Like a Flower

Come on this journey of self care and growth with me!

[haley-redding]

Habit Stacking

Habit stacking is when you build up habits that contribute to an everyday routine. For example, I started my first week by waking up an hour earlier than usual. Once I got used to that, I added in working out after waking up.  After I got those two habits down, I added in journaling before bed. I will continue adding in habits at my own pace (typically a week at a time). My goal is to become the best version of myself and I plan on achieving that with the help of habit stacking. Habit stacking is a productive yet not overwhelming way to create a healthy routine for yourself. Having a solid routine helps ease stress and worry. If you’re doing well mentally, everything else will fall into place. 

[haley-redding]

Have Yourself a Day

When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, it’s okay to take a step back and have yourself a day. This could look like:

- tidying up your space

- taking a long nap

- reading a book

- taking a bath

- doing a face mask

Sometimes I let my thoughts control my emotions, which can be really draining. I find myself feeling like this when I’m constantly on my phone. Whenever I feel like this, I need a little reset and to unplug from my socials for a couple hours.

[haley-redding]

Pressing “Pause”

Sometimes you may feel like your life is moving too fast to keep up, which tends to become overwhelming. Pressing “pause” allows you to notice the little things that you usually miss. Here are some things you can do everyday to slow life down a little bit. 

- Try not to go on your phone when eating a meal or snacks!

- Never break a hug, wait for the other person to

- Choose the longest line at the grocery store

- Don’t go on your phone right when you wake up and charge it across the room from your bed

- Don’t get frustrated at a red light/in traffic. Use that time to be bored and know its out of your control!

[haley-redding]

Daily Affirmations

1. I am loved.

2. My happiness starts with me first.

3. I am focusing on my healing and my growth.

4. I will give myself the love and patience that I give others.

5. Like a plant hat grows toward the sun, I will grow toward the thing that gives me life. 

[haley-redding]

How we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives.

Annie Dillard

[haley-redding]

Practicing Self-Love

1. Allow- Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and make your own mistakes.

2. Forgive- Forgive yourself for shortcomings and past mistakes.

3. Accept- accept yourself for who you are and embrace your flaws that make you unique. 

4. Stop- Stop and breathe. Things can get overwhelming sometimes, so it’s okay to take a step back and breathe. 

5. Let go- Let go of things that are no longer serving you. This could be a toxic relationship or friendship.

6. Make time- Make time for yourself and the things that truly bring you joy. Also make sure to give yourself time to relax.

7. Know- Know that progress isn’t linear and things don’t change overnight. Good things take time.

8. Celebrate- Celebrate all of your accomplishments, no matter how small or insignificant it may be.

9. Set boundaries- Set boundaries for yourself so that you don’t take on more than you can handle. 

[haley-redding]

Drink More Water

Hey! I know a lot of people struggle with drinking enough water throughout the day, including myself. People should be drinking at least half their body weight (in oz) of water each day. I’m here to give you some tips on how to increase your daily water consumption!

1. Get a cute water bottle with straw. Having a cute water bottle will you give motivation to want to drink it. A straw will make it easier to drink more water. 

2. Chug a glass of water right when you wake up. Drinking water right when you wake up is important because we tend to be very dehydrated in the morning after a good night rest. 

3. Add fruit into your water. By adding flavor to your water, you’re more likely to want to drink it and it will be more refreshing!

4. Drink a glass of water after you go to the bathroom.

5. Incorporate how many oz are in your water bottle and make it a goal to refill your water bottle throughout the day to get to your goal! 

- For example, if my water bottle is 32 oz, I will refill my water bottle at least once throughout the day. 

[haley-redding]

Ways to Not Let Your Feelings Consume You:

“Feel what you need to feel and then let it go, do not let it consume you” -Dhiman

Ways to not let your feelings consume you:

- Therapy

- Talk to whoever is causing you this feeling if its rooted in someone in your life

- Journal! Tell yourself how you feel... you will surprise yourself :)

- Workout and listen to motivational podcasts

- Go on a walk outdoors

- Find a support system with your friends and family. Letting someone in will lift some weight off your shoulders because some things are hard to carry on your own. 

- Meditate: Learn to get in touch with your conscious mind. 

[haley-redding]

Vision Board

A vision board is something that is unique to you. It helps you visualize the people, place and things you want in your life. It’s something you can refer back to to check in with yourself and where you’re at with your goals. It is also something to look at when you’re in a funk or feel stuck. 

The first step to creating a vision board is coming up with empowering words or phrases. 

For example:

-  Call people more

- learn to let go of things

- small failures suck but take the time to notice your small victories

- don’t let your anxiety control your life. 

- changing small habits changes your life

The second step to creating a vision board is to make goals for yourself and what you want to accomplish.

For example:

-I will get out of bed earlier each day

-I will workout consistently

-I will eat more “whole” foods

-I will finish school next month

-I will work a lot and complain less.

The third step to creating a vision board is to make it colorful and add pictures and images. 

For example:

[haley-redding]

About Me!

Hi! I’m Haley Redding and I’m from Mendota Heights, MN. I love shopping and have a spending problem. I cannot get through the day without coffee or a nap (I love sleeping..oops!) I currently work two jobs so I’m learning how to better manage my time with school, working, and my social life.

For this blog, I plan to post about my self care and growth journey. I want to break old habits and create new, better ones. My goal is to influence readers and give them inspiration while I learn about myself. I will post my moods/how I’m feeling, along with journal prompts! I will also post self care inspiration and quotes for motivation!! Readers are more than welcome to participate and start a journey of their own:)