Budget Friendly Activities to Inspire Joy

For today, I sense it's better for my overall health to focus on things that help me remain calm, carry on, and inspire joy in me.

This post has been updated 1o/15/23

You probably need an encouraging word or two yourself. That's why I offer 

Budget Friendly 

Activities to Inspire Joy

Refresh with plants, greenery, flowers 🌴and nature

Plants improve air quality, by exchanging stale air in our homes and offices with fresh oxygen. Plants are natural humidifiers, preventing or easing irritation to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. According to a NASA study some plants even filter out toxic materials. 

No matter how down we feel, research reported on the National Institute of Health (NIH) Website indicates spending time in green spaces including parks, backyards, a plant nursery, or walking in a field of wildflowers elevates mood and even adds years to lives.

If we can't go outdoors, a simple way to commune with nature is to recall a moment from the past when we were hiking, rock climbing, biking, running, or strolling in the great outdoors. 

Using our imagination helps us recall fun times and associate sounds of a bubbling brook, children laughing, or the pleasing aroma of a pine forest with joy. 

We can take our fantasy further and visualize birds or butterflies flying about, conjure up animals strolling in their natural habitats, imagine people gathered at a picnic or tennis match, or see ourselves with our friends and relations, frolicking in an ocean or lake. 

Tilling the soil and planting seeds or potting plant cuttings we get from a friend, are low cost activities that bring joy. Studies show that spending quality time outdoors can reduce stress, is good exercise, and refreshes mind and spirit.

Focus on Heart-opening Journal Writing 📃

Put pen to paper and journal about small personal or career victories. We need not discount any effort. The tiniest step forward can be designated as the success of the day.

Journal to make a list of kind, caring expressions we would use to comfort a friend. Then use them on yourself.

Practicing loving-kindness helps prepare us for a time when we forget we can use gentle words to comfort ourselves. 

For more self-compassionate ideas, read this from Dr. Kristin Neff.

An additional journal activity for joy is to write this phrase in a journal... "I am enough just as I am." For extra coaching on this read 9 Practices to Help You See You are Enough.

In the evening, devote a few minutes to recount all the good things that have occurred during the day in a journal. 

Grasping a pen or colored pencils in our hand rather than using an electronic device, is a tactile way to wind down before bedtime, as well as ground us.  

Ending each day with a grateful heart, helps us sleep better and encourages pleasant dreams. 

Accept Responsibility for Joy Now 😄

Some may blame other people for their current unhappiness, or think happiness is dependent on things like losing weight or falling in love. 

Others base their happiness on praise and recognition from the people in their lives. They find it difficult to take pleasure from their own accomplishments or be thankful for those things that are working in their lives, unless someone else approves. 

This is a BIG mistake.

Accepting responsibility for our own joy means seeking healthful ways to tap into joy, and going after them.

Joy depends much more on our own sense of personal value, than it does on other peoples' opinion of us.

When we make an effort to discover which things we love to do and do them, we are well on the way to a joyful life! 

If we already know what inspires joy in us, we need to do it more often. 

"We can never overdo joy. " Nancy Andres😎

True joy is not dependent on whether we are on our own or live with a partner or family. It springs from inside.

The art to true happiness lies in finding enjoyment in simple things like savoring that first cup of coffee or tea in the morning or laughing, because we're wearing our favorite pair of sneakers.

Try this. Observe what happens to your outlook, when you consciously give thanks for food, shelter, and clothing. Also, set aside time to relax, act silly, and find pleasure in just being. Note how your body as well as your mind responds.

Joy is also a by-product of self-discovery. When we learn from our experiences, mistakes as well as progress become opportunities to grow.

Joy can spring from risking to try a new thing, or doing the same old same old. It depends on our mindset.

The pandemic has been an eye-opener for many of us. COVID-19 has given us a chance to notice our frame of mind, when we're left mostly to our own devices

Personal happiness improves when we feel self-confident. Being comfortable in our own skin helps us recognize our gifts, talents, areas were we still need work, and love ourselves wholeheartedly. 

For peace of mind, I make a decision to let go of fear and surrender to how outside circumstances unfold.

I believe that if we trust ourselves and our judgement, and appreciate the people and circumstances in our lives, we’re better able to sense the Universe is taking care of us all. 

Living simply and joyfully makes our lives sparkle and feel heart centered.

Consistent self-care activities help us build emotional flexibility and  sense joy, even on challenging days.

If life seems too hard or lonely, we don't have to tough it out alone. It's healthy and self-caring to share our pain with a friend, support group, spiritual counselor, or therapist. No one needs to feel isolated. Read What to do when you don't think you can afford therapy. 😓

Please comment below (no links in your comment please, as I won't be able to publish it that way).

I read every comment and appreciate your visit. 💗

Do you think you're generally a happy person? Please explain.

Share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about how you reduce stress and what brings you the most joy. 

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Ikebana Flowers at Yume Japanese Gardens

Ikebana, which translates to “making flowers alive,” is a Japanese art form. Fresh flowers and natural elements including twigs, sticks, and foliage are arranged in specific designs to create beauty, harmony, and sensory pleasure. 

Post updated 2/17/2024

Although the Spring Ikebana Festival was held in February 2020 at the Yume Japanese Gardens in central Tucson, I present my post today.

I've learned through research and life experience that seeing flowers in natural surroundings provides grounding energy and a connection to Mother Earth.

Flowers have a way of brightening the day, reducing stress, and are a boon to health. Read about additional ways flowers boost well-being here.

The Ikebana tradition dates back to the 7^th century, yet its minimalist aesthetic fits easily into modern life. 

 I invite you to come along with me as we walk around the Yume gardens, and view the color-rich Ikebana floral designs.

Ikebana Flowers at Yume Japanese Gardens

The Yume Japanese Gardens, located at 2130 N. Alvernon Way in central Tucson, AZ, is closed temporarily. Check back for hours, days of operation, and admission fees at 520-303-3945. 

Patricia Deridder, Founder and Executive Director advises: the garden is closed to the public in May, yet a community project has been launched to provide hope and healing to hearts frayed by the coronavirus. 

It’s called 1,000 Cranes, 1,000 Dreams. For information about this creative origami project, look for details on the gardens' website.

Have you ever seen an Ikebana exhibit and where?

This garden has many Ikebana shows and here's a link to Stunning Flower Design at Yume Japanese Gardens 

Would you like to know how to create an Ikebana Flower Arrangement? There are several online courses you might like to investigate and many books written about this art form.

Please comment in the section below.

Which floral display is your favorite and why?

What additional life affirming ways do you use to reduce stress and which self-care methods help you relax during the day? 

If you'd be so kind, please offer ideas up to my readers in the comments section below.

I read every comment and appreciate social shares with a link back to this post.

Before I sign off, I'm delighted to share a link to an article I wrote that has been published in the May 2020 Issue of Natural Awakenings Magazine. 

It reveals one of my favorite self-care tips to reduce stress. Enjoy!

Using Journal Writing to Reduce Stress.

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How to Use Chakra Colors to Renew Energy and Create Wellness

There are seven major energy wheels or chakras in our bodies, and each is associated with a different color. Colors work at the cellular level and bypass thinking. Therefore relax, kick-back and learn how chakra colors can best serve you.

Post updated 2/15/2022

 Chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit, and ancient Hindus/yogis described them as our personal energy field, or points of physical or spiritual energy in the human body.

The picture above is a one dimensional representation, but it indicates the general area of the main chakras in the physical body from root chakra at the bottom or base to the crown chakra at the top. 

These centers represent etheric energy, chi, life force, prana/breath, and terms used since the beginning of time to show the balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Etheric energy is around us and in us. It enlivens and nourishes physical matter and is in all space in the universe. It lifts our spirit and makes us to feel vitally alive.

Continue reading and discover

How to Use Chakra Colors to Renew Energy and Create Wellness 

ROOT CHAKRA: Symbolized by the color red, the root chakra grounds us with a sturdy foundation for work and play. It's located at the base of our spines. The root chakra is the first of the seven primary chakras in our subtle body energy field. 

If we feel exhausted, lethargic, and chilled, activities including meditation, affirmation recitation, mantra chanting, yoga poses including the mountain and forward bend, and visualizations can stabilize this chakra. 

Red foods such as tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries and beets help adjust body temperature as well as nourish the first chakra. 

SACRAL CHAKRA: The colors for the 2^nd chakra are orange, blue, and white. Balance it by wearing clothing in these hues, and placing accent pieces of orange, blue, and white in home or office. 

The sacral chakra's natural element is water. Hydrate with plenty of water, and enliven and strengthen intimate relationships by drinking sacral chakra sensual liquids like mango juice, orange juice, and carrot juice. 

Tune up this chakra to heal and go with the flow, instead of holding on. Use sacral chakra energy to be more productive, creative, and focused.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA: The color for the solar plexus chakra, the 3^rd chakra, is golden yellow and its natural element is fire. When we display decorative items in golden yellow in our living space, it cheers us and expands thinking. 

We can sense this area is aligned, when we feel self-confident, goal oriented, or are able to risk trying something new. The vibrational frequency of golden yellow brings energy to the spleen, liver, pancreas, and stomach and draws healing to these organs. When we regain balance in this chakra, its golden yellow power enhances our mood as well. 

Good foods for this chakra are spicy ones, especially ginger and curry. The solar plexus is nourished by whole grains, and organic corn is a sure-fire bet.

HEART CHAKRA: Green is the color of the 4^th of the seven chakras, the heart chakra. Color energy can bypass thinking and works at the cellular level. Gazing at the color green or imaging it can create balance, harmony, self-compassion, and rejuvenation.

When aligned, the heart chakra is an impressive resource for lovingkindness. The heart chakra is an energy center that blends the physical and spiritual body. It influences the cardiovascular system, and lungs. 

The heart chakra's natural element is air. Activities including gardening, walking in nature, and decorating with living green plants, adds fluidity to relationships, lifestyle choices, and helps us open our hearts to our mission or calling. Foods that empower the heart chakra include leafy greens, parsley, broccoli, peas, zucchini, and avocados. For more see What Everyone Needs to Know About the Heart Chakra.

THROAT CHAKRA: The colors that correspond to the 5^th chakra are sea blue and turquoise. Two throat chakra gems that are useful in helping to clear the throat and neck area are aquamarine and turquoise. 

When the throat chakra is open, we speak our truth and are authentic. This action releases pressure that may affect the heart chakra below. The plow and the fish are yoga poses that work well to keep this chakra in top form.

To nurture the throat chakra eat blueberries, blackberries, and elderberries. Since the throat chakra's natural element is sound, chanting, affirmation recitation, and singing bring renewed energy to the throat chakra.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA: The mysterious blue color of the nighttime sky is indigo, and it’s associated with the 6^th chakra. This energy center stimulates clear thinking, insights, wisdom, and spiritual awareness. 

An excellent color activity for the third eye chakra is to make an inspiring vision board. Attach drawings, paintings, photos, words, and magazine clippings of those things we want to attract into our lives onto a large sheet of paper or cardboard. 

After we finish making our vision board, it's key to hang it in a spot where we'll see it every day. This is a fun way to harness the power in our minds, this chakra, and the law of attraction to open to abundance.

CROWN CHAKRA: The colors associated with the 7^th chakra are dark purple, violet, and white. Purple is the color of transformation, intuition, and mind/body/spirit integration. Violet hues increase self-knowledge and divine awareness. White is a soulful color. It’s formed when the various wavelengths of colors in the rainbow combine. 

The crown chakra is located at the top of the head or slightly above it. If this center is open , it helps us connect with our higher wisdom and works for our greatest good. Visualize one or more of the crown chakra colors enveloping a person, place, or thing that we want to understand, protect, or comfort. 

Let colors of the crown chakra lead to insights. It shines its light onto the big picture and brings serenity and peace to all who get still enough to experience it. For more about the crown chakra read Use Crown Chakra Energy to Integrate Mind Body Spirit.

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Before you go, please take a moment to comment below. 

In what ways are you willing to experiment with chakra colors?

For example, you may like to...

Wear chakra colors, eat foods that are chakra colors, and decorate with them. 

If you'd be so kind, please share this post on social media and provide a link back to it so others might benefit.

I read and appreciate every comment, but won't publish those with links in them. Thanks for understanding.

Wishing you many moments when you envision chakra colors, absorb their energy, and lead a more colorful life!

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Why I'm Going Vegan for Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual, global event, and on April 22nd we're celebrating this occasion in style. Over a billion people participate each year, and we hope many more join in this time.

Updated 3/27/23

My tip is to make a commitment to reuse, recycle, reduce, and repair, remake, refuse, remember, respect, and restore to live more sustainably. 

A special way I pledge to honor the earth is to reduce my carbon footprint even more than I have in the past. My grandson Noah has graciously agreed to guest  blog for me. I am thrilled and delighted to share it. 

Here's his post now.

Why I’m Going Vegan for Earth Day

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my guest blog. My name is Noah White and I am one of Nancy’s very lucky grandchildren. 

In 2018, I graduated from Duke University with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy and I am now living in Oakland, CA where I hold a Master's Degree in Sustainable Solutions from the University of CA, Berkley

While I’ll be going especially vegan for this upcoming Earth Day, it’s actually not the first time I’ve eaten on a strict vegan diet. 

In 2012, when I was training as a competitive runner, I read Scott Jurek’s Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness. Scott, a highly accomplished runner, explained how he made a transition to a vegan diet that improved his overall health and well-being.  

My stint at veganism only lasted for a month in 2012. I've transitioned to a more plant focused eating plan since then.

           
When asked, I tell people that I am a “flexitarian.” Why? Because there’s simply no denying the environmental impact that raising animals for livestock has on the environment and as such, I feel obligated to minimize my consumption of animal products. 

However, realistically, I love going out for Pizza with friends or eating a roast chicken prepared by a loved one, so I stay flexible.

            
What kind of environmental impacts am I referring to? Well, lots actually. According to a report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. Yes. You read that right. If you went vegan, you would conserve more carbon emissions than if you gave up motorized transport entirely.

Greenhouse gas emissions aside, the land use impacts are hard to believe.
In fact, thirty percent of the earth’s entire land surface—a massive 70% of all agricultural land—is used for rearing farmed animals. 

Think of it this way. A third or 33% of the world’s lands suitable for growing crops and directly feeding humans, is used to produce feed for farmed animals and raise livestock.

Our overcrowded and infection-susceptible cities might just be a lot more resilient if we weren’t using so much land for livestock.

With this massive impact in mind, I won’t use any animal products on Earth Day.  And while this impact may be disheartening, I find it comforting to think that consuming less meat and animal products has such a large impact in helping the environment!

So, what will I be cooking? Well, breakfast will be sweet and rich in the form of hazelnut pancakes, using oat milk and hazelnut flour for an added twist. 

I plan on spending Earth Day isolated, in the sunshine, surrounded by greenery, breathing in lots of fresh air. 

However, when I stop for lunch, I’ll probably enjoy one of my go-to snacks. It's a hummus, cucumber, and avocado wrap; so simple, yet so delish. And while I normally enjoy cheese on this wrap, I’ll either forgo it or use some vegan cheese slices. 

At the end of the day, I’ll probably sit down to watch an episode of Planet Earth, with David Attenborough’s silky-smooth voice describing the marvelous natural splendor of our planet. 

For dinner I’ll be chowing down vegan Primavera sauce on homemade noodles I make with my newest favorite culinary device, a pasta maker. 

Happy Earth Day! And remember, a bit fewer animal products can really have a large positive impact for our global community.

🍄🍅🌿🍆🍝

More Earth Friendly Ideas to Enhance Health and Happiness

Reasons Why it's Healthy to Eat Plant-based Every Day

Recipe for Vegan Hummus Wrap from Sam the Food Blogger at Ahead of Thyme

Vegan Hummus Wrap, Photo from Ahead of Time

How to Make Scrumptious Hummus, a Recipe Roundup

Improve Health Spend Quality Time in Nature

Eco-friendly Moves to Green the Holidays

Awesome Tips to Help You Raise Greener Kids

Ways-to-Use-Colors Including Green to Improve Work-life Balance

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Please comment below and share on social media with a link back to this post. I appreciate your comments and read every one.

In what ways can you treat the environment better this year?

Are you willing to eat more plant-based meals? What ideas do you have for accomplishing that?

From all reports the COVID-19 Pandemic has keep most of us home. It's reduced air pollution, by cutting down the usage of fossil fuel motorized vehicles. 

Can you image how healthy the planet, people, and animals would be, if we ate more plants and less animal products? After all, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. 

Stay Safe, Be Well, and Go Vegan for Earth Day!

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