How to Prepare for Your First Sound Bath: Tips and Tricks

Recharge and Renew with the Ultimate Guide to Sound Baths

Simple, Significant Lifestyle Choices for Aging in Place

5 Benefits of Practicing Yoga in a Studio 

How to Improve Your Sleep When You Work the Late Shift

Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels The cutthroat competition in business management and lifestyle challenges can result in stress-related diseases and depression. If not addressed early, these issues can cause irreparable damage to our lives. To counter this silent killer, it pushes an individual to periodically take a bold step by engaging in voluntary self-care reset trips to reboot the whole system holistically. To achieve this goal, one has several options, among them a trip to a place of choice which can offer peace, serenity, and fun to wind down from the hustle and bustle of daily routines. This is a clinically proven method to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression resulting mainly from lack of rest and overworking. In itself, this action is a valid goal. The choice of when and how to proceed is an individual decision. How to pick the perfect place for a self-care trip The main areas of self-care revolve around 8 major faculties, namely, social, financial, professional, psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental. To understand this concept better, a few elements come to mind as we contemplate the best places or cities that offer the best facilities for self-care and reset trips . But before that, there are a few tips or guidelines for self-care which can help you reach your target. The basics involve better nutrition , getting enough sleep, regular workouts while saying no to drugs and alcohol. At the social level, seeing friends and relatives without forgetting the spiritual angle to cap it all with a positive mental attitude does the magic. Here are cities recommended by Royal Massage and Yoga Lounge to visit if looking for exciting self-care. Seattle, Washington This is an attractive city suitable for the self-care objective. Popular features in Seattle include its unique and diverse neighborhoods, the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and many other incredible attractions. The city is also home to a wealth of different restaurants and eateries, all of which are ready to make your trip memorable. There are also many great yoga studios for you to utilize to keep up your practice while you’re on vacation. Many people who visit Seattle want to stay — and you may be included in that list! If you want to stake out the city before you purchase a home, search online for Seattle, WA apartments that fit your budget and needs. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in Seattle will run you around $3,500, so make sure you find something within your means. Thailand Historically referred to as Siam, it is another destination worth paying attention to. It is the official kingdom of Thailand and is a relatively wealthy country. The most attractive feature are the thousands of magnificently built temples that dot the country. It is estimated that they are over 41,000 and still counting. Monks are plentiful in this country, making it a sight to behold as they go about their daily routines. In terms of security, Thailand is touted as one of the safest places in South East Asia. Grand Canyon - Arizona This has been proven to be one of the greatest attraction sites in the world. It is distinguished by its great fossils, geological and archeological features, which make it the most studied landscape in the world. The Grand Canyon is found on semi-arid land with forests at higher elevations and lower elevations, a series of desert basins. What makes it worth giving a try is how massive it is, having two rims, the north and south said to be 215 miles apart, that it is five hours away drive from each other. It is also well known for the hidden caves, estimated at 1,000, and the most visited National Park. Arizona is one of the cities you should consider buying a vacation home if you love the place. But buying a home in Arizona requires a substantial down payment of 20 percent or more. So, if you can't afford to put that much down, you may consider taking out a second mortgage on your existing home or using a home equity loan. Bali, Indonesia Located on the western part of the Lesser Sunda Island, Bali is a province of Indonesia and a pretty safe place for both tourists and locals alike. All sorts of visitors can comfortably visit this place at any time. The community is said to be very friendly as well as helpful. Though expensive to visit, once there, you will enjoy cheap accommodation and delicious and nutritious meals. Bali is famous mostly due to its temples, rice terraces, the Ubud Monkey Forest , among other facilities.  Final Thought A self-care reset trip is the ultimate solution to offload the personal baggage, struggles, and burdens that weigh us down, denying us the opportunity to look beyond our selfish selves. The benefits may not be tangible at the end of the trip, but the results are there for everyone to see. With a little willpower, we can reboot our lives and refresh one more time when anxiety and depression rob us of joy in our personal lives and those of our loved ones.

New year, new you? Not exactly. New Year’s resolutions aren’t about transforming yourself into something totally new. Resolutions are for the small, but meaningful improvements that keep you moving forward on the journey to your best self.

Image via Pexels Tips for Building Confidence and Live Your Best Life If you’re looking to make positive changes in your life, you have to believe that you can do it — that your life can be better with those changes and that those changes are worth making. If you don’t have the confidence to make those changes, though, you can’t truly move forward in your life and re-enter the world as the person you want to be. Below is a guide to some things you can do right now to build confidence so that you can start living the best life possible. Make an Exercise Routine If you’re having trouble feeling good about yourself, try adding a workout regimen into your life regularly — this can help build self-confidence as you see results both physically and mentally. Working out releases endorphins that help boost your mood . Exercise also helps you relax, which is essential for building confidence. Try going for a brisk walk or doing a yoga class. If you’re up for something more strenuous, see if local community centers in Murfreesboro offer gym classes near you. Try Massage and Yoga Massage therapists and yoga instructors can help you improve your posture, breathing, strength, flexibility, reduce stress levels, reduce muscle tension/soreness (and therefore reduce pain), and lower blood pressure. A weekly massage or yoga class is an excellent way to de-stress and build confidence naturally. Check out Royal Massage & Yoga Lounge , combining massage therapy and yoga. Challenge Your Negative Self-Talk Start a journal where you write down all of your self-defeating thoughts . Read them back after a week or two, and ask yourself: Are these true? Are they rational? How do they affect me? How would my life be better if I adopted new positive thinking habits instead? Begin a Martial Art Martial arts are a powerful addition to your toolkit, not only because they teach you valuable self-defense techniques but also because they help build confidence. Martial arts are also a fantastic mental workout that challenges your mind while providing you with physical results. Ways To De-Stress Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress causes all kinds of health problems, not to mention serious emotional issues. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, consider these healthy techniques for reducing your anxiety level: Take a warm bath Listen to relaxing music Try breathing exercises Practice meditation Keep a journal Try herbal tea Ways to Save Money Make sure you have financial security in place by figuring out your monthly income, expenses, and ways to save on unnecessary costs. Be honest with yourself when creating your budget—if it helps, make a pie chart or circle graph that shows where all of your cash goes each month. Refinancing your home could also help your finances. There are a few benefits to refinancing. First, you’ll likely be able to lower your monthly mortgage payment each month. Additionally, you may be able to decrease the equity from your home, giving you extra cash. Building Confidence Confidence is something you build. Whether you lack it or want more of it in your life, there are ways you can start building yours now. Visit Royal Massage & Yoga , based in Murfreesboro, TN, for help feeling rejuvenated and at your best.

Self-care is often incorrectly labeled as “unnecessary” and a “luxury.” Too many people genuinely believe that self-care is synonymous with being pampered. In reality, this idea is simply false. Self-care should be used to describe activities that are restorative, healthy, and necessary for a balanced life. One massive benefit of self-care that is often overlooked is the support it provides your mental health. In fact, for those who regularly experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, a solid self-care routine can be a game-changer. To better understand how you can leverage self-care to improve and support your mental health, the Royal Massage & Yoga Lounge shares six must-do habits. Eat nutrient-dense superfoods It has long been known that specific foods can support various aspects of your health. For example, if you want to lower your blood pressure, it is wise to add leafy greens, berries, and salmon to your diet. The same thing is true when looking to improve your mental health . As part of your self-care routine, select recipes that use nourishing superfoods as ingredients. Those dealing with depression can start eating more foods that help naturally decrease symptoms, including avocados, bananas, carrots, and beans. Other critical foods to include are those high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as walnuts), kale, and seeds. Develop a wellness plan for your personal finances Even if you have a correct understanding of self-care, you may be leaving important things out of your routine. One example is taking care of your wallet. Why include personal finance as part of your self-care? Money issues are often a top stressor among individuals of all ages. Working to prevent stress in this area can contribute to your overall well-being, which can further enhance your wellness. If you need to reduce your spending , start by paying down debt and saving money wherever possible. Consider cancelling various subscriptions, lowering your monthly bills, and being intentional about every purchase you make. Individuals who own a home can save even more by refinancing their home. Have fun while moving your body With so many different types of exercise, there is no reason to become bored with your fitness routine. If your workouts have recently become more of a chore than something you enjoy, it is time to switch up this part of your self-care routine. Is there a sport that you’ve always liked to play (e.g., tennis, basketball)? Swap several of your weekly workouts with that sport or activity. For example, if you spend most of your time running or cycling, consider adding a yoga practice to your weekly routine. Royal Massage & Yoga Lounge offers a variety of classes to choose from, with several accessible to all experience levels. Whatever you select, make it your goal to have fun while moving your body. Start a home meditation practice Among all the self-care activities you can practice, meditation is easily one of the most valuable . Study after study has demonstrated the immense benefits of meditation. In just 5 to 15 minutes per day, you can experience calmed emotions, reduced stress, enhanced patience and compassion, and a host of physical benefits. Whether you’re new to or seasoned in this activity, it is wise to practice it each day. To get started, set up a space in your home for your meditation practice. Ensure that this spot is quiet, with minimal distractions. Boost your meditation sessions with essential oils, and add a speaker to play soothing music or guided meditations. Set boundaries in every area of your life Are you someone who finds it challenging to say “no” to various activities or requests? Are there people in your life who do not respect your time (or you as a person)? If this sounds familiar, you are likely lacking essential boundaries that can protect your mental health. Despite sounding daunting, setting boundaries with a boss, family members, friends, and other individuals can have a profoundly positive effect on your life. Start identifying areas where boundaries are needed by creating a list of frustrating interpersonal experiences you face regularly. For example, are you stressed at work from too many responsibilities or not enough work-life balance ? Or are you constantly saying yes to friends and family when you really don’t have time to help? From there, make a plan to have conversations with the individual(s) who are causing the imbalances in your life. If you need help with the boundary-setting process, a licensed counselor can guide you through step-by-step. Get plenty of restorative sleep While nearly everyone knows how important sleep is, most adults still don’t prioritize this area of their health. Make your self-care routine even more effective by striving for 7-9 hours of sleep per evening. Doing so can create radical shifts in your health and your energy levels. Also, when working to improve your sleep hygiene, stop using electronics at least one hour prior to bedtime. Investing time in your self-care routine can work wonders in your life. Not only will you experience enhanced well-being, but you will perform at your peak at work, as a parent, and in every other area.