5 Steps To Reclaiming Your Time & Getting The Most Out Of Your Day
Every morning is the start of something great and has us ready to do our hair toss and check our nails *cue Lizzo*. But by the time we brush our teeth and unwrap our hair, the day tends to fall into the rut and pattern of the ones before.
Before we know it, days, weeks, months and even years have gone by before we realize that we haven't been making our days great. Instead, our days have been making us tired and exhausted. It doesn't have to be this way though.
By making small steps like these on a daily, we can make the most out of our time and flourish with a meaningful life.
1.Wake Up Earlier
Have you ever wondered how some people are SO much more productive? We all have the same 24 hours in a day (blah, blah, blah), but sometimes, it seems like other people get blessed with a couple of extra hours at the top. Well, that's actually true. While some of us are rolling over and hitting the snooze button, others are tapping into their discipline and rising and shining hours ahead of time.
Getting out of the habit of waking up just in time for work and being intentional about waking up earlier to knock out your to-do list before you even leave the house can create some pretty meaningful changes. You'll feel more energetic and make the most out of your day.
2.Do Something That Makes You Nervous
Sometimes, it's so easy to get into a funk because we're doing the same thing day in and day out. Where's the motivation in that? No wonder we feel depleted, uncreative and uninspired. Meanwhile, we're watching others live their best lives feeling like we're not worthy of doing the same. If this is you, try something new… literally.
Do something every day (or at least every week) that makes your palms sweaty. Take a risk and get out of your comfort zone. You'll not only find that your life can truly be meaningful but also realize that you're getting closer to your goals that you might have been too afraid to go for in the past.
3.Have Conversations That Inspire You
It's no secret that conversations we have with others can make or break our day. So why not let it make your day count? Whether it's a conversation with a friend or a coworker, talk about something that excites you. You never know what kind of inspiration you might get out of it, or even what type of encouragement you could offer. All it takes is a conversation about your dreams, goals, and things that put a smile on your face.
Sometimes we can be so afraid to share things with others out of fear that they'll "hate" on it, or just not be supportive. But having conversations about things you love with people you trust can help you become more fulfilled and purposed by the end of the day.
4.Journal It!
Journaling is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether they were good or bad, it's so amazing to look back on dreams, thoughts, goals, feelings, and ideas that we once had. It shows the growth and progress that we might not have even realized we made. Sometimes having a more meaningful life is just capturing the one that you already live.
We might feel like we're too busy in the hustle and bustle to take time to sit down and reflect (and even remember) how far we've come. But writing journal entries for just a few minutes a day can push us toward the life we think we don't have time to live.
5.Thank God!
No matter what happens each day, finding something to be thankful for can create such a refreshing mental state. I once received the advice to write down 10 things I'm thankful for before I go to bed, and it's been life-changing! On those days we go to bed convinced that something won't work out, or that our lives are just blah, we can be thankful for things that did work in our favor that day, even if it's something as (seemingly) small as making it to work on time, getting around safely and our health. Keeping an "attitude of gratitude" is what keeps our lives full and meaningful.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
5 Signs You Are Living Your True Purpose
It's Never Too Late To Be The Woman You've Always Wanted To Be
6 Signs It's Time For A Major Life Change
Adopting These Habits Can Totally Change Your Life
Featured image by Shutterstock.
Did you know that xoNecole has a new podcast? Join founder Necole Kane, and co-hosts Sheriden Chanel and Amer Woods, for conversations over cocktails each and every week by subscribing to xoNecole Happy Hour podcast on Itunes and Spotify.
- 70% of Time Could Be Used Better - How the Best CEOs Get the ... ›
- How To Get The MOST Out of Your Day! - YouTube ›
- How to Get the Most Out of a Day Off ›
- 19 Incredibly simple ways to get the most out of your day - starting ... ›
- How To Have The Most Productive Day, Every Day ›
- 9 Time Management Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Day ... ›
- Making Every Day Count: How to Make the Most of Every Day ›
- 17 Ways to Make the Most of Every Day ›
- 9 Ways to Get the Most Out of Every Day | SparkPeople ›
Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Marsai Martin Is 20! Here Are Some Of Her Best Beauty Looks Over The Years
The greatest joy about indulging in our favorite television show is following the characters on their journey—seeing them as actors/actresses in beginning roles to stardom. Week after week, we can’t help but invite them into our living rooms for enjoyment. Whether we’re sitting down watching their antics or casually hearing their voice in the background, they naturally become characters in our everyday lives.
However, like life, each character must grow into the human they’re meant to be. And we, as viewers, have to come to terms with this.
One actress growing up in front of our eyes is Marsai Martin. At one point, she was a young girl who dominated our television screens and immediately stole our hearts through her role in Black-ish. Now, our princess-turned-queen is officially the big 2-0! Our girl is all grown up. In honor of her special day, we’ve come up with our favorite beauty looks from her throughout the years.
1.Fresh Faced Queen
Makeup where? Martin proves her face card never declines with this casual bare-faced selfie. Fresh box braids allow the actress to show off her healthy eyebrows and cute dimples!
2.Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.
The actress is dripped in diamonds while promoting her nail line Mari by Marsai. Although the nails are on point, can we also take a moment to appreciate this soft glam look? Martin is wearing latte makeup with a hint of old Hollywood vibes. Seriously, Marilyn Monroe would be proud.
3.'90s Kind of World
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Don't call it a throwback. During the 2022 BET Awards, Marsai rocked a mocha-colored lipgloss and 90s-style lip liner. The glam look was also tied together with a sweetheart cat-eye that made her side-eye game sharp. A golden bronzer followed to seal this makeup moment together.
4.The Blueprint
Body snatched and face beat, Marsai posed in a series of photos featuring her on a balcony wearing a blue form-fitting dress with hair and full glam to match. Sis isn't playing fair, we fear.
5.Smokey-Eyed Gaze
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for NAACP
Getting ready for a night on the town with the NAACP Awards, Martin sported a smokey eye. The navy blue base is outside of her typical neutral eye. And just when you think the glam stops there, BOOM! Insert lashes! Diva-style lashes lay across the actress’s eye, enhancing her smoky makeup and taking things to new heights.
6.New Hair Who Dis?
Hair truly brings a beautiful look together. Martin’s captivating red hair is a perfect example! We are obsessed with the way her deep red hair complements her neutral pink lip.
7.Hater Blockers
We have to give it up to this cool accessory. The glasses (pictured above in slide 2) are making this glam look out of this world. They cover the actress's entire face, leaving nothing to see but a girl's greatest beauty asset—a smile.
8.Just Peachy
If this sweet pic doesn’t warm your heart, we don’t know what else will. Martin gives us a light peachy moment when showing off her fresh cut. Sun-kissed blushes and a simple lip are the touches that make this selfie too sweet.
9.That Girl Always
Well, you know what they say: blondes have more fun! And this stands true with her latest look. Martin wore blonde boho braids, a red dress, and a beat face. Happy belated birthday to a true queen of glam.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Araya Doheny/Getty Images