Hello Kitty in the House: Fashion Forward with SanrioHK tops paired with plaidEspritskirts {camisoles layered underneath by Express}Ā | Still sporting sandals as we transition from the ā¼summer: blacks ā¢ plaids ā¢ solid shades
Which keychain should I hook to this SanrioKeroppi planner zipper? * Dallas Cowboys * Dallas Mavericks * Luke Bryan * Office DepotĀ *Star* Teacher ššššš
Ever since I was in elementary, I enjoyed organizing my plannersš & came across several agendas from grade school, junior high & h.s. while springš cleaning & declutteringš¦ ~ including 1āš½ļø worth saving!
I’ve already set my šsemesterš wardrobeš (by listing dates & outfits in my iPhoneš± šnotes) ~ yet there’s something about penningāļø important ševents.
My 1st academic month filled up quick… Yikes! Please disregard my birthday age ~ my brain must be fried from my dissertation focus that I actually entered 1yr older than my real age. #smh š š”š³š«š
Since I don’t have much time to hand writeš everything (or fund$š° toĀ $pendšø oodles on a planner), I took the libertyšŗšø of typingš² this term’s items (complete with my endearing šemojis) to printš from my phoneš³Ā + personalizingĀ each month with š·photosĀ ~ then I’ll color-coordinate with my gel pens to add anything else!
Thanks to our office stores ~ where I used to go when they held the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast ~ we have discount$Ā & reminders! I’ll be sporting my agenda with my *Independence Day* toteĀ that’s appropriate for allĀ seasonsĀ ~ especially when school‘s in sesh!
To-Do Tip: Treat your schedule like a groceryĀ šlistā on the day/week/month (depending on how far in advance you prefer to plan) of your bookedš priorities & eventsĀ ~ DON’T addāĀ anything else that’ll allot more time unless
It has to do with reaching your šgoalš &/or
Involves someone you šcareš about
Now I’m also ready with next year’s creative šcalendar!
Cherry Blossom earrings bedazzled with Swarovski crystal elements * luckyā£ jade bracelet * collector’s key chain
Sally HansenĀ Miracle Gel Top Coat to amp theĀ *Staying Power* ~ toĀ seal &Ā protect nail color
I’m topping off my mani with this Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen ~ there were 2 top coat options (I went w/101: the 1 that didn’t specify same-brand gel color)
Thanks to my Titas for the birthday gifts: Auntie Yollie for convertible shawl + Auntie Susan for dinner party & manicure! #MaramingSalamatPo #MagandaKaTalaga #ReyesReunion #BirthdayTrip2015 #pasalubong #BackToSchool #BTSmani #BTSreadyšššššš š½šš»š šŗš“
+ ConvertibleĀ ShawlĀ as pasalubongĀ from my other Auntie!
Despite my best efforts to hit the sack early during my sabbatical, I spent the week before my bday/vacay staying up ’til 4am working on my dissertation then awoke at 4am on my flight days.
Time for a new routine … Evie to the rescue with this tip from one of our fave artists:
This last day of May ~ the month of MARY ~ marks my last (rest) day, week and month before the summer when I amp up my A-game to A+ completion for my dissertation. In June ~ very, very soon ~ I’ll …
Wrap up my data collection
Run my statistics
Analyze my results
Almost #NumberCrunchTime!
BreakthroughĀ news:
Due to my strong efforts in increasing my sample size for my doctoral survey this past week alone, I had more participants everyday than I had in previous months since I started my research methods! As of yesterday, I’ve (finally) reached my minimum target amount! Of course, I’ll still keep *shooting* for more…
For the rest of this year, I’ll devoteĀ almost every waking moment outside of my Church, teaching and photography to finish my paper and prepare my dissertation defense to become DOCTOR. As my bud Edwin and I established the other day
I don’t justĀ wantĀ to do it at this point. IĀ have to /Ā need to get her done. It is imperative.
Bearing all of the above in mind, a good night’s sleep is essential. Following are:
Problems that lead to lack of sleep
Guidelines from various sources that may be worth a shot
With a wealth of health info, there’s long-winded content below! #DISPObustAFlow
INSOMNIA ISSUES
As I write this, a Sleep Number commercial just came on, reminding me thatĀ comfort is key to getting those much needed z’s.
In my speech classes, I teach about how listening barriers (i.e., physical and psychological noise) prevent us as audience members from effectively paying attention to presentations ~ a similar analogy applies to sleepers.
Other people/pets at home or noisy neighbors contribute to non-friendly sleeping environments
Stress induces mind alertness that also deprive both the body and spirit from rest.
REM RESOLUTIONS
Rapid EyeĀ Movement sleep is what we want to achieve for deep sleep. In order to achieve a more rested feeling upon waking up and welcoming the day, it may be a matter of adjusting our lifestyles. Here are ways to manage our time from the moment we wake up to when we hit the sack…
(4)First-thing-to-ring-in-the-morning sweat sessions bring blood pressure down to seize the day for better sleep(5)TIU-approved!
I observed that my better nightsā sleep took place after a knockout workout, such as the body pump, body jam and step aerobics classes that I took at my hometown and school gym during graduate school
(4)The juice contains melatonin, a chemical that induces sleepiness
Now that theyāre in season, and my parents recently picked a serious bunch in California (during my momās birthday vacay and paternal grandmotherās anniversary commemoration), so Iām stocked up onĀ pasalubong (gifts)
Caffeine
(4)As long as itās consumed at least a couple of hours after waking (so youāre not too wired at the beginning) and done drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages by 2PM due to the 8-10 hour aftermath energy potential
I learned from experience to cut off my coffee intake before 5PM (because Iāve always had trouble sleeping when Iād keep drinking it past then) ~ now I ought to shut down a couple of hours prior to my usual time
Consume Healthy Fats
(4)Omega-3 fatty acids can connect to substantial sleep
C-iesta
(4)Mid-day nap to increase alertness to wrap up the day; NASA research revealed that military pilotsā power naps increased their levels of alertness
Power naps have given me more of a punch and pow to plow wow through the rest of my day
Carb Load
(4)The amino acid tryptophan helps lead to drowsiness
Yes, please, bring it on! Iāve always advocated carbohydrates, like in pasta, as a runner whenever Iād get ready for race day, but it certainly makes sense that theyāve contributed to that well-rested feeling! The Ellen DeGeneres Show also suggested carbs, such as in bread, to help you sleep
(4)Alcohol interferes with circadian rhythms, according the University of Missouri studies, and takes an hour minimum for the body to metabolize it(5)DONāT drink on an empty stomach, and drink water between cocktails to stay hydrated, + try wine spritzers (= parts wine & soda) for Ā½ the calories!
Scents
(4)Lavender decreases inflammation, soothes aches and pains(5)reduces blood pressure and leads to deep sleep
My fave relaxing fragrances: lavender, jasmine, eucalyptus and mint ā¦Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Iāve always adored the calming effects of lavender, which Iāve already used from shower gels, bubble bath and my Bath & Body WorksAromatherapy lotion (Lavender Vanilla for Sleep)!Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Another from my B&BW collection is from jasmine, from Midnight-Blooming Jasmine moisturizing lotion to Jasmine Vanilla for Sensual AromatherapyĀ·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Eucaluptus and mint soothe me through my B&BW lotion (Eucalyptus and Spearmint for Stress Relief), and VicksVapoRub that I massage into my neck, chest, back and feet at bedtime to relieve aches and pains plus bring aromas that calm my cold.
DisConnect
(4)Unplugging all devices means NO melatonin suppressants (e.g., blue light, white noise)(5)TIUās K&K call it a ātech detoxā
I honestly have been keeping my iPhone 6+ OFF for days and even weeks at a time this season and using my computers , including for social media, exclusively to fulfill purposes of career-related projects
Clothes OFF
(4)Cooler temperatures rom sleeping au natural prevents the body from overheating
Iām all about snoozing in the buff, and this actually also has benefitted my energy bill more when I keep my electric fan off
Committed Sleep Schedule
I’ve always craved at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and (1)Edwin affirmed that by pointing out to me that by pointing out how
8 hours indeed is ideal during the night
9 hours (+ an extra hour) works for the weekend
He also mentioned that there’s no way we can make up for lost sleep. I most certainly back this because during my previous attempts of sleeping more after lacking rest, I’d throw myself off.
(6)Instead of getting out of bed, change your sleep position by turning upside-downĀ·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Calms the nervous systemĀ·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Turns fears upside-down
When my sister and I shared a bedroom while vacationing at our auntās and uncleās as children, we werenāt accustomed to twin beds since we had our own double/full-sized beds at the time ~ we stayed up late talking but realized that we more easily dozed off by reversing with our heads at the feet and our feet at the heads of the beds! (Mind you, we really didnāt have worries back then, but this method definitely proved to be effective even during childhood.)
Another commercial that just caught my eye was for Snuggles ~ a mom would put fabric softener sheets everywhere, including underneath chair cushions, to remind her and her family of the freshness! I think that I’ll try the Lavender Joy!
Supplements and Substances
Yes, several of us out there sought “magic pills” for a quick-fix to our own insomnia. Based on my own experience, I’ve taken them but now would rule them out as a last resort after trying all of the above advice first.
Valerian root ~ linked to reducing anxiety but isn’t FDA-regulated (which I took when I prepared for comprehensive exams in both my Master’s and doctoral degrees)
Prescription drugs ~ I’ve had Rx to “resolve” my sleep struggles, but I’d rather notĀ be chemically-dependent on them and would only take them when I could devote a full-night’s rest
Sleepytime Tea ~ My doctoral classmate suggested this, and of course, I’ve also started making my own lemon-honey tea to soothe my cold: another reason I’ve been kept up late at night
CapĀ your night with another “B”!
Breathing Exercise
(6)Shutdown night time worry by minimizing those fears that keep you up late at night
Tip:Ā Breathe in for 90 secondsĀ so theĀ worry passesĀ
Just in case this lengthy segment didn’t already put you to sleep, here’s a sum-up …
For sufficient shut-eye, shoot for these essential “Cs“:
Comfort: comfy mattress (or other sleeping surface) and temps
Consistency: amount of sleep and same time on schedule
Challenge:
Go 1 day with implementing all of the above (except for the coin toss, sleep position or substances, unless absolutely necessary) ~ please feel free to post a comment to me on which ones worked for you
For any that did work for YOU, continue 1 week with them
If your sleep has improved after 1 week, keep incorporating them for 1 month!
*Bonus*: How to Stay Happy & Healthy (3)
Healthy & Happy Hacks
Examples or Experts
Which Worked for Me
Fitness tracker apps
Fitbit, Moves, Health Mate
I login to MyFitnessPal religiously and track my miles on RunKeeper (initially introduced to me by my college student who also trained for and ran marathons)
āWorkout that does goodā
Barre3ās daycare donation proceeds go to Every Mother Counts
Iāve raised funds for several exercise events that collected charitable contributions, including the American ā„Heartā„ Walk almost every year between my college and doctoral coursework years
āLook pretty ā and pretty awesomeā
Twice-Team USA Olympic runner Shannon Rowbury ~ who races with bright pink lips
I like to pull or pin my hair back before exercising ā¦ even though it doesnāt always stay that way post-workout!
āOrange juice for the winā
Easier to absorb nutrients from juice than the fruit ~ but beware of drinking too much due to sugar content, so still stay hydrated with H2O (Ralf Schweiggert, Ph.D., HohenheimUniversity in Stuttgart, Germany)
To tip off this month, as we already did spring into spring, I’ll show and tell you about how I get ready in the morning…
ā¼ Rise and shineĀ ā¼
First thing I do:Ā hit snooze. (No April Foolin’ you ~ at least I’m keeping it real.)
Actually, here’s #1 once I get up:Ā Open the curtains and blinds to let the sunshine stream in! I like the way that my fellow woman of faith and family friend, the Birthday Girl, Tita Mel says that this is our way of:
Letting GOD into our day!
I pray to start and end each and every single day. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His bright light fills my days. Maybe some of you who are reading this aren’t religious or spiritual, but I promise you: if you believe in the Higher Power, you’ll live with a sense of purpose and more trust in any outcome. As my good friend and spiritual mentor, Bishop Mike always advises me:
Take it one day at a time with the LORD.
If I wake up early enough before work or an appointment, then I’ll fit in a workout, whether a fun run into the sun, toning up or stretching with gratitude, and shower afterwards. However, I usually prefer to take a bath the night before, so I can sleep fresh in my clean sheets!
My morning rituals typically do start the night before to save me time in getting ready, making decisions and searching for stuff. Before the week starts, I check the forecast, then set out my wardrobe according to the weatherĀ (I used to plan ahead by the month because I seldom wore the same outfit twice): outfits, handbags, shoes — hanging hooks on my closet, bedroom, and bathroom doors come in handy.
Then I do the following skin care and beauty routine with the products that I mentioned in my debut Beauty Tuesday Review:
Cleanse my face
Apply astringent to treat anyĀ acne
Apply moisturizer with sunscreen on my face
Apply sunscreen and/or lotion
Put on my clothes
Apply makeup (which I sometimes set out if I plan to wear special colors) — items are easily accessible from my acrylic organizer from my Procrastinating Beauty Tag
Do my hair ~ sometimes I go to bed with my hair braided and/or pinned up to make waves, or at least set out styling tools, products and accessories
Put on my jewelry and accessories
Grab my water, coffee and my breakfast
Get set to jet ~ depending on the distance from my destination, I set aside ample time to drive and arrive
What I do to begin my day may work for you, especially if you’ve also been guilty of running late like yours truly. Although I’ve always planned what to wear ahead of time, also preparing for trips to our destinations will help us maintain punctuality.
The Elaine Dispo Journal 