How to Boost Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem in 2025

 Looking to build your self-esteem? You deserve a bear hug. Being aware of a problem is actually the first step in solving it. Boosting confidence and self-esteem is not an easy task. It is a lot of determination to unlearn, relearn, and build new habits but the good news always is that it is achievable. So if you need practical tips on how to boost your confidence and self-esteem, you sure want to keep reading.

I’ll begin with my own experience, it's been a long way coming. I lost opportunities for fear of not being qualified. For so long I held myself back from making progressive changes in my life because I didn’t believe and trust in my self-worth. I wish upon my life that I don’t have to deal with this growing up. I wanted to boost my self-confidence by every means necessary.  There was a time I wanted to stop thinking self-confidence is not meant for me and I was not born with it. It has to be for some cool people, not someone like me. I was almost fed up.

Self-confidence is such an attractive trait that most people desire and admire. I remember struggling with self-confidence, it was so hard for me to do things I wanted to do without being obsessed about other people’s opinions. I couldn’t get myself out of it no matter how hard I tried and I hated myself for it.  I love it when I see others stepping out to get things done ignoring criticisms or the fear of failure. I see how they express themselves and are comfortable in their skin and they are not bothered about what others think or say about them.

But I realized that there are a lot of factors that can contribute to one's lack of self-esteem. This happens mostly during your formative years from childhood into young adulthood. Adults also experience this. And it is not an inborn trait and if you lack self-confidence, it can be improved upon with effort, determination, and patience. You can boost your self-confidence and start believing in your abilities and self-worth

Are you that person who feels inadequate, you have goals but you don’t seem to know how to go about achieving them or you don’t have the confidence to put yourself out there? Your lack of confidence has robbed you of opportunities that you know you truly deserve.

Someone once said that you’re not different from people who are excelling in their endeavor and if properly checked you’d find out that you know better or even more qualified- the difference is that they are confident and they show up.

The truth is that most people have had to deal with a lack of confidence at one time in our lives but it shouldn’t be our identity. You can build self-confidence and propel yourself for success in any area of life where you may find yourself.

Confidence and self-esteem are crucial components of personal growth and success. In this article, we will explore practical exercises you can use to boost your confidence and self-esteem and reach new heights of personal growth and success. In this article, I will share Practical Exercises For Personal Growth and Success

The following are visible behavioural traits of someone with self-esteem. They:

• Avoid dwelling on past negative experiences
• Believe you’re equal to everyone, no better no worse
• Express your needs
• Feel confident
• Have a positive outlook on life
• Say no when you want to
• See your overall strengths and weaknesses and embrace them   
  

On the contrary, the behavioural traits of someone without self-esteem includes that such persons

• Believe that others are better than them
• Find expressing your need difficult
• Focus on their weakness
• Frequently experience fear, self-doubt, and worry
• Have a negative outlook on life and feel a lack of control
• Have trouble saying no and setting boundaries
• Have an intense fear of failure

1. Identify Your Strengths

Growing up, I was obsessed and worried about things others could do that I couldn’t do. It was so bad that it had me crippled and blinded to things I could do. If you want to boost your confidence and self-esteem then identify your strengths and focus on them. Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, talents, and skills. What do you do well? What are you proud of? Write them down and review them regularly. Focusing on your strengths can help you feel more confident and positive about yourself.

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

It is easy to get carried away and get so lost in your bad moments that you start spilling negative words. Or say negative words to yourself each time you think you’ve messed up. We love to say nice things to other people when they make mistakes but we deny ourselves the grace when we falter. It shouldn’t be.  

The way you talk to yourself can have a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem. If you’re constantly criticizing yourself or focusing on your flaws, you’ll undermine your self-worth. Instead, practice positive self-talk. Choose words and phrases that are supportive and encouraging. For example, if you make a mistake, don’t say ‘I’m such an idiot.’ Say, ‘I made a mistake, but I can learn from it and do better next time.’


3. Face Your Fears

When you have a project you want to embark on or you want to try something completely unusual but you haven’t lifted a finger to give it a try. You keep telling yourself you need more knowledge or more time. I hate to be the one to break it to you but what you need is action. And you can’t do these things because you are afraid. But here is what you should know.

Fear can be a significant barrier to confidence and self-esteem. If you avoid challenges or opportunities because you’re afraid of failure or rejection, you’ll miss out on potential growth and success. Instead, face your fears head-on. Take small steps to confront your fears and build your confidence.

For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, start by speaking in front of a small group of friends or colleagues. As you become more comfortable, you can take on bigger challenges.

Image from pexels


4. Set Realistic Goals

One thing I’ve realized about goal setting is that it’s not in the intensity but in the ability to achieve those goals and stay consistent. To set goals, you have to be honest with yourself. Setting goals can be a very powerful way to boost your confidence and self-esteem.

However, it is essential to set realistic goals. If you set goals that are too challenging and unrealistic, you’ll set yourself up for failure and disappointment. If you want to start a new habit or routine, you don’t start off trying to be an expert. You should start with small steps like reading a chapter of a book if you want to read more. This will prove more helpful than trying to read one book in a week.

On the other hand, if you set achievable goals, you’ll build confidence as you reach each milestone. Remember to celebrate your successes along the way or reward yourself.


5. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is critical for self-confidence and self-esteem. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Take time to enjoy things you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, watching a movie, dancing, or spending time with friends and family. When you take care of yourself, you’ll feel better about yourself and have more energy and motivation to pursue your goals.



Conclusion

Boosting your confidence and self-esteem is essential for personal growth and success. By practicing these practical exercises, you can develop greater confidence, resilience, and self-worth.

Remember, building confidence and self-esteem take time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. So take action today, and start your journey towards a more confident, successful, and fulfilling life.


What do you do when you lack the confidence to go for what you want?  Share with me in the comment section, so we can all learn together!

5 Powerful Benefits of Positive Thinking

 

Living a good life is not first based on the amount of money in your bank account or the long figures on your paycheck, but your state of mind. The popular saying that " you are what you think or as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" holds true in every aspect of life. We attract our success and failures, joy or sorrow , good luck or bad luck based on the vibration of our thoughts. A positive thinking habits creates a positive environment where positivity happens. The same can be said of  negative thinking. Let's us dive into an understanding of positive thinking and it’s benefits.

What is Positive Thinking?

Positive thinking is the practice of maintaining a positive mindset in all situations. It involves focusing on the good in every situation, rather than the bad. Positive thinking has numerous benefits, both for our mental and physical health.

It's a psychological fact that when the mind is weak and depressed due to negativity, the body react the same way and become sick. A vibrant mind, invigorate and create a healthy body .

Common examples of positive thinking

1. Being Optimistic

To be optimistic is to always expect the best and not the worst in any situation. It create a positive atmosphere for your mind to thrive and for you to be more creative in tackling issues.

2. Seeing the good sides of worst situation

Problems occurs and things could go the opposite of our expectations, but no Matter how bad it could be, the is always a good side to it. It might be in form of learning a lesson and taking precautions that will be applicable in future undertakings. That's a positive attitude toward bad situations.

3. Being proud of your success

A man who is proud of his little wins does better than someone who is feeling depressed over his failures. When you elevate your success over your failure, your thoughts pattern would be positive and healthy and it creates a more productive mindset to achieve more success.

They are many more examples of positive thinking pattern but that's not the focus of this article, so let's move on to the main topic of discussion.

Five powerful benefits of positive thinking.

1. Improved Mental Health

Positive thinking has a significant impact on mental health. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression if left unchecked. When we think positively, we are more likely to feel happy and content. Positive thoughts help to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This, in turn, helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental health.

Additionally, positive thinking can help to improve self-esteem and self-confidence. When we focus on the good in ourselves, we are more likely to feel good about ourselves. This can lead to increased self-confidence, which can help us to achieve our goals and feel more fulfilled in life.

2. Improved Physical Health

Positive thinking has numerous benefits for physical health. When we are stressed or anxious, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that can be harmful in large amounts. This can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Positive thinking can help to reduce the production of cortisol, leading to improved physical health.

Furthermore, positive thinking has been linked to improved immune system function. When we think positively, our bodies produce more white blood cells, which help to fight off infections and diseases. This can lead to improved overall health and a reduced risk of illness.

3. Better Relationships

Positive thinking can also improve our relationships with others. When we think positively, we are more likely to be kind and compassionate towards others. This can lead to improved communication and stronger relationships.

Additionally, positive thinking can help us to attract positive people into our lives. When we focus on the good in ourselves and others, we are more likely to attract positive people into our lives. This can lead to improved social support and a more fulfilling social life.

4. Improved Productivity

Positive thinking can also improve our productivity. When we think positively, we are more likely to be motivated and focused. This can help us to achieve our goals and be more productive in our work and personal lives.

Furthermore, positive thinking can help us to be more creative and innovative. When we focus on the good in a situation, we are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems. This can help us to be more effective in our work and personal lives, and can lead to improved performance and success.

5. Increased Resilience

Positive thinking can help to increase our resilience in the face of adversity. When we face challenges or setbacks, positive thinking can help us to maintain a hopeful and optimistic outlook. This can help us to bounce back from difficult situations and be more resilient in the face of future challenges.

 

Furthermore, positive thinking can help us to learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals. When we focus on the good in a situation, we are more likely to see the lessons that can be learned from it. This can help us to grow and develop as individuals, and to become more resilient in the face of future challenges.

 

In conclusion, positive thinking has numerous benefits for our mental and physical health, our relationships, our productivity, and our resilience. By focusing on the good in ourselves, others, and the world around us, we can improve our overall well-being and lead more fulfilling lives. It is important to note that positive thinking is not about ignoring the negative aspects of a situation, but rather about finding the good in it and using that to move forward in a positive way. Stay positive always for positive energy. It's draining and destructive to dwell on negativity, it reduces your chances of success and I am sure you don't want that for yourself. The benefits of positive thinking is enormous, hence it's advisable to maintain positivity all the time.

Top 5 Best Self Development Books To Read In 2025

 

According to the popular American entrepreneur, writer and film producer , Walt Disney, he said " There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Yes, you read that well, that is how big the treasures that lies in the book written by great men, who were life coaches, great entrepreneurs and world leaders. It's through their book that we can tap into their knowledge. One of the most beneficial aspect of their book is that, it was written after many years of life experience , so we can say their books are not mere motivation but real knowledge gotten from life experience.

Self development books are great ways to self improvement. It's not many people that have money to pay for seminars or attends self development workshop but you can get all this knowledge within the comfort of your home by simply purchasing any of these books written by great self development coaches and instructors. They're hundreds of books written that addresses the various aspects of self development, like financial independence, relationship, public speaking, positive thinking and how to get things done easily. Hence I took my time to come up with the five best , that will make you have a noticeable progress in many areas of your life this year. Aside the priceless knowledge contained in these books, they're also very interesting to read and enjoy. If you want to kick start your self development journey this year, I recommend you read these books and you will thank me later.

Below are the top five best self development books to read in 2025

1. Eat That Frog ~ Brian Tracy (Author)

Brian Tracy is one of American is a Canadian- American public motivational speaker and self development coach. He has authored more than eighty books which have been translated to different languages. "Eat that Frog" is one of his best sellers, and it was published in 2001.

What does eat that "Frog really means?

Eat that Frog is a clause that denotes " Do the hard things first". In the book, the author motivates his readers into doing what is hard and tough, first before the less tougher ones. According to Brian Tracy, the key to living a life of productivity and excellence is to cultivate the habit of tackling the most difficult job first thing each morning. You must develop the habit of eating your frog first before doing any other work, and that frog is that hard task that you might likely run away from.

It's a good book that contains information that would make you very productive in life. Brian Tracy approach is practical and easy to understand. It's one of the best book on self development and it can be gotten from bookshops across the globe or get it from Amazon. It has information that are indispensable to your life. If you're pursuing success, get ready to get one for yourself. It's a fuel for growth and productivity.

2. The Enemy called Average~  John Mason

In this book, John Mason teaches how one should realize his potential and know that he/she is meant for big things rather than living in mediocrity. Being average shouldn't be an option when you can be the best. It's filled with nuggets on how to rise above mediocrity. It teaches you to assess your achievement and ask yourself whether you are where you are meant to be or you are just satisfied with a tip of success.

The book has 127 pages and are easy to read. John Mason is an international speaker and author, he has written about 25 books, including " enemy called average". It's a book that challenge you to aim for the top instead of settling for the less. I recommend any lover of success to get this book and develop his/her mind with the nuggets in this book. They're priceless!

3. Awakening The Giant Within~ Tony Robbins

As the title goes, the book is about self reawakening. It teaches you to be aware of your potential and capabilities. It challenges your self believe and how it's holding you down from success. Anthony Robbins goal is to make you a success through his book and this success is in many ways. In the book you will learn about habits, and how to be free from destructive habits. It's a voluminous books, that each chapter can form a book on it's own. The author did a great work in presenting such a master piece of self development that cut across every grey areas of one's life that need reawakening. It wouldn't be too surprising the quality of the book, when you remember who the author ,is a self development coach, and adviser to big companies and organization. He is an expert when it comes to self development. Get a copy of the book today and start your journey to a better you.

4. How To Win Friends And Influence people ~ Dale Carnegie.

Human beings are social beings hence we desires to socialize with people wherever we go. Aside being in association ,we also want people to like us and make friends with us. In this book, Dale Carnegie reveals behavioral secret that can make you win friends and influence people. His approach are not manipulative, rather he believes in one being the change we want to see in others. According to him, a smile is what you need to set off a conversation with a new person on a positive foot, and makes the other person to like you. He also talked about making people comfortable by listening to them and how your niceness can earn you their trust and friendship. It doesn't stop on friendship level alone, his theories can be applied in business to make sales. It's  a good book to read. It will help you develop your relationship with others and increase your network of friends.

5. The Power Of Positive Thinking~ Dr Norman Vincent Peale.

This is one of the best book on mental development. Positive thinking is essential for ones mental health, hence Dr Norman in his book reveals the enormous power in positive thinking. Most life battles are win or lost in the mind. It all depends on what you feed your mind with. According to the book, what you think is what you attract to your life. If you dwell on negativity, it will be attracted to you and your experience would be negative. Hence he taught extensively on the importance of having a positive mindset and how it will help you to achieve success. It's highly recommended for those who always slide in to depressive negative thoughts. Get yourself a copy and read.

 

 

 

10 Incredible Benefits of Journaling And Tips To Get Started

Have you ever had a book where you journal your painful experiences or even your beautiful memories growing up? You would pick it up now and then to pour out yourself expressing how you feel or even describing the moment or the impacts these moments had on you. 

Journaling has been with us from way back as long as I can remember but for most people, it was just a momentary habit that we fall out of as we grow into adulthood thinking that there are more serious issues to be concerned about other than journaling. 

I’m sorry to break it to you but journaling is more beneficial in our adult lives. But if you think about it, you might recall the relief you experience from journaling if you’ve done it sometimes in the past. Research has shown that journaling has helped them to be a better version of themselves. And also you might have heard about journaling, everybody now keeps a journal- from a gratitude journal, prayer journal, travel journal, dream journal, vision and goals journal, list journaling, etc. 

Are you still considering if you should pick up from where you left off or do you want to begin this new journey of journaling but you don’t know or are not sure what it is all about? 

In this article, I’ll share the benefits of journaling and how to get started as a beginner

What is Journaling?

Journaling is widely accepted as a good method of self-care and also the cheapest. Julia Cameron, an American Teacher, and author had an interesting way of describing Journaling where she said it will put you in contact with your very own spiritual guide. Certainly, you get to know the dusty corners of your brain better and when that happens your true desires become hard to ignore.        

Journaling is moving your vague thoughts or ideas from your head to a paper or book to make them clear and solid so that you can almost touch them.

1. It Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression fill the mind with negative thoughts hitting against each other but when you put these thoughts down on paper, you’ll be able to process them in an organized manner, non-emotional and put things in the right perspective and you will realize that the situation is not that bad and you get to respond to the situation appropriately. Quite a good number of research has shown this to be true as well.

 
    2. It Cultivates The Attitude of Gratitude

When you occasionally pen down events or experiences that make you feel blessed you tend to cultivate gratitude. Gratitude according to research increases the level of optimism which will have an enormous effect on your happiness and your health. Gratitude can be leaked to someone social or friendly. This means when you journal about the things that make you happy you’ll have a positive outlook on life in general. And in our fast-paced world, it is easy to miss these things unless we take out a little to put them in focus and write them down in a journal.

    3.  Journaling Helps You To Know More About Yourself

Journaling can help you to accept yourself more and be mindful of yourself because the more you write down about your feelings the more you get accustomed to them and as you process these emotions they lose their strength on you. You’ll no longer hide from them or live in denial. When you put a name to it or give it a face through journaling, you’ll be able to handle it.

    4. It Helps In Achieving Your Goals

Journaling can move you closer to achieving your goals. A written goal is more likely to be achieved than the one you have in your head. Writing down your vision, aspirations, and goals will make the picture of what you want clearer. Writing will help you break them down into achievable sizes. You can identify the areas that you need to improve or even the areas that are no longer serving you. You can also write down your past failures and how to move forward. Your past accomplishments for times when you feel down or like a loser. This written journal will bring you back to your feet and boost your confidence to keep moving.

    5. It Improves Your Writing and Communication skills

Keeping a journal or taking entries regularly will automatically improve your writing skills and help you to communicate better. This benefit will help you if you are working on your writing skills as you express your ideas and thoughts in a journal.

    6. Journaling Can Heighten Your Immune Function

This may come as a surprise but it is not just said but also scientifically proven that the little habit of journaling can improve your overall well-being. This is because as you take down notes of events in your life. You form a balanced view of your life allowing you to think positively about life. And when this happens anxiety and depression are far away from you which are the common causes of physical health problems.

    7. It Will Help You To Process Your Emotions

Sometimes you can have emotions all over the place or run wildly. These emotions most of the time don't go away immediately after experiencing them and they keep clocking in at every trigger. Another side to it is that you might not even be aware of such emotions or maybe you do but you’re bottling them up. 

A good way to process your emotions and give them a name is through journaling. You can pen down your feelings and how you’re feeling in a safe space of journaling rather than bottling them up in your mind. This will help you manage the emotions and they become less overwhelming. Giving it a name and pointing them out reduces its strengths. 

    8. Journaling Enhances Your Memory

There are more chances you will remember something written down than what is not. Someone once said that the faintest pen is mightier than a sharper memory. There is wisdom in writing down events or ideas in a paper that can be more trusted than your memory. The physical act of writing brings details to the forefront telling your brain to pay attention to them. You can write about important phases or events in your life.

    9. Journaling Increases Your Creativity

Writing takes you on a journey to personal insights and ideas. It helps you draw inspiration from your authentic self which comes to bear when you clear your mind- making room for ideas. Journaling keeps track of your ideas, inspirations, and dreams that can inspire you to do great work for yourself.

Writing can discover unknown ideas or thoughts that can help you in your life journey.

    10. It Can Boost Your Mindfulness

Journaling can help you be in the moment. Writing about your surroundings and current moment can boost mindfulness. This can reduce the number of times you sulk or worry about what the future holds. And you’re presently taking these in with all your senses and just be even on days you’re not journaling. 

Mindfulness can help you recognize and admire the smallest things in life that we overlook.

Use These Easy Great Tips To Start

Little steps

A seed does not become a mighty tree overnight. Don’t jump into it to jump out of it. Journaling gets better with each passing day. Starting small could mean writing for just 5 minutes for the next few weeks.

Brain Dump

As a beginner, you can start with a brain dump or free writing. Taking out thoughts in your head onto a paper. And this means writing as it comes. You can start with any object in focus or whatever comes to mind. You don’t need to check your grammar or spelling, just pour out your thoughts or express yourself in the way you want to. Remember it’s your journal, you’re not sharing it with anyone, so write away.

Use the Easy Tools.

• Write with a pen on paper
• Use a writing app on your phone

The idea is to make your journaling as easy and comfortable as possible. It will be easy to come back to it the next day.

Don’t overthink it

Just write and let it all out. There is no structure or method. It doesn’t have to sound smart, deep, or funny. 

In case you need prompts, you can start with these:

• Things that you’re grateful for
• Your sweetest childhood memories
• Your first memorable experience in your Uni days
• Your experiences today and what you learned
• The things that make you happy, sad, fearful, or hopeful
• Your favorite person and why he/she is your favorite person

Journaling can help you improve your general well-being but it requires constant practice and patience. You might not notice the change immediately but the goodness and benefits of journaling comes to those who wait for it.

Tell me have you been journaling and what has been your experience so far?

 

 

How to Make Money by Creating Content

Over the years, as an expert content creator, one of the misconceptions people have when it comes to content creation is that only those who can write are content creators, when in actual fact, everyone creates content. As long as you're on the online space, and you post either picture, video, article, or anything that passes information across to someone, you are a content creator.

Content basically means INFORMATION. The songs you listen to, the movies you watch, the books and this article, are all contents. 

Take for example, your teacher teaches you while in the class room, he is passing content, but what happens when he teaches you online? He is still your teacher right? So being in an online space doesn’t stop you from being a content creator. In other words, content creation is creation of information.
On a broader level, Content creation, is the creation or curation, editing, and publishing of information for a targeted audience.
Before we delve into the topic of this article, I want you to understand that making money is a function of buying and selling, and or providing service.
Making money by creating content is easily done, by channeling the content being created into a product. The very first thing to make money online is to convert whatever your content is into a DIGITAL PRODUCT.
Digital products are products that can be created, sold, and distributed digitally. This means that with digital products, shipping cost is not needed, delivery is not needed, a shop is not needed, and other stuff as regards selling physical product is not needed. You will create your product digitally, sell it digitally, and transfer it to the buyer digitally. Examples of digital products are;
⦁    E-books
⦁    Masterclasses
⦁    Audiobooks
⦁    Podcast series
⦁    Masterminds
⦁    Video courses
⦁    Coaching
⦁    Consulting
⦁    Subscription based emails. 

One of the easiest model to making money by creating content is by creating EBOOKS. E-books doesn’t necessarily have to be long. An e-book can be as short as ten pages. I have once bought a 40 paged e-book for five thousand naira and seen a 90 pages e-book sell at the rate of twenty thousand naira. You know what the interesting part of this is, is that you create the e-book once and keep getting money from it.
 

Creating an e-book is very simple, you just have to;
⦁    Decide what you want to write about.
⦁    Decide who your product is for.
⦁    Plan your e-book by outlining, mind dumping, and mind mapping.
⦁    Write and edit your content.
⦁    Design a book cover for your e-book.
⦁    Sell it to your audience.
 

To know more about this, kindly visit the link below.

How to Maximise the Festive Season if You're Celebrating Alone

Why would anyone spend Christmas alone, you will say? Christmas for most of us symbolizes the celebration of light- the coming of Jesus, the ultimate gift of God to humanity. It is a season of love that brings families and friends together, giving, happiness and laughter.

It’s a season you don’t want to spend alone in fact society will make you look weird for spending Christmas alone. But there seems to be a gradual shift from this status quo. In recent times, people have had to move to new places for higher learning, better opportunities, growth, and so forth. And making it back home on time for Christmas is almost difficult. For some people, it could be a lack of funds or other circumstances that derails the chances of going home to be with loved ones on Christmas. If you’ll be celebrating Christmas alone and you’re feeling bad about it, then this is for you. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing easy ideas/hacks on how to spend Christmas alone, stay with me.

The season is here again and you don’t see yourself traveling home for the holiday chances are you are going to be alone this Christmas without family. And now every time you think about it you feel sad or even homesick. You are missing home and missing out on the fun too.  I get it and I have been there too. I’ve been away from home occasionally and permanently for 3 years now and I was not able to travel for the previous Christmas celebration due to funds and work. And I ended up loving how it all turned out. I would advise anyone to learn to spend Christmas alone every once in a great while.

You’ve every right to feel what you want to feel but I also need to let you know like me and every person that has celebrated Christmas alone, it’s possible to have the best Christmas even if you’re alone. All hope is not lost. Instead of focusing and magnifying how terrible it is that you won’t be home for Christmas, you need to start reframing that belief and look forward to having a Christmassy Christmas all alone. 

Christmas Alone

I’m going to be fair with you, spending Christmas alone away from family can be very hard. But that does not mean you won’t enjoy the holiday.

First, you need to know that there is nothing sad, shameful, or weird about spending Christmas alone without family. It’s very normal. Let it out of your mind and whatever feelings you may have, you’ll eventually get over it, there is nothing to worry about. 

And while you may not be able to stomach the thought of staying home alone, it is an incredible moment that you can use to find yourself. And feeling lonely is one thing, being alone is another. If you are alone this Christmas, simply embrace the moment instead of running away from it. 

Instead of looking to be part of all activities which is not wrong. Taking an extensive review into yourself - finding yourself or just you and your maker, away from the noise is another incredible way to do Christmas. Knowing yourself is the true prize. To examine your mind and know if it realigns with your energy. I mean since you can’t make it home you might as well do things that will match or surpass the time you couldn’t spend at home. 

Embrace Being Alone

There is always somewhere to go every Christmas, but how about you just being alone this Christmas and embracing where you are right now? Admire this moment and stop looking for where to go. Understand that where you are is simply where you need to be. There is beauty in solitude. Tune into yourself, recharge yourself and face your truths. Take care of yourself.

Celebrate Christmas Doing What You Want

Take the time to find out what you want and not what others want you to do. What does happiness mean to you? Making a local dish or that recipe you’ve always wanted to try, painting on canvas, reading, and making yourself available to be part of social events in giving back to society. Instead of focusing on being all alone, you can look around your environment for things that resonate with you. Give yourself a treat at the spa. No matter how small or mundane it seems.

Step Out

You have all the time to yourself to explore and enjoy without disturbances. Make videos of yourself, take pictures and check out your immediate area or city. If you haven’t done that due to the hustle and bustle, this will be a good time to find out some interesting things where you live, especially if you are new in the area. You can also hang out with friends or even attend the carol songs.

Learn A New Skill

Learn that skill that you’ve always wanted to have. Don’t overthink it. It could be a dance step that you’ve always loved to learn, how to bake banana bread, how to use a particular app, how to draw, or even how to cook some special recipes. Do you want to learn how to make money online? What is that knowledge you need to add to your arsenal that fascinates you, go check it out? This will keep your mind engaged and give you a whole new perspective on the world around you. The idea is for you to enjoy the holiday.

What you make out of this Christmas holiday depends on you and not on whether you travel home or not. Make a conscious effort to enjoy every bit of it, whatever enjoyment means to you. Like they say sometimes the experience we are scared of turns out to be our best experience.

Do you have other ideas on what to do this Christmas? Share it, I want to hear all about it

Building a Strong Morning Routine: Habits for Young Adults

 

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Are you struggling with building a morning routine, or you’re not sure how to build one? 

 

You can go about your morning however you deem fit, which is not bad but if you want to get things done daily, be productive, stay focused, take charge of the day, and face every challenge that life throws at you then you need to include some organized activities in your waking hour no matter how small to give your day a good start.  

To build a solid morning routine can be daunting but doable which is why there are people who would rather start their day however life throws it at them- crawling around all day. They get tired even before the day begins. I had my good share of struggles trying to build mine and still building it.

Morning routine will not make all your prayers and wishes come through but it can help you set the tone for the day and position you in receiving answers to your prayers.  

A morning routine is like filling yourself up before attending to the world’s needs, so how are you going to attend to the world empty? You will need to take care of yourself before you get flooded with adulting, deadlines, and emails.

Reports have shown that 92% of people who have a morning routine are highly productive and 1 of 3 people who start their day by cleaning or doing their chores get more things done before the end of the day.

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I’ve put together this guide to show you an easy step-by-step to building a solid morning routine that will help you get your day started on the right foot and set you out working on your daily goals.

Let’s get started!

Why is Morning Routine so Important or Why Should I Care?

1. It Establishes the Tone: Imagine your daily schedule in the morning as the director's cut. It's your chance to make choices, set the tone, and signal to the world, "I'm ready to rock." Starting your day with intention can help you feel like you've accomplished something before the rest of the world has even hit the snooze button for the third time, whether you're preparing for work, class, or life in general.

2. Increases Happiness and a Positive Mood: Your safety net could be a well-organized morning routine. It gives you the motivation to overcome negativity and adds positive energy to your day. You can create a good vibe that lasts the rest of the day by including things that make you happy, whether it's a little thank-you meditation, prayer time, or a little dance-off in front of your mirror. 

3. Improves Productivity and Focus: Have you woken up with this fuzzy feeling in the back of your mind when you wonder if that laptop is a table cover? You may sharpen your mental weapon by following a consistent morning routine. You'll surprise yourself with how much more focused you feel throughout the rest of the day by doing critical tasks, making objectives, and exercising your brain.

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4. Maintains "me time": Being a young adult frequently entails juggling a million tasks at once. A morning routine is a personal invitation to breathe and calm down. Here, you can treat yourself to some self-care activities, like a warm shower, a read-through of a favorite book, or a brief period of meditation, spending quality time with God. It serves as a daily reminder that you are doing well rather than merely getting by.

5. Improves Consistency: You may be wondering where your sanity disappeared when your calendar is in shambles. A morning ritual gives structure to the chaos. It provides you with a stable framework to rely on, and that consistency can lower anxiety and prevent you from hopping around like a chicken without a head.

The Science of Morning Routine

Science has revealed that this everyday morning routine is more than a simple random practice—it has unique powers.

1. It has been discovered that our brains are like well-tuned instruments. Your brain waves alter as you go from sleep to wakefulness, and in the early morning, they're in a state known as the "alpha" state. This is similar to an enhanced brainstorming session in that it increases your mental openness to innovative ideas and problem-solving techniques. Thus, your morning activities can significantly influence what happens the rest of the day.

2. The Cortisol Connection: Cortisol, is often known as the stress hormone. Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning. It's your body's method of preparing you for the day by giving you a small pep talk. You are therefore utilizing your body's natural rhythm when you move and perform your morning ritual. Otherwise, you're leveraging the cortisol wave to have a more successful day.

3. Habits and the Brain: Our minds are, quite literally, creatures of habit. Repeating a particular thing, such as a morning routine, creates neural pathways in your brain that facilitate the natural performance of that action. Your brain uses it as a signal to tell you, "Hey, we're pretty good at this; let's keep doing it!" So see your morning routine as reprogramming your brain for success rather than just crossing things off a list.

Something Interesting about Mornings that you need to know: The Strange Differences Between Our Brains and Bodies at Dawn

Let's dive in and explore the psychological and physiological facets of why mornings are a unique cosmos.

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The Psychological And Physiological Aspects of Mornings

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise right? But there is more to waking up early than the act itself. This is your chance to succeed in designing, planning, and establishing the tone for the day—to paint your picture. 

The early hours of the day are similar to the VIP area. You and the soft buzz of nature are all alone before the world becomes busy. It's a moment to ponder, to just breathe, away from the incessant cacophony and detours of everyday life.

Everybody needs some "me-time." Our sanity depends on it. Getting up early allows you to have more time to yourself during the day. This is your chance to communicate with your maker, relax, read a chapter, or meditate.

You get to prepare at your own pace, beat the clock at its own game, and go about your day without having to fight frantically.

You've already won the first battle of the day when you rise early and take on the morning. It is like an exaggerated form of confidence booster. You have a conqueror's mindset, and this self-assurance frequently carries over into the rest of your day, giving you an unstoppable sense.

Tips for Becoming an Early Morning Riser

Let's start by facing the snooze button. Put your alarm clock somewhere out of reach. You can't turn it off without getting out of bed. It goes out of the snooze-slapping range. 

Go to bed early enough, so you can get enough sleep before your set waking hour. Let me remind you that you need 7-8 hours of sleep to help you learn and form a long-term memory.

Just before bedtime you can relax without your phones, read a book, turn down the lights, or take a cup of herbal tea. Your brain receives this as a cue to go to bed. You can also prep your outfit a day before. Reports have shown that 44% of people with a morning routine prepare the night before.

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If you usually sleep till noon, don't go all ninja and try to wake up at 5 AM. You’ll be setting yourself up for failure. Rather, attempt to move your wake-up time every few days by 15 to 30 minutes until you reach your ideal wake-up hour. Your body will thank you for it.

Once you've got your new wake-up time down pat, stick with it. Strive to maintain it. Your key strength in your fight to rise early is consistency.

Give yourself a reason to wake up with the attitude of a winner. Perhaps you're looking forward to a delectable breakfast, a breathtaking sunrise, some peaceful "me-time" or even a personal project you’re working on before the day gets hectic.

You may stumble occasionally. It's acceptable that life happens. Simply get back on the early bird bus the next day. Always remember, this is a journey, not a sprint.

Basic Components of a Morning Routine

Not sure where to start? I got you!

Physical Activity

The importance of exercise in the morning

Exercise in the morning is similar to giving your body a couple of sips of a cup of coffee. It increases blood flow, speeds up your metabolism, and provides you with a natural energy boost devoid of caffeine. You'll quickly transition from dummy mode to "I can take on the world" mode.

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Endorphins are feel-good chemicals released when you exercise. Think of it as your brain's little happy dance. In a way, working out in the morning makes your day happier. Your brain's small gift of "Hey, you've got this!"

Now, I get that, particularly when your blanket is whispering sweet nothings to you, getting out of bed and putting on your gym clothes could seem like a grand thing to do. But believe me, you've only just begun the hardest part. You will feel like a champion once you are upright and moving. Exercise in the morning is the key to a productive day.

How To Sneak Fitness Into Your Morning Routine

If you have more busy days at work or your schedule is very tight, going to the gym is nearly impossible. Here are a few activities you can easily do at home to work up a sweat and get your heart rate beating while getting ready for work.

Play your favorite music and strike up a dance as if no one else is there, like a solo dance party in your bedroom. You only need to let loose, get your heart rate up, and groove to start your day. 

Joy Jumping: Recall the jumping jack exercises you performed in physical education class. They remain an excellent means of stimulating blood flow. While you wait for your breakfast to get ready, do a few sets, and you'll be off to a lively start.

Use the stairs: Congratulations if you have your very own built-in exercise equipment in the form of steps in your home. Your heart rate may be raised with a few ups and downs, and it's much more effective than using the gym's stair climber because you're getting your morning walking in as well.

Stretch and strengthen: You don't need any equipment to perform bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups. Just before you get into the shower, you can quickly combine a few sets of these movements.

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Mindfulness and Meditation

I attended a meditation class once, and I have never looked back ever since. The benefits are tremendous. Read on to know why you should include meditation in your routine

The Stress Buster: Our minds are like yelling riders on a rollercoaster, and life can be quite that. The brakes on that wild ride are similar to meditation and awareness. They support you in pausing, taking a break, and returning to your peaceful state. It's like a secret hideout in your mind where stress is impossible to find.

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Boost Your Focus: Staying focused can seem like a huge task in the environment of continual distractions we live in today. The best training ground for you is meditation and awareness. They help you refine your ability to focus so that you can accomplish tasks like working or studying without continuously checking your phone or daydreaming.

Emotional Resilience: Life can be unpredictable, and in an instant, your emotions might spike to the top. You can think of mindfulness and meditation as your emotional seatbelts. They train you to think things through before acting, which helps you handle stressful situations more calmly and in control.

Improved Sleep: Mindfulness and meditation can help you quiet your racing mind and help your body fall asleep—they act as a kind of brain lullaby.

The Happiness Boost: Here's a great secret: practicing mindfulness and meditation can genuinely increase your happiness. You can learn to appreciate the small pleasures in life, such as the flavor of your morning breakfast or the feel of the sun on your cheek, by practicing mindfulness and remaining in the present now. It's similar to discovering delight in the little things in life.

Less Anxiety: When you spend all day thinking about what could go wrong or repeating past errors, practicing mindfulness and meditation can assist you in shedding that burden. They want you to live in the now and not worry about "what-ifs" or "should-haves."

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I used to see meditation as a practice meant for certain mysterious people who have their lives in order and are already living their best lives, but I was wrong when I got to understand that it is meant for everyone, no matter where they are in life. Meditation assists you in regaining your inner peace, coping with life's ups and downs, and adding a little more happiness to your routine. 

Use this technique for Your Meditation

Locate a Cozy Nook: Choosing a place to meditate is the first step. It may be a comfortable chair, your bed, or a room corner. Simply pick a spot where you can sit without discomfort and won't be easily distracted.

Set for a Pajama Party: You can continue using your pajamas without having to change into a robe or clothes. Feel free to wear those rabbit slippers if that's how comfortable you want to be.

Breathe: Shut your eyes and begin inhaling deeply and slowly. Pay attention to how your breath feels coming in and going out. It feels similar to floating on your soft breath.

Allow Thoughts to Drift: This is the exciting part now. It will attempt to take over your meditation. It will throw ideas at you, like fireworks. It's normal, so don't worry. When it occurs, simply gradually return your attention to your breathing. It is hard at first, especially if you haven’t done it before, but as time goes on, you will get the hang of it.

Be Kind to Yourself: Reaching the ideal "Zen" condition isn't the goal of meditation. It's about treating oneself with kindness. It's okay if you're fidgety or have a wandering mind. The most important thing is that you're still meditating.

Countdown of Gratitude: Before you finish, pause to list a few things for which you are thankful. It may be something as basic as your breakfast or a comfortable bed. This gives your day a tiny boost of optimism.

There you have it. You don't need sophisticated equipment or a vacation getaway to practice morning meditation. You can do it at the convenience of your own home, even before you're completely awake. It's the ideal way to start the day and feels like a soft hug for your thoughts. 

Healthy Breakfast

As you may have heard, this meal is the most essential of the day. Well, guess what? That's not just old advice from your grandma; it's true. This is why it's crucial; unless you’re fasting, you shouldn’t skip breakfast.

Breakfast is comparable to refueling a car. During a night of fasting (thus the term "break-fast"), your body needs nourishment to restart its processes. If you skip breakfast, your energy levels are almost at zero.

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You have a breakfast-loving brain. You are feeding your brain vital nutrients when you eat in the morning. This makes it easier for you to focus, think more clearly, and finish your to-do list without feeling overwhelmed.

You can use breakfast as a kind of secret weapon to fend off mid-morning cravings. A healthy breakfast reduces the likelihood that you'll get to the office to munch on cookies on the spur of the moment. It's essential to prevent those snack attacks. Helping you manage your weight.

Goal Setting

You should consider including setting goals in your morning routine as it will guide you and help you focus on the important things more like your daily GPS. You can simplify your goal-setting without feeling like you’re in a business meeting.

The "Top Three Rule" states that you should make a list of all the things you want to get done today, but limit yourself to just three. These can be personal, professional, or a combination of the two.

Think SMART: Your objectives ought to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Make your statement specific, such as "I'll finish the research for the project by 3 PM," rather than just saying, "I'll work on the project."

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Set priorities like a pro by determining which task should come first each day. This is your primary goal, your crowning achievement, and the thing you would be most proud of completing.

Imagine Victory: Give yourself a moment to see yourself reaching your objectives. Just picture how amazing it will feel to cross them off your list.

Morning Energy: Begin with a modest task. Getting modest work done first thing in the morning can provide you with the confidence boost you need to take on larger projects later.

Adaptability is your friend since plans may change and life happens. Be adaptable and ready to change your plans of action as necessary. It provides a small number of options for your daily activities.

Put It in Writing: Outline your objectives. They feel more official as a result. Whatever works for you can be used, whether it's a notebook, an app on your phone, or even the back of a napkin.

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Positive Self-Talk: Give yourself a brief boost of confidence. Tell yourself again that you can handle this. You're prepared to take on the day. Ruthless execution.

Keep in mind that creating goals doesn't need to be a formal process. It's all about making objectives for the day, which may be as simple as chatting to yourself while eating breakfast. Now pour yourself a cup of ambition, write down your top three objectives, and get ready to conquer the day! 

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Morning Routine

• Overloading the morning routine: Here's the thing, though: packing too much into your morning routine is an automatic invitation to end up having a meltdown. You're jumping headfirst into an endless to-do list, which is a surefire way to burn out and cause stress, instead of starting the day feeling energized and refreshed.

• Keep in mind that the mornings serve as your daily warm-up. It's similar to stretching before a big race rather than running right into it. So, do yourself a favor and maintain a simple but effective morning routine. A little self-care combined with a few realistic goals can help. I promise that you won't regret protecting your mornings from becoming a battlefield.

• Let's tackle a typical morning routine mistake: hitting the snooze button. You know the routine: the alarm goes off, you hit the snooze button as if it were a reflex, and before you realize it, you've hit it more times than a high-scoring gamer. It's similar to a self-imposed morning game, but the problem is that you're losing.

• Pushing the snooze button feels like delaying your morning goals. Though it might seem like more sleep, it's more of a preamble to the big event. You wake up feeling more sluggish when your sleep patterns go all haywire.

• That is why you should set your alarm for a reasonable time to wake up rather than fall for the snooze game. When it goes off, seize the day with all the confidence you have. The extra 10 minutes of disturbed sleep, I assure you, are not worth the morning battle. It is going to make your day happier.

• Except if you are fasting, skipping breakfast is the morning nutrition your body needs because it has been fasting all night. If you neglect it, it's like telling your body, "Hey, body, good luck running on fumes today!" You're inviting a serious case of sulkiness and poor energy into your life. Thus, the next time you're tempted to skip breakfast, keep in mind that it's not a good look and might save time, much like when you leave your house without bottoms. 

• Neglecting your self-care: Imagine for a moment that you are so caught up with saving the world that you neglect to care for the hero who makes it happen—you! 

• Your morning should be your private warm-up act, a time for you to unwind before the big event of the day. Thus, remember to smuggle in some self-care—a few minutes of meditation, a calming shower, or just some quiet time may make all the difference. 

Get a Little Digital Help To adhere to Your Morning Routine 

Technology can be your dependable ally in maintaining your schedule. There are applications for everything, including goal tracking and gentle wake-ups. You may receive reminders from these tiny digital friends to stay organized, and they can even virtually whip up a breakfast for you. I mean, almost.

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A smart alarm clock, an app for tracking your habits, or an app on your phone that guides you through meditation can all be your hidden weapon for sticking to a schedule. Therefore, don't be afraid to ask for help from technology; it's there to make your life simpler and your routine easier.

Productivity experts and early risers aren't the only ones who benefit from a solid morning routine. It's your go-to formula for taking control of the day. We've served up some delectable advice:

Give up using the snooze button and get up like a pro.

Breakfast is your morning fuel, so don't skip it.

To take control of your day, set attainable daily goals.

Accept self-care; you are the main protagonist of your own story.

Make your routine unique to your style.

For routine adherence, technology can be your best friend.

The stage is all yours, you’re capable of more than you know.

What's the one adjustment you're going to make first thing in the morning to get your day moving? 

For further reading:

Best Morning Routine- Asana

Morning routine of highly-productive people- Trello

Ways successful start their day- Motion