6 Reasons Why You Should Go On a Retreat

Have you ever considered taking a retreat instead of a vacation? While on the surface they seem similar, retreats are organized trips focused on a specific topic, like relationships, yoga, or wellness. 


They offer you a chance to learn something new during your time off while also being relaxing and rejuvenating. Here are our top 6 reasons to go on a retreat.

#1: They’re More Restful than a Vacation

Let’s face it—planning a vacation isn’t fun. No matter how much prep work you do ahead of time, you still spend some of your precious time off arguing over where to go to dinner or trying to find parking.


When you go on a retreat, everything is planned for you. It’s a little like summer camp when you were a kid—activities, meals, and accommodations are all scheduled in advance. All you have to do is get there, and then you don’t have to make another decision for the rest of your trip. 

#2: You Gain Long-Term Benefits

Vacations can certainly boost your mood for a week or two, but once they’re over, life quickly returns to normal. Because retreats help you learn something new, they provide a more lasting impact than a vacation. 


Not only do you get those full nights of sleep you’ve been needing (like on any vacation), but you also gain a new skill or self perception.

#3: You Have a Reason to Disconnect

Not all retreats require you to give up your phone or computer for a week, but some do. While at first this may seem impossible, you might find a forced break from technology to be surprisingly beneficial.


Increasing evidence points to smartphones as negatively impacting sleep, creativity, and even our lifespan. A week away can work wonders for your mental health!

#4: You Invest in Yourself

Many of us invest in ourselves by taking continuing education classes or exercising regularly. While investing in yourself professionally or physically is certainly important, we often neglect to invest in our personal development.


Retreats can help you improve your relationship, learn new strategies for self care, or meditate on your life’s purpose. Think about it: you’re going to be in your body much longer than you’re going to be in your career path. Isn’t investing in your own mental health worth it?

#5: You Connect with Others on a Deeper Level

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, a change of scenery gives you a unique opportunity to meet new, like-minded individuals. There’s no better way to meet new potential friends than at a retreat. After all, you already have something in common—the topic of the retreat!

#6: They’re Good for Your Mental and Physical Health

A lot of us treat vacations like our time to “let loose.” We drink more, eat unhealthy food, and take a step back from our exercise routines. While this feels good in the moment, after the vacation’s over, we’re left feeling bloated, sluggish, and out of shape. 


Retreats are designed differently—they’re often characterized by healthy food and mental and physical stimulation. Going on a retreat helps you avoid the “vacation hangover” which so often counteracts the benefits of taking a vacation in the first place.


Next time you’re booking a hotel for yet another beach vacation, consider trying out a retreat instead. You’ll be surprised how worthwhile it can be to invest in your wellbeing


What To Do Today To Feel Closer to Your Partner

Whether you’ve been with your partner for only a few months or you’ve been together for a decade or more, every relationship can benefit from intentionality. If you’re looking for ways to improve your relationship, try implementing these 4 practices to increase intimacy and make you feel closer to your partner.

Quit Comparing

No, we don’t just mean to other couples (but yes, that too!). Quit comparing how you “used to” feel to how you currently do about your partner. There’s no feeling quite like the infatuation of a new relationship. But if you confuse infatuation with love, you’re going to doubt your relationship when your feelings change over time.

 

It’s normal to have your emotions change as your relationship ages. When you’re in a long-term relationship, you develop a love deeper than infatuation. The emotions may be more complex (like how you can be incredibly mad at your partner but still feel deep love for them), but they’re more real and honest, too. 

 

Don’t spend your relationship trying to go back to where you’ve been. Instead, try and accept the ways your relationship has changed and grown.

Speak Up

Oh, and while you’re at it? Another habit you need to kick—quit comparing how your partner shows love to how you show it. If you focus too much on what you wish they did, you’re going to miss out on all the unique ways they do express their feelings for you.

 

Each one of us is uniquely hardwired in how we give and receive love (check out the 5 love languages if you’ve never heard of it). But your partner is not a mind reader, so if they’re missing the mark, tell them.

Show an Interest in What Interests Them

When your partner brings up a topic that you don’t necessarily have an interest in—a hobby, a crisis at work, or an observation about their day, for example—do you respond with interest, or do you ignore them? Research shows that your answer might predict whether you will stay together! 

 

Responding to your partner’s requests for interaction builds emotional intimacy. No, we’re not suggesting that every time they want to go golfing, you join them. But showing genuine interest in the things they try and share with you develops closeness over time.

Schedule Regular “Dates”

Maybe you see your partner every day. But how often are your hours together spent in activities like watching TV or working? Most of the time, you’re physically together but emotionally distant. That’s why it’s important to make space for emotional connection.

 

Think outside of the box here. Not everyone has the time (or money) to go out to an expensive restaurant every week. Maybe you and your partner don’t even live in the same city! Dates can be simple, like walking the dog together or catching up while eating a homemade meal. The key is to intentionally set aside time to spend together.

 

Closeness with your partner doesn’t just happen, but creating it doesn’t have to be a ton of work, either. With a few simple practices, you can improve your relationship and develop a deeper sense of connection with the one you love.

Common Running Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to stay in shape, form matters when it comes to running. Bad form can lead to injuries, discomfort, and just plain old burnout. 


Learning the proper way to breathe, train, and rest during any exercise routine is vital to optimizing your workout and gaining endurance without injuring yourself. There are several common running mistakes that can prevent you from reaching your full potential.

Wearing Out Your Shoes

Experts recommend replacing running shoes about every 350 miles. If you’re running several times a week, that mileage adds up fast!


Many people wear out their shoes until they break, but running on old shoes can put unnecessary strain on your feet and can cause an injury. To keep your shoes in peak condition, avoid wearing them except when running.

Neglecting Rest Days

If you want to get in shape fast, you might think running every day is a good idea. Pro tip: It’s not! Daily exercise is beneficial for your heart and your mental health, but try switching up the type of exercise you do to give your muscles a break.


Your body requires rest days to repair and rejuvenate hardworking muscles. Pushing the same muscle groups every day will increase your risk of injury. While it might feel like a setback to take a day off, you’ll probably be more energized to run farther the next day!

Increasing Mileage Too Fast

Most people want to maximize their exercise by running as far as they can each day (guilty as charged!). But pushing yourself too far, too fast can lead to injuries and burnout. 


Let’s face it—it doesn’t feel great to push yourself to the limit every day. Let yourself enjoy a short, comfortable run every once in a while. You’ll be more motivated to keep up your exercise routine when you remember that working out can actually feel, well, good!

Ignoring Aches and Pains

It may seem minor, but achy joints or painful muscles can signify a problem which, if ignored, could lead to a serious injury. Pushing through the pain can cause a minor injury, like a muscle sprain, to develop into something serious, like shin splints. 

Not Hydrating

Bring water when you run (a hydration belt or backpack can come in handy!) and hydrate throughout your exercise. Even if you don’t feel like you’re sweating very much, you lose a lot of water when you breathe heavily. 


Staying hydrated throughout the day can help you to avoid dehydration while running. Just make sure you don’t drink too much right before your run, or you might have to stop to use the restroom!

Taking Strides that are Too Big

It seems like taking longer strides would make running easier, right? Wrong! Many runners make the mistake of taking strides that are too big, causing them to land heavily on their heels throughout their run.


Aim for landing with your feet directly under your body. This will prevent you from developing shin splints and will conserve energy.

Running Too Fast 

Pacing yourself is one of the toughest parts of running. Some runners feel great right out of the gate, so they start off at an unsustainable pace and wear themselves out quickly. Wearing a running watch can help you to establish a comfortable pace that you can stick to throughout your run.


If you’re looking to improve your exercise routine, good for you! Keep it up and stay healthy by avoiding these common running mistakes.

6 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety Every Day

Stress is a side effect of being human, but when it strikes, does it overwhelm you? If so, learning some simple ways to relieve it can help you to manage the pressures of everyday life without becoming incapacitated by them.


While we can’t promise a one-size-fits-all solution to your specific stressors, here are some simple tips to help you put those anxious feelings into perspective.

Tip #1: Exercise Regularly

No, we’re not saying you have to go out and run a marathon (because who really has time for that?), but regular exercise like walking, weightlifting, or yoga can release endorphins which help boost your mood.


While taking a few hits at a punching bag can help relieve stress in a pinch, a habit of regular exercise can prevent you from getting overwhelmed in the first place. Pretty cool, right?

Tip #2: Drink Water, not Coffee

Don’t freak out—some coffee is OK (some might even say essential). But downing cup after cup of caffeinated drinks has been shown to increase feelings of anxiety. If you’re feeling jittery, it might be time to set down your favorite mug and pick up your water bottle instead. 

Tip #3: Make Time for Friends

There’s no doubt that friendships are important. Friends make us laugh, releasing tension and helping to distract us from stressful situations. Additionally, friends act as a sounding board when we get overwhelmed.


It turns out there’s a reason our friends can always make us feel better—studies show that your body releases the hormone oxytocin, a natural stress reliever, when you spend time with loved ones.


It can be easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling anxious, but taking time to invest in your friendships can not only help you feel better during the tough times, it can increase your joy in the good times, too.

Tip #4: Learn to Say No

A lot of daily stress comes from the feeling that there’s so much to do, but too little time. If you regularly feel overwhelmed, take stock of how you spend your time each day. Are there things you could cut out that would free up more time for you to relax? 


Maybe this looks like eating a meal from the freezer every once in a while or stepping back from an extra committee at work. Remember, saying no speaks to your self awareness; it’s not weak, it’s strong. 

Tip #5: Start a Venting Journal 

Be honest…wasn’t there something terribly therapeutic about writing in your diary back in the day? Sometimes you feel overwhelmed without being able to pinpoint why. Or maybe you just don’t have anyone to talk to about something stressful that happened.


Whatever the reason, journaling can help you to examine your feelings and move past them. Write honestly, and whatever you do, never look back on old pages in your journal—doing so may reignite your frustration.

Tip #6: Listen To Your Body 

Too many of us respond to stressful situations by scarfing down a chocolate bar or swinging by the bar to vent with our girlfriends. But binge eating and drinking only provide temporary relief of anxious feelings. In fact, they can even make us feel worse!


Pay attention to activities that bring lasting relief when you’re overwhelmed, like going for a walk or meditating. Give your body what it needs in these situations, and see how they start to affect you less significantly over time.


Stress is inevitable, but with practice, you can learn to manage it. Adopt these healthy habits to help you relieve stress and find greater enjoyment in your daily life.

26 Reasons To Throw a Party

  1. Birthdays

  2. Calendar events

  3. New job or retirement

  4. Wedding anniversaries

  5. To say “Welcome Home”

  6. Wine tasting

  7. Neighbor welcoming

  8. You mastered a new recipe

  9. Summer is finally over and the weather is finally cooling down. Cue the backyard dinner party!

  10. It’s football season, baby! Get out the chips and dip.

  11. You got new pillows at HomeGoods and you need to show them off.

  12. The kids are finally in school again! Time to kick-back and relax with friends.

  13. You’re about to move away and want to say goodbye to all your family and friends with a killer soirée!

  14. You’re engaged!

  15. You’re preggers

  16. You need to clean out your closet

  17. Sport events

  18. It’s Friday. Or Saturday. Or Tuesday. Whatever day it is, you’re craving some actual face time with the people you love most.

  19. Your sibling or friend wants to introduce you to their new significant other.

  20. You just got back from an amazing vacation and want to re-create some of the cuisines you tasted while traveling.

  21. An old friend you haven’t seen in forever is in town.

  22. Your first wine club shipment has arrived, and you want to attempt a few wine pairings, a la Martha Stewart’s pairing tips.

  23. You’ve taken a cocktail-making class and are eager to show off your new skills as a bartender.

  24. Reality show watch party

  25. Gorgeous weather

  26. Mercury is finally NOT in retrograde! Time to celebrate!

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How to Stay Motivated While Working from Home

There are many perks to working from home, like being able to work in your favorite sweatpants or saving time on your commute. But it can be difficult to get as much work done when you don’t have the company of coworkers (or, let’s be honest, a nagging boss) to keep you on track.

 

If you’re struggling to find motivation while working from home, try these 5 tips to make your working hours more productive and enjoyable.

Stick to a Schedule

When you work from home, your home is also your office, so you may have trouble turning work “off” at the end of the day. Setting boundaries with your work can help you to preserve your free time while also making your work hours more productive.


Try making a schedule and sticking with it. Set your alarm and begin working at the same time each day. Take breaks every few hours, but don’t step away from your computer for any longer than you would if you were in the office.


Finally, no matter how much you get done in the day, enforce a strict end time for work. This will motivate you to get the necessary tasks done during your working hours and prevent work responsibilities from bleeding into the evening hours.

Create a Home Office

It’s tempting to work from your bed all day, but you’ll be more productive if you’re sitting upright (or even better, standing!) at a desk or table. A home office can provide the sensation of being on the job from the comfort of your own home.


Even if you don’t have the space for a dedicated home office, try working in the same location every day. Experts suggest sitting near a window in a supportive chair in an area of your home free of distractions.

Get Dressed

While there’s no definitive evidence that wearing professional clothes makes you more productive, people feel more attentive and motivated when they wear different clothes to work than they do in their free time.


You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but maybe wait to put the leggings on until after work.

Hide Your Phone

Chances are, you don’t really need your phone during the work day. These days, even texts and calls can be routed through your computer. If you find your phone is distracting you throughout the day, put it away and only take it out during breaks.


Even if you’re only taking a few minutes every hour to check social media or your personal email, it takes a lot of time (more than 20 minutes!) to return to a productive workflow. It’s better to avoid these distractions or save them for your dedicated break time.

Time Yourself

Even if you’re not very competitive, timing yourself can be an incredibly motivating way to cross off tasks on your to-do list—especially tasks you would rather avoid.


Next time you’re feeling unmotivated, try giving yourself a time limit to finish that project you’re dreading. Once you’re done, reward yourself with a break or a treat. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have pushing yourself!

With a few simple changes, you can easily increase your motivation while working from home. Over time, you might even find you’re more productive at home than you would be in the office!

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Why You Should Travel Alone Sometimes

Many people are afraid to travel alone. Traveling in a group feels more secure—you know if you get lost or your credit card stops working that you’ll have someone around to support you. 

 

But solo travel can be great for your self confidence, and it can help you enjoy your trip more too! Check out these amazing benefits to traveling alone.

You Meet New People

There’s nothing like sitting alone at a restaurant to motivate you to say hello to a stranger. And from there, who knows where the relationship might lead? A thought-provoking conversation for the night, a day trip to a nearby town, or a lifelong friendship could develop from a simple hello.

 

If you’re traveling with friends, you’re probably not going to naturally connect with people you come across on your trip. But when you’re alone, it’s easier to overcome your discomfort and make new friends.

You Get To Decide What You Do Each Day

When you travel with a group, your itinerary is decided by the group. That means you might spend an entire afternoon at an art museum you’re not really interested in, or you might pay for a high-end dinner when you would rather eat pizza on the beach.


When you travel solo, you only have to do the things you want to do. Imagine that! You might also save money, since you’ll get to prioritize the activities that mean the most to you.

You Gain Self Confidence

Traveling alone is definitely intimidating. You can get so caught up in the “what ifs”—What if I get lost? What if I lose my wallet? What if I miss my flight?—that you end up missing out on the trip of a lifetime.


Taking a trip alone increases your self confidence. Sure, the first hiccup is stressful. But once you overcome that first overwhelming obstacle, like renting a car in a foreign country, you’ll know you can do it. You’ll realize your own strength and resilience, and you’ll be more confident the next time something unexpected happens.

You Travel More

Once you’re not afraid to travel alone, every weekend becomes an opportunity to see somewhere new. No more coordinating schedules with a group, which can make it difficult to take a vacation. Instead, as long as you have the time (and the will!), you can travel as often as you’d like.

Two Tips for Traveling Alone

Tip #1: Choose a safe destination. If you’re traveling alone, make sure you travel somewhere you’ll feel safe. Fear and discomfort will make you less likely to enjoy your trip. 


Tip #2: Don’t let your phone become your travel partner. It can be easy for solo travelers to rely on their phones for conversation, entertainment, and security. Don’t fill lonely moments by browsing social media or texting friends. Try to be present throughout your travels even though, at times, solitude may be uncomfortable.

We hope this inspires you to travel alone with confidence. Now get out and enjoy your dream vacation!