Author: Julia Merrill

  • When It Feels Like It’s Time to Shake Things Up a Bit

    When It Feels Like It’s Time to Shake Things Up a Bit

    “Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.” ― Maya Angelou

    It’s easy to get into a rut.

    We can tell ourselves we don’t want to change because we like the security that sameness gives us. Or that we think this is how things are supposed to be. Or that we want to change, to shake things up, but we don’t know how or even if we can.

    The good news is, of course, you can!


    The Best Place to Begin Is With Your Health

    A poor diet and lack of exercise can make us feel down, unenergized, and unmotivated—in other words, in a rut! Just substituting healthy snacks like fruit and nuts in place of chips and cookies will do wonders. So will replacing soda with water. Even diet sodas are unhealthy as they contain artificial sweeteners that wreak havoc on your digestive system and sets up a cycle of sugar cravings. Water flushes the toxins out and keeps you hydrated better than any other beverage.

    If you want to start feeling healthier sooner, start with some high-quality supplements. NutraChamps has an entire line to address specific areas of your health, like energy, stress, digestion, heart health, and weight management.

    The best exercise routine to start with is walking. It’s inexpensive, anyone can do it, you don’t need any special equipment, and if you’re outdoors, the fresh air and sunshine are extra added bonuses. If you want to make a goal of 10,000 steps per day to get the maximum health benefit from walking, fitness trackers come in all price ranges and some will also monitor your heart rate.


    Your Home Can Affect Your Mood

    Our mind and body are interconnected and can be affected by our environment. A peaceful and visually appealing home setting can create a greater sense of well-being than a cluttered, chaotic home.

    Having things organized is not only mentally calming but makes you far more productive. Opening the windows and letting in fresh air may improve your energy levels, so you can get more done.

    Studies show that a healthy and pleasing environment can do more than simply improve your mood—it can actually affect your immune system and physical health.


    Your Job Plays a Big Part

    Research has shown that a positive work environment can actually improve your physical health and reduce sickness. In order for work to have a positive effect on your physical health, it must offer you some level of control and allow you to have input into what you do and how you do it. It should provide you with a sense of self-worth and a feeling of safety.

    Many people put off searching for a new job because they don’t know where to begin when it comes to writing or updating their resumes. You can easily create a professional-looking resume by taking advantage of a good resume builder. It’s free and will allow you to choose from a library of professionally designed resume templates. You will only need to add your own copy, photos, colors, and images.


    Be Your Own Boss

    The market has changed so much in recent years, making it easier for new businesses to start up than ever before. With more people working from home and with flexible schedules, there has never been a better time to start your own business.

    Starting your own business is a great way to take control of your life and become financially independent. It also gives you the freedom to choose how you want to work. If you’re worried about putting your personal assets in jeopardy by starting your own business, you can structure it as an LLC. Creating a separate legal entity for your business provides you with arms-length protection from those business liabilities.


    Get out of your rut today! Start taking care of your health with a proper diet and exercise routine. Work on a new resume and go for the job that will make you happy. Or start your own business while protecting your personal assets that will allow you to be bold.

    Live your life in a way that makes you smile when that morning alarm bell rings.

  • 5 Ways to Make Your Lunch Break Feel More Like a Vacation

    5 Ways to Make Your Lunch Break Feel More Like a Vacation

    We all need a break from time to time, but taking a break seems impossible for many of us. There’s never enough time to relax between work, family obligations, and household tasks. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few changes, you can turn your lunch break into a mini-vacation to help you overcome the daily grind and prioritize your wellness.

    Here are five ways to do just that.

    1. Get Out of the Office

    If you can, step away from your desk and go outside for some fresh air. Take a walk around the block, grab a coffee from a nearby café, or sit in a park and people watch or listen to the birds. Getting out of the typical work environment can help reduce stress and improve mood.

    2. Eat a Healthy Lunch

    We all know that eating a nutritious meal is essential for our physical health, but it can also do wonders for our mental well-being. Take the time to prepare a healthy lunch or pack snacks that give you sustained energy throughout the afternoon. A tropical fruit smoothie or an exotically spiced meal can transport your taste buds, even if just for a little while. If you can, avoid working through lunch — take the time to enjoy your meal.

    3. Move Your Body

    Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall health, so try to fit in a quick workout during your lunch break. You can try to find a nearby exercise class to try something new or get active outside to evoke the feeling of being on vacation. If you don’t have time for a full workout, even just a few minutes of stretching or walking can help boost your energy and mood.

    4. Work on Your Personal Goals

    Using your lunch break to focus on your personal goals can be a great way to improve your overall well-being. If you want to start your own business, you can make a little progress every day and improve your work-life balance. A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure with some tax advantages. When you file an LLC yourself or use a formation service, you can save money on legal fees and may be able to take advantage of certain tax breaks. Check your state’s rules on how to start an LLC before filing since regulations can differ from state to state.

    5. Reach Out for Help

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind and there is no vacation in sight to recharge, it’s time to reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist. It’s important to know that you don’t have to handle it all yourself and that it’s okay to ask for help. Talking to someone who can relate to what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful and can provide a much-needed sense of support. 

    woman smiling with breakfast in front of her. Sitting in wheelchair.

    Improve Your Well-Being

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind, try these five tips to make your lunch break feel more like a vacation. From getting out of the office to working on your personal goals, taking a few small steps can help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Visit NutraChamps to learn additional ways you can improve your health.