Tag: national day

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 Best Ways to Celebrate National Book Lover’s Day ♡

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A/N~I’ve got a small announcement to make. Today is the last day of me posting every single day on my blog–as I mentioned that I would do in my 1 year blogiversary post. From now on, I will be posting every two days, meaning I post today, skip tomorrow, post Thursday, and the cycle goes on. Besides that, there will be no other changes to my blog or content. Okay–you are free to read the actual post now!

Happy Tuesday, y’all! This is Q’Zion and welcome back to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen. To all my fellow bookworms and bibliophiles, we all know that there are few–if any–gifts that we can get in life that are better than a good book. After all, literature is like the foundation for learning just about anything. A world without books would be like a world without color. Just plan boring.

So in celebration of books and all the people around the world who love them, July 9th is proclaimed as Book Lover’s Day. And I’m going to share a few creative ideas for how we bookworms can celebrate to the fullest. Let’s get this show on the road!

Reorganize Your Book Shelf

Almost every bookworm has a shelf that’s just about filled with books. And as we constantly read and add to our vast collection, it can be easy for our books to get mixed and matched. If your bookshelf needs a little tender love and care, today is the perfect opportunity to make it look as neat as a display in a bookstore.

Make a Book Mark

I remember doing a craft a couple years ago where I made my own colorful bookmark, and I had so much fun with it that I had to make an entire series of custom-made bookmarks afterwards. The more books we get, the more bookmarks we need. That means that there’s no such thing as having too many bookmarks. So getting a little crafty and personalizing bookmarks of your own–especially while using colors that match with a particular book–would be an awesome way to celebrate being a bookworm.

Visit your Local Library

Honestly, this one is like muscle memory to anyone who loves books. However, going to the library to borrow a few books–and maybe even sit down and read for a couple hours–will likely give any bookworm some entertainment.

Recommend Some of Your Favorite Books to Someone Else

There aren’t many things that I love to do more than I love reading. But I have to admit that it always puts a smile on my face when I’m able to share some of the novels that I love the most with family and friends. Reading is a gift from God, and it is truly a great experience to be able to see others embracing it. So try showing some of your favorite books to a friend of yours–you never know; they might just turn them into a bookworm, too.

Try an eBook

If you’re like me, you have a huge preference for physical books. You know, the ones that you can feel, smell and hold. But if there’s anything that many of my books have taught me, it’s that sometimes it can be good to try new things. Whether you are used to reading books in the physical or digital world, it can be a great experience to try buying an eBook or purchasing a physical book from a bookstore for a change. Even if you end up switching to your preference afterwards, it’s always good to explore the different ways to read.

Create an Account on Goodreads

Are you looking for a digital platform where you can discover new books, write reviews for books you’ve read, and connect with other bookworms? Well then you might want to check out Goodreads. While I’ve never actually made an account of my own, I often look to Goodreads when I am looking for ratings and opinions on books that catch my interest. So Goodreads is a good option if you are someone who likes eBooks and/or you are on a mission to read more books.

Replace Your Screen Time for Reading Time

I know, I know. For most teenagers, our phones are like an extension of our arms. But every now and again, it’s really healthy to take a break and do something that doesn’t involve a screen. Instead of playing video games all Friday night when you finish your homework after school, reading could be a really productive way to wind down before bedtime–or any time, for that matter!

Join a Book Club

I’ve participated in a handful of clubs over the last couple years, and I’ve got to say that Book Club is one of my favorites. Not only is this a wonderful option for those who need an extra push to read more novels this year, but it’s also a great way to connect and interact with people who love books just as much as you do. And as a bookworm, that’s almost always a bonus!

I hope you all enjoyed these tips for making the most of National Book Lover’s Day–which if you think about it, is everyday. I thank God for books and how much He has taught me through them. Hopefully, you all found a great way to celebrate.

Have a happy rest of your day or night, everyone! Peace in! ♡

A message for my gorgeous grandma . . . ♡

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Whether we call them grandma, glamma, nana, mimi, abuela, or any other special name for your parent’s moms, there’s one thing that we can all agree on: life just isn’t the same without our grandmas. And while most grandmothers are strong, selfless, resilient, and wise, they still maintain their unshakable beauty in more ways than one.

In honor of National Gorgeous Grandma Day, I decided to do a little tribute to my beloved grandmother, or as I call her, my Goodmommy.

Above any other family or friends that I’ve ever had–including now–Goodmommy always has been and will be my best friend on this Earth. What I love the most about her is that she’s Godly, and makes our faith a huge priority . . . but she knows how to make me smile, even in the hardest of times. Not to mention that she’s so wise. If it weren’t for Goodmommy and all the things that she’s taught me, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today.

Believe me, I’m sure there are many cool grandmothers out there. But in my opinion, none of them compare to Goodmommy. Whether we’re having a dance party, cooking in the kitchen, or just chatting on the couch, there is never a dull moment when she’s by my side. She truly is the best grandma ever.

Nobody can deny that grandmothers are a blessing from God. Without their everlasting love, experienced wisdom, and listening ears, there is no doubt that many of us wouldn’t be the same. Gorgeous Grandma Day is not just about our grandma’s external beauty, but also the commitment that our grandmothers have shown to us throughout the years: that within itself is beautiful.

So, thank you Goodmommy–and all the other gorgeous grandmas out there–just for being you.

LET’S CHAT~What name do you call your grandmother? Feel free to share your response down below in the comments.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! Peace in! ♡

It’s World Emoji Day! | 5 Fun Facts 🎉

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People all over the world speak more languages than most people could imagine. Despite this, there is one language in particular that we call all understand: and that is the language of emojis! Whether I’m talking to my close family or my friends, emojis give us a way to communicate in a way that words can’t explain. They allow us to show our emotions through pictures, and capture our expressions straight through a screen.

Have you ever noticed that on Apple devices, the calendar emoji has the date July 17th marked on it? 📅

While the reason why this specific detail is in this emoji is unknown, it is the reason why July 17 is officially World Emoji Day. And with good reason, too. Emojis are some of the best ways to text, so it only makes sense that there’s a day to celebrate them.

Related Post: My Favorite Emojis and How I Use Them

In order to celebrate this fun, special day, I will be sharing 5 fun facts about the history of emojis that you probably never knew until now. I hope you enjoy them!

1. “Emoji” actually means “picture character” (moji) in Japanese.

2. 92% of the population uses emojis everyday.

3. The first ever emoticon was actually posted in a paper by The New York Times in 1862 in a mistranslated copy of a speech by President Abraham Lincoln.

4. There are a total of over 3,000 emojis.

5. Emojis were first created by a Japanese artist in 1999, though it is uncertain who the true creator of emojis actually was (name, age, gender, etc.)

I hope you all enjoyed learning a few new things about the “picture characters” that we all know and love. Let me know in the comments if any of these fun facts surprised you. Also, what are your top 3 favorite emojis? I’d have to go with the sparkles ✨, Christian cross ✝️, and sparkling heart 💖 emojis.

What can I say? They’re easy classics.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

Have you ever had an ice cream soda?

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As I stated in an earlier post, ice cream is one of the best desserts to have in the summer. But, what about beverages? While water or an energy drink like Gatorade are the best options, soda is one of the most well-known drinks for summer gatherings or road trips around town.

A scoop of ice cream or a can of soda can make for an occasional sweet treat underneath the rays of the sun . . . so could you imagine what they would taste like together? Ice cream sodas, also dubbed ice cream floats, are just the right mix of sweet and savory—perfect for summer time. And National Ice Cream Soda Day is the perfect opportunity to try one if you never have before.

Here is a “Fanta Ice Cream Float” made of orange Fanta soda and vanilla ice cream. You can check out the recipe and make it yourself by clicking on the image.

I remember drinking a root beer float (Root Beer soda with vanilla ice cream) once back in early elementary school while I went to school in person, and I remember really liking the different yet delectable combination. While vanilla is the standard flavor of ice cream to infuse with soda, there are so many ways to be creative with this dessert–no soda is off limits!

Fun, fresh and bursting with variety, an ice cream float is the perfect way to indulge in a little something sweet during scorching summer days.

LET’S CHAT~I’m curious, have you ever tasted (or heard of) an ice cream soda? If you have, what’s your favorite flavor of soda to incorporate in your floats? And if not, what flavor would you like to try, in the future (if any)?

Have a beautiful and blessed day everybody! See you next time! ♡

Flower Photography |Nature Photagraphy Day

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A/N ~ Hey, y’all! I’m so glad you’re here! In celebration of Nature Photography Day, I will be sharing a reblog of some of my personal flower photography. Enjoy!

In my Visual Art class for this year, one module was focused on photography, and many of the techniques associated with it. Ever since then, I’ve fell in love with taking photos, especially of nature. As of now, I do my best to take at least one nature photo every week to get some practice in.

Spring is in bloom, so when me and Goodmommy came home today, I noticed these delicate white flowers that were sprouting from a tree just outside. And the first thing I thought was; photo opportunity! So I took a mini photoshoot of the flowers–one of the most beautiful aspects of nature–and I wanted you guys to check them out.

Here are some of my latest nature photographs. All Rights Reserved.

1. I absolutely admire this angle…the flower is tilted so elegantly. Ahh, that feeling when you get a good shot is the chef’s kiss.
2. I think close ups can be super pretty when executed well. I’m definitely seeing improvements!
3. In my art class, we learned that this technique (making small things look bigger) is called macro. The way I remember it is macro = microscope. It’s super cool how zooming in a little can help you see the intricate details that you can’t see unless you take a closer look. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of photographing nature.
4. I just had to show the whole tree in a shot, so I really used the opportunity to do the opposite of macro and make the whole tree the focal point rather than just one flower. The white stands out from the shades of green so vibrantly. Very spring, if you ask me!

Photography makes me feel super happy inside. And my photographs of the great outdoors are always some of my favorites. Thank God for the beautiful scenery of spring!

Learning about different species and organisms that I’ve never heard of or seen before is always a super exciting experience. Every photo that I take is a step of improvement; and I’m enjoying every second of it.

Thanks for reading, y’all! Toodles! 🌻

The Benefits of Flowers – Delicate but Powerful (Reblog)

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Author’s Note: Hey, everybody! I hope you are having an amazing snd fantabulous Friday. Since today is Earth Day, I wanted to post something narure related; and here we are. To celebrate the planet that God created in the beginnning, here’s a post about the benefits of keeping flowers around. Enjoy!

Flowers may be small and delicate parts of nature, but they also hold a lot of power. I’ve always been a big fan of them; in my house, we have several plants in our living room, flowers included. Since thousands of people are getting a blooming bouquet for their loved ones around this time of year, why don’t we go into depth of the benefits of keeping a few flowers nearby. 

And believe me, there’s a lot! So let’s get started! 🌺

1. Flowers increase energy and memory.

Have you ever had one of those those days where you’ve felt a little tired? I know that I’ve been there. Flowers are shown to decrease symptoms of fatigue and improve energy levels. Some plants such as rosemary, lavender, and aloe vera can even improve our memory and stimulate the cognitive part of your brain. This is likely do to their bright variety of hues and decadent scents.

2. Flowers can have a positive effect on your mood and aid relaxation.

Some of the most elegant plants in the world create a calm and serene environment. Along with boosting cognitive skills such as memory, flowers can also help us feel happier and more relaxed. They are natural purifiers of the air that we breathe, and therefore automatically helping us to feel more at peace and tranquil.

3. Flowers are beautiful and sweet-scented.

No science is needed to support that fact that flowers have immaculate beauty and fresh, sweet aromas. They can provide a splash of color in any room or setting and therefore create a much-more-lively atmosphere. Nothing spruces up a space of interior design like a vase of flowers, in the center.

4. Flowers may boost creativity and productivity.

Flowers are elements of nature, natural art that we can admire in our environments. Due to the variety of colors, sizes, petal shapes, and scents, they can also inspire our sense of creativity. On top of this, when we surround ourselves with flowers, they automatically assign us a responsibility: we must make sure that our flowers are watered regularly and get plenty of sunlight. This helps us to be productive by taking care of something other than ourselves.

5. Flowers are an example of God’s creations and growth.

Flowers are beautiful representations of growth and they are creations of God. They show how God does everything purposefully–He created each flower to be unique and beautiful in its own way, much like us people. While flowers are alive, they are beautiful. And when their time has come to an end, each flower still makes a mark by planting more seeds for new flowers to sprout and continue to spread across the Earth. Beautiful, isn’t it?

As you know now, flowers are more than just beautiful to look at. They also can have a positive effect on how we feel (both emotionally and physically), what we do to help the environment, and they add color and beauty to the world. What amazing creations of the Lord, they are.

Some great places to incorporate more flowers into your home are:

  • In an office space.
  • In your bedroom.
  • In a bay window.
  • On the kitchen table.
  • In the living room.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Don’t forget to follow my blog and like this post for more amazing content. Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! 🌺

One of the greatest parts of virtual learning: wearing pajamas

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Have you ever worn pajamas while working or at school? Whether you do so often because you do school/work at home or you’ve had a Pajama Day at school, chances are you have at least once in your life. If not, today might be a good day to do so if you are able to–it’s Wear Pajamas to Work Day.

Ever since COVID-19 started, you commonly hear people saying that they’ve worn a work outfit on top and pajama bottoms off camera. And while this was a comfy adjustment for many, one of the luxuries of attending a virtual public school is the ability wear my pajamas, when I want to.


Let’s be fair, pajamas are the ultimate clothing for a slow day of work or virtual school: they’re comfy, colorful, and most of all, convenient. So, if you work or go to school from home, consider spending some of your day in your PJs.

You could even have a pajama party with close family and friends: now that sounds exciting!

Aaannnddd, that’s all for today, folks! Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you all next time! ✨

The Biblical Meaning of a Rainbow – Words of Wisdom #11

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Psalm 145:13 New International Version (NIV)
13    ...The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
    and faithful in all he does.

There is no doubt that rainbows are beautiful. Whenever I see a line of beautiful colors, it makes me feel happy to know that God put it within my eyes’ reach. As soon as I saw that it’s National Find a Rainbow Day, I knew that this would be the perfect topic to blog about.

And, speaking of rainbows, the question of the day is, what exactly is God saying to us when He places a rainbow for us to see? What message does a rainbow convey? Thankfully, the answer (just like the large majority of the questions that we may have in life) is found in the Holy Bible.

Genesis 9:13-16 New International Version (NIV)
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

As scripture confirms, the rainbow is a symbol representing God’s promise to us that He will never flood this Earth again to destroy life of all kind. In other words, He will not repeat the same scenario that occurred when He flooded the Earth and commanded Noah to make an ark to carry himself, his family and a male and female animal of every species.

The rainbow is evidence of how The Lord is a promise keeper, and He will do what He says He will do. It is one way that God shows us who He is and how much He loves us. Thank God that He is not like man, who will break a promise in a heartbeat. Let’s talk real, people: If God was like man, we wouldn’t be here.

That’s exactly why whenever I see a rainbow, I always say: Thank You, Jesus.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! 🌈