How to Keep Your Kids from Blowing Your Budget this Holiday Season

Teaching Your Kids Money Management this Holiday Season

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is almost upon us! If you’ve ever taken your kids shopping with you, then you know that trying to get them to understand the importance of careful spending is almost impossible. The holidays can be especially difficult with all those tempting items on full display. Even a disciplined adult can find those Black Friday deals hard to resist. So, what do you do to keep your kids from blowing the budget this holiday season?

Allowance

Start with an allowance. Your kids need to know what it means to receive and manage money. An allowance is a great place to begin teaching them about financial responsibility.

Setting and keeping financial goals

Your children are more likely to stick to the budget if they have something to work toward. You can help your kids set financial goals. Maybe, they are working toward that hot, new electronic game or some other piece of tech gear. Maybe, they simply want to buy toys. No matter what their goals are, you should sit down with them and help them to figure out how much money it will take for them to accomplish this goal.

Distinguishing Between Wants and Needs

Our kids can have a hard time discerning wants from needs especially during the holidays.  I use the following technique to get my son to identify the difference: When he asks me about making a purchase, I ask him these questions, “Is this an absolute necessity? Will this fit into your budget? Will this help or hurt your efforts to reach your financial goal?”  Then, I make him wait at least 24 hours before making the purchase. This gives him time to actually think about the purchase and decide if it is the right one for his budget.

Visual Reminders

 “Out of sight, out of mind.” It is easy to forget what your financial goals are when confronted with things that offer instant

gratification. It can be hard to resist those designer clothes or latest electronic gadget. I know it is for me. And, chances are pretty good that your kids find it even harder. So, what is the solution? Keep visual reminders.

You and your kids can keep a mini copy of your budget with you while you shop. There are a variety of apps available for you to choose from to help keep your goals visual.

Help them Create a Realistic Budget

Help your children create a budget. There are some great budgeting apps out there to help your kids get on track with learning how to manage their money. Some apps to consider are:

FamZoo

Rooster Money

Bankaroo

Piggy Bank

BusyKid

GoHenry

GreenLight

Be sure to check out this video by Brittany Flammer for more information on these apps and to see if they are a good fit for you and your kids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSLmPosyAeg

My son is sixteen, and I want to teach him about money without putting my money with his. I also want to teach him some simple investing skills so, BusyKid is the app I’m most likely to get.

However, I still like to use pencil and paper first. You can decide for yourself which way you like the best.

You can begin by having your children write down all of the money that they have coming in. This should include their allowance, gift money, or many from any odd jobs. Next, have your children list any expense that you plan on having deducted from that money. This should definitely include the things that they want to buy during the holiday season. Then, do the math together. This will help give them a realistic idea of how much money they have, how much the desire item costs, and if they can afford it. By helping your children create budgets, you are helping them learn how to control impulse spending.

Coupons & Codes

Another way you can help your child to stick to the budget is to help them look for valuable coupon codes or discounts on the things they want to purchase. Some stores have rewards programs that reward its members with discounts. These discounts can prove invaluable especially during the holidays. Also, there are apps like Fetch and Ibotta that give points to its users that can be redeemed later.

I have both apps. However, my favorite is Fetch. It’s a little easier for me to understand than Ibotta. However, again, this goes to preference. You can usually upload the same receipts on both apps. The most important thing is that you download the apps and get started saving. If you want to use my coupon code to get bonus points, be sure to use the code listed below.

Lead by Example

You are your children’s first teacher. Be sure to teach them the correct way to manage their money. Lead by example. Let them join in while you prepare the family budget. As you or you and your spouse are creating the family budget, explain to your kids what you are doing. Explain why you have to put a certain amount of money back a week back for emergencies or saving. 

Let them see you downloading coupons and coupon codes. Allow them to watch you use your discount codes and cards. Allow them to pay for items using your codes.

Make Your Child Financially Responsible

Give your children some financial responsibility this holiday. Make them responsible for purchasing some of the Christmas gifts themselves. Make them purchase that coveted item with their own money. Show them what paying bills entitle.

Savings Accounts & Investing

Now, is also a good time to open a saving or checking account. Instead of letting them blow that Christmas money from Grandpa, have them open a Saving Account. If possible, have them use some of the money their money for investing in stock. This doesn’t have to be a large amount. They can get started investing with as little as $10 or $20. This will teach them financial accountability.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zdgZipBxxhE

As the holidays approach, it is so easy to get caught up in sales and other gimmicks. Budgeting is difficult for adults, and your kids are definitely no exception. Most children have little to no impulse control. However, you CAN prevent your child from blowing the budget. Teach them valuable money management skills this holiday season.

You can also check out my book on saving money:

https://www.amazon.com/Less-Everything-Even-Some-Things-ebook/dp/B00X6KV866/ref=sr_1_12?crid=1DZUH3FNXQ7UK&keywords=lawanda+shields&qid=1668288580&sprefix=lawanda+shields%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-12

 

How Moms can Save Money on Groceries in 2022

 

Ways for Parents to Save Money on Groceries

With the rising cost of food, most of us are all feeling the burn. The grocery store is no exception. In fact, it is one of the main places that our wallet is feeling the burn. Digital coupons can help, but with inflation pushing prices up, it’s going to take a money-saving strategy. Here are a few suggestions on ways to keep your grocery bill from getting too far out of hand.

Having a plan

Before you head off into the store, have a strategic plan.  Look through your sales circulars and make a list of the items to be purchase.  Check your pantry and see what items you need.  Making a menu for the coming week will also help you know what you will need to purchase. Have a detailed list ready and a budget set before you hit the store.  This will save you both time and money.

Sale circulars

First things first. Always check the sale circulars before heading off to the grocery store. The sales papers contain the list of items that are on sale. Be sure to get the circulars for more than one store and compare the prices. The same items may be at a lower price at a different store. Thanks to technology you don’t even have to get the actual paper. Most stores like Walmart and Walgreens have website where you can easily check the price of different items and compare them.

Consider Grocery Pickup

Whether you like grocery pickup or not, it is a way to help control your spending on food. My ordering online you can easily monitor what is in your cart and how much your groceries are going to cost before you check out. This will help to ensure that you stick within your budget. When you go into a regular store, you can easily get distracted. You may find yourself at the check out counter with items, you didn’t mean to purchase. As a result, you may go beyond your budget.

Pet Food

We all love our pets, and it can be easy to forget about averaging in the pet’s food with the grocery bill. Pet food can get to be extremely expensive, and it can help wreck your grocery budget. I’ll be one of the first to admit that it’s easy to overlook to forget about pet food. Figure out how much food your pet are consuming and add this to your grocery bill.

Price checking

Items like milk, eggs, and sugar are grocery staples. The price on these items should be check for at least two to three weeks in the stores in which you shop the most often. Stores will often list items in a sale circular that are actually regular price. By doing a price check for several weeks on these items, you can identify if they are really on sale.

Budget for inflation.

Since prices have gone up, you will have to increase your allowance for food, or you will have to cut back on the groceries that you buy. Inflation is over 8% at the present. So, that means you should allow yourself an additional $8 to $10 per month. That may not seem like a lot, but it can add up in the long run.

Buying in bulk

When a nonperishable items that your family uses regularly go on sale, buy them in bulk from your regular stores. Various stores will often has staple items on sale each week. When these sales hit, you should purchase at least 3 of the items in order to stock up. If possible, purchase enough to last for several months. Believe it or not you can actually freeze cheese, whipped cream, and other products. Cheese should be shredded before freezing because the texture can change.

If you really want to be smart, invest in a food vacuum. This will allow to vacuum seal bulk purchases. Fruit unfortunately is perishable. So, unless you plan on canning these items or create smoothies, only purchase them as you plan to use them. Some people argue the case for freezing fruit. I am not one of those people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfncbdITnec 

Check Various Stores

Shopping at more than one store has its advantages.  Different stores can have different staple items on sale. By shopping at more than one store, you can get several items at a low price. Also, this helps you to identify who has the best deal on a product.

Be Mindful of the Meat

For most of us, meat is the main part of our meals. Unfortunately, meat is the most expensive item on our grocery lists. You can help keep your grocery bill low by rethinking the way you look at meat. Instead of making meat your main item for meals, consider it a side dish. Decrease the portion size you put on your plates and bulk up on vegetables and other side dishes. Another option is to go meatless one meal per week.

Monitor Your Receipts

Be sure to check your store receipts.  Some receipts have coupons that print out on them or promotional offers. Store receipts may also have surveys on them, and they offer free items as rewards for answering the survey.  Checking receipts will also ensure that you are getting an item for the correct price.  Mistakes do happen at the checkout.

Stop Impulse Shopping

Don’t be drawn in by those mini-items at the check-out line. They have been strategically placed there to get your attention while you are waiting in line to check out. Stick to your shopping list.

Only buy what you need. Don’t buy an item just because it is on sell. If it isn’t on your shopping list for the week, leave it in the store.

https://funcheaporfree.com/7-reasons-why-i-dont-believe-in-couponing/

Grocery prices are at an all-time high. Inflation is forcing many of us to become more mindful of our shopping habits. So, before you head off to the grocery store be sure that you have a strategic plan in place and a set budget for your trip. Happy shopping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp2YD4mEEac

 

Stay Connected with Your Children Through Chores

 

Use Chores to Stay Connected with Your Kid

Staying connected to our children is important. One of the ways that we can do that is by doing chores with them. Trust me. I am aware that you gave you gave your kids chores to teach them responsibility, and you might want them to complete them on their own. However, doing chores with your kids is a time for you guys to bond and to connect. 

Let me explain. It really isn’t about the chores. It’s more about spending time with your children and building bonds. Encourage your child to talk to you while you're doing your chores. So, it doesn’t matter if you are doing the dishes or cleaning the bathroom together. What matters most is that you are communicating.

The Purpose of Chores

What’s the big deal about chores anyway? Well, chores have a lot of merit. Chores teach your children real world skills. These are skills that they will need and use for the rest of their lives. Those skills include responsibility, work ethics, self-reliance, and time management. 

By holding them accountable for their chores, you are teaching your kids to take ownership for their actions. This in turn will help to teach them responsibility and help them to develop a good work ethic for later in life.

Tasks such a doing the laundry, budgeting, and washing dishes are life skills. By learning how to complete these tasks, your children will learn how to be self-reliant.

Time management can be taught through chores. When you children have to learn how to complete homework and still get their chores done, they learn how to management their time more effectively.

When I was in high school, I played basketball and that often meant having to complete homework and still being able to compete in sports. I can remember one of my teammates working on homework while we drove to the upcoming game. Plus, she was still responsible for chores when she got home. She was a phenomenal athlete and a great student. Her parents had adequately taught her how to manage her time.

By doing chores with your children, you can help them to become better at time management. And, you are also teaching them other skills that they will need later.

Open the Lines of Communication

If this is something new and you want to reconnect with your kids, start slow. Begin by asking them a few simple questions.

Ø  Ask them how their day was.

Ø  Ask them if they have any concerns or other issues.

Ø  Ask them about school.

Ø  Ask them about their friends.

It really doesn’t matter what you ask them about. The goal is to get them to talk to you. As you continue this routine, your kids and you will become more comfortable sharing chores and talking.

Actively Listen

Be sure to listen actively. What it mean to listen actively? Active listening means to make a conscious effort to hear and to understand what another person is saying. Active listening is  less “me focused” and more “you focused”.

During active listening, you wait until the person speaking finishes before you speak. There are two benefits to this. One, it gives the person speaking a sense of relevance and completion. Two, it allows you to actually hear the whole conversation. As parents, we can easily get wrapped up in what we want to tell them instead of listening to what they have to say.

Focus on What They Are Saying

Chores are about being responsible. So, if we want our kids to become more responsible, we should become more responsible ourselves. And, a part of being responsible is being open to listening to our own children.

Life can be hectic. There are so many things that can take our focus away from the person talking to us. However, we need to make sure that we are listening to our kids. Many times, children only wants someone to listen to what they have to say. That someone should be you.

Be Understanding

While your children are talking, be understanding. You may not agree with everything they say but remember this isn’t the time to start an argument. Don’t be too judgmental. Respect your children’s feelings, beliefs, and opinions. Give them the same respect that you want them to give you.

Talk to your children in a positive tone. This does not mean that you can’t express disapproval. You can. However, check your tone before doing so. If you are upset and yelling, your kids may feel threatened, and either shut down completely or emulate your behavior and start yelling. This is not what you want to do. The whole point of doing the chores with your kids is to build relationships. When you are calm and attentive…without judgment…your children are more likely to listen to what you have to say.

Don’t Nag

While you and the children are working on the chores, be sure that you don’t nag. Don’t turn chore time into a time for lecture. None of this is giving in to your children.

One of my favorite books to reference is Steve Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In this book, it explains how to truly listen to other people. You can use it to help you get a better understanding of how to talk to your children.

Teach Manners

This is also a great opportunity for you to demonstrate manners to your children. Show them what it means to be polite. When they finish their assigned chore, say “Thank You”. Be sure to encourage them by saying, “Wow, you did a great job today”. Give him or her a pat on the back or even a fist bump. If they're still little kids,  you might even want to give them a hug or a kiss. This is modeling respect.

Show Love and Compassion

The whole point of doing chores with your children is to build bonds and to connect. This is one of the best opportunities to let your kids know that you love them. You can do this by outright telling them that you love them. If you are dealing with teens or tweens, you may be faced with a lot of grunts and complaints. Ignore all grunts of the complaints. Nothing could be ickier to tweens or teenagers than to have your parent telling you that they love you.

Stay connected with your kids by doing chores with them. Encourage your kids to talk. Listen while they are talking. Don’t judge. Don’t nag. Instead, strengthen or build bonds.

Article to Read:

7 Reasons Why Kids Should Have Chores

https://www.momentumlife.co.nz/stories/why-kids-should-have-chores

Book to Read: 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1451639619/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2KEV9SO1AWCPE&keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&qid=1658363642&sprefix=7+habits%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-4

Summer Break Staycation Ideas for Kemper County, Mississippi

 

Things to Do In Kemper County, Mississippi

Summer is finally here, and the hot Mississippi weather can make you want to stay inside . The long awaited break from school can mean a quick getaway or some much needed time at home. If you are on Summer Break…or even if you’re not…but you are not ready for a major vacation yet, there are some fun and inexpensive things that you and your kids can do right here in Kemper County, Mississippi.

 

Where in the World is Kemper County…

Kemper County is located in the United States of America in the South. It is on the central eastern border. It is on the Alabama state line. It has two cities, DeKalb and Scooba.  

 https://www.kempercounty.com/

So, what can you possibly do in this little, cozy, southern county? Here are a few ideas for your quiet town staycation.

 

Tea/Garden Party

Grab some sweet tea, a plate of “tea cakes”, and head out for a southern style garden party. Kemper County is mainly a rural area, so we don’t have a shortage of vegetable nor flower gardens.

 

Your garden party can be hosted by your actual garden, or you can consider some alternatives. One alternative is to host your garden party near your flower garden instead of near your vegetable garden. Let’s not forget that the back yard.

 

Make some finger foods like mini-sandwiches, cookies, “tea cakes”, and chips to serve to any guests that you might invite. Don’t forget the sweet tea or tall glass of homemade lemonade. Then, all that’s left to do is round-up some guests.

 

What is a “tea cake”?

Tea cakes are a southern tradition that originated in England. These tiny, buttery delights were once served with tea. However, here in the South, they are served as a special treat. Most “tea cake” recipes have been tenderly guarded and handed down for generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpQhrskRHm0

Nature Walk

Nature can be found in abundance here in Kemper County. The summer weather can get a little hot, but if you pick the right day and time a nature walk is a great way to spend a summer staycation.

 

Be sure to prepare before heading out. Grab your bottled water, some bug spray, a good communication device, a map (if needed) and head off on a nature walking adventure. Always be sure to check the weather and the area. You don’t want to get caught in  by a “pop up” shower. You also want to avoid snakes and any other creatures what could be dangerous.

 

Most importantly, let someone else know where you are go. Double check communication devices before you go. Remember, safety first.

 

Fishing

Fishing can be a relaxing adventure this Summer Break. Whether you want to head to the bank of a creek or you want to head to a larger area, Kemper County can offer you some ideal fishing spots.

 

Kemper Lake is located on 652 acre four miles north of the county seat of DeKalb. It can provide a picturesque spot for fishing, relaxing, or taking pictures with its calming blue waters.

Sewing

Sewing is a southern tradition. And, no, it hasn’t died out over the years. Purchasing cheaper imported goods may have been the norm, but the pandemic helped to bring sewing back to the forefront. As needs for masks and “shelter-in-place” orders went into effect, people begin to pull out their sewing machines.

 

If sewing is your thing, Kemper is the place to do it. The Village Cloth Shoppe has a wide variety of cloth. It is a sewer’s dream. It cozy, little shop is a family owned and operated store. It is an intrigant part of what makes Kemper County so special. The Village Cloth Shoppe has been open since 1971. It was founded by Ola Mae Botts, and it is currently ran by her daughter, Carolyn Botts Hobgood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8zinFbgPXo

Journaling

Now is a great time to start a Gratitude Journal. While you are relaxing and enjoying some much needed time away from work, you can also spend some time reflecting upon all of the things that you are grateful for. Journaling has been shown to help reduce stress and create a sense of calm in those who do it.

You don’t have to spend a whole lot of money on a large, fancy journal. You can use a table you purchase from one of our local stores.

 

Blogging

Have you thought about starting a blog? Well, now is the time to do just that. Blogging is a wonderful way to share your ideas and feelings with the world. It is similar to journaling. However, blogging is not private. Blogs are posted on the World Wide Web. Best of all, blogging can be done from anywhere that there is internet access.

 

Take this time to find a hosting site that you like and go ahead and create your own WordPress blog. WordPress blogs generally cost from as little as $35.00 per month. It is important to create your own website if you are considering making blogging a career.

 

However, if you don’t have the money to invest at the moment, then consider using Eblogger. (blogspot.com). Eblogger is a free website. It is owned by Google. And, it is perfect for beginners who only want to blog as a hobby.

 

Scrapbooking

Gather those favorite photos of your and start a scrapbook. A summer staycation is a great time to put together those photos that you want to hold on to.

Scrapbooks aren’t just for old memories. You can create one using new photos. You can use your camera or your smartphone to take pictures for your scrapbook. Be sure to capture plenty great pictures of our county.

 

Summer Photography Journal

How do you create a summer photo journal? Simple take some pictures of your favorite summer things like flowers, birds, or other greenery here in Kemper County. Our county courthouse is surrounded by beautiful magnolia trees and boasts a historical walkway. The Veteran’s  Memorial Engraved Walkway is located in the front of the Kemper County Court House. Deer, turkey, birds, and other wildlife photos can be captured to add to a photo journal.

You can either print the pictures or create a digital journal. Jot down a few memorable things about your pictures. Now, you have created a beautiful spring photo journal that you can share.

 

Kemper-Newton Regional Library

The Kemper County library may not be historical site…not yet anyway…but it is an important part of Kemper County. During your summer staycation, make sure you stop by.

The library has a children’s area, a meeting room, and a general room. It also has a ton of books. So, if you are planning on doing some reading this summer, drop in on the library.

If you are plan on staying in Kemper County this Summer Break, you can still find some fun, inexpensive things to do. Happy Summer Break!

 

 Articles to read:

The Best Southern Tea Cake Recipe Ever: 

https://grandbaby-cakes.com/southern-tea-cakes/

Simple Ways for You to Improve Your Mood This Summer

 

18 Things to Help Improve Your Mood This Summer

We all experience “the blues” sometimes. Although “SAD” or Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common in the winter months, people can experience some bouts of depression during the summertime.

You may find yourself feeling out of sorts and needing to adjust your mood. Don’t fall victim to “the blues” this summer. Improve your mood and overall well-being. Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.

Get More Sunlight

Who can beat that great summer sun? Get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine this summer. How can sunlight improve your mood? Exposure to sunlight helps the body release serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone in the body that can help to stable your mood. It has even been shown to help you sleep better.

Depending on the month, summer can get pretty hot especially if you live in the South. However, there is a way for you to get that much needed sunshine and stay cool. Instead of go outside during the hottest time of the day, you should opt to wait for the evening time or head out in the early morning before the temperatures rise.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is vital during the hot, summer months. Our bodies are made up of mainly water. Water helps to keep our joints lubricated. It provides a cushion for the brain, spinal cord, and other body tissues. Staying hydrate will also help you to maintain a stable body temperature, and it will help to keep your blood pressure regulated.

So, before heading out, grab a bottle of water. Plus, consider taking your water with you. Large, plastic water containers can be taken along with you to work, on nature walks, or any other place. A lot of these containers have water levels marked on them. They can help you measure the amount of water you consume.

Go for a Walk

The flowers have bloomed, and the birds are singing. Nature can do wonders for your mood. It’s beauty has a calming effect that can’t be denied. Taking a walk out in nature, going to your local gym, or simply walking around your work space can help to relieve stress and anxiety.  It can also provide you with the opportunity to relax and reflect. Both of which can also help to improve your general well-being. So, go for that walk.

Take a Drive

If you can’t go for a walk, you can always go for a leisurely drive. Plan your drive. Don’t simply up and decide to go for a drive on the freeway in the middle of midday traffic. This drive should be on your day off and during a time when traffic is at a minimum.

If at all possible, try to make this drive out in the country where you can better enjoy the peace and serenity that nature has to offer. Be sure to put on some of your favorite music. This will help to relax you while you are driving.

Get Enough Sleep

Your brain needs sleep in order to allow its neurons to recharge and keep functioning at their best. Going without sleep for 24 hours or longer can result in behavior similar to that of being intoxicated.  Body functions become impaired. Slurred speech, lack of impulse control, poor judgment, and decreased attention are all the results of not getting enough sleep. And, just like a person who is legally drunk, you should not be behind the wheel. Your reflexes are slower.  Your coordination is off. Your vision and your judgment are impaired. All of which can lead to an accident.

Your brain must have deep sleep and not just a quick nod in order for the neurons of the cerebral cortex to recharge and keep functioning at optimal levels. The ability to recall information and retain new memories is impaired when these neuron are not allowed to repair themselves. Getting enough sleep will also help to decrease stress hormones and help you to feel more energized.

Read

Reading a book or even listening to one on tape is a great way to help you settle down and relax. Don’t try to force yourself to read something overly complicated. Pick a book that you will enjoy. Any simple, easy-to-read book will do.

Journal

Put your thoughts down on paper. Journaling is a wonderful way to relax and decompress. Your journal doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Even a simply tablet or notebook can be turned into a place to keep your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

A gratitude journal is going to work the best. Instead of focusing on the negative things going on in your life, you can focus on the things that you are grateful for. This will help to combat negative feelings and any pinup frustrations.

Visualize

Create a relaxing image in your mind. Visualize yourself happy and fulfilled. You might even want to post pictures of things that make you happy around your desk or on your refrigerator so that you can continuously be reminded to stay calm and to be happy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWp13iFjmcU&t=123s

Think Positive

Kick those negative thoughts to the curb. Refuse to think on the negative things. Think on the positive. This can sometimes be easier said than done. However, you can do it. But, you will have to make a conscious effort to focus on the things that are going right instead of the things that are going wrong. The gratitude journal can help you do this. Start each day by thinking about the things that you are thankful for. Think about the things that make you happy or give you joy. Try to see each obstacle or disappointment that you face as a nudge toward your destiny. Know that no matter what happens, it is all working for your good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvmZDYeIu38&t=105s

Vacation

Grab your bags and go on vacation. Your vacation doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary. Any overnight trip away from home can be turned into a vacation.

You may even decide to take a staycation and visit some sites in your local areas. If you can’t take an actual vacation and get away from the house, consider renting a hotel room for the night. You’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel by just leaving home.

Reconnect with Old Friends

Now is a good time to reach out to some old friends. Reconnect. Work on repairing any problems that caused the rift. Prioritize your friendships. Make it a point to spend more time with your friends.

Go to the Movies

Summer and movies go hand in hand. Take a trip to the theater or set up a projector in your own home. Watch a movie that you’ve been dying to see. You can make this a family outing, or you can be a “lone ranger.” And, don’t forget to grab a bag of popcorn!

Hobbies

Make time for your hobbies. Do the things that make you happy. Summer hobbies can include gardening, quilting, collecting seashells, and dancing. It does not matter if this is a new hobby or an old one, just get into the swing of things.  

Take a Course

Learn something new. Consider taking a course over the break. And, this course doesn’t have to be something hard or difficult. This should be relaxing, so pick something that will bring you happiness.

Classes can be taken in person or online. The advantage of an online course is the fact that it can be completed from almost anywhere that has an internet connection.

Decrease Sugar Consumption

Sugar is not only addictive. It can contribute to weight gain. Plus, getting too much of it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even put you at risk for developing mood disorders. Instead of reaching for the sugar, try eating more fresh or dry fruits.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-sugar-and-depression

Stop drinking so many sodas. Studies have shown that consuming just one can soda a day can led to a 20 pound weight gain in one year.

Sodas also contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it can lead to dehydration. Instead of the reaching for that can of soda drink, water or natural fruit juice. They will help to keep you hydrated. Plus, they don’t have the additional sugar that sodas have.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables

Eat healthy. Summer is the perfect time to load up on fruits and vegetables. Most vegetables are high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep things moving through your digestive system. It also helps your body remove those toxics, and it helps to stabilize your weight. So, load up on those fruits and vegetables. You can even dabble in growing your own during this warm weather season.

Set the Mood

Get in a relaxing state of mind. You can use candles, soft music, and aroma therapy to help you relax. House plants and neutral tones can also be used to bring your mind into a calm space. Be sure to remove any noise, clutter, or other distractions.

Create a routine for relaxing. Choose a designated place to relax and a set time for relaxation. This will help to program your body to wind down.

Forgive

If you are holding any grudges or other negative feelings, release them. Unforgiveness can ruin your overall health. You may be holding on to some unresolved resentment and bitterness. Unforgiveness can lead to migraine headaches, upset stomach, anxiety, and indigestion. If you want to feel better, then you will need to forgive.

Forgive the people who have wronged you. Open your heart and mind to new beginnings. Move forward.

Improve the way you feel this summer and throughout the year. Make a few adjustments to your behavior and boost your mood. These adjustments can include change your diet from one filled with sugar and processed foods to a healthier one. Get some sun and some exercise. This will help release those feel-good hormones. Put down the soda and reach for the water instead. This will help to keep you hydrated and flush the toxins from your body. Take up a hobby or resume an old one. Reconnect with old friends. Make relationships a priority and set the mood for relaxation.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Information give is advice from my own personal experience. For any serious medical advice