Where's my Luster.

Oh my goodness I feel as if my personality has left me. Since the job hunt is back on, I have felt pretty discouraged. This has really caused my energy levels and motivation to DROP. Not only this, but all my hobbies have become more difficult for me to enjoy or to stay focused during them. I need a reset. If you're also dealing with these feelings, you are not alone.

But hey, life could always be worse and there is plenty of things to be grateful for. When I'm struggling with anxiety about the future, or just being down because I feel like nothing is in my control, I tend to spiral. Its hard for me to do things to help myself, and is easier to continue down the hole I'm digging. Its easier to stay in one place than change how you're thinking and viewing life, but we all know this is wrong. There is no sense of worrying about things that are not in your control. Writing this is already helping me turn things around, and I have some tips I will be following throughout this next week as well. Join with me in this "healing girl summer".

One thing that always helps me that I forget about way too often, is to simply pray. Its easy to forget, and sometimes I often feel so consumed by the world around me. I feel the need to control everything. Here's your reminder if you struggle with this too. PRAY, God is there for you. There is so much scripture that remind us time and time again that God never leaves our side, and no not carry all of our baggage. Lean on Jesus, and he will clear your mind and make your yoke light.

Speaking of clearing our minds, what better way to do this than through nutrition and exercise. The great thing is that these are the only two factors in life we can actually control. Yes, it may be hard to get off the couch and move your body, or to grocery shop some fruits and veggies, but its worth it. Fueling your body with fresh foods and staying hydrated is key to keeping a clear mind. If moving your body or focusing on nutrition seems too hard right now, just focus on hydration.

I'm chugging my water from my Stanley, so here's your reminder to chug that water with me. If you're someone who doesn't drink enough water, step one is getting a water bottle you love. This is now your emotional support water bottle, and you need to carry it around like your actual child. That's okay if you weren't ready to be a parent, all you need to do to keep it alive is to constantly fill that baby with water. If you carry this with you, you will automatically drink more water. Also, if you cant drink regular water, add some mio, electrolytes, fruit, or anything to your water to make it better for your pallet.

I notice that when my home is clean, I feel much better. Keeping a clean space is an automatic mood booster and will keep you more focused. Rather than staying in the cycle of "I cant do this task because its dirty but I cant clean because I have this task to do so Ill just sit on my phone and scroll while I feel awful about myself" can be stopped instantly If you set a timer for 30 minutes, play some music, and start cleaning in one room. You will be amazed with how much you can get done in a short period of time. Now you have a clean space, you can now stay focused on your one task (Mine is job searching).

If you have a hard time focusing in general, setting a timer like I stated above is a great way to stay engaged. Reward yourself for that 30 minutes, or hour for working on your task, and then begin again. Giving yourself breaks and rewards is key.

Last and most important, be kind to yourself during this time. Its okay to not feel 100% every single day. Life is hard, and remember you are doing an amazing job where ever you are in life. I'm proud of you! Lets work together this week to stay more present, to fuel our bodies, to pray, and to leave the worrying at the door.

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't take you anywhere.

Xx Rachel