Stephanie Linus Daily

Category: Lifestyle

  • FIVE VALUES OF FRIENDSHIP

    Friendship Goals! We say it, but do we mean it! How do you choose your friends? You may hang out with people and laugh together, even gossip, but are they really friends? What value do you place on friendship? Should we even place any value at all?

    Well, yes! You should. Friendship is one of the few relationships in your life that you get to choose by yourself, so it is best you apply wisdom in making your decisions.

    Here are FIVE VALUES of HEALTHY friendship:

    RESPECT: Respect each other. Respect what your friend brings to the relationship. If you decide to make friends, see the good in them.

    HONESTY: No lies. No pretenses. Do not make your friendship a home for hypocrisy. Be open, be sincere. Tell yourselves the truth.

    EMPATHY: If there’s no empathy, then there’s no friendship. You cannot be judgmental or mean-spirited. Show love and empathy by having an understanding of your friend’s challenges and predicaments. Show concern.

    INDEPENDENCE: No matter how much you promise to stand for each other, you also need a friend who can stand on her own. You can lend a hand sometimes, but a true friend must be independent in her finances and personal decisions. The idea is to come together and inspire each other, not leech from the other person. You should add value to the life of your friend, not suck all the good they have, and leave them empty.

    GRACE: Understand that everyone – including your friend – is a work-in-progress. Show grace. Forgive their mistakes (if they are not borderline destructive or harmful). Show kindness. They may not deserve it all the time, but the trick is to know when to stop and move away. It’s up to you to set boundaries. But the most important thing is not to throw the baby and the bath water – not every disagreement should end your friendship. Show grace and know when to forgive, and also when to move on.

    May we continue to build healthy friendships!

  • 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

    You want to know a truth? If you don’t take care of your MENTAL HEALTH, everything else suffers – your family, your job, your dreams, your goals, your physical and spiritual health, and even your financial status. Everything ropes around your MIND – how you think, how you perceive life to be, how you respond or react to things that happen to you. It’s all in your MIND, and you need to protect the core of your mind – your mental health.

    Here are FIVE ways to protect and improve your mental state:

    BUILD GOOD RELATIONSHIPS: Connect with great people who support you, cheer you on, empathize with you, and share life with you with little or no judgments. Invest in positive friendships, encourage healthy relationships at home and in the office with family and colleagues. Your mental health will thank you for this.

    LEARN NEW SKILLS: When you are open to unravelling more of what you are capable of doing on this earth, you boost your self-esteem and also surprise yourself pleasantly, which in turn boosts the state of your mind and improves your mental health. So try a new skill today. It doesn’t have to be hectic or difficult. Just try something you believe you will enjoy learning. Go for it.

    PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Yes! We talk a lot about gratitude on this blog, because without gratitude you have no functioning soul. You are just existing, occupying space in a crowded world without meaning or purpose to why you are hear. Nihilism creeps in and begins to question your right to exist. All of these happen because you are not tapped into gratitude. Gratitude is like a pill that cures all diseases. Your life is full and meaningful with joy when you understand the importance of gratitude. Also, practice mindfulness.

    EXERCISE: Exercise takes care of your body and your self-esteem, and also your health. The benefits are endless. You are in top shape physically, health-wise and mentally when you exercise, so find what works for you and stay consistent. Don’t forget to take brisk walks.

    GIVE TO PEOPLE: When you help others, when you sow into people’s lives – without any hope of a pay-back, you release yourself to a kind of peace that surpasses understanding – the God kind. And this lifestyle has the potential to improve your state of mind. Givers are the happiest people in the world.

    xoxo

  • HOW TO REACH YOUR HEALTH GOALS

    A healthy life makes everything beautiful. We want to be healthy and live a long and happy life. To achieve this, we have to set goals and meet our health targets.

    What are your health goals for 2023?

    Let’s help with a few suggestions:

    Be Specific: Understand exactly what you want to achieve. Are you watching your cholesterol? Do you want to lose tummy fat? Are you looking to lose weight? Schedule the right meal plan to achieve what you want. Speak to a dietician.

    Understand how calories work: It is not a myth. Nutrition plays a big role in your health journey, and so does calories. Understand food and the nutritional value of what you are eating. Count your calories.

    Get an accountability partner: You need someone to remind you why you are doing what you are doing. You are going to lose steam at some point, and you would be grateful for the support and motivation of your partner.

    Think of the benefits: Good health is everything. Remind yourself constantly that you are doing this to look and feel good. It is worth it. You can also put stickers around your house to lift your spirits and keep you focused.

    Have a routine: It can be a Morning or Evening routine, but have a routine your body can get used to. When you develop healthy habits, it is easier for your body to follow through.

    xoxo

  • BEST PARENTING ADVICE

    Parenting can be stressful, yet lovable. We all need agood advice when it comes to parenting. What’s the best advice you have received as a parent?

    We listed ten:

    Be KIND to your kids.

    Teach your children social SKILLS.

    READ books together with your kids.

    Make beautiful MEMORIES with your children. Encourage selfies, pictures and videos you can look back on and smile.

    Be a ROLE MODEL to your children.

    Acknowledge your children’s EMOTIONS, and teach them how best to handle these emotions.

    Teach your children about GRATITUDE. Encourage thankfulness in your family.

    Teach kids the rewards of food DISCIPLINE.

    LOVE your children equally. Do not openly have favourites.

    Teach your child what it means to be a GOOD person.

  • TRAVEL: SAFEST DESTINATIONS FOR BLACK WOMEN

    We hope you have plans to travel this year? Join the growing number of black women exploring the world.

    Travelling is an essential part of living a soft, colourful and adventurous life. We want this for you, dear readers.

    Here are SIX countries that are safe for black women travelling solo or as a group, and what people have to say about them:

    BALI: “Bali is considered one of the safest places in the world. Bali is also known for its beautiful natural landscape, captivating cultural scene and affordability. Bali attracts digital nomads all around the world.” – Essence

    THAILAND: “Thailand has become everyone’s favourite spot. It is home to affordable vacationing. The stunning beaches, food, nightlife, and temples make every day adventurous. The natives of the island are also warm and kind, especially to women.” – Travel Noire

    COLOMBIA: “The South American country of Colombia is known for its vibrant culture, warm and welcoming people, and flavorful cuisine. The country elected its first Black women Vice President this year, so it’s no surprise that it would be a haven for Black women. The port city of Cartagena has a strong African influence. Black culture is acknowledged and celebrated openly with many locals of African descent proud to declare that they love being Black. January through March is the best time of year to visit for great weather and beach time.” – Funtimes magazine

    “Colombia is brimming with incredible things to see and experience. It belongs at the top of your travel bucket list. Amazing street art, incredible sites, unparalleled nightlife, gorgeous beaches, delicious food—the list goes on and on. Also, Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea so you get the best of both worlds.” – Essence magazine

    GHANA: “In 2019, Ghana started to invite people of African descent to visit with the promise of easier visa applications and a year-long calendar of culturally immersive events, dubbing it the “Year of Return”. Since then, many have been traveling back to Ghana to connect with their ancestral roots, so there has never been a better time for Black women to travel to the country in West Africa. Ghana is relatively safe and so many beautiful places to visit.” – Stephanie Yeboah

    PORTUGAL: “Portugal is considered a super progressive and diverse country. There’s very little crime and you basically won’t encounter any catcalling or harassment. The main crime travelers should be aware of is pickpocketing, but if you pay attention to your surroundings and you’re smart about how you pack and carry your belongings, you shouldn’t have to worry about this. From Lisbon to Porto to Lagos, you’re sure to find a good, and safe, time full of adventure, or relaxation. This should be on your list.” – Student Universe

    CANADA: “Canada is on so many lists of safest countries. The people are friendly and welcoming. The country is clean and beautiful. One of the top spots for experiencing the country’s love for African culture is Montreal where you can see the Pan-Atlantic International Film Festival in April each year. Another great city to visit is Quebec, which is considered to be one of the safest and friendliest places you can visit in the world. Solo travelers will find the country accessible as there are lots of things to see and do on your own.” – Student Universe

    Explore your world, ladies! FLY! xoxo

  • FAQ: What can I get my man for Valentine’s Day?

    As February 14 draws nearer, women complain it is hard to figure out what to get a man on a special day like Valentine’s.

    Well, we have your answer!

    Check out the list of cool and not-so-expensive options for men:

    Designer sunglasses (invest in a good pair).

    Special mug set (an exquisite mug he can leave on his office desk).

    Portable espresso machine (If he loves coffee, yes!).

    Leather wallet (you can never go wrong with this. His money and his ATM cards need a home).

    Laptop bag (Get a good quality one. He takes his laptop almost everywhere, right?).

    Cologne and men’s products (spoil him with men’s skincare and watch him glow). 

    Food delivery (spoil him with a platter on D-day. Yum!).

    Wireless Bluetooth portable speaker (an essential and thoughtful gift).

    Leather passport case (Aha! Smart gift).

    Airpods (something he can use everyday, very useful).

    Whiskey/Cognac (invest in a premium bottle).

    Expensive brand of coffee (If he is a coffee lover, he’ll smile).

    A phone (if you can upgrade what he already has, why not?).

    Beard grooming kit (if he has beards, definitely!).

    Sneakers (you can never go wrong with a pair).

    Will Smith’s book (WILL would be such a great gift!).

    We hope this helps!

    Go ahead and spoil a good man in your life.

    So, what gift will you be getting your man?

  • Meet Jessica Nabongo – the first black woman to travel to every country in the world

    Travel lovers, get in here!

    Have you heard about Jessica Nabongo?

    On October 6, 2019 – 35 year old Jessica touched down in Seychelles. This destination marked her record as the first black woman to travel to every country in the world!

    The daughter of Ugandan immigrants, Nabongo live-streamed her accomplishment on Instagram to her 130,000 followers, at the time, from six continents.

    It is important to note that there are less than 500 people who have travelled to every country, which makes Nabongo worthy of attention, especially as she is the only documented black woman to have achieved this.

    Her feat came with some priceless lessons you should know:

    “Most people are good,” she says.

    “We have more similarities as humans than we have differences,” she adds.

    Nabongo emphasizes the need for every race to experience the world, first-hand, because seeing the world through the eyes of the “white man” may not be accurate.

    Achieving this exploit, Nabongo states on her Instagram page: “I will never forget swimming with whales in Tonga, a late night road trip to Guinea, drinking fermented horse milk in Kyrgyzstan, all the late nights in the streets of London, walking across the bridge into Afghanistan, seeing the pyramids in Sudan, the cattle camp in South Sudan, roads trips through eastern Europe and southern Africa. There are just so many fun memories!!”

    We think Nabongo has lived an incredible life even before hitting 40!

    For every black woman out there contemplating whether to make 2023 more colourful by fulfilling a bucket list, this is the motivation you need. You may not travel the entire world, but let this inspire you to do something interesting in 2023.

    Jessica Nabongo captures her incredibly rich and meaningful experience in her book, ‘The Catch Me If You Can’, published by National Geographic.

    PS: Dear readers, what exploits do you plan to do this year?

  • 5 things to do to bond with your kids

    Like any relationship, the bond between a parent and child can be made stronger with some habits that can be easily incorporated into your everyday routines. In the present times, the technology which is counted as a blessing is also one negative element that spoils relationships. Therefore, there is a dire need that parents should become smart and use different tactics on handling their kids and developing bonds.

    Here are 5 ways to do that easily!

    Create a story together

    Besides reading a book, I find it really fun to create a story with your child. Or if you love to sing, you could create lyrics to a song together. It’s easier than you think. Kids have a vivid imagination, so explore it as much as you can. By doing this, you can find it a more restful, intimate zone that only you and your child(ren) get to exist in.

    Play Together

    One of the best ways to bond with your kids is by having fun together. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, engaging in a playful activity is a lot of fun for kids. Go outside and ride bikes together or kick around a soccer ball. Or grab a fun board game and encourage them to work on their social skills while you have fun.

    Listening

    Okay, so you may be thinking, “Listening isn’t an activity!” But I would argue that approaching it as such will do wonders for your relationship with your child. Caught up in the daily current of work and responsibility, it can be challenging to truly listen to our children in a way that is beneficial.

    Provide them with surprises

    To make your child feel happy and show him that you know what he/she likes, you should undoubtedly get surprise gifts sometimes for your child. The surprise could be small chocolate to an outing ticket to an amusement park; make sure you do all of it. When you don’t get surprises, and the child notices his peer group experiencing the same, he certainly feels terrible.

    Tap into Their Interests

    Part of a child finding themselves is discovering what their likes and dislikes are. A great way to bond with your child is to spend some time exploring their hobbies. If they like to cook, spend an afternoon cooking together. If they like art, spend some time drawing or making things with your child. Carve out some time to learn about their favorite things to do. Support their interests as it helps them grow as an individual.

  • Wellness Hacks To Start Your Day With!

    Happy Tuesday Amazonians and Warlords!

    Today, let’s talk about our morning routine, because let’s face it, many of us can improve on this one.

    The truth is that your mornings dictate your entire day.  By practicing a healthy morning routine, you can increase your productivity, decrease stress, boost happiness and more. Sometimes rough days feel unbearable, so I always try to get through my days by practicing one of these. No more excuses… time to take action!

    1. Drink A Glass of Water

    If you wake up feeling tired or sluggish you might be dehydrated. Try leaving a glass/bottle of water on your nightstand the night before, so you can drink it the next morning. It’s an easy wellness hack that can save your mornings.

    2. Move your body

    There’s something about the satisfaction and confidence that comes from an accomplishment complete before most people get out of bed. Run, work out, take an exercise class, or simply stretch. The tip here is just to move; anything to get your blood flowing. 

    3. Start Your Day with Positive Affirmations

    It gets me in the zone for the day, and I feel inspired and ready to conquer. Make it easy: Choose your affirmation the night before and write it down so all you have to do is read it in the morning, or say the same thing each day.

    4. Get Outside

    Whether you’re walking your kids to school, or just walking yourself (or sipping coffee on your balcony–whatever floats your boat), start your day with a little time outdoors, and it just might change your life too. 

    5. Change your Morning Phone Habits

    The key to having it really impact your life is to resist reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up. You are in charge of your morning, so eliminate everyone wanting things from you or social media playing with your emotions.

    6. Eat a Healthy Breakfast Every Day

    Find something you like to eat and stock up. Build a new routine where you start the day with good food every day. Within one week you will be hungry for breakfast.

  • What Activity Helps You Clear Your Mind?

    In today’s busy world, it can seem impossible to get a quiet minute – but you must prioritize it. Decluttering your mind is about clearing your head so you can focus on the important things.

    Anxiety is understandable since it has turned our lives upside down and threatens our sense of safety. But learning how to clear your mind decreases stress, improves your concentration and is vital to your mental health.

    Some effective ways to do this include:

    1. Meditataion
    2. Breathing Exercises
    3. Writing Down Your Thoughts
    4. Exercise
    5. Taking A Walk
    6. Listening To Music

    So, go ahead, clear your mind and conquer the day! The day is yours! It’s your chance to take massive action and move in the direction of your goals and dreams.

    Share with me… what activity helps you clear your mind?