That’s why these self-care habits are focused on creating more peace and joy in everyday life. My goal is to combat any anxiety or depression that might sneak in when I’m not taking care of myself. I like to keep things simple, which is why these habits are all very simple to add to your daily and weekly routine. I hope you find these self-care habits beneficial to your life as well!

Why I’m focusing on peace and joy

Anxiety and depression are so rampant in today’s world, so I know many of you can relate to experiencing one or both of them in some form or another. But peace is like the opposite of anxiety, and joy is like the opposite of depression. I believe that the more peace and joy we have, the less we’ll experience anxiety or depression.

But where do we get more peace and joy?

I want to preface the rest of this post with this: I firmly believe that there’s no such thing as true peace or joy apart from Jesus. Plain and simple: you can do all the self-care in the world, but you’ll never be filled without His love and forgiveness.

Over the years I’ve been able to recognize and overcome a lot of my own mental and emotional turmoil. I can say for a fact that the biggest reason these haven’t been a worse issue in my life is because of my relationship with God. Nothing can help like the power of prayer, and the healing that comes from truly being changed from the inside out by Jesus.

Now in addition to that, there are so many tools and ways to deal with anxiety and depression that don’t require taking medication or paying for professional help (not that those aren’t valuable and sometimes necessary)!

They have to do with how we live our lives: what we spend our time on, what kind of people we surround ourselves with, what we eat, how well we sleep, how much exercise we get, and so on.

Simple self-care habits

I’ve been integrating in a few daily habits as well as some weekly self-care habits into my routine. I’m loving the positive affect they’re having so far! Of course, I don’t get to all of these every day, or every week.

Remember, it’s okay to miss some every so often. What matters is that you make an effort to be consistent and build some good-for-you habits into your daily life! Regular practice of these self-care habits will help you grow more peace and joy on a regular basis, so there just won’t be room for the weeds of anxiety or depression to pop up.

Daily self-care habits

• Quiet time (prayer & Bible reading) every morning
• Exercising for 30 minutes every day (even if it’s just a walk – this is SO good for my mental health and always impacts my day positively so I don’t like to skip even one day!)
• Journaling, at least 2 or 3 times a week when I have time
• Limiting how much time I spend on social media daily
• Making sure I spend a little time outside each day

Weekly self-care habits

• Taking a whole day off of social media (Sundays)
• Prepping for a new week by taking a detox bath, planning out my week on my calendar, journaling, and going to bed early on Sunday evenings

“Self-care Sunday” is my new favorite thing this year! Sometimes I feel like I have so much to do to get ready for the week that taking the time to slow down feels like too much effort. But when I do even one of these things, I feel so much more relaxed and peaceful. I can go to sleep with a clear mind and start the week fresh!

If you work a regular 9-5 job or you’re in school during the week, it might take a little extra effort to get all your weekend chores and errands done on Saturdays. But I can tell you it’s so worth it to leave Sundays open! You can unplug, relax, spend time with family, prep for the week, and start Monday feeling ahead rather than behind.

Changing habits for the better

Little routines can become habits and building blocks for a happier, healthier life. And I think it’s more than okay to make time to take care of yourself, because you can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not filled up first.

I think God wants us to be filled with peace and joy as His children. And this doesn’t mean a life of comfort and convenience, absent of any hardships. It means a steadfast state of mind and heart that carries us through the storms of life. And God should be our ultimate source of peace and joy. When we’re filled by Him, we have the courage to live out the purpose we were created for!

How can you take the time to add some simple self-care habits into your everyday routine? What do you think that would look like for you? Let me know if you found this post helpful! I’ll talk to you soon, friends!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – How to plant a succulent garden, and my everyday natural makeup routine.

P.P.S. – I’ve been using a new goal planner this year, and so far it’s helped me SOOO much in creating concrete and doable goals for myself. It’s called the PowerSheets goal planner by Cultivate What Matters, and I wanted to share a link for you guys to check out because I think these planners are SO AWESOME!

P.P.P.S. – Here’s a link to the 2018 prayer journal (pictured above) that I’ve been using this year to be more intentional during my quiet time. These journals were created by Val Marie Paper and it’s such a simple way to grow in your prayer life and relationship with God! I love it!

The post Simple Self-Care Habits for More Peace and Joy appeared first on Live It Lovely.

Getting stuck in those slumps is the worst, and this past week has been one of those weeks. So today I’m sharing some tips for maintaining emotional health, because I know they can help prevent those seasons of emotional distress. And when those seasons are unavoidable, these tips will keep you functioning and able to get through them much more smoothly!

3 Ways to maintain emotional health

1. Let it out

It is SO important to get your feelings out! Whether it’s through journaling or talking to a trusted friend, sharing how you’re feeling is a huge step in the right direction. Sometimes just hearing your thoughts out loud can make your fears shrink, or make an answer to a problem become clear. So talk, write, pray, see a counselor; just LET IT OUT!

Related post: 3 Amazing Benefits of Journaling Regularly

2. Exercise

You’ve probably heard this one a million times, but that’s because it WORKS! Exercising allows you to channel all the pent-up energy in your body and burn it in a healthy way. This prevents the energy from going to your brain and leaving your thoughts and emotions in overdrive. Plus, it gives you something to focus on and helps you feel accomplished, which will give you an emotional boost. Not to mention that post-workout endorphin high! Your mind will be clearer and your body more relaxed which naturally eases symptoms.

3. Morning and evening routines

Maintaining morning and evening routines is probably the most important thing you can do for your emotional health. This is something you can work on all the time, so you’re prepared for whenever anxiety or depression does strike. A good morning routine could include quiet time, exercise, and eating a healthy breakfast; and a good evening routine could be turning off electronics, reading, journaling, stretching, and sticking to the same bedtime every night.

If these routines aren’t a habit, then it’s these simple tasks that can be the first to go out the window when you’re feeling down. This can throw off the rest of your day and make you feel less in control. But when you’re able to mindlessly follow your routines, even during a slump, then you’ll feel better prepared to face the day and continue to take care of yourself. And of course, by sticking to them every day, you’ll feel happier and healthier overall, which will help prevent future slumps.

A fall playlist

I think listening to music can be a great way to relieve stress and find comfort during hard times. Music has such a powerful affect on our emotions (which could honestly be good or bad), and with the right balance it can give us hope and help us feel less alone.

I created this fall playlist on Spotify so I could have a calming and relaxing soundtrack to play in the background throughout my day. Each song holds a sense of nostalgia for me and has been a favorite at some point in my life. It’s mostly acoustic which I think is perfect for autumn days. I hope you love it as much as I do!

What are some ways you maintain emotional health? Anything you would add to this list? Also let me know if you like the playlist and I’ll try to make some more in the future!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – In case you missed it: a casual fall outfit, and why you should declutter your life!

The post 3 Ways to Maintain Emotional Health + A Fall Playlist appeared first on Live It Lovely.

I started journaling when I was twelve, and it’s been one of the most beneficial things in my life for over a decade now. It’s helped me deal with seasons of anxiety and depression, overcome challenges, and make difficult life decisions. Basically it’s like free therapy, but better!

3 Benefits of Journaling

I truly believe journaling can be life changing for everyone. That’s why today I’m sharing three amazing benefits of journaling regularly, so you can see why you should add it to your routine too if you haven’t already!

1. Processing

Journaling is an amazing stress reliever. It helps you think more calmly and rationally. Writing forces you to channel your feelings constructively rather than avoiding them, which can just lead to more stress.

Instead of keeping your thoughts jumbled in your mind, journaling is dedicating time to think intentionally. It takes effort to put your feelings into words, and your brain processes things more fully when you write them out by hand.

While you journal, your mind doesn’t have time to wander. The slowness allows you to focus on every word as it’s written. You’ll be amazed at how you uncover the answers to your own questions as you go.

A journal is a safe place to dive deep into your emotions. It helps you face things you otherwise don’t want to think about. Like talking to a trusted friend, you’ll feel lighter and more refreshed after you spend time journaling.

2. Purpose

Journaling gives you a powerful sense of purpose. Having a grip on your feelings and the ability to solve your own problems makes you feel confident and in control. And when you can go back and read what you just wrote, you’ll have peace and security knowing that your thoughts aren’t lost.

Not only are you able to process things in the moment, but you can also go back and see what you’ve worked through in the past. If you need to, you can re-read what you just wrote tomorrow, or next week, or in a year when you’re feeling lost and need a reminder of what you’ve already overcome.

You’ll start to see your life as a storyline. From a bird’s eye view, the path that God has you on will come into focus. You’ll see so much progress and growth, and you can move forward confidently knowing you’re going in the right direction.

3. Prayer

If you want to improve your prayer life, journaling is a great place to start. When you keep your conversations with God only in your head, your thoughts may wander off track. And praying out loud can sometimes be a challenge if you can’t get alone in a quiet place.

If there was one thing I could point to that’s helped my relationship with God grow over the years, it would be journaling. Since I started writing twelve years ago, my journal entries have been mostly prayers. They’re like a collection of letters to God that continues to grow.

As you write, you’ll connect with God on a deeper level than you ever thought possible. And over the years you’ll be able to see how He’s answered, as well as how He’s changed your heart to align with His more and more.

I hope you invite God into your deepest thoughts, feelings, worries, and dreams. Fill your pages with words to Him, and watch how He uses it to draw you closer than ever.

Thank you Shannon Dudley for the photos!

If you already keep a journal, how has it impacted you? What would you say are the biggest benefits of journaling that you’ve gotten? I’d love to hear what it’s done for you!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – Here’s some simple self-care habits for more peace and joy, and how to plant a potted succulent garden!

The post 3 Amazing Benefits of Journaling Regularly appeared first on Live It Lovely.

Don’t believe all the hype? Maybe you just need to hear about all the benefits of decluttering before you’re ready to jump in and declutter your life! Read on, friend! I think by the end of this post you’ll be convinced.

Why declutter your life?

Time for some ugly truth. If you haven’t noticed, we humans are materialistic people with an addiction to collecting things without end. The more space we have, the more we desire to fill it. It’s just how our minds work!

But guess what… it’s okay, and actually pretty beneficial, to have some empty space in your life!

When you declutter your life, you give yourself margin and breathing room. You’ll have a clearer mind and find the peace of a slower pace. You’ll feel less controlled and more in control. And you’ll have more space to fill your life intentionally with things you love!

10 things you can get rid of today

Not sure where to start on your decluttering adventure? Try focusing on your physical belongings first! I promise that if you take care of your STUFF, soon you’ll be decluttering everything else: your time, your relationships, EVERYTHING. You’ll find yourself living a whole new life!

Start by decluttering these 10 things:

1. Mystery cords

Am I the only one who has a collection of cords with no idea what they even go to? Let’s be honest, if you don’t know what it’s for, you’ll probably never use it. Most likely it’s from an electronic device that doesn’t even exist any more. Get rid of it!

2. User manuals

Have you ever used one of these? Doubt it. Don’t forget that it probably exists on the internet if you happen to need it one day. Read it (if you really need to) when you first get something new, and then recycle it.

3. Old CDs and DVDs

I actually still like to use DVDs (and Blurays), despite the fact that any movie I could ever want to watch now exists in digital or streamable format. But if you prefer Netflix or to keep your movies digital, you can clear up a lot of storage space by getting rid of some of your DVDs.

Same goes for CDs – I don’t use them any more, but I do like to keep some valuable and sentimental ones. Those mix CDs your friends made you in high school? Yeah those can go. But I’m keeping my signed Taylor Swift Speak Now CD forever!

4. Books you’ll never read

If you’ve had it for years and still haven’t read it, guess what – you’re probably never going to! And say goodbye to those books you read in high school but will NEVER pick up again. Oh, and old magazines while you’re at it!

5. Old makeup/cosmetics/toiletries

Believe it or not, these products have an expiration date. Just because it isn’t required to be printed on the label doesn’t mean the product lasts forever! You shouldn’t keep cosmetics longer than a year. If it seems fine, then it’s probably filled with chemicals and preservatives that you shouldn’t use on your skin anyway. Old shampoo samples, chap sticks you’ve had longer than you can remember, dried out mascara… just toss it.

6. Anything expired in your pantry or medicine cabinet

I don’t think this one needs an explanation. Expired = trash! This includes medications, spices, vitamins, baking soda/powder, etc… all the really old stuff buried in the back of the cabinet that’s been there for who knows how many years. Say goodbye.

7. Gross towels

Towels are one of those things that everyone has too many of. One person really only needs two towels: one for daily use and another for when the first one is dirty. And maybe a couple for guests or decoration. Also think about narrowing down your washcloths, rags, and beach towels – only keep what you really need between washes. Throw away all the frayed, stained, and nasty ones!

8. Holey socks, t-shirts, and underwear

This is kinda like the towel thing. How many old ratty t-shirts with holes in the armpits do you really need for pajamas? (Probably not 30… but if you’re like me, then this one might be a struggle for you because you’re a t-shirt hoarder and you love every single one.)

Which ones actually mean something to you, and which ones just hold value because you’ve had them for SO STINKING LONG? (Like the YMCA volleyball camp shirt that I got in 7th grade…12 years ago… uh what?) I promise you’ll live without them, and won’t ever miss them. The holey socks and underwear though – NO excuses there!

9. Pens

Okay, pens are another thing I love to collect. But I’ll admit that I have WAY more than I could ever need in a lifetime. I mean who can pass up a free pen? But when it comes down to it, I’m pretty particular about which ones I like to use.

I used to have this weird psychological problem with pens – I wanted to “save” the good ones for some special occasion, and only use the lame free ones from the credit union for everyday stuff. But like… WHY? Life is too short not to use the good pens! Get rid of all the junky ones that you really actually hate. And if the good ones all run out of ink, just go buy a new pack.

10. Ugly mugs

For real, this is another thing everyone has an overabundance of. How many mugs does a person need? (I’ll admit, I have a mug obsession…) I love collecting cute and pretty mugs. But I probably only need like 2 or 3. How many mugs do you have that are old and faded from years of use, or ugly gifts that you can’t even remember who gave to you? Clear up some space in your kitchen and donate them to someone who will actually use them.

Let it Go…

The hardest part about getting rid of unnecessary stuff is the guilty feeling we have when letting go. This is a common (but actually pretty irrational) mindset caused by the value of ownership – an extra value we put on things simply because we own them.

Before you get rid of something, ask yourself: If you didn’t already own it, would you go out and buy it, or be happy to receive it as a gift? If the answer is no, then it’s probably useless and you can say goodbye. Just because it seems useful, like an ugly mug or a junky pen, doesn’t mean it’s necessary to keep. If you don’t think it’s ready for the trash, you can always donate it.

I promise you’ll feel lighter in no time after ridding yourself of these 10 things. What else has helped you clear your mind and declutter your life? I’d love to know your tips!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. –  some tips for staying productive, and my spring capsule wardrobe!

The post Declutter Your Life: 10 Things You Can Get Rid of Today appeared first on Live It Lovely.

I’ve never really been a fan of protein powder, so I just use nut butter for my protein (either peanut or almond, and always natural & unsweetened. The flavor of this shake doesn’t change much with either one). And I try to keep bananas stocked up in the freezer so I can make a shake any time. I like to wait until they start to brown before I peel, slice, and freeze them – for optimal sweetness, of course!

Easy chocolate peanut butter protein shake

Ingredients:

•  1 & 1/2 to 2 large frozen bananas
• 1 big scoop of peanut or almond butter (around 2 tablespoons)
• 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa
• 3-4 ice cubes (optional – for extra frothiness)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk (any kind – I use either whole milk or almond milk)

Directions:

Put ingredients into the blender and mix until smooth. If you like your shakes thicker and creamier (like ice cream texture), just up your ratio of bananas to milk!

*Makes about 1 serving.

The shake pictured had less bananas and more milk, so it turned out more liquidy. My shakes are never perfect because I don’t usually measure. I just throw things in the blender and see what happens! This is totally a recipe you can play around with until it’s exactly how you like it!

Sometimes I get fancy and add some extra ingredients (listed below) to boost the nutritional value – it depends on what I have on hand at the time

For an added health boost, add any of the following:

• A handful of fresh or frozen spinach or kale
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons of plain grass-fed yogurt or kefir
• A scoop of collagen peptides

Then pour into a glass – or cute mason jar – and enjoy!

If you give this easy chocolate peanut butter protein shake a try, let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite healthy protein shake? Do you use protein powder, or do you prefer nuts or other natural sources of protein?

Until next time, friends!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – Some tips for more peace & joy in everyday life, and my everyday makeup using natural products.

The post Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake appeared first on Live It Lovely.