Weekend Design & Wellness Project
Photo by: Diana Schroder-Bode @yolo_berlin
Do one personal care act this weekend; gua sha, massage or apply a face mask. Then take a look through your closet to see how your clothing could be more tailored for your body and reflect your personality better.
Be sure to make a healthy snack and listen to your favorite playlist throughout the weekend.
Pivot
PIVOT
“the act of turning on.”
Photo by: Timo Wielink @timowielink
Today is about becoming aware of negative statements that seem completely innocent and turning them into positive statements. A statement similar to “I don’t want to lose money on this deal,” could become “There’s a chance I’m going to earn money on this deal,” or “I’m comfortable spending (dollar amount) on this deal.” These subtle transitions shift the way the brain interprets the intent or emotion behind a statement. Make a list of unintentional negative statements you frequently use or have heard many times growing up. This negativity bias is an unconscious wiring in the brain that can be corrected with diligent practice.
Here is some psychology behind negativity bias and how to create a positivity practice
Negativity bias is “the notion that, even when of equal intensity, things of a more negative nature (e.g. unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or social interactions; harmful/traumatic events) have a greater effect on one's psychological state and processes than neutral or positive thoughts.” - Wikipedia
Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can alter its circuitry and function through replacement thoughts and actions. To make this conscience shift, positive statements need to average five to one. For every negative statement or thought, five positive statements need to be created to override one negative statement or thought.
Writing these statements out can be very helpful. Start by creating two columns, on the left write the negative statement and on the right leave out the negative words to craft a positive version. The statement can still feel true while leaving room for concern using words and phrases like; “hopefully,” “looking forward to” or “I’d like to see…” so it feels more believable.
For a “Pavlovian” approach, place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it each time you think or use negative phrasing. This method can also be used when thoughts and emotions of anxiety, stress or fear arise. This technique is quite a memorable way to change a behavior and thought pattern. Over time the brain will autocorrect and convert the negative statement before it can utter it aloud.
Perfect Fit
Wouldn’t it be nice if…
Photo by: Kristina Kruzkova @kruzkova_k
clothing fit perfectly on the first try? Do you want your clothing to last for years? Have you ever thought about what style of clothing would you wear if sizing and cost were not factors?
Ever thought about how great would it be to have all of your clothes custom made to fit you perfectly? That is a daily fantasy for some people, including myself. After many years of purchasing a mixture of high and low priced clothing, I have realized that how clothing fits is the most important feature and it does not have to be expensive. Find the clothing you love within your budget and have it tailored to fit your body. The total cost of this process is still much, much less than buying a designer version of a similar piece. Hemming dresses or pants and adjusting the sleeves may be all some items need to fit just right.
Depending on where you live, alterations may range from $12 to $75 and up with more intricate adjustments of coats or embellished formal attire.
Here are a few tips on how to make affordable clothing look custom made for your body. These steps apply to everyone.
Find a local tailor or seamstress along with a price list of their services
Understand your body type and measurements so you can find the shapes of clothing that are best suited for you. It may also help to learn what colors compliment your skin tone and hair color.
Choose a mixture of discount stores that have assortments of clothing for your lifestyle needs. Start to notice which fabrics stand out to you and how they feel on your skin. Make a list of designer or luxury brands that you admire. Purchase timeless pieces from high-end brands once a year as a birthday gift for yourself so your lifestyle does not compromise financial goals. (For saving on designer brands, Poshmark has gently loved luxury brands at affordable prices.)
Create a list of all of the clothing you need for your daily and occasional activities. It is great to have “go-to” pieces for events that pop up at the last minute. Keep this list simple and classic.
Make an appointment with your tailor or seamstress to have your clothes fitted and altered.
How we feel in our skin and clothing effects our confidence and how we interact in the world so enjoy this process, you deserve to feel great!
Gua Sha
Photo by: Viva Luna Studios @vivalunastudios
Gua Sha is a massage technique used to relieve tension in the face, neck and body while boosting blood circulation, lymphatic drainage (reducing puffiness and fine lines) and improves the skin’s elasticity.
Gua Sha also aids in managing chronic pain and inflammation with; Tourette Syndrome, Migraine, Peri-menopausal Syndrome, Engorged Breasts (nursing mothers) and Hepatitis B.
The tools used are a stone of varying shapes and/or a roller in jade or rose quartz. The skin must be cleansed and moisturized before beginning the process. It is best to watch instructional videos to learn effective practices like this one from Gothamista, YouTube Gua Sha.
Giving yourself a Gua Sha facial and neck massage is a great way to begin and end your day.
Nature's Design
“Everything is Design.” - Paul Rand
Paul Rand, legendary graphic designer (1914-1996) is famous for creating the logos for IMB, UPS, ABC among many other recognizable logos and layouts over his sixty year career. Rand understood and taught his students the value of looking at the world with a fresh eye, because “everything is design.”
Design is everywhere. Everything we interact with in daily life has been designed by a human or developed naturally way before we came along. Have you ever stared at a butterfly’s wings in awe and wondered how and what created their unique pattern? How about the color gradient of flower petals or how amazing it is that food and medicine grow from the earth? What about the evolution of human shelter and the materials that have been used before engineers, architects and builders streamlined the process? Next time you see a bird’s nest or a beehive, take a minute to observe the structures, patterns and materials that birds and bees use to create their homes. Their instinctive physics and math skills are impressive.
As you’re moving about your life, try to notice the design of each thing you see, touch, use and desire to acknowledge the impact of design.
I took the above picture of a beautiful encased butterfly that I purchased at a festival in San Diego.