makes it much easier to focus when you have an effective study space to get the job done.

6.) Get Your Priorities in Check ~ Prioritizing what we find the most important in our lives is crucial to preparing for grade 9. Peer pressure is just about everywhere in most public schools, so make sure that you are in check with what and whom you should spend your time. High school is all about preparing for adulthood, and while we still have time left before then, making priorities are a must for another successful school year!

7.) Relax~We Got This! ~ No matter what, remember that as long as you give it your all, you’ve got it together! You are capable. You are smart. You will succeed. You are getting better every day. You got this! Don’t forget to say these things to yourself whenever you need some words of encouragement. We can’t overlook mental health! <33

This guide for How to Prepare for Highschool was such a blast to create! I’m super excited for what high school has in store for me, and I hope that now you are, too. Don’t forget that with effort, the willingness to ask for help, positive affirmation, and academic preparation, high school will be smooth-sailing. All we need to do (besides these tips) is relax and enjoy what’s soon to come!

For more amazing content like this, please follow my blog for notifications every time I post another masterpiece.

Thanks for reading! Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! Peace in! ✨