Lustrous Henna®

A Comprehensive Self-Improvement Guide

With small and consistent changes, you can have a positive impact on your life and reach new heights. Take the time to think through what areas of improvement you want to focus on and use this guide as a roadmap towards success. This guide shared by Lustrous Henna will help you take the necessary steps to become a better version of yourself.

Keep Calm
Stress can have a have a negative impact  your physical and mental health. To reduce stress, make small changes such as taking regular breaks and avoiding multitasking. Taking time to do something calming like 10 minutes of yoga or a walk can be hugely beneficial in reducing overall stress levels.

Pamper Yourself

Self-care is incredibly important, which can mean taking time to make yourself feel beautiful. You can give yourself a pedicure or treat yourself to one. Or get natural hair color updates from Saba Botanical. Or pick out a few new clothing items that make you feel amazing. Whatever you choose, remember to treat yourself to a little pampering because you deserve it!

Workout Program
If you're looking to improve your physical health, starting an exercise routine may be the best place to begin. Establishing a set schedule for when you work out will help keep you on track and motivated throughout the week. Choose exercises that will challenge yet still be enjoyable for you; this could include running, biking, swimming, weight lifting, or even something like dance classes!

Restful Habits
Sleep is integral to our overall health and well-being. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine such as avoiding caffeine late in the day, keeping consistent wake-up times, and limiting electronics in the bedroom can help improve sleep habits. Napping during the day should also be kept to a minimum to ensure good quality restful sleep each night.

Healthy Friendships
Surrounding yourself with positive people can have a significant impact on your mindset and overall happiness. It's important to have people in your life who uplift and motivate you, rather than continually bring you down. Hosting a party for new and old friends is a great opportunity to bring together a variety of individuals who share similar interests and bring positivity into your life. So give this a try to create the perfect invitations and enjoy cultivating positive relationships with friends old and new.

Career Switch
Earning a degree is a great way to open doors for new career opportunities. Online degree programs offer the convenience of learning from home, so you can work and study at the same time. Before enrolling in any online school, it's important to make sure they are accredited and have competitive tuition rates.

Be sure to print yourself new business cards as you move into new roles. A well-designed professional business card can make a great first impression. And don’t worry. You don’t have to be a graphic designer to make a beautiful card. It’s a free tool that provides fully modifiable business card templates. Just choose one that reflects your new position and edit it to be exactly what you need.

Healthy Diet
Eating well is essential for your physical and mental health, especially when combined with regular exercise. A balanced diet also gives you the energy you need to focus on work, studies, and other activities throughout the day. Incorporating healthy foods into your diet can give you a better outlook on life and help you stay feeling energized and motivated in all that you do.

Fresh Pastime
Starting a new hobby can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By learning something new or doing something fun, you can challenge yourself and grow as an individual. It's also a great way to meet new people and explore different aspects of yourself outside of your daily routine.

Mindfulness Exercise
Practicing meditation can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and mental well-being. It can help lower stress levels, improve concentration and focus, and foster greater mindfulness. Through regular practice of meditation, one can develop a clearer understanding of themselves and their goals in life. This in turn can lead to positive changes in physical and mental health.

Limitations
Setting boundaries is essential for self-improvement. It is okay to say "no" without feeling guilty or inadequate, even if others don't agree. Knowing what you are and are not willing to accept from others can be an important source of strength and clarity. Establishing clear boundaries can lead to inner peace and better personal awareness.
Strive for a Strong You
Self-improvement is an important part of life and there are countless ways to achieve it. Taking the time to explore different avenues such as exercise, hobbies, or setting healthy boundaries can help you on your journey. Additionally, consulting guides which provide helpful advice tailored to each person's individual needs and goals can be beneficial. Through hard work and dedication, anything is possible so don't limit yourself.

Photo Credit: Gian Cescon via Unsplash

5 Ways to Curb Anxiety and Build Self-Confidence

By Jennifer Scott 

It’s common to feel nervous about stepping back out into the world if you’ve stayed away for a while. Ease the transition with confidence boosters that enable you to live your best life, personally and professionally. Read on for some pointers from Lustrous Henna.

Set Realistic Goals
Lofty expectations and unclear plans are two of the most common reasons that people are unable to achieve their goals. Give yourself the best chance at success by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals that are characterized by the following parameters:

Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish.
Measurable: Establish criteria for evaluating progress.
Attainable: Assess goals that are within your reach based on your abilities and available resources.
Relevant: Goals should improve your life in some way.
Time-Based: Set a fixed start and end date to sustain motivation.

And if you’re a dog owner, you're not the only one who needs to prep. Make sure your pup is ready to get back out there as well. Whole Dog Journal explains that introducing your furry friend to other dogs takes a strategy that includes orchestrating positive greetings, meeting in a neutral setting, and calmly taking a time-out if a fight is about to ensue.

Whatever the case, whether it’s getting used to being around other animals after a period of confinement at home or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood or park, be sure you have a sturdy, well-fitting collar, leash and harness to keep everyone safe and secure. Go online to find helpful pet care advice and product recommendations so you’re both prepared.

Look and Feel Your Best
How you look and how you feel are closely connected. Healthy eating, adequate exercise, and sufficient, high-quality sleep are all key factors to looking and feeling good. 

Fruits, vegetables, and legumes provide nutrients that keep your body functioning properly. Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties protect against free radicals and support healthy skin, hair and nails. If you color your hair, be sure to use Saba botanical for the best results. This all-natural hair dye is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Physical activity promotes strength, balance, and coordination and reduces the risks of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Exercise also boosts energy levels and releases mood-enhancing chemicals. Experts recommend getting 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week.

As part of your weekly physical activities, try to get more steps in by walking. Check out a Walk Score map of your area to find the best places to walk. It’s an easy way to find great spots for racking up steps.

The National Institutes of Health points out that restful sleep ensures you can sustain energy and focus throughout the day. Get the best sleep possible using the following tips:

Block out light and background noise.
Put away electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.
Maintain consistent times for going to bed and waking up.

Use Positive Body Language
The way you carry yourself sends a message about your mood and personality. Slouched shoulders, furrowed brows, and crossed arms suggest that you are stressed or closed off. Exude confidence and warmth by straightening up, pulling your shoulders back, and maintaining eye contact. Also, remember that a smile goes a long way in conveying positivity to yourself and others.

Build the Career You Want
If your current job is a primary source of stress and anxiety, consider the possibility of changing careers. Before determining a path that best aligns with your skills, interests, and values, you can create a stellar and professional-looking resume by utilizing a resume maker available for free online. You can choose from a library of professionally designed resume templates, and then customize your CV by adding your own copy, photos, colors, and images.

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of starting your own business and are now ready for the challenge. Once you’ve settled on a concept, create a business plan that includes these components:

Mission and vision
Business structure
Operations and logistics
Funding sources and needs
Financial projections

Celebrate Your Successes
Achieving your goals is about progress, not perfection. Instagram stories are an easy and effective way to document your progress and remind you of how far you’ve come. Share your successes by choosing a story template and uploading your photos. Get creative with editing. Instagram story templates can help. Change the font type, size, and color. Jazz up your posts with premade designs.

Preparing to venture back out into the world gives you an opportunity to improve your life. Start small, create an eye-catching resume, focus on developing healthy habits and surround yourself with positive forces. Any re-entry anxiety will fade away and you will emerge a strong, confident, and happy person.

Article contributed by Jennifer Scott, Spiritfinder.org 

Benefits of Using Natural Hair Dye

While many people do not think twice about using a standard hair color on their hair, those who experience an allergic reaction or have reservations about regular hair dye do consider the chemicals involved in it. Natural hair dye has plenty of benefits for the people that are affected negatively by standard hair dye ingredients, but also for everyone else as well. Here are some perks to using natural hair color on your hair: It provides the same results with fewer ingredients – One of the significant issues with salon or commercially available hair color is the fact that it uses many toxic chemicals. However, there is a misconception that these chemicals are necessary for the color to have longevity and not fade in someone’s hair. These chemicals are not required to preserve the life of the color. Natural hair dye, although is a deposit only color, maintains its vibrancy on hair, without harsh chemicals. It is less damaging to your hair follicles – When someone repeatedly colors their hair with standard hair dye, it can damage the follicles on their scalp over time. Dry, brittle, and dull hair is often a result of using too harsh of chemicals to add color to it. Using natural hair dye instead of the regular, toxic hair color you buy off the shelf can help to keep your locks bouncy, shiny, and healthy.

It provides the same results with fewer ingredients – One of the significant issues with salon or commercially available hair color is the fact that it uses many toxic chemicals. However, there is a misconception that these chemicals are necessary for the color to have longevity and not fade in someone’s hair. These chemicals are not required to preserve the life of the color. Natural hair dye, although is a deposit only color, maintains its vibrancy on hair, without harsh chemicals.

 

It is less damaging to your hair follicles – When someone repeatedly colors their hair with standard hair dye, it can damage the follicles on their scalp over time. Dry, brittle, and dull hair is often a result of using too harsh of chemicals to add color to it. Using natural hair dye instead of the regular, toxic hair color you buy off the shelf can help to keep your locks bouncy, shiny, and healthy.

It is ideal for those who have skin sensitivities – A common ingredient in traditional hair color, Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), is a well-known irritant for many people who have sensitive skin. There have been plenty of documented allergic reactions to this chemical, and it can cause extreme discomfort, pain, and itching for those who experience it. While PPD is not the only chemical that can cause an allergic reaction in normal salon hair color, it is one of the frequent offenders. Opting for natural hair color instead of standard dye eliminates PPD, and is an ideal choice for those who experience other skin sensitivities and allergies.

It is safe to use when pregnant – If you are someone whose hair turned grey early in life, you know the fear that comes with not being able to color your hair when pregnant. Everything that you ingest or put onto your body when you are pregnant is also absorbed by your unborn baby, so many health professionals recommend that women who are with child do not dye their hair during their pregnancy. However, using all-natural hair color is safe for pregnant women to use at any point in their pregnancy because of its plant-based ingredients.

If you are searching for more information or are looking to browse through an extensive selection of all-natural hair color, visit our store today at SabaBotanical.com.