Many women are asking this question and it needs to be addressed. Are you tired when you wake up and tired when you go to sleep? Do you sleep more than usual or maybe the opposite- find it hard to sleep more than a few hours? Are you easily tired? Have you felt low energy or drained recently? Do you wish you had more energy throughout the day? If you have thought or felt any of these feelings, you are not alone. Let's talk about the most common energy drainers that women deal with.
The 5 Most Common Energy Drainers

1. Not getting enough sleep- research has shown that most women should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep at night for optimal health but a Harvard review showed that more than 60% of women do not meet the goal. If you fall in this category, start today to turn that cycle around. No need to dwell on the past. Can you go to sleep earlier? Put away your technology and devices ahead of falling asleep? Think about how much more rested and peaceful you will be when you get more sleep.
2. A medical condition- this is a big category and one that you may not be able to control. Unfortunately, medical issues like diabetes, thyroid conditions, menopause, and a host of other conditions can rob you of a good night's sleep. The important thing to do is manage your medical condition to the best of your ability. Follow your doctor's recommendations and get a second opinion when needed.
3. Mood swings or depression- can have an unknown negative effect on your overall health and especially your energy levels. Dealing with depression and/or anxiety takes time and energy that is usually lacking. Recognizing that you have an issue in this area and making a commitment to deal with it is the first step to getting your energy back. Speak to your therapist, doctor, or coach about what is going on and how to manage your emotions.
4. Dealing with a major life challenge- setbacks, losses, unexpected family events, and other life challenges can drain your energy and leave you feeling tired all the time. Remember, you are not alone, and if other people have gone through similar trials and survived, you can too. Surviving major life challenges is a process, so manage your expectations and deal with it one day at a time.
5. Spiritual attack- at times there are forces working outside of what you can see and you may not be able to describe it other than, "everything seems to be draining my energy". Hold on to your faith, pray, meditate, and ask God to help you through this spiritual life attack. 

You may be feeling tired and drained for any number of reasons- whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Evaluate your situation, make a plan to move forward, and take it one day at a time. The best is yet to come!​

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Let's talk about it! May is Mental Health Awareness Month and now is a great time for each of us to pause and think about how we are taking care of ourselves and if we are struggling with some form of mental instability.
You do not have to be seeing a doctor or therapist to have a mental health issue. You can be a mother, a teacher, a shift worker, or a CEO. Dealing with issues of mental health is not based on where you live or what you drive.
Signs of Mental Illness

• Feelings of loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and/or depression
• Decreasing interest in normal activities
• Sleeping much more (or much less) than usual
• Change in eating habits (more or less)
• Not dealing well with stress
• Anger management issues
• Suicidal thoughts

Take time to evaluate your mood, your habits, and your outlook on life. If they are not pleasant, consistent, and positive, it may be time to speak to someone about your mental stability. Even if you are going through a challenging situation or just recently came out of one, you are at risk of having mental instability. 
The problem with mental instability is that is robs you of the joys of everyday life and it keeps you confused and negative about your future. That makes it easier for you to make wrong decisions and stay stuck in a rut.
Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help
What do you need to have more mental stability? If you are concerned about any mental issues and want to talk about gaining control over your mental health, please speak to a counselor, your doctor, or schedule a virtual call with us today!

August is National Wellness Month
What a great time to elevate your wellness life! Make a commitment to changing those habits that are not serving you well and start transforming your life for the better. Who doesn't want to feel alive and live their best life?
There are so many things that cause women to spiral down and lose their zeal and passion for life. Some are outside of your control. And some are-- well, self-inflicted. Whatever the case may be for you, if you are not feeling good about yourself, or where you are in life, dealing with health challenges, or struggling spiritually, it's time to elevate your wellness life!
Here are my Top 3 Ways to Elevate Your Wellness Life:

1. Embrace a Wellness Mindset

Women are becoming more in tune with the need to take care of themselves. From exercising to eating a healthy diet, and even getting more sleep. However, women are still experiencing stress and burnout at high rates. What is going on? Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things. If you are stretched thin and feeling overwhelmed, don't overreact and make hasty decisions. Force yourself to slow down and take time to focus on what's urgent but don't neglect yourself. Prepare your healthy snack if you have to eat on-the-go. Plan to wake up early so that you can go to sleep at a reasonable time and be more well rested in the morning. Practice having a more stable mood by listening more and interrupting less, ask questions before accusing, and not getting upset so easily. Let negativity roll off your shoulder.
      2.  Give Yourself Permission to Disconnect
This is one that is becoming more and more difficult to do as women are tied to technology for business and personal reasons. However, you must strive to maintain a balance. If you have to be on your cellphone all day at work, you may need to limit time spent on it in the evenings when you are at home or not working. Same is true with your laptop or computer. This will give you a specific set of boundaries. And it affirms to yourself that your time unplugged is important.
      3.  Practice Wellness at Work
We are all getting used to a "new normal" after a global pandemic and living with Covid-19. Whether you spend 8+ hours working outside the home or inside the home, you should incorporate wellness practices during your day. No more waiting for a specific time that you set aside that never comes. Instead, get creative! Take a walk outside when you need a break. Decorate your space with essential oils or special candles to promote a calm environment. Find 10 minutes during the day to go to a quiet space and meditate. Try these recommendations or create your own. Whatever you decide, don't put off taking care of yourself. You are worth it!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
How to Prioritize Your Mental Health
Step 1.  Recognize when you are on overload. 
It's okay if you need a break. Take time to step away and have some personal "me" time. We all need to do this at some point in our lives and maybe we should do it more often. If you are starting to get more anxious, have trouble sleeping, have a change in diet habits, short-tempered, or suffering from physical distress-- now may be the time to listen to your body. Do something that puts you back in the right state of mind- balanced and healthy. Usually that's some form of exercise. You will be surprised how much better you feel after moving your body.
Step 2. Be willing to ask for help.
There is no shame in asking for help! Everyone feels overwhelmed or underequipped at some point in their lives. And you are no different. Are you in over your head on your job or have you bit off more than you can chew in your organization? Guess what? You are not alone. The good news is, there is usually someone available to mentor, guide, or help you when you need it. The catch is-- you must be willing to take the extra step and ask for help when you need it most. Make a decision that you will seek help and then look around you and see who is in the best position to help you now. Don't know anyone yourself? Ask a friend or someone you trust if they know of someone. Don't give up.
Step 3. Let Go of Guilt
Stop apologizing and agonizing about what you're not doing well. Instead, take some time to focus and position yourself to get back to optimal mental health. Spend time doing activities that build your mental strength and less time with those that tear you down. You can always be doing something better. Concentrate on the fact that you're doing the best you can at this moment. And figure what's your next best move- and do it. Without being judgmental and critical of yourself. When you stop giving in to the damaging thoughts and feelings you have about yourself, you will be amazed at the progress you're making moving in the right direction.

I'll admit it, having enough energy for yourself to meet all the demands you have going on can be a challenge. Are you feeling more and more tired, sluggish, and rundown? Likely so. Can you remember a time when you woke up feeling energized and refreshed every morning for an entire week or month? Likely not. Recent studies have shown that women are experiencing more stress, feelings of overwhelm, and increased anxiety more so in the last two years. Likely due to the uncertainty of the global pandemic coupled with everyday life issues. And it doesn't seem to be letting up. So, what's the solution?
Here are 3 Truths to Get Your Energy Back:

• Truth #1- You are the secret to your success

The way you operate, the habits you keep, the priority you put on whatever you are doing has alot to do with whether or not you will enjoy success in a certain area of your life.  I can hear motivational speaker Eric Thomas saying, "Where your focus goes, your energy flows." This simply means you have to want to have more energy and vitality and do those things you know to do to get it. Your success is directly tied to what you believe and what you do with what you believe. What are you doing to foster having more energy? Are you just going with the flow of life? In what area of the Six Pillars of Vitality can you make an adjustment to get to where you want to be? Think about the success you can have if you had more energy! More time to spend with your family and doing the things you love to do.

• Truth #2- Life is as hard as you think it is

​Yes, it may seem that life is hard right now. You may not be where you want to be, or doing the things you want to be doing, or seeing the return on your investments that you have freely given in to. But don't fret! It's no over. As long as you're alive, your situation can change. That loss can turn into a win. That denial can turn into a better opportunity. That relationship struggle can turn into a better friendship down the line. You don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. All you have is today. So, make the most of it! Don't think about how hard it is to get up, work a full day, and take care of your family, and have enough energy at the end of the day to do something for yourself- think about that you get to do all those things. It's a small but mighty mindset shift.

• Truth #3- An energetic life starts with good health- physically, mentally, and spiritually

It's no secret that in order to live a life of longevity, you cannot neglect yourself. Revered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr even said that "longevity has its place". Now is the time to get started working on yourself and your wellness goals so that you can have more energy and be healthier, function better under stress, and know what it truly means to guard your heart and mind and experience spiritual peace.
Summary
No matter where you are in life or how far behind you feel you are, it's never too late to make a change and move forward in the right direction. I can relate to this in my own life right now. Whether starting a new job (or losing an old one), a new class, or a new venture, you may be feeling the pressure to perform or the pains of loss. Either way, it's a difficult place to be in. Difficult yes, but not impossible. I believe nothing is impossible with God on your side and a will to thrive.
Make a decision to work on yourself-- work on your attitude, your health, work on your shortcomings- those little things that may be holding you back from giving your all and becoming the woman you were destined to be.
In short, Don't Be Afraid to Be Great!

Interested in learning more about how to get healthier and have more energy? Read more here.

Normally when we start a new year, it is filled with excitement, anticipation, and high energy. But this year seems different. Is it just me? Could it be because we are still living through this Covid-19 pandemic? Could it be the level of uncertainty we are facing in our daily lives? Or is it because we have allowed various circumstances to weaken us? With so much going on, it makes us wish we could change it. But here's the truth---> Whenever you want something to change in your life, you must first change yourself. 
How do you do that? Start with answering these questions:

• What do you really want to change this year?
  
• What do you see for yourself this year?
  
• How can you improve your well-being?
  
• What is your biggest challenge in your life right now? 
• What habits do you need to start? Or stop?

Since it's the beginning of a new year, this is the perfect time to re-evaluate, renew, and redefine your vision and set new goals. Start with areas that you can control and get small wins. That will boost your momentum and strengthen you where you are weak. Listen to positive messages, scroll past negative images and comments on social media, and of course, develop a plan to work on while you are becoming who you want to be. Get up and get going on your wellness goals. Remember, it's your time!

What do you do when the dreams you are hoping for take longer than you anticipated? What is your attitude like when you have to wait patiently for something you want when it seems like those all around are getting everything they want and MORE? How do you handle it when things around you are spiraling out of your control? These are questions that every woman must ask herself  and come to terms with in order to stay the course and not get distracted by the delay. 
Delay is not denial. Do you realize that you forfeit your dream when you give up too soon? The problem is- who really wants to wait an unknown amount of time for something they truly want? No one right?! We get anxious when we have to wait in line at the grocery store more than 5 minutes. Of course waiting months or years is a challenge! And why is it that the dream we want to happen the most seems to take the longest? And other less important wishes just happen right away! I don't know why that happens. 
Here's what I know. I know you must make a decision to believe that the dream you have and are working toward will happen at the right time. You must believe that everything you are going through is preparing you for the dream you envision. And that no one or nothing will be able to stop you from living your dream.
Have you stopped believing in your dreams? If so, pick it back up. It's not too late. If you need help creating your life vision, send a message and let's discuss how you can go from no vision to full vision with a purpose!

Let's be real. If you are looking for real change in your life, there are some things that you are going to have to do differently. Why? Because what you are doing today will have a direct effect on how you live tomorrow. So it's time to decide what you want. Do you want to continue to be mediocre? Or do you want to be exceptional? What area in your life needs an over haul? How are you prioritizing yourself? 
Here's what I want. I want to see you growing and becoming more knowledgeable about your health habits and what it means to live a wellness lifestyle. I want you to experience having more peace and controlling your emotions so your physical health is not impacted. I envision a life where you are controlling what you can control to the best of your ability, and not worrying about things beyond your scope.
You don't have to do it all. As women we tend to put more on ourselves than is necessary. We think the more we have to do, the more we feel productive, successful, and popular. But the truth is, you can do alot and still feel unfulfilled. Feel lonely. Feel unsuccessful. Feel tired. Until you finally break.
Work your way back. That's the real message. It's never too late to re-evaluate your life, your situation, your dreams, and make some hard core adjustments. Don't like your body? You can transform it. Having trouble with every relationship you are in? You can transform it. Want to be at peace spiritually? You can transform it. Whatever it is, you are not doomed to stay like this! So, today, ask yourself, where can you make those adjustments that will help bring you closer to where you want to be?
I see a transformation in your future!

SUPERWOMEN REQUIRE SUPER CARE
Women can do alot. It's true. We can run companies, households, take care of our children and parents if necessary, and never miss a beat. Until one day.....
You find yourself tired and losing stamina before the end of the day or you're having frequent headaches that over-the-counter medication is not touching anymore or perhaps you keep having these vague minor issues with your body- pink eye one day and a sinus infection the next.
These are all signs your body is telling you to SLOW DOWN and pay attention to your wellbeing. Before you call your doctor and request another prescription, take a minute and ask if you have been taking care of yourself and meeting your needs properly.
Superwomen need self-care too! Remember, self-care is self-love and you deserve it!

I recently gave a talk to a dynamic group of women who are all at the top of their game in every area of their life. I loved discussing how to take your wellness life to the next level with a self-care plan designed to give each woman better health and balance. 
But I know this wasn't the fist time they had heard this message. Why? Because we hear it more and more now how important it is to take care of ourselves. It's on ads, commercials, on social media, on TV, and in the waiting room at our doctor's office. So why are more and more women unhealthy and unhappy? I believe it's because we don't spend time learning and knowing what we personally need and we don't give ourselves permission to practice self-care regularly. Women get so many discouraging messages on a daily basis, and instead of kicking out negativity and replacing it with healthy images and words, we let the discouragement taint our view of ourselves. The good news is that self-care can combat the negativity that the world and our minds tells us is not for us.
When you take one minute, one hour, or one week and do something that makes you healthier- mentally, physically, or spiritually, you are replacing those negative images and feelings in your subconscious with what is true, right, lovely, and admirable. And that is a recipe for longevity!

Today is the last day that you worry about things you can't control. Today is the last day that you doubt yourself or where you are in life. Today is the last day you let fear stop you from doing what is necessary to realize your true potential.

You are right where you are supposed to be. If you don't feel comfortable, just keep pushing forward and eventually the unfamiliar will become familiar. It takes time to achieve what you have dreamed about. Big dreams and goals take time. Prepare your mind and continue to work your plan and know that in due time you will reap a harvest if you don't quit too soon.
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Get ready for your moment! I can't wait to see what your future holds!