Author drstaceynaito

Revitalize Your Routine: Wellness Hacks for the Modern Career Woman

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This fantastic post, written by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com, highlights the most important steps which career women should take in order to maintain balance and optimal well-being.

In the hustle and bustle of professional life, working women often find themselves caught in a relentless grind, juggling multiple responsibilities while striving for success. However, prioritizing well-being amid this chaos is essential for sustainable growth and fulfillment. Here, Dr. Stacey Naito delves into empowering strategies tailored to help women transcend the grind and elevate their overall well-being.

Harness the Power of Reflection

Take time to introspect and evaluate your priorities, goals, and values. Reflection allows you to gain clarity on what truly matters to you, enabling you to make informed decisions aligned with your aspirations. Embracing moments of solitude provides an opportunity for self-discovery and introspection, fostering a deeper understanding of your emotions and motivations. Regularly assessing your progress empowers you to course-correct when necessary, ensuring that your actions remain congruent with your long-term objectives.

Pursue a Degree Online

Earning a degree online is a great option if you’re looking to change your job and advance in your career. For instance, pursuing a degree in psychology can provide insights into cognitive and affective processes, equipping you to better support those in need. Online degree programs offer the flexibility to study while working full-time, streamlining, well, everything, from managing your schedule to accessing course materials. This approach allows you to gain new skills and knowledge without disrupting your current responsibilities.

Build Power with Resistance Training

Resistance training offers numerous benefits, including increased muscle strength, improved bone density, and enhanced metabolic rate, which collectively contribute to better overall health and fitness. Additionally, it can aid in weight management and improve posture, reducing the risk of chronic conditions. To maximize these benefits, consider a monthly customized exercise plan from Dr. Stacey Naito. Her tailored approach ensures that each workout aligns with your personal fitness goals and abilities, providing expert guidance for optimal results.

Set Achievable Milestones

Define clear and attainable objectives that inspire progress and keep you focused. Setting specific and measurable goals provides a roadmap for success, guiding your actions and decisions along the way. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks prevents overwhelm and enhances productivity. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, reinforces your sense of accomplishment and motivates you to continue making strides toward your ultimate vision.

Nurture Positive Self-Talk

Cultivate a nurturing inner dialogue that uplifts and empowers you. Positive self-talk involves consciously replacing negative thoughts with affirmations of your capabilities and worthiness. By practicing self-compassion and kindness toward yourself, you cultivate a resilient mindset that enables you to bounce back from setbacks with grace and determination. Embracing optimism as a guiding principle empowers you to see challenges as opportunities for growth and development, fostering a sense of hope and possibility.

Embrace Forgiveness

Release yourself from the burden of resentment by embracing forgiveness. Forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others but about freeing yourself from the emotional weight of past grievances. By extending compassion to yourself and others, you create space for healing and transformation to occur. Letting go of resentment opens the door to inner peace and liberation, allowing you to move forward with clarity and purpose. 

In the pursuit of professional success, prioritizing well-being is not a luxury but a necessity. By incorporating these empowering strategies into your daily life, you can transcend the grind and cultivate a sense of balance, purpose, and fulfillment. Remember, empowerment begins with a conscious choice to prioritize your well-being and invest in your growth. Embrace the journey, and watch yourself soar to new heights of success and happiness.

For customized nutrition and training plans, as well as contest prep coaching, contact Dr. Stacey Naito today!

Comparison Shopping Is Worth The Hassle

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How many of you do research before purchasing items online? I use several different apps on my computer to find the best deals, and have been pleasantly surprised by the difference in price between different sites. One example was when I wanted to purchase an overnight skin recovery balm, and initially looked on Amazon for it, where it was being sold for $55.00. One of the deal-finding apps which I have installed on my computer found the exact item being sold on another site for $26.45, so I jumped on that deal.

Over the past couple of years, I have discovered that Amazon often does not offer the best pricing, so I am thankful that I have a way to find better pricing elsewhere. I still use Amazon as a starting point, since the online shopping giant tends to have just about everything under the sun available, but then I employ the deal finders to help me find the best price available. It’s definitely not about being cheap, it’s about making sure that I don’t get gouged when making purchases. I highly recommend using price comparison browser extension apps to uncover the best deals available.

Living Within Your Means

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How many of you truly live within your means? I am willing to bet that there are plenty of people who believe that they are living within their means, but then they forget that they are carrying credit card debt or car notes. It’s also quite possible in this day and age that people are also saddled with hefty mortgage payments which have put them in over their heads. If you are spending more money than what you are actually bringing in each month, then you are living beyond your means.

So how do you turn the tide so that you can truly live within your means? The first, and most important thing, is to create a budget and stick to it. Be sure to list ALL monthly expenses, including subscription services, groceries, etc. If you have unsecured debt, devise a plan to pay the balance down over time.

Another thing I strongly recommend is to track all of your spending. Despite the fact that friends have made fun of me for keeping a credit card transaction log, it has been extremely helpful in keeping me within my budget, and it also ensures that I know EXACTLY what charges should be on my credit card statement each month. Since I never carry a balance on any of my credit cards, the log gives me a running balance for the course of the month, so that I make sure that I have the total amount necessary to pay off the balance each month.

Once you are out of credit card debt, you might want to cut up your cards, or at least adopt habits that support paying off balances immediately. Now that I have been free from credit card debt for almost 10 years, I can’t tell you how satisfying it is. When a balance is no longer hanging over your head, your money is unshackled, and you can look at saving for travel, bigger purchases like vehicles, and also build a healthy emergency fund. After all, you work hard for your money, so you should be able to enjoy it in a way that gives you financial security, while also allowing you to have some of the creature comforts you crave the most.

Reclaim Your Health Naturally With These Simple Lifestyle Changes

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Please check out this great article, written by Camille Johnson, who created https://bereaver.com

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Modern life, with its relentless pace and technological advances, often pulls us away from simple, natural practices that promote health and well-being. While conveniences abound, they sometimes come at the cost of our physical and mental health. By rediscovering and embracing natural methods to enhance our health, we can experience profound improvements in our overall quality of life. In this article, courtesy of StaceyNaito.com, we’ll go over several things you can do to feel better everyday.

Embrace Nature

Spending time in nature can significantly boost both your mental and physical health. The fresh air, sunlight, and green surroundings help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or a day at the beach, engaging with the natural world rejuvenates your body and mind. Regular outdoor activities also promote physical fitness, enhance overall well-being, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Perfect Posture

Practicing good posture is essential to prevent physical strain and maintain musculoskeletal health. Poor posture can lead to chronic pain in your back, neck, and shoulders, and may cause long-term damage if not corrected. If you work from home, investing in ergonomic furniture can encourage good posture while preventing wear and tear on your back, neck, and shoulders. Simple exercises and mindful sitting and standing can make a significant difference.

The Power of Herbs

Considering herbal supplements for minor ailments can be a wise and natural choice. Many herbs, such as ginger for nausea, peppermint for digestion, and chamomile for sleep, have been used for centuries with great success. Herbal remedies often have fewer side effects compared to conventional medicines, making them a safer alternative for treating everyday health issues. Always research and consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine.

Minimize Chemical Exposure

Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals in cleaning products and cosmetics is crucial for maintaining good health. Many commercial products contain toxic substances that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Opting for natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, and choosing organic, chemical-free cosmetics can protect you from these risks. Making your own products can also be an empowering and satisfying way to take control of your environment.

Laughter and Joy

Incorporating humor and laughter into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your well-being. Laughter reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, and boosts your immune system. Watching a funny movie, reading a humorous book, or sharing jokes with friends can lift your spirits and improve your health. Remember, laughter is not just a temporary escape; it’s a vital aspect of a balanced life that fosters long-term happiness and resilience.

Stress Reduction

Engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or pursuing hobbies can greatly enhance your mental and physical health. Yoga combines physical exercise with mindfulness, helping to reduce anxiety and improve flexibility. Pursuing hobbies you love can also provide a necessary escape from daily stressors, allowing you to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, these activities can bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to overall well-being.

Focus on Gratitude

Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of life is a simple yet powerful tool for improving mental health. Writing down things you are thankful for can shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones, fostering a more optimistic outlook. This practice can enhance your mood, increase resilience, and promote overall emotional well-being. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on your blessings can lead to lasting happiness.

Embracing natural methods for health and well-being fosters a balanced and fulfilling life. By integrating these natural approaches into your daily routine, you can achieve a healthier, happier life, reaping the benefits of a more holistic approach to well-being and long-lasting vitality.

How Do You Use A Bidet?

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Modern bidet in my master bath

Bidets have surged in popularity over the past four years, primarily due to COVID lockdown restrictions and the toilet paper shortage. But while over 80% of households in Japan have bidets, the United States only boasts about 6% of households which feature bidets, even post-COVID. As someone who has a bidet, and had basic bidet attachments since 2016, I strongly believe that they are far superior to toilet paper and wipes for cleaning the area down under, and they result in a dramatic decrease in toilet paper use. Bidets are environmentally friendly, hygienic, and generally better for your bottom.

Since most American households don’t have bidets, I thought I would share the following video so that you will know what to do if you find yourself perched on a bidet toilet while visiting friends, and are curious about how to use one:

https://youtu.be/y9GqnTpj2So?si=4mXz0ijpLz-9xo0B

I encourage those of you who haven’t used a bidet before to try one when you get the chance. I know the sensation of having water shooting up your keister hole is very strange, but once you get over the initial shock, I promise that you will feel so clean after you use it. No amount of wiping with toilet paper will ever get you completely clean, but water will definitely wash all the residue away.

The history of the bidet is also quite interesting, as bidets were originally an upgrade from a chamber pot. For more information on the history of the bidet, check out this great article:

https://bidetgenius.com/pages/complete-history-of-the-bidet#:~:text=As%20far%20as%20historians%20can,with%20them%20on%20extended%20trips.

Bidets Are The Bomb

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I am a huge fan of bidets, and truly believe that they are far superior for cleaning the nether regions than toilet paper. When I first got a bidet attachment back in 2016 (pictured below), I ordered two basic units for two different toilets. Because the attachments were very basic, I eventually became accustomed to the jet of cold water which would shoot out.

My first bidet toilet attachment, 2016

Then I visited Japan for the first time in 2020, and all the fancy bidet toilets there completely dazzled me. They were a far cry from the odd-looking bidets I saw in the late 1970’s in the bathrooms of affluent people. In fact, I used to think that only rich people ever bothered to have bidets in their homes, since they had separate plumbing and were not integrated into a toilet design. The bidet toilets in Japan had warm water, dryers, privacy music, and motion-detectors in the lid, and many of them greeted with a welcoming, opening toilet lid and privacy music.

After that Japan trip, I vowed that I would eventually get a fancy Japanese style bidet toilet. I finally got my chance to have an electric bidet toilet seat installed when the toilet in my master bath had to be replaced last November. I bought a model that doesn’t have a motion detector in the lid or privacy music, but all of the other bells and whistles are on the model I have, and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t even imagine life without one of these modern bidet toilet seats.

Blooming Bidet Seat

Why Car Leasing Is A Bad Idea

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Are you currently leasing a vehicle, or are thinking about leasing one? If so, please think through the option thoroughly before committing to it. Generally speaking, leasing a vehicle is a terrible financial decision, with the main exception being that the lease serves as a tax write off for your business. Otherwise, why saddle yourself with a car note, only to be forced to return the car at the end of the lease term? Chances are that you will need to lease another vehicle to replace the previous one, which means you will be locked into another loan, for yet another set of wheels you never build equity on and will never own (not unless you purchase that car at lease end, which I ended up doing in 2017…more on this later).

I fully realize that there are some tempting aspects of car leasing, the first of which is the fact that you get to drive a new car every 2 or 3 years once the current vehicle lease comes to an end. The down payment and monthly payments are also lower than if you were to purchase the vehicle. However, there are numerous other negative aspects of leasing, one of which is the fact that you will be limited to a certain number of driven miles during the lease term. You also cannot make modifications to a leased set of wheels that are permanent, since you are borrowing the car.

I don’t plan on ever renting a car again, because then I’d be paying for the first portion of the vehicle’s depreciation, which is not a sound financial decision. The first mistake I made was when I was lured into a 2- year prepaid lease back in 2009. I had actually allowed a car salesman convince me that keeping the brand-new wheels I had bought outright in 2007 was not the best idea, and that I could easily roll into a prepaid lease. By lease end in 2011, I didn’t have enough saved up to purchase a car, so I rolled into not one, but two consecutive, 2-year leases.

When I realized how much I had been fleeced by the first 3 car leases, (a term which Dave Ramsey loves to use when referring to car leases), I made a promise to myself to save up enough money to purchase the 2015 new leased vehicle outright, and I kept that promise. Once that was accomplished, I set out to save up enough money to eventually purchase my next vehicle without taking out a car loan. I now have a chunk of change set aside (over $50K) for my next vehicle, and I have the peace of mind of knowing that I won’t be kept on the financial hook ever again for a car.