It's only a week before your fifth wedding this season and every item on the registry is marked off. Your schedule is filled to the brim and you still haven't found that perfect gift that falls within your budget. Not to worry, our gift experts put together a list of 10 quick and meaningful wedding gifts you can purchase right from your desk.
For those vino aficionados, what's better than date night delivered right to the front door? Monthly wine subscription services like Club W start as low as $39 for 3 bottles of wine curated to your personal taste profiles.
Keep intellectual appeal alive and well with a membership to a local or nearby date-worthy museum. After all, there's nothing more swooning than intellectual stimulation.
Gift an unforgettable memory by booking a professional photography session for a special future occasion.
Make that honeymoon trip just a tad bit more comfortable with cozy travel items. The couple will be grateful for a leisurely journey. Remember, it's the little things that count.
Picnics can be a hassle to put together. Make a spontaneous and romantic sunny weekend afternoon easy for the newlyweds. Check out this modern set.
The ultimate gift of love. Donating to a charity of the couple's choice is the perfect wedding gift for the philanthropic couple who cares passionately about aiding a cause dear to them.
Most of us are connected to technology from the moment we wake up until the second we close our eyes. Good or bad, this is considered the cost of staying connected to our personal and professional lives.
Still, studies have found that the prospect of unplugging from the digital world is alluring for most Americans, at least when it comes to logging off Facebook. Pew Research Center figures show that 61% of Facebook users have taken a break from the social media site for several weeks or more. But what’s the actual benefit in unplugging? Well, there’s a few.
First and foremost, people are more productive offline. Chris Bailey, author of the blog A Life of Productivity, writes about how the internet steals our productivity one sensation at a time. He references a study by Tim Pychyl, a researcher at Carleton University. That study found university students spend nearly half their time online procrastinating. Unplugging is a surefire way to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Not only will your productivity improve by unplugging, but disconnecting can also help you feel better about yourself. Unplugging has been linked to a number of mental health benefits, including a decreased sense of loneliness and jealousy, and an increased sense of value in the face-to-face relationships around you.
Avoiding your phone and computer at least an hour before bed will also help you get a better sleep. Studies show the blue light emitted by devices shoots straight through our retinas to suppress production of melatonin, an essential hormone in ensuring a good night’s rest.
If the thought of putting down your iPhone gives you withdrawal anxiety, here are a few steps to get you started in the unplugging process.
While you may feel the urge to immediately unplug after reading this post, digital detoxes are best done through careful planning. Decide how long your unplugging will last, encourage those around you to not email or text during that time, and schedule a few non-technology activities to do during that time period. Taking these steps in advance will help you succeed.
Admit it: you probably feel a bit of a rush when you see the notifications light flash on your phone or hear a Facebook ping on your computer. Checking technology is a compulsion, one that is not easily curbed. Disabling notifications permanently will mean it’s easier for you to unplug for short periods of time, even when you’re not on a complete digital detox.
Levi Felix, founder of The Digital Detox, recommends adapting habits in your life that require technology with non-tech solutions. For example, he suggests replacing the alarm clock app on your smartphone with a physical alarm clock. Or printing favorite recipes rather than constantly scrolling through websites looking for something to cook. Not turning to technology for these everyday tasks will mean you’re less likely to get distracted by something else online.
You’re probably familiar with the term “fear of missing out,” also known fondly on the internet as FOMO. But do you know the acronym JOMO? It stands for “joy of missing out,” and it represents the thrill and comfort that can come from not seeing photos of your high school friend’s wedding, not indulging in the latest viral meme, and, in some cases, avoiding the allure of technology all together.
It comes down to this: to unplug well, one must make a mentality shift. Start thinking of unplugging not as a loss, but a gain. The digital world isn’t the only way to gain personal fulfillment, after all. If that’s a difficult thought to fathom, create a list of all the things you could do that don’t require a connection to technology. Start reading that book you’ve had on your night table or curl up on the couch and relax. Schedule a coffee date with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Go outside.
Think of the tasks you may have been putting off as a result of technology, and make an effort to do them, and your unplugging exercise is much more likely to succeed.
]]>
Amidst the chaotic logistics of wedding planning, bridesmaids’ hard work and extraordinary feats can be overlooked and at times unacknowledged. Not to mention, having to wear whatever the bride wants. So, here’s a toast to epic bridesmaids, and a list of thoughtful and unique keepsakes with which to say thank you.
For the bridesmaid who holds hot coffee, a warm blanket, and Netflix in high regard. It would be hard to cozily de-stress without the perfect blanket. Find the perfect blanket here!
Los Angeles locals know all about R&R. Particularly native LA brand Lunya, which is known for its modern luxury sleepwear.
Make sure your party is well rested before the big day. Not to mention how much they'll thank you on the flight back from the exhausting bachelorette festivities.
Where else will she put her new Lunya pajamas and Custom Robe?
Because we all secretly want to be the subject of an extraordinary photoshoot. Orange, CA based photographer Nicole Caldwell captures beauty in every scene. Book a session she'll never forget.
Make your message loud and clear with a personal keepsake that will last ages.
Book a spontaneous, much-needed getaway to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Because who doesn't love Sun, Spas, and Swanky Hotels. Explore the 60s inspired hotel here.
Shout! in comfort. After being in heels all day, give your ladies some support. Start Monogramming at The Pink Pineapple's Etsy Shop.
Monogrammed Robes are essential to any bridal party. Wear them together to that Palm Springs getaway.
]]>
This year's Emmys were a blast for Wrapped in a Cloud. We had some pretty amazing celebs swing by and choose their favorite custom robes and blankets.
The typical wedding gift ideas according to New York Magazine, Brides, Harper’s
The typical wedding gift ideas according to New York Magazine, Brides, Harper’s Bazaar, and more, are usually the wine coolers, the latest mixer, recipe books, slow cookers, … cash? “Logging online to find your friends’ registry will soon have you coming to the realization that you’re primed to be the gifter of a random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls,” say Harper’s Bazaar. But let’s step back for a moment, are there wedding gifts you can give your favorite couple that you will be remembered for or personally thanked for?
Logging online to find your friends’ registry will soon have you coming to the realization that you’re primed to be the gifter of a random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls.
Take it truly personal with customized robes. A thoughtful gift for the newlyweds, his and hers robes are a plush way to pamper the couple. Since you can personalize the robes, you can keep the personalization simple with monograms, or opt for cute or clever customization, like “old ball and chain” and “the better half.”
If you know where the couple is going for the first night or for their honeymoon, sending a gift to the room would be a nice surprise. Many hotels offer special gifts, baskets, or packages that will allow you to spoil the newlyweds, like a bottle of cold Champagne and caviar cookies, or a couples’ massage by the beach.
You can also do a post-honeymoon gift by getting a “just married” package delivered to their home. Send flowers, a couple of flameless candles, and a personalized blanket for the couple to cuddle up with.
Consider a Wine Club subscription, or a cheese of the month club, which may sound, well, cheesy, but serving up a selection of gourmet fromage to your newly married friends each month will give them something to enjoy together or with friends.
There are plenty of ideas for unique wedding gifts. The couple will appreciate anything you give, even the “random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls.” But don’t forget that there are many options to personalize a gift just from you to them on their special day.
, and more, are usually the wine coolers, the latest mixer, recipe books, slow cookers, … cash? “Logging online to find your friends’ registry will soon have you coming to the realization that you’re primed to be the gifter of a random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls,” say Harper’s Bazaar. But let’s step back for a moment, are there wedding gifts you can give your favorite couple that you will be remembered for or personally thanked for?
Logging online to find your friends’ registry will soon have you coming to the realization that you’re primed to be the gifter of a random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls.
Take it truly personal with customized robes. A thoughtful gift for the newlyweds, his and hers robes are a plush way to pamper the couple. Since you can personalize the robes, you can keep the personalization simple with monograms, or opt for cute or clever customization, like “old ball and chain” and “the better half.”
If you know where the couple is going for the first night or for their honeymoon, sending a gift to the room would be a nice surprise. Many hotels offer special gifts, baskets, or packages that will allow you to spoil the newlyweds, like a bottle of cold Champagne and caviar cookies, or a couples’ massage by the beach.
You can also do a post-honeymoon gift by getting a “just married” package delivered to their home. Send flowers, a couple of flameless candles, and a personalized blanket for the couple to cuddle up with.
Consider a Wine Club subscription, or a cheese of the month club, which may sound, well, cheesy, but serving up a selection of gourmet fromage to your newly married friends each month will give them something to enjoy together or with friends.
There are plenty of ideas for unique wedding gifts. The couple will appreciate anything you give, even the “random spatula, cheese grater, and three stainless steel mixing bowls.” But don’t forget that there are many options to personalize a gift just from you to them on their special day.
]]>Spring cleaning is a timely trademark of starting anew. For those who dread the elbow grease and back breaking work that can come with cleaning, think of the benefits of a clear space.
Evidence has shown that mess causes stress. Research from Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute divided study participants into two work spaces: one cluttered and one clean. It found that those people working in the organized room were more productive, focused, and better able to process information. The physical clutter in the disorganized room meant there was mental clutter in the mind. The more there was to look at, the more distracted participants were.
Here are some tips on how you can create your very own stress free space this spring.
Non-essential items in our line of vision can serve as stressors and distractors. Rearrange your spaces to store items in cupboards, closets, and anywhere else out of sight.
Or even better, get rid of stuff all together.
Getting rid of our belongings is a liberating experience. The blog “Becoming Minimalist” argues in favor of de-owning over de-cluttering. People are happier and freer to make decisions when they have less material items. Not only that, but there is satisfaction in knowing items you re-sell or donate are going to someone who needs and appreciates them.
A clean space doesn’t always have to be the most attractive one. While it may look better because you have less clutter splayed about, the number one priority of creating a stress free space should be comfort.
Be mindful of that as you lay out your space. Don’t toss that cuddly throw blanket under your bed just because you want your couch clear. If it makes you happy and comfortable then it’s good for your stress levels.
Spring cleaning can involve dragging out the ladder to replace light bulbs burnt out during winter darkness. Instead of reaching for the same old incandescent light bulb, consider the kind of mood you want in a room.
Lighting plans aren’t just for Martha Stewart worthy rooms. Bulbs that emit blue light are better for working and daytime use, and warm, incandescent bulbs are better for creating a calm and stress free environment. There are so many lighting options to choose from: Elle Decor has some good tips on picking a lightbulb that will work for your stress free space and your wallet.
This can be the ideal spring cleaning solution for those who hate the prospect of cleaning. Rather than hunkering down one weekend and spending hours doing the job, try picking up, spraying, and washing right away. Notice a toothpaste smear on the bathroom vanity? Give it a quick wipe. See dishes piling on the counter? Make an effort to wash them after each meal.
Breaking the larger task of spring cleaning into several mini tasks will mean the entire job seems less daunting and mentally exhausting. Plus a little cleaning burst can be a good stress remover in and of itself.
Your first impression of a house is gained from outside. If you live in a standalone home, spring cleaning may involve a tidying up of the yard and garden. If you’re in an apartment, maybe you want to replant the herbs and flower pots sitting on your balcony. You don’t have to have a green thumb, try to appreciate the Feng Shui of a tidy home exterior.
Dedicate some spring cleaning time to the outer parts of your house. That way you feel soothed by the cleanliness and organization of your home before you even enter the front door. Plus time outside has been shown to reduce stress levels.
We hope these tips provide some motivation that will make spring cleaning season a little less scary. Remember to relax at regular intervals. You deserve it!
]]>Yoga has been scientifically proven to help you relax and unwind. Getting into yoga can feel intimidating, especially when you look at some of the more complex poses and twists that yoga can involve. If you’re intimidated don’t fear: some of the gentler poses are easy to do, are relaxing, and can even help you improve your sleep. Here are some simpler poses that you can use to relax and unwind at the end of a stressful day.
You can do all or a few of these poses. A good goal is to dedicate 5-10 minutes for stretching to reset the body after your time at work. Hold each pose for a few breaths, or longer if you feel comfortable with them. Focus on your breath more than how deeply you can bend. Playing relaxing music can also help you feel more relaxed while you stretch. If you need to modify stretches with pillows or adjustments, you should do so to avoid injury and to get the most from your experiences.
If you have any injuries, especially to the neck, back, or knees, be sure to consult a doctor or instructor to make sure you have proper form. If you are just starting yoga, remember that you’re allowed to modify the poses to make them easier. Avoid forcing a pose to keep from injuring yourself.
This is actually two poses cycled. First, get onto your hands and knees. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders and your knees should be under your hips. When you inhale, drop your belly toward the floor and lift your chin and chest to the ceiling. This is the “cow” pose. To do the cat pose, exhale and curve your spine toward the ceiling, letting your head move gently to the floor. Cycling through these movements for 5 to 10 breaths is a good start to any stretching or other physical activity.
Start in table pose (on your hands and knees, with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Lower your hips to the top of your heels. Exhale and let your forehead touch the floor. There are a few ways to use your hands here—you can stretch your arms in front, stack your fists under your forehead, or place your hands along the sides of your body. Place them in the space that feels the most comfortable for you.
This pose is what the name suggests. Lie down with your hips close to a wall and your legs on the wall, stretching to the ceiling. You can move your pelvis away from the wall if you feel too much tightness. This pose is especially good if you spend a lot of time on your feet, since the pose drains fluid away from your legs and reduces swelling.
Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Then, stretch your arms out like you’re making the letter “T”. Lower your knees over your right side to the floor while keeping your left shoulder blade on the floor. Try to have your left hip and left shoulder stretch into opposite directions. Hold this for a few breaths, and then switch sides to focus on your right hip and shoulder.
Sit upright, with your legs spread into a “V” shape. Inhale as you lengthen the spine upwards. As you exhale, slowly fold yourself into the “V” –think one vertebra at a time. You can also use a pillow in the center of your legs to rest your head on.
This is often the final pose in any yoga practice. For this pose, lie on your back with your hands at your sides. You can put a pillow under your knees for additional support. As you allow your body to feel heavy, turn your attention inward and focus on how your body physically feels. Use slow, controlled breathing throughout.
These are some of the more basic and essential yoga poses for any practice. You can use these poses as a start to a new practice, or simply use them to unwind when you want to relax before going to sleep.
]]>
Are you feeling overwhelmed, over-worked, and stressed out? If so, you might be suffering from burnout. Burnout means that you are in a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion. Burnout is something that is often not recognized until you’re already experiencing it, and can could obstruct your health, happiness and relationships.
You can experience burnout from various different factors over time. Over-scheduling, long work hours, and heavy workloads trigger many cases of burnout. In particular, people who are considered “over-achievers” place unrealistic pressures on themselves throughout various areas of their lives to excel, and overtime become overwhelmed by their everyday tasks. As we creep toward a high level of burnout, it is important to recognize the warning signs our bodies provide along the way. The following is an overview to better understand what burnout is, what causes burnout and how you can avoid reaching this rate of chronic stress.
Burnout can present itself in many forms. Mainly it can fit into a few categories: physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of inefficiency, devaluing oneself, or lack of ambition, irritation or objectivity. Although the symptoms of burnout may start small, if you do not assess the situation early, it can quickly snowball into larger issues in the workplace, at home, and everywhere in-between. You may be experiencing burnout if the following resonates with you:
Ordinarily we don’t notice early signs of burnout. Usually it takes us to hit an extreme case before realizing that we are overworked, impassionate or unhappy with our current state. It is important to routinely tune into how you are feeling. At first sign of these areas described above, you should take a step back and ask yourself: what is at the core of my burnout?
As a way to avoid burnout you should strive to do the following:
It is never too late to change careers, take better care of yourself, or to make a change in your daily routine. If you are experiencing any burnout symptoms, its time to take a step back and see what steps you need to take to change that feeling. Tap into your support systems for advice, to lessen your workload, delegate and collaborate with others at work, partake in an exercise class to release stress; do whatever you can to make positive changes in your life to achieve the level of success and happiness you seek and deserve.
]]>It’s easy to let guilt take over, especially when you live a high performing or demanding life. You may have a partner to pay attention to, kids to raise, pets to look after, and a career you’re working hard to rise to the top of. None of these things lend well to taking time to rest, so when you do take that time guilt can make you feel like you should be “on” instead of resting on your laurels. When you prop up your feet at the end of a long day and guilt starts to creep its way into your mind, consider the list below before you let it ruin your evening.
There’s no harm in taking a day off to hit up a theme park or in going by your favorite bakery for a chocolate cupcake, but it’s important to measure the eventual costs of your behaviors as well as their root causes. If you’ve simply had a bad day and need to take a long soak in the tub that’s one thing, but if your life is so miserable that you constantly need to pamper yourself as a reward for getting through it (especially if you feel guilty for doing it afterwards) you may want to take a moment and consider what’s causing your misery. Instead of treating the symptom with a cupcake, cure the disease that’s making you sick.
You don’t want to get rid of guilt entirely – guilt is what gives us empathy and guides us away from poor choices. But teaching yourself the difference between good and bad guilt can help you cope better when the bad guilt crops up. Instead of caving into your guilt you’ll have the tools to talk yourself down and convince yourself that what you’re actually feeling is shame, a very different feeling that’s often and erroneously used as a synonym. Shame makes you feel bad for who you are as a person and guilt makes you feel bad about something you’ve done or will do. When you’re feeling guilty for not being “on” enough in your day to day life, take a moment and analyze whether you’re feeling genuine guilt or if you simply feel that not doing work constantly is shameful.
Sometimes we make mistakes in our daily lives, and even minor errors can plague us as soon as we take time off. Anything from a fight with your spouse to a forgotten email in your inbox at work can weigh on you as you take time to think about your day. Quite simply, perfection doesn’t exist and you shouldn’t hold yourself to impossible standards. You’re an intelligent, competent, busy person who has a lot to juggle – you shouldn’t expect yourself to complete all your daily tasks flawlessly all the time. High performing individuals hold themselves to high standards and while that can help you achieve many things, it’s important to relax and remind yourself that you’re only human.
So take that nice long bath, sleep in, ask your boss for vacation time, and learn to embrace your imperfections. Letting go of guilt takes a weight off of your shoulders that can improve your stress levels in ways that chocolate cupcake never could, and learning that you don’t deserve to feel ashamed of who you are will make you a better, stronger person.
]]>In an ideal world, people would take care of themselves every day of the week. But mindful self-care is unfortunately rare – especially in the United States.
Americans work more than any other nationality on Earth – about 8.8 hours each weekday, an hour longer than most countries in Europe. In addition, Americans get the least paid vacation time in the world, and in fact are not legally required to receive any days off. Compare that to Norway where the average employee clocks 70 paid vacation days each year.
With the stress, busyness, and lack of time off, there’s a case to be made for a day of the week where you can let it all go and relax. Meet Self-Care Sundays, the Internet’s answer to the chaotic conundrum of daily life. Self-Care Sunday is exactly as it sounds: an opportunity to do whatever it is that makes you happy and recharge for the week ahead.
Too busy to figure out what to do this Sunday? Here are three ideas to get you started.
Americans spend a lot of time on electronics. A 2015 report from The Nielsen Company shows the average adult will spend more than 11 hours on electronic media each day. That ranges from smartphone use to television watching to using the computer at work. That’s a long time; especially when you consider you’re awake for only 15 to 16 hours each day. Not only that, but Americans are said to check their phones more than 150 times daily. Self-Care Sunday can be the ideal time to break that habit.
Try shutting down or stepping away from these devices. Not only will the reduced blacklight be better for your eyes, but your mind will slow down when it’s not being bombarded by a constant deluge of new information. Unplugging for a day each week will also provide valuable time for you to connect with family and friends in person, interactions that have greater value than those conducted over a phone or computer.
If you need a little help disconnecting, Mac users can try the Self Control app. The app allows you to block access to certain websites or mail servers for a period of time that ranges from 15 minutes to an entire day. An app called Freedom can perform similar functions for Windows users.
There’s no better place than nature to step away from your device. The outdoors are a restorative environment, and there is scientific proof that being in nature is good for your health.
Research conducted in China shows that even short exposures to the outdoors could have a positive impact. Two trial groups of men were sent on two-day trips – one group to a forest and the other to a city. At the end of just two short days, the men who spent time in nature were shown to have lower cortisol levels than the men who visited urban locations. High cortisol levels are often considered a marker for stress.
Sometimes self-care can involve simply slowing down your pace of life and doing nothing at all. Perhaps relaxing involves the latest Netflix series and a bowl of popcorn. Maybe it’s wrapping yourself in a plush bathrobe. Or maybe you find yourself enjoying a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant.
If you don’t know what will make you happy and at ease, maybe it’s time to figure it out through a bit of self-reflection.
Author Esmé Wang talks about the power of stopping your daily activity and listening to what your body wants. As a former self-proclaimed workaholic, she advocates for the power of silence in helping you determine what is best. “It’s making room for that inner voice, and not three-hour massages and green juicing every morning, that’s the front-line work of self-care,” she says.
Ultimately self-care is a uniquely personal experience. Take some time (perhaps this Sunday) to figure out what self-care means to you. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out or stressed out before discovering those releases.
]]>
Even if you love your job, some days have you counting down the hours until you can get home, kick off your shoes and sink down into your favorite chair. Your home is your oasis, a place where you eat and rest, your break from the chaos of reality, and walking through the door should make you feel instantly like a weight’s been lifted from your shoulders. If your home isn’t quite the breath of fresh air you’d like it to be, fear not. There are a few small changes you can make to your home and how you approach it that can have you feeling like you’re on vacation as soon as your feet hit your doormat.
When you’re at work your mind is probably focused on several different things. Your coworkers, your boss, your clients, the mountain of paperwork you have to get done. If having a to-do list ready to go on your desk as soon as you sit down sounds familiar, you may be approaching your home life in the same way. As soon as you get home you’re thinking about the chores you have to do, the dishes you need to wash, or who needs to be picked up from school the next morning. Just like at work, you make your list of tasks the priority instead of yourself. Take a few second to breathe deep and relax. Put on your comfy clothes, sit down in your chair, close your eyes, turn off your phone and take a few minutes to check in with yourself. How are you doing? How do you feel? Listen to yourself for a moment before you take care of the thousands of other things that you need to get done.
There’s a reason why walking into a clean, organized space puts your mind at ease. While your home doesn’t have to be immaculate all the time, having dedicated spaces for all of your things that are organized in a way that’s easy for you to access can do wonders for your stress levels. Not only does this make it easier for you to find things when you need them, but it fills you with a sense of mental togetherness. You also don’t have to worry about any guests that happen to stop by unannounced or rushing to do last minute cleaning at the end of your workday. Take inventory of the things that seem to be creating the most clutter in your home and do a little online research to determine which organizational methods will work the best for your space. There are dozens of websites dedicated to innovative storage solutions just waiting for you to browse.
It’s a scientific fact — the more sunlight you’re exposed to, the happier you are. Decorating your space in a way that highlights the natural light coming in from your windows can go a long way towards making your space that much brighter at the end of the day. You don’t have to install a skylight in your living room, but getting hooks so you can tie back your curtains and remembering to pull up your blinds when you get home are easy solutions to brighten up your gloom. If it’s usually dark when you get home, consider investing in daylight tinted light bulbs. Unlike the slightly yellow tinted standard bulbs daylight tinted bulbs are meant to imitate the whiter, bluer tones of natural sunlight and can have the same effect. They’re also available in nearly any wattage you might need, making them an easy addition to that lamp by your favorite reading nook.
To truly unwind after a long day, you can tweak your home environment to make it optimally relaxing. Make sure that you dress comfortably as well, and treat yourself to some luxury to truly make being home a treat!
What is your favorite end of day routine to relax? Where are your favorite places to relax in your home?
]]>Nothing’s more exciting than being engaged. You not only have a bright and wonderful future to look forward to with someone you love, you also now have the opportunity to answer the two questions you’re likely to be asked more than anything else: “Have you picked a date yet?” and “When’s the engagement party?” An engagement party is a time where you get to party before you officially tie the knot and showcase your relationship. So why go for something boring and standard? Here are a few ideas for an engagement party that’s as unique as you are and will have your guests raving for years.
While renting out an actual cruise ship may be a little out of budget for most couples, renting a boat out of a nearby dock for a few hours doesn’t have to be. You can have the entire party right there on the boat, complete with a catered (or self-served) dinner, themed party favors, and who doesn’t love the idea of watching a sunset over the ocean?
Maybe low key and casual is your style. If that’s the case, bring out some folding chairs and string up some party lights and prepare to entertain in your backyard. Put a tablecloth over a pop-up table and litter it with your favorites snacks, play some music and pass around the wine bottles (or beers from your favorite local microbrewery if that’s your speed). You may also want to put out a ping pong table and a few decks of cards to give your guests a few equally low key options when it comes to livening up the party.
Nothing says elegance like crisp white decorations, so why not go with it as a theme? Embrace your inner unicorn and create a magical night with crisp white linens and robes, and gold flecked place settings. Since your wedding is going to involve a lot of white anyway, you may even get away with reusing some of the decor for your actual wedding. And what bride isn’t excited about saving a little more money — or being able to put what you saved towards your dress?
Speaking of elegance, a wine tasting is always a great way to celebrate. There are two ways to go about this: one, you can book a professional to come into the space of your choosing and provide a dazzling experience for your group. This allows you to decorate the space however you like and guarantee that you have accommodations for your entire group before the event. It’s also a more intimate option. Or if you’d rather not have to deal with the hassle of decorations and space booking, call up a local winery and inquire about wine tasting tour availability. Let someone else handle the rest!
Are your friends dedicated and unabashed foodies? If so, a cooking class engagement party may be just the ticket. Call up your local Sur la Table, grocery store or any number of class-oriented shops that provide culinary classes for a fee. Most of these places have pre-existing schedules that you can book for you and your friends, though there are many that will also provide private classes for an extra fee. If you happen to have a friend who’s a chef or culinary student you may even be able to talk them into providing a culinary session for you and your friends in the comfort of your own kitchen. This can save you money and also make for a more relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t to cook a whole meal, you can instead make your lesson about having dessert.
There are so many options available when you plan an engagement party, and so many things to take into consideration that it’s easy to forget that ultimately, it should be about you. Customize your engagement party, do what makes you happy and everyone you love will be happy to be there with you!
How did you celebrate your engagement? Do you have any creative engagement party ideas? Share them with us in the comments!
]]>The Internet has its perks, but it also separates us from the natural sleep aids and relaxation tools our ancestors took for granted: exercise, nature, meditation and physical labor. Our digital lifestyle has replaced our natural sleep signals with screens; blue-light-emitting devices that constantly signal wakefulness to our brains.
As a result, today 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 (a 50% increase from $23 billion dollars in 2008.)
In addition to the omni-presence of screens, the velocity of the digital era puts our bodies in continual fight or flight mode. Who can sleep when trying to outrun, or at least out maneuver, a hungry coworker or client? Psychologist Dr. Richard O’Connor’s Undoing Perpetual Stress asserts that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. The National Sleep Foundation’s “Trauma and Sleep,” page explains that “when the body is overstimulated, the brain is flooded with neurochemicals that keep us awake, such as epinephrine and adrenaline, making it difficult to wind down at the end of the day.”
Because our healthcare system doesn’t always have great answers for either insomnia or stress, it’s up to us to make sure we take the lifestyle steps that ensure our own good sleep. Incorporate these tweaks into your sleep habits for improved overall health.
There’s a reason every high end resort and gym showcases its hot tub. While we know stepping into a warm bath feels wonderful, many of us don’t take the time to do it. Instead we fall into bed cradling our laptops or the television remote. Understanding the health benefits of the hot bath or hot tub soak should prompt you to skip Facebook or the nightly news for time in the tub.
The mechanisms behind our cozy after-bath sensation are these: warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving blood flow. With a warm body and circulation at optimal level:
Doctors call of these in aggregate, “the relaxation response.”
Improved circulation isn’t the only benefit from soaking in hot water. When your body temperature rises, your body releases “opioid peptides,” also known as endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that invoke feelings like the “runner’s high,” and “drunk in love.” Endorphins also help to diminish pain which, as you’ll read below, often wakes people at night, interrupting important sleep cycles. Even better, because this sleep substance is natural, there’s no risk of addiction or side effects.
People have sought out hot baths for centuries, even millennia, to improve health. In the United States, Native Americans revered hot springs as sacred healing spaces. The Ute Native Americans called the mineral-rich hot springs beside the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado “Yampah” or “Big Medicine.” They knew. Artifacts found around hot springs in Arizona, Yellowstone National Park and many more indicate frequent activity around the pools going back thousands of years.
No wonder your brain won’t shut down.
Much of the money going into sleep health programs could be saved if Americans just turned off the iPads and televisions within an hour of going to bed.
A study from Harvard Medical School’s Director of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Charles Czeisler, found that the using electronic devices like iphones and e-Readers delayed the onset of sleep by 30 minutes. Worse, the use of electronic devices within one hour of bed-time decreases the amount and duration of rapid eye movement sleep (REM), the sleep that restores us the best. Czeisler explains that the electronic device light pours, “white light right at your retina, sending a signal to the brain saying its morning . . .” That the use of electronic devices before bed stimulates the brain is just the beginning. It also hampers the production of natural melatonin, the hormone that helps to signal sleep time.
All sleep specialists encourage insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. Putting on pajamas, drinking warm milk, reading in low light or even listening to the radio in the dark can be part of that.
Things you can try:
Those with chronic pain struggle to sleep because the pain can interrupt truly restorative “deep sleep.” When muscle pain is severe enough, it not only wakes us, it prevents us from getting through the proper repetition of the four crucial stages of sleep necessary to restore proper brain and body function.
Even non-athletes get sore muscles. Desk jockeys suffer from hand, arm, shoulder and back soreness. Stress causes us to draw our shoulders in toward our ears in a protective move, tightening our neck muscles. Keeping those neck and back muscles tense all day has some of the same effects running for hours does on leg muscles. Massages aren’t just for NFL greats. The rest of us use our muscles repetitively throughout often long days.
Exercise helps with sleep because it provides a variety of physical effects. Most of all, it
acts as a physical stressor to the body, prompting the brain to compensate with deep sleep. Early morning exercise is best, but if you must work out at night, make sure to do so two hours before bed time because the adrenaline boost exercise creates can keep you awake.
Research has shown that magnesium rich foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard and magnesium supplements helps people sleep through the night. Chamomile tea reduces stress that keeps the brain alert and postpones sleep. Coffee drinkers should have their last cup before noon.
Some brag about “getting by” on four or five hours of sleep per night, insinuating that they are so in demand and popular at work and in their social lives, sleep just has to go.
These people only harm their physical and mental well-being, creating problems for their families, friends and co-workers. Healthy sleep is critical for effective learning, memory, decision-making and creativity. In other words, in sleep, the brain not only relaxes and stores information; it organizes and prepares for the next day’s tasks. Healthy sleep gets you ahead more than overwork and excessive networking.
Cognitive ability is the first thing to go when any individual gets inadequate sleep, but physical repercussions can be more threatening. The National Institutes of Health tell us that unhealthy sleep correlates to increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Nearly every creature on earth sleeps, even fruit flies! Skipping sleep is nothing to take pride in. Sleep doctors speculate that sleep’s contribution to overall health will start to get as much attention as diet has gotten over the past decade.
Sleep can be a wonderful and luxurious part of human life. Chasing the next big career title or award isn’t worth ruining your well-being and happiness. Giving your sleep the respect it deserves is your first step in getting a good night’s sleep.
]]>
The stress and chaos that many of us face can make relaxation seem impossible. After all, according to research from Harvard University, 60-90% of all medical visits in the U.S. result from stress. However, no matter how cluttered your to-do list may be, or how many demands you have weighing on your shoulders, there's no reason why your life must be filled with stress and anxiety. Taking some time for relaxation — even just a couple of minutes — can make a real difference in your life.
It's impossible to be a healthy and happy person if you're dealing with constant stress. Studies have shown that stress can lead to everything from depression, to respiratory problems, and even high blood pressure — but finding effective ways to relax can be exasperating in itself. Fortunately, though the tried-and-tested methods of yoga and relaxation can be great for some people, they aren't your only options. The following surprising, and often unheard of relaxation techniques could set you on the fast lane to a better frame of mind.
The chances are that when stress strikes you won't have the time or cash to head to a masseuse for an hour of full-body pampering. However, that doesn't mean that you can't access the benefits of massage yourself. A quick hand massage can be an effective and easy way to access immediate health benefits and relaxation in a matter of minutes. Not only will you soothe your mind, but you can also reduce trigger points, slow your heart rate, and improve circulation too.
Your hands contain a number of reflexology and acupressure points which are associated with various parts of your body. Through gentle massage, you can bring your heart rate back down to a healthy level after anxiety starts to get the best of you, and even disperse the pain and tension associated with a typing job. If you can, make your experience extra special by using a drop of your favorite lotion too; preferably one with a relaxing, or invigorating scent.
There's plenty of psychological research that supports the connection between emotions and certain shades, but before you begin using color therapy, it's important to have a deep understanding of your own personality. According to some experts, relaxing as a type A personality isn't the same as relaxation for other personalities. For example, if you are a type-A personality, water colors like green and blue should help you to calm yourself. On the other hand, if you have a more laid-back mindset, then pastel colors and earth tones should be more effective.
Remember, surrounding yourself with relaxing colors doesn't have to mean painting your home and redecorating your office - it can be as simple as wearing a shirt or a robe featuring your calming colors when a stressful day is coming up.
Most people know that smells can have an impact on the way that they feel and think — but what they don't know is that the best scents for relaxation may not be the ones they've come to know. Many people turn to lavender when they're feeling overwhelmed, but if you're feeling tense, rose or orange oil could be a better solution. In a study conducted using essential oils, researchers found that university students experienced an increase in naturally comfortable and relaxed feelings when they could smell orange or rose oil.
Whether you feel like smiling or not, the simple act of forcing a smile could be enough to put you in a more relaxed state of mind. In a Psychological Science study, participants who smiled often had a lower heart rate following a stressful event than those who maintained a neutral expression. Simply put, smiling through the tough times could actually help you to cope better with negative feelings.
In the same area, finding a reason to laugh can also be a great way to boost your mood when you're starting to feel the impact of stress. Not only does laughing increase blood flow, which minimizes circulatory stress and keeps you healthy, but it also naturally makes you feel happier.
Research has consistently shown that listening to soothing music can lower anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and slow your heart rate. By creating a playlist of your favorite tunes that you can turn to when things start to get intense at work or at home, you give your mind an opportunity to move away from the stresses of the day, and focus instead on the melodies or lyrics of the piece that often give you pleasure. You can even improve your stress relief by singing along at the top of your lungs!
As the above examples may show, sometimes stress release is easier than you think — from hugging your spouse, to hanging out with your closest friends. What do you find helps you in times of tension? Let us know in the comments below!
The holidays can be an incredibly stressful time of year. From the crowds and shopping, to attending holiday parties, and traveling to spend time with family, there are many reasons we can get caught up in the chaos of the season.
In order to stay happy, healthy and cheerful this holiday, we have compiled a list of tips to alleviate stress and help you relax this season.
The holidays are a time to get gather with all of those who mean the most to you. It can be challenging to decide how to spend your time this season, but be cautious of how much you take on. Just as important as it may be to spend time with your family, it is also important to learn when to say “no”.
Setting boundaries around the holidays is a healthy way to avoid getting stressed out. Remember, this time of year is not just for giving to everyone, but you must give to yourself too. Don’t feel obligated to make everyone happy. Think about the bigger picture and set boundaries on which parties to attend, how often to travel, and how much to spend on gifts.
It is well known that exercise produces endorphins, which are natural chemicals in your brain that make you fight against pain and produce a sense of ecstasy, decreasing your stress levels. This holiday season try to get outside by going for a hike or long run. Being outdoors in the sunlight will help relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year.
The holiday season is about being thankful for all your blessings and giving back to those who are less fortunate. Although this is the core of the season, it is important to schedule some “me time” and give back to yourself as well. All year long at work, home, and beyond, we are people pleasers. Some ways to give back to yourself include: journaling, going for a walk, meditation and getting a massage.
We all have our favorite holiday food traditions. Often, the holiday season is the only time of year when we get to taste them. From Thanksgiving to New Years, the media projects that people gain 5 or more pounds. In reality, people only gain around 1 pound due to holiday eating. Don’t jump for joy just yet…
A combination of indulging in your favorite foods along with the added stress of holiday buzz can actually cause you to gain weight and makes it harder to lose the weight you’ve gained. The truth is our bodies aren’t made to cope with prolonged amounts of stress.
In modern life, stress is a norm that we are forced to deal with day-in and day-out. This type of stress provokes feelings of hopelessness. Our bodies respond to this by suppressing the immune system and increases fat storage.
The best thing to do when it comes to avoiding weight gain during the holidays is be a conscious eater and stick to your daily routine. Continue to work out, eat nutritious meals and dodge excessive sugar intake. This way when attending a holiday function you can indulge a little without losing complete control.
With access to cyber Monday deals and online sales, shopping online allows you to avoid all the crowds, creating less stress while shopping for gifts.
According to research and consulting firm Conlumino, 67.4% of holiday shoppers plan to go online to shop, an increase of 14.9 percentage points from last year. In addition, by using all the holiday deals floating around the web, you are bound to save money from the comfort of your home. Just be sure to give yourself enough time for shipping!
Entertaining for a large group can take an army! If you are hosting a large group for the holidays, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The best leaders are those who can delegate tasks; and this goes beyond the workplace. If you are stressed and not enjoying yourself, then most likely your guests will see right through you, causing them to feel uncomfortable in what is supposed to be a joyous time.
Think of various jobs that you can engage your guests in. Even the simplest roles like setting the table, running for more ice, or dish duty will take the pressure off.
When managing a home, working full time, holiday shopping and all of the prep that comes with this time of year, you may find yourself overworked and brunt out. Make sure you plan time for yourself each day or at the very least, each week. Plan a day just for you! Or once all of the family leaves, schedule a staycation at your favorite spa. You don’t want to start the New Year already looking for a vacation. Take advantage of the downtime that may present itself as a way to recharge your batteries.
We would buy our friends and family the world if we could, right? The holiday season has a lot of temptation to spend large amounts of money. Although this is a kind gesture, it often isn’t the smartest move for our wallets. To avoid financial stress, set a budget for yourself. Explore DIY projects like homemade confections, or knitting. The holiday season is less about gifting and more about spending time with those you love.
To all of you Type-A individuals, the holidays are not a time to focus on perfection. We are usually our biggest critics and this can cause us to beat ourselves up if something doesn’t go as planned.
Avoid cognitive distortion type of thinking. This thinking includes inaccurate thoughts that are used to reinforce negative opinions or emotions by telling ourselves things that sound rational and accurate, but really only keep us feeling bad about ourselves. For example, you implant the thought that if you don’t get that gift for your son, then Christmas will be ruined. Or, if the meal isn’t cooked to perfection then everyone will have a bad time. These are all cognitive distortions.
Try to remind yourself of the true meaning of the season. Sometimes things happen out of our control, but go easy on yourself. Accept the situation, (take a deep breath), and move on.
Hosting a large group for the holidays can bring together people from all walks of life. This can be a blessing and a curse. You may love gathering all of your friends and family together, but you can’t expect everyone to get along. Emotions can run high during the holidays, and with the elevated stress of planning and organizing, it is easy to easily get your feelings hurt. More than ever, you will reduce your stress levels by reinforcing a positive attitude. Don’t allow yourself to take things personal. Focus on doing everything out of kindness and not obligation.
]]>