Showing posts with label mindfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mindfulness. Show all posts

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Small Moves, Big Mood: A Realist’s Guide to Feeling Better ft Guest Blogger: Kevin Ogle


You don’t need a life overhaul to feel good—you need rhythm. The kind you can find in ordinary hours, where one clear habit flows into the next. Most people overestimate what it takes to feel well and underestimate what happens when they stop defaulting to chaos. You can change everything by making fewer, more meaningful decisions. Not louder ones. Not bigger ones. Just more rhythmically human ones. If you’re looking to feel better day to day, don’t search for motivation—build something it can land on.

Start with one clear win

You can’t fix mornings with apps you never open. What you can do is carve out a single moment—coffee on the porch, a walk around the block, a phone-free breakfast—that marks the day as yours before anything else claims it. Behavioral researchers argue that wellness doesn’t come from massive reinventions but from how you handle the first thirty minutes of your day. That means ditching “ambitious” routines and instead leaning into simple, sustainable routines that actually stick because they don’t punish you into compliance. It’s about flow, not force. And nothing flows from burnout.

Reset faster when things go sideways

Even a good day can turn chaotic. And it’s in those fractured midday moments that many people lose their footing—spiraling into frustration, distraction, or depletion. Instead of pretending you're fine or waiting for the day to end, try this: stop, sit, and breathe with intention using what experts call the 5‑5‑5‑3 step reset method. It’s not spiritual fluff; it’s a rhythm disruption tool. You inhale for five counts, exhale for five, do this five times, then name three things you can feel or see. It gives your nervous system a pattern to follow—because chaos can't hold its grip on a brain that finds rhythm again.

Build from the tiniest possible wins

The truth about consistency is that it’s rarely dramatic. You don’t need 75-day sprints or public declarations—what you need is one small move repeated without fanfare. Research continues to show that tiny wins become lasting routines when they’re linked to existing behaviors and don’t require motivational miracles. Stack one next to your coffee. Put another just after brushing your teeth. That’s not trivial—it’s architecture. Because you’re not fighting your brain; you’re recruiting it.

Invest in clarity, not just effort

A lot of effort is wasted when your path is foggy. For people exploring a career in healthcare or patient-centered fields, clarity often comes from knowing your options and how they map to real goals—not just aspirational ones. If you’re considering a degree shift or reentering the education space, get more details on how programs are structured, what flexibility looks like, and what credentialing unlocks what role. More choices don’t help if you’re too fogged up to move. Clear paths create confident walkers.

Choose presence before performance

You can’t perform well in a day you’re not even in. That’s why many health professionals recommend grounding rituals—not to add “one more thing” to your list, but to remove the noise that keeps your nervous system scattered. Whether it’s journaling, stillness, breathwork, or even washing your face slowly, try to start your day with mindful presence. The win isn’t the act—it’s the reentry into the moment. And presence, unlike perfection, is renewable.

Play a longer game with your energy

Quick fixes burn bright and disappear. It’s the boring stuff—logging your sleep, moving daily, drinking enough water—that doesn’t wow anyone but changes everything. The problem? Most people ditch the work when the payoff isn’t immediate. But momentum isn’t magic—it’s math. And prioritize consistency over instant payoffs; doing so frees you from the trap of giving up just before it starts working. What you repeat, you become. So be careful who you copy.

Use gratitude like a tool, not a mood

Gratitude isn't a vibe—it’s a practice. One of the most neurologically beneficial ones, in fact. Journaling just three things you’re grateful for daily can rewire perception, reduce negative bias, and help you feel emotionally steadier over time. Don’t wait until you're "in the mood" to feel thankful. Write it when you don’t mean it, and your brain will catch up later. Most people aren’t born optimistic—they’re built that way. So if you’re trying to shift your daily tone, gratitude journaling shifts mindsets in ways that compound quietly.

You won’t build well-being by fixing everything. You’ll build it by noticing what already works and repeating it on purpose. Big swings are tempting, but they rarely hold. What holds is rhythm—days that bend, not break; choices that feel like home, not punishment. Your energy doesn’t need intensity—it needs flow. And your joy doesn’t need fireworks—it needs space. Feeling good every day isn’t about the days being good. It’s about how you move through them when they’re not.

Empower your journey with Brown Girl from Boston, where every “Dear Sis” letter is a step towards your personal evolution and mental wellness!


 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Creative Revival: Ways to Reignite Your Spark and Thrive (Guest Blogger: Kevin D. Ogle)


When your ideas feel dull and your passion plateaus, it’s easy to assume creativity has left you. But it hasn’t—it’s just hiding behind the clutter of routine and the weight of mental fatigue. Everyone hits that wall, and while the temptation might be to push through, the real solution often lies in stepping back and recalibrating. Creativity isn’t a finite resource; it’s something you can reignite, refine, and rebuild with deliberate, thoughtful action. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or problem-solver, reinvigorating your creative energy is about making small, consistent changes that clear space for bold, new thinking.

Shift Your Surroundings to Reset Your Mind

You don’t have to travel across the world to refresh your mind—just changing your environment can open up new mental pathways. A new location forces your senses to adjust and your brain to engage differently, which naturally encourages novel thoughts. Try working in a park, visiting a new café, or rearranging your home office; even these small shifts can unlock a wave of fresh inspiration. If you always operate in the same space, your brain falls into autopilot, but when you change the backdrop, you disrupt that default and allow innovation to sneak back in.

Reignite Your Passion Through a Career Shift

Sometimes the best way to find your creative energy is to realign your entire path. Changing careers isn’t just about chasing income or titles—it’s about discovering work that lets you think differently, feel more engaged, and solve new problems. Earning a degree through an online program makes it easy to work full-time and keep up with your studies. For example, by earning a degree in psychology, you can study the cognitive and affective processes that drive human behavior so you can support those in need of help. If you're feeling mentally stagnant in your current field, this is worth a look as a way to reinvigorate both your creativity and your sense of purpose.

Make Space for Mindfulness

When your mind is overcrowded with tasks and tension, creativity has nowhere to land. Practicing mindfulness allows you to declutter mentally, making space for original ideas to form and flourish. Whether through meditation, breathwork, or a simple mindful walk, the point is to get present and observe without judgment. When you quiet the internal noise, unexpected insights often rise to the surface—ones that were previously drowned out by mental chatter.

Collaborate for a Creative Jolt

Sometimes the fastest route to new ideas is through someone else's lens. Brainstorming with colleagues or trusted friends can inject your thinking with energy you didn’t even realize you were missing. Conversations, debates, and the simple act of explaining your ideas out loud often spark connections you wouldn’t reach alone. Even if your collaborator isn’t in your industry, their outside perspective might be the twist your ideas need to evolve into something better.

Track Your Sparks in a Journal

Inspiration is fleeting, which is why a creativity journal can be your best ally. Carry it everywhere—or use a digital version if that's your thing—and jot down everything: quotes, observations, sketch ideas, dreams, or even half-formed thoughts. Over time, those snippets form patterns, generate connections, and become a launching pad for bigger projects. This habit also teaches your brain to stay alert to creative stimuli, making you more receptive to flashes of insight when they strike.

Step Into the Unfamiliar Through New Hobbies

Routine is the death of originality. If you want to revive your creative instincts, step into something completely outside your usual rhythm. Join a cooking class, pick up rock climbing, try improv theater—anything that demands a new skill set and engages different parts of your brain. These unfamiliar activities force you to be a beginner again, which can help you rediscover the joy and curiosity you need to think inventively in all areas of life.

Keep Curiosity at the Center

Rebuilding your creative confidence doesn’t have to be some grand, cinematic endeavor. At its core, creativity is fueled by curiosity—the desire to know, feel, and express something new. When you start asking different questions and following strange tangents, you end up discovering ideas that push you past your limits. Don’t worry so much about being original or impressive—focus on staying curious, and originality will follow.

Thriving creatively isn’t about being a genius; it’s about crafting the right conditions to let your ideas grow. That means changing your environment, exploring new inputs, and giving yourself time to reflect and recharge. It’s also about recognizing when you’re stuck and having the courage to try something completely new—even if that means shifting careers or adopting a new lifestyle. When you nurture your creative energy instead of forcing it, it becomes a sustainable part of your life rather than a disappearing act. You don’t need more talent—you just need more room to think, dream, and try again.

Empower your journey with Brown Girl from Boston, where every ‘Dear Sis’ letter is a step towards your personal evolution and mental wellness!

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

April is Stress Management Month


April is stress awareness month! Stress is the silent killer and the root of all diseases. Our primary focus should be on our health and holistic well-being.



Here are some things to help manage stress:

- Do a daily body scan: Check in with yourself and evaluate how you feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Seek help if you're experiencing any discomfort, chronic fatigue, depression, or anxiety.

- Take preventive care measures: Schedule regular check-ups to check your health. Get blood panels done to check for hypertension, autoimmune disease, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses.

- Move your body: Engage in physical activities such as walking, dancing, stretching, weightlifting, yoga, or any other exercise you enjoy. Moving your body can significantly help reduce stress.

- Rest: Rest is not a luxury but a necessity. It helps your body recover from the daily wear and tear of life. Make sure you get enough rest to function at your best.

- Let go of hurt and pain: Holding onto pain and suffering can lead to unnecessary stress and shorten our lives. Try to let go of negative emotions and focus on the positive.

- Set boundaries: We can't do everything for everyone and remain healthy. Learn to say no and refer people to therapy if needed. Prioritize your own health and well-being.

- Take your PTO and sick leave: Be bold and take time off when needed. Overworking yourself will only lead to exhaustion and burnout.
 

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Guest Blog Post: Unraveling the Tangled Web of Stress: A Guide to Identification and Management by Kevin D. Ogle

 

You're not alone in feeling the weight of stress on your shoulders. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many. Recognizing the sources of your stress is the first step toward managing it effectively.

This journey requires introspection and a commitment to change. As you embark on this path, remember that small, consistent efforts can significantly transform how you experience and handle stress. Brown Girl From Boston shares more:

Pinpointing the Root Causes

The journey to stress management begins with a deep dive into the causes that trigger your stress. It could be the mountain of work awaiting you every morning, the intricate dynamics of your personal relationships, the anxiety of financial constraints, or concerns about your health. Acknowledging these stressors is not a sign of weakness but a brave first step toward gaining control over them.

Financial Health: More Than Just Numbers

Financial stress can be overwhelming, but taking proactive steps to manage it can bring immense relief. Start by focusing on improving your credit score. A good credit score above 740 is essential for favorable loan terms and reflects your financial stability. Essentially, it represents to lenders how likely you are to repay your loans. Managing your finances well is a crucial step towards peace of mind.

Breathing and Mindfulness: The Twin Pillars of Serenity

Integrating deep breathing and meditation into your daily life can be a game-changer. These practices are not just for those with hours to spare; even a few minutes daily can profoundly impact your stress levels. The calmness you'll experience is not just a temporary reprieve but a building block for long-term peace.

A New Chapter: Career Change for Mental Wellness

Sometimes, the stress of a stagnant or overly demanding job calls for a bold move. Consider a career shift as a pathway to mental rejuvenation. The realm of online education has made it easier than ever to acquire new skills without sacrificing your current commitments.

Imagine exploring the complexities of the human mind through a degree in psychology. Learning about cognitive and affective processes can equip you to aid others while enriching your mental health.

The Elixir of Physical Activity

Never underestimate the power of a good workout. Exercise isn't just about physical fitness; it's a potent antidote to stress. The endorphins released during physical activity are nature's stress-busters. Find a form of exercise that sparks joy in you and make it a staple of your routine.

Cultivating a Garden of Positivity

Your mindset is pivotal in how you perceive and react to stress. By focusing on gratitude and mindfulness, you shift from a problem-centric view to a solution-oriented perspective. This positive approach doesn't just alleviate stress; it transforms your entire outlook on life.

Nourishment for the Body and Mind

What you eat significantly impacts how you feel. A diet high in processed foods and sugars can exacerbate stress, while a nutrient-rich diet can enhance overall well-being. Embrace whole foods and experience a healthier body and a more balanced state of mind.

Finding Harmony Between Work and Life

The balance between your professional and personal life is crucial for long-term stress management. Dedicating time to self-care and leisure activities is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining mental health. This balance is the key to sustained productivity and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Your journey through the maze of stress is unique, but the steps to manage it are universally effective. From understanding the root causes to implementing practical strategies for relief, every step you take is a move toward a more peaceful, fulfilling life.

Managing stress is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-care and mindfulness. Embrace these practices, and watch your life transform into a calmer, more balanced existence.

Blog Post Author

Kevin D. Ogle

Anxious.biz 

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Free Coaching Opportunity with Drea

Hi Tribe!
We want to introduce a free coaching opportunity with you. We have decided to dedicate our time to coach individuals who have been affected by COVID-19 in a holistic way. If you have experienced unemployment, lack of self-esteem, trying to navigate grief and loss, need holistic support, and can't afford to personal coaching, here is your chance to be coached by Drea.
Each coaching session is private, free, and confidential. We will coach in areas in which you need support (mind, body, spirit, personal branding, side hustle, and etc.)
Each session will last 45 minutes to an hour.
Sessions will be held via phone or video conferencing.
Right now we only have 4 spaces for these free coaching sessions.
If you're interested in being one of the volunteer coaching clients, please complete the application form below!
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below or email Drea at drea@browngirlfromboston.com
Deadline: May 8th, 2020.
Please share with friends and family who are in need of support.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Day 4 of the Holistic FLYness Challenge: Restoration


Day 4: Restoration
Affirmation: I love myself enough to do what I need to do to thrive and rest.
Activity: Give yourself permission to restore your mind, body, and spirit. You have been worrying too much, anxious, fearful, and on edge. Please take a break today and indulge in radical self care. Create that homemade spa day, take that restorative yoga class on YouTube, lay in your pajamas all day, give yourself a comedic relief and just relax.
Introspective Questions: How many hours of sleep do you get nightly? Do you take naps/break throughout the day? What restorative coping mechanisms do you need to implement during this stressful time?

Monday, December 11, 2017

Week 2: #ProtectYaMentalHealthMonday

Week 2 of discussing how to protect your mental health and magic during finals for all the college students in the Brown Girl Tribe! Last week we discussed a study group, not cramming for tests, time management, and organization management!
Week 2 Tips: 
✔️Hydrate yourself with water and hot tea with lemon and honey! If you love coffee, please drink your coffee before 2pm. Drinking caffeine after 2pm can cause afternoon crashes, anxiety, keep you up at night and can cause nightmares and night tremors.
✔️Keep healthy snacks on deck. Snack on fruits, veggies, and protein-filled snacks. Meal prep is key during the study for finals because you don’t have time nor resources to spend on unhealthy snacks filled with sugars, fats, and fillers.
✔️Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep. Your brain, your body, and your soul need to be recharged. Don’t do all-nighters because it is taxing on your body and brain, you will have trouble remembering what you’ve studied, your sleep will be thrown off and you will be moody AF! Don’t pull an all-nighter!
✔️Take breaks, breathe, and meditate. Before you pick up a book or your phone, take 3-5 minutes to meditate, practice deep breathing and set a positive intention for your study session. You can even include your study group on these meditative sessions. This will calm down your mind and body. Setting the mood and positive intention will help keep your focus and mindful of acing your finals.
What tips would you like to share on studying and protecting yourself during finals? Share in the comment section!