Working Mom | Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living

Easy Exercises to Get Rid of Your Mommy Belly Postpartum

BearfruitBasics — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:36:01 +0000

Today, we’re diving into a topic that many mothers find crucial on their postpartum journey: how to gently and effectively address that postpartum belly. Our motto is all about going back to basics and keeping things simple, so let’s explore some easy exercises that fit right into your busy schedule. 1. Pelvic Tilts: A Gentle Start Pelvic tilts are fantastic for engaging your core and strengthening your lower back. They’re gentle and can be done anytime. How to Do It: Tip: This exercise helps realign your spine and strengthen the muscles around your abdomen. 2. Postpartum Crunches: Modified for Comfort Traditional crunches might be too intense right after childbirth, so try this modified version that’s easier on your body. How to Do It: Tip: Engage your core muscles and avoid pulling on your neck with your hands. 3. Bridge Pose: Strengthening Your Core and Glutes The bridge pose is not only great for your core but also strengthens your glutes and lower back. How to Do It: Tip: Make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid arching your back excessively. 4. Wall Sits: Building Endurance Wall sits are a great way to work your lower body and core without needing any equipment. How to Do It: Tip: Keep your knees aligned with your ankles and avoid letting them go past your toes. 5. Gentle Abdominal Breathing Abdominal breathing helps to engage your core muscles and promote relaxation. How to Do It: Tip: Focus on deep, slow breaths to maximize the benefits. Incorporating Faith into Your Routine As you embark on this journey to strengthen your body, remember that each step you take is part of your path to wellness and recovery. As you strengthen your outer body, make sure you are eating right as well. You’re not alone in this journey—lean on your faith and community for support. Pray for strength and patience as you navigate the postpartum period, and celebrate each small victory along the way. Final Thoughts Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine. These exercises are designed to be simple and manageable, fitting into your busy life as a busy mother. With consistency and a positive mindset, you’ll gradually see improvements in your postpartum belly and overall well-being. Stay tuned for more tips on keeping things simple and going back to basics in your motherhood journey.

The post Easy Exercises to Get Rid of Your Mommy Belly Postpartum appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

Top Thrift Store Treasure Items to Look Out For

BearfruitBasics — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 01:02:25 +0000

Ahoy, savvy thrifters! If you’re on the hunt for some serious treasure without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place. A thrift store is like a hidden treasure chest waiting to be plundered, and today, we’re setting sail to uncover the top loot you should be keeping an eye out for. So grab your compass (or smartphone) and get ready to embark on a thrifting adventure with me! 1. Vintage Clothing and Accessories Ah, the thrill of finding a vintage gem hidden among the racks of clothing! From funky prints to timeless silhouettes, vintage clothing offers a unique style that’s sure to make a statement. Keep your eyes peeled for retro dresses, classic blazers, and quirky accessories like scarves and hats. The main keyword here is “vintage clothing,” so keep it in mind as you browse through the racks. 2. Thrift Store Quality Furniture Finds Who says you need to break the bank to furnish your home in style? Thrift stores are a goldmine for quality furniture finds that won’t cost you an arm and a peg leg. Look out for sturdy wooden pieces like dressers, tables, and chairs that can be easily refurbished or repurposed to suit your space. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you’ll have your home looking ship-shape in no time! 3. Quirky Home Décor Transform your living space into a treasure trove of personality with quirky home décor finds from thrift stores. From vintage knick-knacks to eclectic artwork, there’s no shortage of unique treasures to discover. Keep an eye out for statement pieces like ornate mirrors, colorful vases, and funky sculptures that will add character and charm to any room. 4. Hidden Gems in the Book Section Calling all bookworms! Don’t forget to plunder the book section for literary treasures that are sure to delight. Whether you’re a fan of classic novels, cookbooks, or vintage magazines, thrift stores often have a wide selection of reading material at bargain prices. Keep an eye out for rare editions and out-of-print titles that will make a welcome addition to your collection. 5. Retro Kitchenware and Cookware Spice up your culinary adventures with retro kitchenware and cookware from thrift stores. From colorful Pyrex dishes to vintage mixing bowls, you’ll find everything you need to whip up delicious meals in style. The main keyword here is “retro kitchenware,” so be sure to keep it in mind as you browse the shelves for hidden treasures. Thrift Store Treasures: Conclusion And there you have it, fellow treasure hunters—our top picks for thrift-store treasure items to look out for. With a keen eye and a sense of adventure, you’re sure to uncover some serious loot on your next thrifting expedition. So hoist the sails and set a course for your nearest thrift store—treasure awaits! (Get inspiration from Flea Market Flip, one of my favorite flipping shows.) Happy hunting!

The post Top Thrift Store Treasure Items to Look Out For appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

This One Thing Will Help You Accomplish Your New Year Goals

BearfruitBasics — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 22:35:02 +0000

Okay y’all, it’s January–which means new year goals and resolution planning! But let’s be honest, don’t most of them fizzle out by March or even February? We tend to start off the year so hopeful, so determined. But little by little, somehow, we lose our steam. So how do you increase your chances of keeping your new year resolution? Let me share the secret with you… Create a Vision Board! The secret to keeping your New Year goals throughout this year is to create a vision board! Now, this idea is nothing earth shattering, but it is worth taking a second look at if you have heard about it before. The bible verse that comes to mind here is Jeremiah 29:11 when the Lord says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I’d like to add a disclaimer here–you can create a vision board but always remember that God ultimately has a plan for you! Align your vision board with what He wants for you, and you will surely receive all of His bountiful blessings! The idea behind a vision board is being able to stay focused on what you would like to accomplish. Keep reading for some key elements when you create your vision board! Successfully Accomplish Your New Year Goals with These Steps: 1. Be Specific. When it comes to creating your vision board, be as specific as you can. For example, don’t just say “I want to lose weight,” but rather “I want to lose 20 lbs.” Putting an actual number will help you measure your results better. (In marketing, we call this a “Key Performance Indicator.”) You need to make your goals quantifiable. 2. Be Realistic. Vision boards work well if you are realistic with what is within your reach. If you want to get out of debt, for example, you can realistically budget how much you can pay. You may have credit card bills, student loans, whatever it may be, but tally up your debt and calculate something doable. To illustrate, you may not be able to knock out $70,000 of student loans in one year on a much lower income or $15k in credit cards. However, having a plan in place will allow you to see how much of that is realistically possible for you. Maybe an extra $300 a month will help you knock out $3,600 of bills. So write that specific number down so you can accomplish that goal. You know this is achievable because it is realistic. 3. Visualize What You Want. The best thing about vision boards, IMO, is that you get to cut out pictures and add them to your vision board! I remember when I wanted to re-do the kid’s bathroom in our fixer-upper house. Pinterest had beautiful examples of the exact tiles I wanted. When it was time to get the bathroom re-done, we were able to save money when the tiles I had my eye on went on sale. Not only does our bathroom look exactly what I pictured it to be, but I saved so much money because I was ready for that sale haha! 4. Place It Where You Can See It Daily. Ever heard the saying, out of sight out of mind? Well, it’s true! Studies have shown, seeing really is believing. I have my vision board hanging in my bedroom where I can see it on a daily basis. It helps me remember what I am working so hard to achieve. If your new year goals are health oriented, place it in your home where it can be your valuable reminder. Put it on a wall next to where you work out, or in the kitchen where you cook, or even next to your pantry where you prepare your meals. This will keep you focused and determined in accomplishing your new year resolution. 5. Write Your New Year Goals In The Past Tense. This one is the winner for me. Don’t write “I will buy a house” or “I will move into my new apartment this year,” but rather “I moved into my new apartment this year.” Writing in the past tense will help you claim what is already meant to be yours. Claim it, Sis! 6. Make It a Family Event. Did you know that you can increase the odds of accomplishing your new year goals with your spouse? I remember when the pandemic hit, we decided as a family it would be best for me to stay at home with the kids since school was shut down for in-person attendance. Unfortunately, this meant having to resign my marketing job. After a while without income (and our old house was giving us so, so many problems), we knew I had to return to work. At this point, I know that whatever I do needs to be a work from home job. I remember receiving in-house job offers, but because my husband and I knew exactly what we wanted, I turned them down. Then, along came the perfect opportunity, where I was able to work for a company that is fully remote, and I couldn’t be more happier! The job I have now aligns perfectly with our vision board, and I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful for my husband’s support. You don’t have to do this with your spouse, you can do it with your child, your parent, or even a best friend. The goal is to have a support system in place so your village can help you accomplish your new year resolution. The Take Away In conclusion, if you are hoping to stick to your new year goals this year, WRITE THEM DOWN! Have a fun family night, and either make one for the family or each family member can make their own! It’s important to tackle your goals together with your support system to increase the odds of being successful. Don’t forget to pray that God blesses you with the determination and self control from the holy spirit to achieve everything you set your heart’s desires on. What are some goals you have set for this year? I’m rooting for you, Sis!

The post This One Thing Will Help You Accomplish Your New Year Goals appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

The Ultimate Back to School Checklist You Need to Have

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 16:04:25 +0000

Back to School Is a Bittersweet Time for Most Families If you are looking for a back to school checklist, most likely you or someone in your family is gearing up to get ready to go back to school. Back to school is a bittersweet time in our household. On one hand, we’re not ready to give up our lazy, summer mornings that come after late, energetic sleepovers from the night before. However on the other hand, back to school allows for a new year of excitement and starting fresh. Your children will be making new friends and enjoying new clothes. There is even some respite for us, the parents at home. In any case, one of the appealing things about going back to school (as a mom anyway), is learning what everyone is into. For starters, is my middle schooler still obsessed with Hamilton, I wonder? Meanwhile, are the boys still into Star Wars and Dinosaurs these days? Going back to school shopping is a great way to connect and bond with your child. They can express themselves and their interests by picking their favorite clothes and themes, giving insight to what’s trendy for them at the moment. Conversely, back to school shopping can also be a tiring and stressful time in your life. For example, I don’t look forward to the crowds and the frenzy back-to-school shopping brings. Because I have a budget to stay within, getting the best deals are important to me, especially when you have multiple kids (or a large family like I do) to buy things for. School Supplies Are Slightly Different for Each Child We’ve compiled a basic back to school checklist for you to save time. This checklist should hopefully create a stress-free shopping experience for you and your student. If you prefer to get your things online, I’ve linked the items to Amazon for a smoother shopping experience. In addition to this back to school checklist, I encourage you to research with your child’s teacher first to make sure you are not missing anything. Again, this is a generic, basic list that should help you jump-start the year with the main items needed for school (but might not cover everything). Of course, remember to tweak it to cover yours or your child’s needs based on their grade and age, etc. Teachers will tell you that some items are required, while other items are only optional. If you have the means to donate school supplies, you can ask teachers for their “wish list” for their classroom. Certainly, any donation helps by giving kids the materials they need to have a successful school year! Basic Back to School Checklist: What They Will Need for their Classes Back to School Checklist: What Is Needed for the Student In addition to the list, don’t forget to see if your state has a tax-free week where you can take advantage of your back to school purchases. Back to School Checklist for High Schoolers Undeniably, the older kids are still going to need the basic school supplies. As has been noted above, that list includes: Also, did you know that Amazon offers a program just for students? (I just learned about this, too!) It’s called Prime Students, and it includes a lot of added features to really enhance your student’s journey through school. At the present time, if you are a student (or your child is old enough for their own account), you can sign up for Prime Student and receive discounts and deals such as: As a result of signing up for Prime Student, you can enjoy a free trial, and then prime monthly fee is discounted off the regular price after that. Lastly, many other places also provide student discounts, such as cell phone services, school programs, and travel industries. So, be sure to check out other student discount programs that you can take full advantage on! Back to School To-Do List Getting ready for back to school is not just about a list of physical items you need to purchase. For instance, it’s also about preparing yourself and your student for a prosperous start by making sure you handle everything on your to-do list before school starts. Therefore, here are some other things to keep in mind when getting ready for school: Kid’s Physicals Does your child need a physical to go back to school? Check with your state’s regulations to see if they need one to start school. If so, make sure you schedule one with their doctor or local pharmacy. Scheduled Bedtimes When it comes to preparing for back to school, getting everyone on schedule begins with having a set bed time. Try to train your bodies for earlier bedtimes (if you’ve been ignoring the clock all summer). For the most part, bedtime at my house tends to be, well, a mere suggestion. 😑 We are getting better though! It’s horrible how bedtime hits and that’s when everyone all of a sudden remembers how thirsty they are, or about the clothes they forgot to fold and put away earlier on in the day. Having a set bedtime helps everyone wake up in time to leave for school or catch the school bus in the morning without feeling groggy. Adjusting a few nights before school starts with a set bedtime will help the mornings go by without a hitch. Clean Out Closets Another advantage of getting ready for back to school, is taking the time to clean out closets. Things the kids have outgrown or worn out this last summer can be thrown away or donated if it’s still in good shape. Make some room in dressers and shoe racks for new clothes and shoes to take on the adventurous school year ahead. Checklist for the Younger Ones at Home If you have multiple children, there are some things I highly recommend you have for the young ones at home who aren’t quite ready for school, but are impacted nonetheless. Medicine Unfortunately, the start of a new school year usually means new germs. Getting sick is a normal part of childhood. With the older kids going to school, make sure you are prepared for sniffles and coughs by having children’s medicine on hand. I highly recommend this medicine, as it does not include all the unnecessary artificial dyes and ingredients, and touts to leave out all artificial sweeteners, preservatives, parabens, alcohol, and no common allergens. It is also certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Nursery Updates Having the kids back in school leaves a huge void of entertainment for the younger crowd in my household. Here are some things that help me keep the younger ones amused at home while the older ones are away at school: New School Year, New Habits! As of the beginning of this school year, I’ve tried really hard to get my night-owl, reality-TV-and-Netflix-watching self up earlier. Undoubtedly, as a Christian mom it’s important for me to try and squeeze in morning worship before the kids go to school. But, sometimes it can be difficult to make that happen with the rush of things and there are some days I struggle to get morning worship done. In any case, having a daily devotional book really helps me stay on track with making sure Jesus is at the center of our day. As we gather in the morning getting ready for the day to start, I love pausing for a few minutes while every one munches on their breakfast. We read and pray over one another before we all leave for the day. If you haven’t done worship (especially in the mornings), I challenge you to try! You will see a huge improvement in your family’s communication, behavior, and even daily gratitude. In Conclusion Back to school is a great time to start fresh. Begin by using a basic back to school checklist to prepare for the new school year ahead. Again, keep in mind that this blog only covers some generic suggestions for some basic back to school needs. Not to mention, it’s important to follow up with the teacher! Next, declutter and donate old clothes and shoes that no longer fit to free up space for new clothes and shoes. Remember to include Jesus in your daily routines to have your focus remain on Christ throughout the rush of the busy day! I hope this blog post has helped you prepare for back to school. How did you find back-to-school shopping? Was it stressful, or a piece of cake? Let me know in the comments below if you shopped online or in person. If you found this article helpful, please sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on our latest blogs.

The post The Ultimate Back to School Checklist You Need to Have appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

How to Work From Home Remotely and Stay Productive With Kids

BearfruitBasics — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 23:14:31 +0000

Parents Juggle Responsibilities of a Flourishing Career and Their Families by Working Remote Have you ever felt the pinch of having to pick between either your career or your family? If you have, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are many remote opportunities that allow for a peaceful work/life balance. I’m blessed to have both experiences, being in office as well as work from home, throughout my career and motherhood. Once upon a time (especially before having young children), I loved getting dressed up and going to work in an office environment. I was excited to chat with my peers. In-person brainstorming sessions with my colleagues were exciting. Having this social environment helps keep my creative spark going. Family a Huge Motivating Factor to Work From Home As my family grew – and child care became too expensive and hard to come by – I explored different options. These options were mainly jobs that agreed with my stay-at-home lifestyle. As a mom, I wanted to work from home remotely. It was important for me to stay up to date with all the latest industry trends in marketing, while also being able to keep my house in order. Being home for my kids was my number one priority. While both options – working in office and remotely – each have their pros and cons, in my personal experience I believe that working from home outweighs commuting to the office. Remote work gave me a better work/life balance. Working from home gives me great joy, as I’m able to receive my children myself from school. I can adjust my hours and handle all of my projects around family time. Working remotely, I still reach my goals before any given deadline. I’m much happier being at home and in turn I give my best at work. Let’s discuss the pros and cons for working from home, in my opinion. Keep reading for some helpful advice to stay productive with kids in the house. Pros for Remotely Working From Home You Save Money Working Remotely Working remotely allows you to be frugal in many different ways. Save money on soaring gas prices, that impacts your car, bus, or train ride. Not to mention all the office clothes you don’t have to buy for your wardrobe. I don’t know about you, but I barely remember (or have the time) to pack a lunch. So, eating out was a constant when I worked in the office. Working from home, I cook my own food and save so much money! via GIPHY Be Happier in The Comfort of Your Own Home The best part about working from home – in my opinion – is being comfortable. We’ve all seen the hilarious TikTok’s on people dressed professionally waist up, but everything else (not in the camera view) might be underwear and slippers. The beauty of being in the comfort of your own home helps you be relaxed. Studies show that happiness makes people more productive at work, even up to 20% more productive than employees who are not happy. via GIPHY Be Healthier and More Productive The time not spent commuting allows you to be more productive at home, whether it’s catching up on some house work or getting a head start on your daily tasks for a successful day at work. By having better use of your time, you can develop some healthy habits as well. Maybe squeeze in an hour of exercise before work, or take your breaks outside for some sunshine and fresh air. I used to have an hour long commute, and working from home now allows me to walk my daughter to school instead of driving her there. Not only do I get some great quality time chatting with her, but I also walk just over a mile a day that I wouldn’t be doing otherwise. via GIPHY Cons for Working Remotely from Home Distractions and Interruptions However, working remotely with kids comes with its fair share of challenges – especially as mothers – such as being distracted. This Survey found that most mom and dads who worked from home early on in the coronavirus pandemic reported difficulties getting their work done without interruptions. Not to say working in the office doesn’t come with its fair share of daily interruptions as well, they are just different kind of distractions. via GIPHY Valuable In-Peron Collaborations The importance of being able to collaborate in person is not lost on me. Especially for execs like Elon Musk – who infamously gave his employees a return-to-the-office ultimatum. Working in an office with your peers still allows you to have an invaluable connection. With the rise of digital chats and video calls, working remotely has proven to be a great boost in quality of life while still maintaining your connection with your work colleagues. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video chats allow employees to stay connected, even if it’s through a screen. via GIPHY Whether you’ve been working from home for a while now, or are a work-from-home rookie caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it still may be hard to stay focused outside of your work environment. Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks I’ve found along the way to help you stay productive while you work from home – especially with kids. Work from Home Tip #1: Have a Dedicated Space for Your Home Office Not every one has the resources to have their own home office, and that’s okay! But if you can, it is truly a blessing to have your own room for privacy. Having comfortable furniture is a must. A computer desk, cozy chair, and lamps are great to set yourself up for success. Here are some options I have purchased myself and used over the years. The quality is great and I personally love these choices. If you are looking for a desk, I highly recommend this L-shape desk. The bottom draw is large enough to keep your files organized, and there is a really neat bookshelf with plenty of space for storage underneath. Place your desk next to a window for some natural sunlight if you can! And if you want a computer mat for your desk, this one is what I ordered and was great quality: This is the exact same Serta chair I bought that fit nicely with the desk. My home office definitely makes work from home a paradise! Other Options When a Home Office Is Not Possible Conversely, not every home I’ve lived in had the space to have a whole room dedicated to my office. But with a little bit of creativity I’ve seen some people turn unthinkable spaces (such as a backyard shed) into their work place! I actually sold my larger home and “downsized” to live more simply. Currently, I have multiple work stations set up all over my house. For example, I have computer desks in my bedroom, living room, and even kitchen corner. Depending on where the kids are when I need to work, I’ll pick the quietest area of the house to settle down and complete my projects. As long as you have a space that the rest of the family respects that is set up for you, it works! This laptop desk was a present to my husband from his boss that encouraged him to work from home and take care of his mental health during the pandemic. After using this more than he did, I caved and bought my own. It’s perfect for lounging on the couch while catching up on emails. If you prefer a laptop desk that doubles as a bed tray, this is the one I use: Having a place where you can work without distractions is crucial to make your work from home job successful. Set it up with comfortable furniture to turn your office dream into a reality. Work from Home Tip #2: Have a Daily Routine and Stick With It Having a daily routine will help establish your responsibilities. Not to say you cant have a flexible schedule when working from home, but having some kind of plan and schedule will help you stay on task. As a working mom, I am fortunate to have a husband who understands when I need a moment to myself to dedicate some time to my job. If your hours are a little more strict, discuss with your partner to see if you can take turns with childcare. What works for us is having a “tag-team” schedule. One of us watches the kids while the other one works and vice versa. A great idea that came highly recommended from my veteran mom friends is to work during your child’s nap time. I can attest to this advice, as the best time for me to work is at bedtime. I love a quiet house and get so much done. See if knocking out a few hours of work at bedtime can work for you too! Hybrid Schedule: Work From Home and in the Office If you’re not able to work remotely full-time, maybe a hybrid schedule will work best for both you and your employer. Even before the coronavirus shut down many businesses, I was blessed with employers that allowed me to do some type of hybrid schedule. A typical week for me might have been half-days in the office and working the rest of the day from home, or a few days in the office and a few days working remotely. The key here is to keep open communication with your supervisor or boss. As long as you are able to perform your job duties without any problems, a hybrid schedule can be a great solution. Working a hybrid schedule gives you the best of both worlds by being able to see your co-workers some days, as well as having a better handle with things at home. Take advantage of work-from-home days, perhaps you catch up on much needed sleep, or get a few loads of laundry during your break time. Work from Home Tip #3: Create a To-do List To Stay On Track As mentioned earlier, having a schedule is crucial to having a successful work from home schedule, especially with kids. Creating a to-do list will keep you stay centered by itemizing all your assignments for the day. Treat your work-from-home day no different than if you were in the office. By asking yourself what needs to be accomplished for the day, you can stay focused and continue to excel in your profession. Work from Home Tip #4: Don’t Waste Time on Social Media This is probably the biggest fear for most employers – but please don’t waste time on social media when you are supposed to be working. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of “working from home” by not working at all. Don’t be that employee! via GIPHY Leave your errands for your break time, lunch, or after your work day is over. Try to limit distractions from the TV, your phone, and other electronics that you wouldn’t have access to working in office anyway. When working from home, being available and having your work completed when you say it will be completed is crucial to making your work-from-home gig successful. Employers have started monitoring their employees, and honestly, who can blame them? If you are on their payroll, your activity during work time shouldn’t be a mystery. Emails, browsers, and collaboration tools are all easily accessible. If you are given the opportunity to work from home, then please still give your all and report your time honestly and fairly. (The bible says, “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!” Psalm 106:03) Work from Home Tip #5: Get Help With Childcare If Needed If you find that working from home has too many challenges with your children present, reach out for help! Friends and family members who are capable of watching your babies are more than happy to lend a...

The post How to Work From Home Remotely and Stay Productive With Kids appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

10 Best Flexible Work From Home Jobs for Moms

BearfruitBasics — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:06:00 +0000

As most mothers know, having children and juggling a career can become overwhelming and exhausting. It wasn’t until COVID-19 hit, that a wave of employers began allowing their employees to work from home. This opened up a world of opportunities where a lot of parents realized they were able to have a healthy work-life balance by working from home. Surveys show the need for flexibility for working parents. With the child care crisis, virtual schooling, and other inconveniences the pandemic causes, we see what many call the “Shecession”. The term Shecession was coined in regards about the many women losing their jobs in hospitality, child care, and other professions hit hard by the pandemic. Many mothers are the primary caretakers for their families, where they have no choice but to stay home with their children when schools and daycares are abruptly closed. I personally had to resign an in-office job that I absolutely loved with the most amazing people in order to find a work-from-home job that better suits my post-covid lifestyle. Working from home allows me the flexibility I need without experiencing mom-guilt from being in the office during a pandemic. As a mother, I believe that you can find well-paying remote jobs that allow you to make an income, whether you are looking for something full time, part time, or even contract work. There are many options out there that can suit your needs. Let’s explore 10 best work-from-home jobs for moms below and where to find them! 1. Graphic Designer I might be biased, because this is actually my work-from-home career. I work as a graphic designer and marketing specialist and am fortunate to work remotely. I’m able to take my kids to school, and pick them up and not have to spend extra money on after-school care. If you are creative, and enjoy making things such as flyers, advertisements, marketing collateral, logos,etc., then this job could be for you! Having the right skill set, you can apply directly to a company that is offering remote work. Some graphic designers charge per hour, while others offer a flat-rate fee per project. Social Media Management is a great, monthly income you can depend on if you also offer to post online for your client in places such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You don’t have to be an expert in Adobe programs such as Photoshop to create stunning images. I highly recommend a design program like Canva, as it is super user-friendly. Their free plan includes so much. You can start your career in graphic design without expensive materials, as a computer, internet connection, and creativity are all you need. I use an Apple Macbook Laptop Pro, and I absolutely love it. Depending on your experience, I’ve seen jobs pay up to $75/hour! Start a collection of your designs (take a look at my graphic design portfolio to get ideas). Employers or clients will want to see your work and what you are capable of. If you don’t want to work with employers or clients, another option is to sell your design work online. 2. Freelance Writer Many companies are looking for freelance writers to help out with their content creation. Online job boards, such as Indeed.com, allow you to search with the filter for “remote” jobs. Search for job titles and keywords such as: Being a freelance writer, you’re able to begin with minimal start-up costs. Again, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a computer to get started. The bonus of this is being able to work from anywhere! (Poolside with a Virgin Piña Colada, anyone?) When it comes to starting a career as a freelance writer, make sure you keep your writing examples to create a portfolio. One of my best friends is a copywriter with two small children. I tend to write my blog posts at night time when the kids go to sleep and the house is quiet for me to concentrate. When you are ready, you can pitch to potential clients by reaching out directly to them with story ideas that would fit well with their content. Don’t be discouraged if they say no, or if your pitch doesn’t work out right away. Keep trying and don’t give up. Overtime, you can build a profitable business by writing for popular websites or magazines. 3. Virtual Assistant Being a virtual assistance is a great work-from-home option. The main role of this would be to provide administrative support for your employer or client. With online team management programs (such as Wrike and Microsoft Teams) it’s easier now more than ever to work remotely from home and still maintain a presence with your company. Some tasks you might be expected to do may include: handling emails, maintaining calendars, and even arranging meetings and travel for your client. Many virtual assistants are able to set their own hourly rate and choose a schedule that better suites their lifestyle. You can browse for positions using websites such as Flexjobs and Upwork. 4. Customer Service Representative Many companies have an abundant need for customer service reps. One of my first jobs out of college was working for an insurance company. I was translating Spanish phone calls and helping callers understand their insurance paperwork. Although I was able to work from home, this job definitely requires very minimal distractions. Having a work-from-home job in customer service might work better with older children in the household that understand you’re not able to be interrupted while on the phone. If you can set up a quiet, dedicated space that you can work from, it will be worth it. Moms with small babies or toddlers in the house might need a sitter or help from family while working. You can check out job listings on linkedin.com to see remote customer service work. 5. Babysitter/Nanny Speaking of sitters… As a mother, who is better qualified for childcare than you are? A wonderful work-from-home job, that offers little disturbance to your every-day home life, is to be a nanny or babysitter. If you love children and are staying home with your own children, why not get paid to help out another mom who needs childcare and watch their kids as well? If you are looking for local families in need, you can check out care.com to make a profile. Facebook groups also offers opportunities to connect with local moms that are desperately looking for childcare help. Some states have regulations regarding the number of children you are able to watch. If you are starting a business, you’ll want to look into getting a child care license. You can also go through first aid training to make you more qualified. Having references of people you have worked for in the past will be a huge help when you start looking for families that are in need of day care services. 6. Online Teacher/Tutor Being an online teacher or a tutor is a fantastic job opportunity for a stay-at-home mom. If you love teaching children, and have a knack for English, Math, History, Science, or any other school subject children need tutoring in, then this job is for you! You might be required to have a college education, depending on the company that hires you. Pay range will depend on your experience, but you can research the median wage for online tutors in your area for a general idea of what your pay rate might start at. Being an online teacher or tutor is not limited to just children. If you consider yourself an expert in a certain area, you can think about coaching others to reach their full potential as well. As a virtual teacher or coach, you can use video services to communicate with your clients. FaceTime, Skype, or Google hangouts allows you to work from the comfort of your own home. Start by advertising your services and create an online presence by being active on social media. Hang out where your target market is, and develop meaningful relationships to bring on clients. 7. Data Entry Clerk Data entry is pretty self-explanatory: you’ll be tasked with responsibilities such as entering information from documents into a software system on your computer. If you are willing to deal with the tedious task of data entry and consider yourself to be detail-oriented, data entry is pretty straightforward. It can be an entry-level job with little to no experience required. Some skills that will make it easier for you as a data entry clerk are: Data entry jobs require that you enter and transcribe large amounts of information in a precise and timely manner. You can make a great living once you become a highly skilled specialist with reliable services in data entry. Look for data entry job positions online at indeed, linkedin, careerbuilder, and other job boards. 8. Start an eCommerce Business Online If you are an artist or maker, you may want to think of opening a store. Many stay-at-home moms find great joy in selling their handmade items online. Share your passions by opening up an online store or creating a profile on a popular eCommerce company, such as Etsy. Popular objects that many successful stores sell include jewelry, art, accessories, vintage items, and clothing. Keep in mind, success will not happen overnight. If you enjoy what you do, try not to run out of steam until you see some traction. If you love crafting, think of doing things that people will pay good money for quality items. For example, you can create special, unique gifts or custom products that are memorable things people can order for their loved ones. Starting an online store will require a lot of dedication where you’ll have to wear multiple hats: photography, copy writing, and great customer service are just a few of the skills you will need in order to launch an eCommerce business. 9. Selling Flipped Items If you love shopping, and know how to find a great deal, then maybe selling flipped items is for you! You can turn this into a stay-at-home job by buying low and selling high. Being frugal and knowing how to negotiate will help you get larger profits in the end. Turn your passion for thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales into a lucrative reselling business. You can flip small items from valuable collectibles and jewelry, to larger things like furniture. Some things have great bones that just need a fresh coat of paint to take it to the next level. Sell your great finds on places like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You can even create a Facebook business page for free to showcase your current finds available for sale! 10. Pet Sitter A flexible job that you can do from your home is to become a pet sitter. Pet sitting offers you a a paying gig that works around your schedule. If you love animals, and are a responsible pet caregiver, this job can be very rewarding. You can choose when you work, set your daily rate, and even pick which days you are available for pet sitting. Try online pet sitting companies, such as Rover.com, to sign up and offer pet sitting services to your local friends and neighbors. You can interview your client with their pet to make sure it is a good fit for you and your family before you take on the job. Conclusion In conclusion, there are many opportunities for moms who are looking for remote, work-from-home positions. Mothers should not have to pick between their careers and families. Finding the perfect balance looks different for everyone. Whether you are looking for a full time career, or just a quick gig to make money for the moment, there are plenty of work-from-home opportunities out there! I hope this list has helped you realize that you can make a reasonable living, or an income for either pocket money or to help out with your family’s finances. Let me know in the...

The post 10 Best Flexible Work From Home Jobs for Moms appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

How to Travel on a budget Stress Free

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 11:26:01 +0000

The Stress-Free Frugal Traveler’s Guide: How to Travel on a Budget Time off for the holidays, but you’re bougie on a budget? Does the thought of spending too much money hinder your ability to enjoy a family vacation? If so, this blog post on how to travel on a budget is for you! If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, but don’t want to break the bank – or rack up credit card debt – there are tons of ways you can travel with a small or very limited budget. We just got back from an amazing, adventure-packed vacation visiting family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our plans to visit the UAE went from a far-away unreachable dream, to a realistic trip to paradise. Surprisingly, there are many affordable methods in traveling stress-free, even when you’re not swimming in dollar dollar bills, y’all. For those of you that don’t already know, I gave up my full-time, corporate America job to be a stay-at-home mom. I work from home doing Marketing and Graphic Design. With my husband’s full-time income, we try to budget for one big vacation a year; it’s important for us to get away from time to time. Having a “family escape” to enjoy the fruits of our labor and, most importantly, enjoy time with each other is vital in strengthening our bonds with one another. Our trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai was hands down one of the best and memorable vacations we have ever done. We follow these tips and advice to aim to have a stress-free vacation by learning how to travel on a budget. Travel on a Budget: When Is the Best Time to Fly? Firstly, did you know that there are best days to fly? Flights tend to be more expensive during the weekends, due to more people being free to travel. Try and fly during the week, Tuesday through Friday if possible for a cheaper alternative to stay within budget. If you are planning on leaving the country, it’s important to know when is the best time to fly to your location. Depending on your final destination, there are busy seasons and off-peak seasons. Aim to plan your travel when it’s not the busiest season and during off-season. This allows you to find plane tickets within your budget. Research to see when peak season is and what the weather will be like, to see if it aligns with your vacation desires. For example, if you are aiming for beach weather, try for the end of summer. Prices are more inexpensive but still warm enough to have salty hair and sandy toes. You can visit your destination’s official website to discover more information on weather conditions and any events that you might find relevant in order to catch them on your vacation. Visit Family Members or Close Friends Overseas If you are fortunate enough to have family or friends in a location you’ve never been to before, go visit them! There are some places that are naturally cheaper than others to travel to, but if you have the advantage of crashing with the fam, then by all means go and enjoy! Knock out two birds with one stone by having family time as well as indulging in a new place. Our magical adventure in Abu Dhabi and Dubai would not have happened had we not been able to lodge with our loving and generous cousins overseas. They allowed us to stay in their guest room and eat and drink all their juice and snacks. The amount of money we saved simply by being able to live at their loving home was THOUSANDS for a two-week stay in the UAE. Talk about a stress-free, living-on-a-tight-budget answered prayer! Uncertain if you can stay with someone you know? Another route to traveling on a budget is to find housing for much cheaper than a hotel. Airbnb is a great alternative to a hotel, as it offers multiple variations of lodging and activities. I have personally used them multiple times. We book housing and activities for our whole family to stay. Some places are pet friendly, where I’ve been able to bring my German Shepherd dog, Leo, too. This helps me stay within budget by not having to spend money on dog boarding. Book Well in Advance to Travel on a Budget Booking in advance really helps you save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Not only do you get the best deals when booking so far ahead, but you get additional options or promotions that might not be available to you if you procrastinate. Take advantage of being able to pick which possibilities work best for your family and budget by planning months in advance. Although last minute deals can be a great surprise, often times booking ahead of time allows you to find cheaper transportation, activities, and accommodations all of which permits you to stay within your travel budget. Pack Light but Clever When it comes to packing, I suggest to pack light but clever. Most of the time, you won’t use everything you pack. Think of clothing items that have multi-purpose use that you can wear several times. Airlines charge extra if your suitcase is overweight or if you have too many bags to check. That’s why it’s important to pick a good travel bag to store all of your things conveniently. It’s important to look up your baggage allowance with your airline company so you know the weight and the luggage pieces allowed before you get to the airport. There is nothing more stressful than having to move items around and/or pay extra because you didn’t check the terms prior to boarding. Conversely, although you should pack light, it’s vital to still take everything you need so you are not wasting time or money trying to find something you forgot at home. Here are some ideas for simple things that you can take with you to save money later on: Ask Locals for Ideas on What to Do There are plenty of free experiences you can partake in, but you have to research and know the best spots. In my experience, asking locals for their opinion on what to do has been a great source of budget-friendly knowledge. Don’t be scared to meet new people and ask what local things are worth doing. There are plenty of art galleries and museums that are free, or charge a small entrance fee for visiting. Places like beaches, hiking trails, and city monuments tend to be free of charge as well, depending on where you visit. Find Reasonably-Priced Restaurants or Pack a Lunch! Most hostels, rooms for rent, Airbnb’s, and some hotel suites have access to a kitchen. By eating in, you can save money by stocking up on groceries and cooking at home. This option is so much cheaper than when going out for a night in the town and eating out. You can eat breakfast at home, then pack a lunch if you’re on a tight budget and go explore! However, if eating out is an important part of your vacation and experience, you can still eat well on a budget. I highly recommend checking out restaurants in advance. You can read google reviews, find an online menu, and even check out prices ahead of time to see if the new food spot falls within your dining-out budget. Again, ask locals where they like to eat for traditional food that doesn’t break the bank! Shop at Local Markets When traveling abroad, the well-known malls and plazas tend to come to mind or may be much easier to find. However, shopping at local markets or souks tends to be much cheaper. Not only can you find better prices, but you’re more likely to find homemade products where you can support locals and their small business. Asking for a deal if you buy in bulk is always a nice way to save a little money, but definitely recognize when a price is fair and worth their hard work and craftsmanship! Shopping locally allows you to have a closer experience with people who actually live where you vacation. A lot of small businesses are family owned. They are ecstatic to share their products with someone who appreciates their work. Local shopping allows you to feel good about saving money, but also support ethical, smaller entrepreneurs. In Conclusion To wrap it up, if you put a family vacation on hold because you can’t afford it, please know there are viable options that you can take to travel on a tight budget! Don’t procrastinate and find good deals in advance. Check different days for flights, seek lodging with friends or family, and shop local for a true, authentic experience. Please remember, it’s not the worse thing in the world if you end up using your credit card (within reason) to enjoy an amazing, lifetime experience. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

The post How to Travel on a budget Stress Free appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

10 Ways How to Simplify Life and Be Happy

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 01:12:44 +0000

The older I get, the more I realize that happiness comes from simplifying my life. If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you are looking to simplify your life as well. If you find yourself drowning in clutter, work, or personal commitments with no time for yourself, here are 10 ways how to simplify your life and regain your happiness: 1. Get Rid of Excess Clutter One of the first steps to living a simple life is getting rid of clutter. The more things you have and the more clutter around you, will just add unnecessary stress and hassle to your every-day routine. Learn to get rid of clutter in your home to be better organized and in control. An important thing to note is to not just get rid of what you already own, but stop bringing clutter into your household. I am guilty of buying things just because they are on sale even if I have nowhere to put it or no real use for it. I like to pay off my credit cards and then take them out of my wallet so I am not tempted to use them again for unnecessary purchases. I also have a strict budget where I try not to buy things I don’t need; Amazon is my downfall here! A great way to not hear about sales is to unsubscribe from any marketing emails or newsletters you may receive from stores or from nearby promotions. It’s tough, but it can be done! 2. Only Say Yes to Meaningful Obligations This one is complex, as a lot of us have obligations we must do even if we don’t feel like it. For example, we might have a work obligation or things with the family that we simply must attend. The trick to handling this one is to prioritize what you can handle, and learn to say no to anything else that is stretching you too thin. Does your boss need someone to work extra and asked you? If you can’t handle it, be honest about it. With much prayer and understanding, hopefully you have a boss that understands your situation, and someone else that can cover for you. Try to say “yes” to social events or family obligations that bring you joy. Part of having a simple life and learning to be happy is by doing things that are important to you. At the end of this life, all we truly have are our memories. 3. Take Time to Do Things You Enjoy I cannot stress this enough – you unquestionably need to set time apart for self-care. Simplify your life by having moments to do things you enjoy. Whether it be traveling, spa dates with your girlfriends, more time with your children, or hobbies you relish, take time out for yourself without feeling guilty about it. (Although this is easier said than done.) My biggest issue, especially as a mom, is not feeling selfish when I need a moment to myself. If you can try to remember this quote, “You can’t serve from an empty cup” it might help confirm your need for self-care. Simplify your life and find happiness by taking a breather for yourself in order to reset. Then you can give your best self to those around you. 4. Cut Out Toxic People Controversial topic here – but I’m a strong believer in cutting out toxic people from my life. As a Christian, I believe in forgiveness. There are many reasons why forgiveness is good for you and your health. But just because you forgive someone, doesn’t mean they get a free-pass back into your life. Sorry not sorry! Toxic people can be draining. They defy logic. Some people can be blissfully ignorant and unaware of the damage they do to you and your family. Dealing with toxic situations can expose you to massive stress. Studies show the long-term, everlasting, negative effects toxic people can have on your brain. This Harvard research proves toxic employees destroy culture in the workplace. It explains how feelings of danger and mistrust destroys organizations. It’s essential to reassess who is in your inner circle, and make sure you surround yourself with compassionate, kind, and encouraging people. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived, bad company ruins good morals.” 5. Clean Out Your Email Subscriptions Okay, maybe you’re not as OCD as I am, but I absolutely hate having hundreds of unread emails. Just seeing the notification on my phone makes my eye twitch. A way to simplify your life is to clean out your email subscriptions. Have you ever noticed how much time you waste going through emails? How much of that time is pure junk emails that aren’t relevant to you anymore? When you have a moment, go through your emails and hit that “unsubscribe” link to as many irrelevant emails as possible. Hopefully, unwanted spam, newsletters, and annoying email marketing won’t make it to your inbox. Only subscribe to things that will make you happy and provide value to your life, like our monthly Bearfruit Basics Newsletter. (See what I did there?) 6. Donate or Sell Clothes You No Longer Wear This advice of donating or selling your clothes is such a win-win. Not only do you get to clear out your closet and make room by de-cluttering, but someone less fortunate than you can get some neat clothes and up their fashion game. Too many possessions complicate our lives. They can be a financial burden to us. If you can, go a step further and see what else you have laying around that you can donate or sell. Decluttering your life will help simplify it by taking out the energy and attention you spend on keeping everything organized and in order. I love the KonMari Method of cleaning. She has amazing tips on how to only keep things that bring you joy. I highly recommend you check it out! 7. Keep Healthy Snacks at Your Desk Simplifying life also means evaluating your health. Take your daily vitamins and any subscription medicines you need to stay in optimal shape. Try to dedicate time to your health by making smart, nourishing choices when it comes to food. As a stay-at-home mom, I also work from home. I am guilty of snacking all day and, to be honest with you, I’m not the best at eating healthy foods. An easy tip is to stack your desk, purse, or pantry with healthy snacks. Healthy snacks will give you energy to get through your day. If you meal prep, this is a great way of keeping life simple. Your whole family will benefit from meals that are planned out. Meal prepping improves your nutrition, allows you to make healthier choices, saves money and time, and most importantly, decreases stress so you can be happy! I have a magnetic menu stuck to my fridge and, although I don’t prepare my meals in advance, I do prepare a weekly menu in advance. Then, I base my grocery shopping on what we will be eating every day. It helps keep me on track, and on budget. 8. Write To-do Lists This is one of my favorite ways to simplify life. I undeniably adore lists. Whether it be with a pencil and paper, on your computer, smartphone, or even a scribble on a napkin: to-do lists are the bomb and I’m going to tell you why. Not only does it help you stay organized, but it creates manageable goals so you don’t feel overwhelmed. You can take it a step further and delegate to people (kind reminder – it’s okay to ask for help). If you are a procrastinator (like me), you’ll be happy to know that to-do lists make you productive. To-do lists help you stay focused. It can be a stress reliever if you give yourself realistic deadlines and a doable timeframe of completion. Also, writing down your tasks ensure you won’t forget about it, therefore allowing you to relax more. So grab that notebook and make yourself a to-do list! 9. Use Fewer Words Remember the phrase, “Keep It Simple, Stupid”? (I’m sure you do). Challenge yourself to use fewer words: in your speech, in your email responses, etc. Learn to say what you mean by speaking plainly and honestly. The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” But what does this mean, exactly? Here is another bible verse that might offer some clarity. In Matthew 12:36-37 it says: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” You might have well-intentioned words, but aim to speak purposefully. Simplify your life by letting your yes be yes, and your no be no (Matthew 5:37). Another valuable quote I love is “No is a full sentence”. 10. Reduce Your Screen Time I am guilty of binge-watching episodes when I know I should be doing something way more productive. When you give your attention to movies, social media, television, or video games, this can affect your life more than you realize. Technology addiction is real, and although technology has some magnificent benefits, we can unfortunately develop an unhealthy attachment to it. As we know, comparison is the thief of joy, and comparing our lives to movie storylines and pictures on Facebook and Instagram is extremely dissatisfying. Due to influencer culture, we are becoming more disgruntled with our own lives. In order for us to protect our mental health online, we should establish healthy habits. Learn to disconnect by taking a break and detoxifying. You don’t have to completely quit, but limiting your screen time will be very rewarding for simplifying your life and learning to be happy. What are some ways you simplify your life? Challenge yourself to embrace simplicity and live a happier, more meaningful life. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

The post 10 Ways How to Simplify Life and Be Happy appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

10 Realistic Ways How To Deal With Mom Guilt

BearfruitBasics — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 22:11:25 +0000

Free Yourself From The Negativity of Mom Guilt. Having children is such a remarkable blessing in life. The flip side of the coin is wondering every minute of your day if you’re doing a good job. As a mom of three, my children bring me joy–yet equally cause an inexplicable amount of mom guilt. Experiencing mom guilt means we are full of compassion, empathy, and care for our babies. For those of us who have chosen the path of motherhood and have struggled with mom guilt, here are 10 ways to help you overcome it. 1. With Mom Guilt, Know Your Feelings Are Temporary Sometimes when we are in the moment of experiencing mom guilt, we can feel like there is no end to our negative emotions. Mom guilt can be triggered by many different reasons: outside pressures of other people’s opinions, social media’s unrealistic expectations of what motherhood should look like, or even our own insecurities. It’s important to remember that your feelings of mom guilt are only temporary. Give yourself a break, and some grace. The reason you are feeling mom guilt to begin with is because it comes from a place of love for your child. We worry ourselves sick hoping the best for our children. I remember feeling mom guilt every time I had to leave my baby to go back to work and STILL feeling mom guilt years later on their first days of school. To be honest with you, maybe mom guilt is a feeling that I will forever have. But I can conclude that it’s a temporary feeling of me questioning if I am doing the best that I can. The next time you feel mom guilt rearing its ugly head, take a deep breath and interrupt that pattern of thinking with reminding yourself that it is only temporary. 2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Moms One of my best friends reminds me constantly that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’m not going to lie, sometimes I’m scrolling through my Instagram feed and see what I would consider to be “The Perfect Mom.” She stays at home, has a clean house, bakes with her adorable children, has energy to work out, and always looks fabulous in her hair and makeup. I glance at myself in my bedroom mirror and see my reflection is still in pajamas at four in the afternoon. The person glaring back at me hasn’t washed her hair in days, has bags under her eyes, and is probably having popcorn for dinner. Sometimes, the best remedy for mom guilt is to simply just give yourself a break. It’s completely acceptable to remove yourself from situations that make you feel guilty. You are allowed to say “No” to things you can not handle at the moment–especially if it’s going to end up in resentment. Unfollow the people on social media that trigger you. Protect your mental health when you are online. Try not to waste your precious energy on other people’s lives, that will just harbor resentment. And most importantly, give yourself grace. 3. Practice Self-Affirmations When You Feel Mom Guilt The first time I told myself self-affirmations, I felt downright ridiculous. A grown woman saying, “You are beautiful, you are worthy, you deserve happiness and peace,” should have made me feel powerful, but instead it made me feel a bit silly. Something that really helped me believe in what I was saying was putting God’s promises behind each affirmation. I know I am worthy because Jesus said I am. Matthew 6:26 reminds us that “We are more valuable than the birds in the air.” Zephaniah 3:17 says “The Lord your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Remembering who we are through Christ’s eyes, and not listening to the lies of this world is key to believing your self-affirmation. 4. Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations I wanted the perfect marriage, the warm, homey kitchen, the living roomfurniture that was HGTV worthy, the home-cooked meal every day, and much more.I had so many expectations of who I should be and what I should be doing as awife and mother. But sometimes the best thing to say is, “Oh F*** it!” or the expletive of your choice. 😂 Who cares if the dishes go undone one night? Or if the laundry skips a dayor two. Something that I’ve learned to do as of late is letting go of unrealisticexpectations. It’s not realistic to have a perfect marriage. Neither is it realistic to have a clean house 24/7. Nor is it realistic to be optimistic and positive all the dang time! Setting realistic expectations for yourself will allow you to keep the mom guilt at bay by disqualifying the idealistic outlook of what your life should look like. Remember that perfection is not real. 5. Spend Some Quality Time With Your Child When mom guilt comes to us as a result of certain behaviors we do, we can correct our negative feelings by getting back in balance. If I told you I haven’t laid in bed and binge-watched Netflix for days, I would be on the next episode of Maury listening to him say “The lie detector determined…that was a lie.” Occasionally, I will coop myself up in my room for my own well-being. My best part of the day is when the lazy dog is laying down lazily, the house is quiet, and my slumbering kids are snoring in their bedrooms. Another chaotic day put to rest so we can all regain energy for the madness of tomorrow. It’s important to squeeze in some quality time with your child in the midst of it all. Remember, quality trumps quantity. If you are a working mother, some ideas are to include them in dinner preparation, watching an episode of their favorite show together, playing a game outdoors, or building with Lego. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you balance your work and family life. 6. Trust Your Gut With Finding The Root of Mom Guilt A mother’s intuition is real, and you should trust it! This article from Parent.com explains how emotions can play a key-role when it comes to decision making. For a new mother, children become their top priority: “The rise and fall of gestational hormones over the course of her pregnancy, along with the surge of oxytocin during labor and birth, prime mothers for responsiveness,” says Dr. Hrdy. “A new mother’s top priority is often to make sure her baby is safe, and she will have a low threshold for sensing anything amiss.” Although trusting your gut can be the way to go, make sure you make decisions out of a place of calmness and not operating out of fear or anxiety. Combining intuition and knowledge is a powerful tool. Ask yourself what is the root of your mom guilt–and answer truthfully. Many moms feel mom guilt for different reasons, and in order to get “over it” we must understand where the guilt is coming from and tackle it head on. Time alone with Jesus does wonders for the soul. I like to pray and read my bible for reassuring guidance to see if what my gut is telling me is really the holy spirit. Proverbs 31 is a wonderful reminder of beautiful attributes of an ideal mother. 7. Pursue Your Own Goals Mom guilt can often come around when we feel “selfish.” When your outside circle unintentionally pressures you into staying home with your kids, (even if you have other goals), we may feel mom guilt. Women all over the world have had to work twice as hard to prove that they can be both a professional and a mother at the same time. If you are ready to go back to work after having a baby or think you are ready once the kids are old enough to be in school, there is good news: kids actually benefit from having a working mom! This article from Harvard states the results of a study on working moms: “Women whose moms worked outside the home are more likely to have jobs themselves, are more likely to hold supervisory responsibility at those jobs, and earn higher wages than women whose mothers stayed home full time…” Kids are much more resilient and braver than what we give them credit for. Children want their moms to be happy, and the best version of yourself is the best mom you can give them. 8. Don’t Be Scared to Ask For Help When You Need It Mom guilt happens when sometimes we expect too much of ourselves. We need to remember to ask for help when it’s needed. This tip is easier said than done, because there are instances when we feel like we can handle it all, or we fall victim to the belief that we must be “superwoman” and handle it all ourselves. Your closest friends and family members are often willing to help you if you let them know you’re struggling or in need of some assistance. What some people may consider “small” or “no big deal” actually means the world to a mom in need. Let others know how they can help you. Asking for help can come in many different forms, such as: Asking for help can be a great way to get you out of “mom guilt ” when you realize you don’t have to do it all by yourself. 9. Surround Yourself With a Positive Support System When mom guilt sinks in, it tends to be when you are alone or cooped up in the house. One of the best ways to get over mom guilt is to surround yourself with a positive support system. It’s important to be reminded of how special you are, and a positive support system around you can validate your feelings and help you get out of your funk. 10. Talk To a Professional to Help With Mom Guilt When mom guilt seems to be weighing you down more than usual, and the usual pick-me-ups aren’t helping you shake the regular ups-and-downs of motherhood, it might be time to talk to a professional. If you are experiencing intense irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, or difficulty bonding with your baby, it could be something more serious such as postpartum depression. Tell your doctor your symptoms, be honest, and don’t feel embarrassed or shame. Getting professional help is one step closer to getting back to your regular self and embracing this new role. The Takeaway Remember, it’s completely normal to fell the baby blues right after childbirth due to the sudden change in hormones. In addition to the tips stated above, get as much sleep as you can, ask for help when needed, and eat right and take care of your body. If symptoms become severe, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. If you found this article helpful, sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on our recent blog posts and be entered to win our giveaways.

The post 10 Realistic Ways How To Deal With Mom Guilt appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.

Live Stress Free With These Top Three Tips

BearfruitBasics — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:49:33 +0000

Dear Stress. Let’s break up. If you want to simplify your life by creating a stress-free lifestyle, and learn how to zone in on the areas that cause major stress in your life, then this blog post is for you! Nobody wants a stressful life. The only drama I willingly invite into my life is the drama brought to me by reality TV. (Thank you, 90-day fiancé.) In other words, once the TV shuts off, I want positive karma, peaceful energy, and good vibes all around me. For example, as a mother of three, our daily lives kicked up a notch from hectic into downright chaos once COVID-19 hit. I was working full time and found myself being thrown into distance learning as my children’s new bewildered, home-schooling teacher with zero warning. It felt like everything I had worked so hard to achieve was slipping through my exhausted fingertips, for instance. My job was demanding, and I never seemed to have the energy to do anything I enjoyed anymore with my family. Burned out, strained to my limit, and completely and utterly drained, I knew I needed to make a change–and I know I wasn’t the only mom re-evaluating life in that moment. I was on a mission to simplify my life and create a more stress-free lifestyle by zoning in on areas that caused major stress in my life. Read below for my top three tips on how to simplify three areas of stress in your life to live as stress-free as possible. Tip #1: Re-Evaluate Your Work-Life Balance Firstly, balance between work life and home life is crucial in having a stress-free lifestyle. For example, a common saying is, “work to live, don’t live to work.” It’s an overused cliché for sure, but that’s because it’s true. Pause and ask yourself if you are happy with your home and life balance. I know people who LOVE working and are happy being workaholics, working into the wee hours of morning or over the weekends. They love their jobs and feel fulfilled. Conversely, I also know people who refuse to step foot in corporate America and are perfectly content doing their own thing at home. Their work might consist of being a homemaker and doing the vital job of raising a family. In either situation, it’s important to feel your best. I’m blessed with being able to balance both work life and home life over the years. As a Creative Director of my own business, I’m able to work from home (most of the time) while being at home with the kids. I’ve had numerous jobs in-house, where I’ve had very understanding employers who have agreed to my flexible hours I’ve proposed. This allows me to balance being a mom as well as being a professional and further growing in my career. See what areas of your job you are happy with, and what you wish you could change. Questions To Ask Yourself: If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, these can be potential areas of stress. How can we fix this? Simple. Look for solutions for your specific problem. One of my best friend’s favorite saying is “Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed.” What did she mean by this? Ask. Speak Up! Ask for a raise if you feel like you deserve one. Discuss your job duties and whether you need more–or less. Re-visit your work schedule with your employer to see if they are willing and able to accommodate any changes. Establish boundaries and have the courage to speak up for yourself. If you’re not happy with your job, find a new one. Similarly, take a break if you can financially afford to do so. Get your priorities in order and work towards finding the balance you need. Make Sure Your Job Does Not Interfere With Your Home Life. Set limits to make sure you have enough time to do the things you enjoy, such as: When it comes to work and life balance, only you know what is right for your life. Find what makes you happy, and then strive to accomplish just that. Tip #2: Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health Secondly, there’s no secret that stress can take a toll on us, both mentally and physically. By focusing on ourselves, we can make sure we are in the best shape of our lives. Ever notice when you are traveling on a plane and they tell you to place your mask on first before assisting others? That’s because you cannot take care of someone else without taking care of yourself first! I used to feel selfish for wanting alone time, or needing a break from my children. Re-learning the definition of self-love, I had to train my mind not to think of it as being selfish. There are many ways you can create a stress-free environment to protect your physical and mental wellbeing. Here Are Some Ways You Can Create a Stress-Free Environment These are just some ideas for you to feel physically and mentally healthy. Most importantly, make sure you make it a priority to put yourself first. Tip #3: Focus on the Good Finally, my last tip to help you live a more stress-free life is to focus on the good. Have you heard of Murphy’s law? In case you’re not familiar, it states “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” If you always look for the bad in something, I guarantee you, you’ll find it. This world is beautifully flawed. I challenge you to change your perspective and see the good in everything. Because if you always look for the good in something, it is equally so that you will find there is good in everything also. It can be difficult to see the good in things when it seems like nothing is going according to plan. When you and your significant other break up, or when the job you love lets you go suddenly. When a close relative dies tragically, or when an astronomical bill hits you unexpectedly. What Helps Me See the Good in Things Is Asking a Series of Questions: One of my favorite bible verses is Romans 8:28 that says “All things work together for good to them that love God.” I have faith knowing that whatever I’m going through–no matter how painful it may seem at the time–is something that God will use for my good. Every heartache, every cruel life lesson has made me the person I am today. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not encouraging you to pretend to be happy. Toxic positivity isn’t helpful either. If you are feeling angry, sad, or stressed, you can absolutely cry it out, grieve, or even vent. But here is the important part: When you are done feeling your emotions, and you allow yourself to “feel ALL the feels”, it’s important to turn the page–however long that might take you. Once you are ready to move on, this is the place where you try to find the good. By focusing on the good, I believe you can find the peace needed to live a stress-free life. By re-aligning my priorities and focusing on work-life balance, taking care of my mental and physical health, and most prominently, seeing the good in every situation, I’ve been able to lower my anxiety and stay on a path to a more stress-free, relaxed way of living. What are some ways you de-stress or create peace in your life? Comment below, I’d love to hear them. Stay connected with Bearfruit Basics by following us on instagram and signing up for our newsletter!

The post Live Stress Free With These Top Three Tips appeared first on Bearfruit Basics | Simple Christian Living.