Self-help | 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!

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Home Birth and Everything You Wanted to Know

BearfruitBasics — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:33:40 +0000

Choosing To Have A Home Birth Do you want a home birth? Perhaps you, like me, think that the idea of a home birth seems interesting, but never amounts to anything more than just curiosity. I remember wanting a home birth, but time and time again, we end up going the hospital route for each baby. To be honest, at the time I’m young and not asking enough questions. Imagine me: fresh out of college and married at 21. I’m pregnant by 22, and start having children back to back. However, during my last pregnancy–in all honesty–what makes me look into working with midwives this time around is the out-of-pocket cost. Prior to getting pregnant, I was separated heading for a divorce. Miraculously, we reconciled. I quit my full time job to focus on our family. Because of this, we sold our enormous home and downsized to live a more stress-free life. Naturally, cost is a motivating factor for me at this point in time, as well as having some negative experiences with hospitals. So I find home birth appealing paying a fraction of the amount of what a hospital may charge you. Besides the astronomical costs of having a baby here in the U.S., I’m hoping to finally experience what it’s like to have a baby at home! Not having any family close by (ugh, tear!), I don’t have anyone that I can leave the older kids with for the multiple hospital appointments and ultimately, the birth. So in other words, I’m not the only one giving birth at home during a pandemic. Like many others, I’m loving the idea of a more natural, hands-on birth with family present. A safe place where the fears and restrictions of COVID-19 aren’t dictating how I bring my child into the world. How I Prepare My Kids For A Home Birth Preparing everyone else in the family is a pretty neat experience. First, we start by talking about what a home birth means, and educate ourselves by reading plenty of books together. Secondly, we scour YouTube videos for home births to understand what a natural birth may sound and look like. We begin to get more excited about this experience and how much everyone in the family can be a part of this birth! Looking for the Right People My next step in the process is to look for midwives I want to work with. I begin by reading reviews online, searching for midwives near me, and making phone calls to my top three finalists. Out of everyone I talk to, my favorite is Cassie from Teamwork Birthing–a team of sisters who work together. Her bubbly personality spills through our phone chat. She answers every question I have with zero judgment. Paired with her contagious happiness about bringing babies into the world, is her vast knowledge of her love for midwifery, families, and God. This is it. I’m ecstatic to find my team of midwives!!! My Experience Working With Midwives In addition to finding the best people to work with, I’m extremely happy with their services. Every appointment is on time. Their offices are full of toys for the older kids to play with. You can even find supplements, such as vitamins and natural medicines for purchase. They even educate me on birth control and what is right for my family. Never once do I feel rushed, and my husband is equally part of the process as well. Thankfully, every visit goes according to plan, and we eventually bring a beautiful baby girl into this word exactly how we planned. My water birth is awesome for pain relief and I recommend one to anyone brave enough to let their body handle the pain of child birth. We opt for delayed cord cutting (Cassie explains this below), and enjoy the first few hours of her life as we snuggle up in bed in the comfort of my own home. You can see my full review of their services by reading it on google, and if you are in the central Florida area thinking about a home birth, please check them out! All About Cassie, My Midwife, at Teamwork Birthing Because of my amazing experience with Teamwork Birthing, I ask Cassie if it’s okay to interview her for my blog. Naturally, she’s more than happy to! (The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.) Can you please tell us about yourself? I’m Cassie (Cassandra) Largaespada, LM CPM (Licensed Midwife, Certified Professional Midwife). Mom to 6 kids, I gave birth to four and adopted two. I had my first baby at a hospital and the next three at a birth center. I didn’t know about home birth back then but if I could go back, I would definitely choose a home birth. What made you want to become a midwife? My hospital birth was not a good experience and I felt out of control and not listened to. I decided to find care where I was able to make choices alternative to the mainstream recommendations. What is the difference between a doula and a midwife for those who don’t know? A doula is a labor support person with no medical training. They support the emotional and physical needs of the mother and are a perfect compliment to the mother’s partner. A midwife is medically trained to take care of low risk women prenatally, during birth and postpartum. A midwife takes the place of an OB unless things become high risk. How long have you been a midwife or working with mothers and babies? I have worked in the birth community for 17 years. I was a doula for 10 years then went to midwifery school for 3 years and have been practicing as a midwife for almost 4 years. What would you say is the biggest misconception about midwives? The biggest misconception I have heard is that midwives are the same thing as doulas or have no medical training and do not know what to do in an emergency situation. People are often surprised that we carry medication, oxygen, and resuscitation equipment. Do you offer genetic testing and/or gender testing for mothers-to-be? Yes, we offer all the same lab testing offered at an OB office. We even do it in office so you don’t have to go anywhere else. We also are ok if you decide to decline some lab testing. Do you accept vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) patients? Yes! We love to support VBAC moms. We do need to have you consult with an OB regarding the risk and benefits of a repeat C Section vs a VBAC but we do this often. Can you deliver twins or multiples? In Florida, we cannot attend twin or breech deliveries at home. Can mothers eat and drink during labor at their home birth? Absolutely, whatever and whenever you want. In fact, we encourage you to drink frequently to avoid the need for IV hydration. What is a common question you get asked a lot when meeting moms-to-be for the first time? We are often asked if we “allow” you to do different things. Our answer is consistently the same. There is nothing we allow or don’t allow. It is your pregnancy. Your birth. Your baby. We have recommendations and we have some things that would exclude us from attending your birth but everything is a discussion and you ultimately have the final say. Is anyone not a good candidate for home birth? Yes. Home birth is only appropriate for low risk moms and low risk babies. We have a risk screening that helps us determine if you are a good candidate for home birth and we have a consulting OB that will help us to determine if you are a good candidate when there are “moderate” risks during the pregnancy. By the way, AMA (advanced maternal age), high BMI, and history of infertility are NOT considered high risk in our practice or by law in Florida. We hear these reasons all the time that women think they are too high risk for home birth. Are your services covered by insurance? Sometimes. We do take Medicaid on a limited basis and we are in network with 2 private insurance companies in Central Florida. We can also bill your insurance as out of network providers and sometimes get a decent reimbursement. Our self pay rate is approximately 10%-25% the self pay cost at the hospital. Do you accept patient transfers into your care? If so, up until how many weeks pregnant can they transfer over? Yes, as long as they have a copy of their records and are low risk. We have had many late transfers even up to 40 weeks for a couple mamas. As long as the family is confident in the decision, we have seen great success with transfers. What are some of the reasons your patients have transferred to Teamwork Birthing? Some of the top reasons we have seen women transfer to us recently are families being welcomed in prenatal appointments and the birth in our care, longer appointment times (and less wait time to be seen) at our office, patients/partners not feeling heard and understood by their OB office, patients desiring to have more freedom during labor and pushing, previous traumatic birthing experiences. What kind of pain management do you offer? We do not offer any medical pain management during labor. However, midwives say the birth pool is our epidural. Obviously, it does not take away the pain, but it can give a great deal of relief. We also try to reframe the thoughts around labor pain and remind mamas that labor pain is different than any other pain in your life. It is pain with a purpose. It is empowering and women have been doing it since the dawn of time. We know that fear makes labor more painful so we aim to bring as much peace and safety to the birth space. What is delayed cord cutting for those of us who haven’t heard that before? There is a wide variety of delayed cord cutting. In the hospital, that typically means 1-2 minutes. For us, we rarely cut a cord (unless there is an emergency that necessitates it) until after the placenta is delivered and whenever you are ready. How much does a birth with midwives cost? Our global package including all care and labs is $6,000. Is there a limit to people being present for the birth? There is no limit to people being present at your birth. We want you to have all the support you need. We do encourage only having those present who fully support home birth and only those you are ok being completely naked in front of. Giving birth is very vulnerable and intimate and if you feel you are “being watched”, it will inhibit your progress. What is one of the most memorable moments you have experienced delivering a baby? This is such a hard question to answer. There have been so many! But, I will say that some of the most emotional births for me have been mamas that have delivered after a loss. We are all grateful for our babies and we all have a story of how we get to where we are but these stories just get me in the feels. Cassie, thank you so much for answering all of my questions! For those in Central Florida interested in working with your team for a home birth, how can people contact you? You can visit us online at: www.teamworkbirthing.com or call 321-296-9399 Our office is located at: 5104 N OBT, Suite #109. Orlando, FL 32810 YouTube – www.YouTube.com/teamworkbirthing Instagram – www.instagram.com/teamworkbirthing Facebook – www.facebook.com/teamworkbirthing

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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...

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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.

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.

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Summer Hair and 10 Easy Tips How To Protect It

BearfruitBasics — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:38:32 +0000

Summer Hair Don’t Care! Summer is finally here, and as ecstatic as you may be to see the cold, icy winter come to an end, your hair might still be in need of some TLC. Because the winter wreaks havoc on our hair in different ways than the summer does, looking after your hair during the Summer requires different techniques than wintertime. Here at Bearfruit Basics, we’ve compiled a list of top 10 tips on how to take care of your locks this summer! 1. Be Proactive With Your Summer Hair Care Before you even leave the house, think about what activities you’ll be doing and how you can be proactive with your hair. For example, if you are off to the pool, wet your hair before you go for a swim. Dry hair is like a sponge, so if it’s already wet before getting in to the pool, it won’t soak up as much of the chlorinated water. If you are a blonde, don’t let the dread of having green hair keep you from enjoying your summer days with a refreshing dip in the pool. A cool trick is to apply a leave-in conditioner in your hair after you’ve rinsed it with cool, fresh water. This will help prevent your hair from drying out your hair when swimming in the salty ocean or the pool. The more you baby your hair beforehand, the less chance salt or chlorine water have to enter and penetrate the hair shaft and cause more damage. 2. Going Outdoors? Wear a Hat to Protect Your Hair When you are outside for a long period of time, you can cover your hair with a summer hat or a scarf to protect it from the harmful, ultraviolet rays of the sun. Wearing something on your head keeps your hair protected from the environment and the sun’s damaging results. A fun advantage of using a hat is being able to make it fashionable. There are plenty of options that will pair well with your swimsuit or beach attire that will keep you looking stylish and chic. 3. Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day When it comes to washing your hair, less is more! During the summer days, we may think that washing our hair more often is best, but it can actually cause the adverse outcome. If you wash your hair too frequently (every day), you are cleansing your scalp of the natural oils needed to protect your hair strands. With humid summer nights, it may be tempting to shampoo your hair every day. A lot of gals extend the time between washing their hair by using a dry shampoo in-between hair wash-days. Use this powder to soak up extra grease to revamp your hairstyle and extend your look. If you do indeed need to wash your hair more frequently than not, you can use a gentle cleansing cream that’s not as a harsh as your shampoo. Read labels, and buy shampoo and conditioners that help encourage hair repair in the areas that you need them. 4. Keep Your Hair Away from Heat Another thing you can do this summer to shield your delicate mane is to ditching the heat all together! It’s no secret that heat is damaging for your hair. When it comes to using heat appliances during the summer, it’s extra damaging – now you’re heaping heat damage on top of the sun’s damaging rays. Use the summer season to rock your natural look by letting your hair air dry and embracing your summer care-free style. If you are going to use your blow dryer or flat iron, make sure you use a heat protective product to minimize the harm as much as possible. 5. Get a Trim for Unhealthy Split Ends Another vital hair care tip for the summer – don’t forget to trim your ends! I know it sounds counterintuitive (especially if you are trying to grow your hair longer), but it’s crucial to remove any split ends, and cutting them is the only way to get rid of them, unfortunately. Most people believe you should trim your hair every six to eight weeks but that’s debatable, as some stylists say you can trim your hair every three to six months. Keep those pesky split ends at bay by following these tips: 6. Give Hair Coloring a Break If you have gray hairs, dyeing your hair might make you feel youthful and cheerful – and you deserve to feel happy with yourself. Whether you color your hair due to grays or just want to change your hair color for a brighter, summery look, take a hiatus and stop dyeing your hair for a while if you feel like your hair might need a break. In addition to allergies and hair loss hair dye dries out your hair. Skip a touch up or forego the exciting color for a little while if your hair is brittle and dried out this summer. Nurse your hair back to health before you book your next appointment at the salon or buy your at-home hair dye. If you dye your hair yourself, I love to use ammonia-free hair dye. 7. Use a Hair Mask When your summer hair is screaming for attention, a quick life vest you can throw on is using a hair mask. (My curly hair loves this Black Castor Oil Hair Mask.) Using a hair mask formulated specifically for your dilemma is another great summer hair tip to help maintain healthy locks. Many cosmetology experts agree in using a nourishing mask once a week to condition your hair. Soften and rebuild your hair with moisturizing hair masks with protein. If you are into making DIY hair masks, here are some easy and simple ingredients that you can whip together in the kitchen and apply to damp hair: Use any combination of these to keep the sun from making your hair dry and frizzy. 8. Use Protective Hairstyles During The Summer Using protective hairstyles this summer is another great way to keep your hair sheltered from the destructive sun’s rays. Loose mermaid braids, messy buns, or French braids are all great options to keeping your hair tied back without causing extra stress on your strands. Experiment this summer with new hair styles. Go natural this summer by going easy on the rigorous hairstyling and living a more relaxed lifestyle for the summer. 9. Use Hair Sunscreen I know, I Know. I didn’t even know this was a “thing” either! We’ve all been told that we’re supposed to be wearing sunscreen on our skin under the hot summer sun, but what we didn’t know, was that we could have been extending that protection to our hair as well! Sunscreen for your hair can be weightless and non-greasy with nourishing ingredients – making your hair look shiny and smooth. Scalp and hair sunscreen can come in many different forms, such as: mists, oils, primers, veils, and even powders. If you won’t be covering up with a hat or scarf this summer season, consider getting a sunscreen formulated just for your hair. You can check out this article from allure to learn more about hair sunscreen. 10. Nourish Your Hair From Within Lastly, the most important summer hair tip we can give you, is to nourish from within! The best tip I’ve learned is to fill a large water bottle early in the morning, and try to empty it throughout the day. I love these daily water intake bottles. Our hair is a reflection of our health. Treat your body right by drinking more water and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Promote healthy hair growth by eating fruits and vegetables, spinach, eggs, nuts, berries, and healthy fats – such as avocados and fatty fish like salmon. The summer sun brings conditions that promote dry, frizzy hair with split ends and color fade. To combat the majority of these problems, make sure your hair stays hydrated by not washing too frequently, and moisturizing your hair with deep conditioners and protecting it from heat damage. In conclusion, it’s vital to enjoy yourself all season long with beautiful, shiny hair with these tips to keep dehydrated and frizzy hair at bay. Embrace simplicity by letting your hair dry naturally and enjoy your summer hair. Stay connected with Bearfruit Basics by following us on instagram and signing up for our newsletter!

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How To Protect Your Mental Health on Social Media

BearfruitBasics — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 08:09:34 +0000

New Phone, Who Dis? When social media first came on the scene, we embraced it as an amazing way to stay connected with family and friends–especially when life takes you far away. Although being on social media has its perks, more often than not, it can become very damaging on your mental health if not used correctly. Let’s explore ways you can protect yourself from the negative side effects while browsing online. Establish Healthy Habits Online The link between real life and social media is very complicated. What we see online is a carefully, curated selection of pictures that highlight the greatest accomplishments of people’s lives. We don’t tend to show when we lose a job, the nasty break-up, or when we think we’re failing at life. Instead, we choose to feature the amazing new house, the gorgeous outfit snapped at the right angle, or the shiny, new haircut styled perfectly. For this reason, browsing through our social media tends to increase anxiety and depression. When all we see are the success stories from our peers, we harshly judge our own success (or lack thereof). Many social media influencers are guilty of also feeling the pressure to conform to an unrealistic beauty standard. There are so many apps that people use to distort their bodies in their pictures that, surprisingly, look very realistic! Comparing yourself to other people online (especially during pregnancy and the difficulty of motherhood) can help feed into mom guilt. Don’t compare someone else’s filtered or photoshopped picture to your real life body. Real skin is not blemish free, and it’s extremely common to have stretch marks, acne, scars, cellulite, and saggy skin! Negative Side Effects of Social Media Some side effects from social media use that can take a toll on your mental health are: It’s a good idea to keep track of your thought patterns to know when social media can be taking a negative toll on your health. Take a Break From Social Media and Detox If you feel that being on social media is making matters worse, the best way to protect your mental health on social media is by taking a break! We can take action against any feelings of unhappiness that arouse from browsing online by detoxing from social media. Things you can do to take a break: Unfollow People Who Don’t Make You Happy! If no one has told you yet, then I’ll tell you know: Stop stalking your ex! The people who are no longer in your life do not need to be taking up space in your head. Whether it’s an ex from a romantic relationship, an ex-friend, an ex-business partner, or whatever the case may be, it really is good to let it go! You are allowed to block, unfollow, or delete people from your feed that cause you any type of anxiety or apprehension. The beauty of social media is that YOU get to control what YOU see. If there are posts that are upsetting to you, there is no need to have them on your news feed. Focus Less on Social Media and More on Real Life Focusing less on social media and more on real life is a lot easier said than done! The value of maintaining friendships offline is irreplaceable in comparison to scrolling through your feed and feeling inadequate about your appearance or where you are in life. Studies have shown there is a link with heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Your feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction are valid. Over time, it’s very likely to have accumulated a large lists of people you follow. It might be a good idea to go through your list of people and organizations that you follow and give it a good scrub. Mute, block, or unfollow people who are no longer adding to your joy. We can thank technology and smart phones for being able to use social media out of pure boredom. Another way to spend time when you feel lonely is to invite a friend out for coffee, pick up a new hobby, or indulge in some very well deserved self-care activities. To sum it up, establishing healthy habits online might not come easy, but it’s vital to protect your mental health. Take a break and detox if need be, unfollow anyone that makes you unhappy, and try to be present in real life! Put your phone away and enjoy every moment you can. Stay connected with Bearfruit Basics by following us on instagram and signing up for our newsletter!

The post How To Protect Your Mental Health on Social Media 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!

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