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Betsy Kwong

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5 Morning Rituals to Create Sustainable Energy That Lasts All Day

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Creating a ritual, or a series of rituals, for different moods you feel every morning can help you create enough sustainable energy so that you can undertake all the tasks and thought process you need to do for the day. Here are some examples of accessible methods to boosting productivity and focus:

Workout

It doesn’t come as a surprise that exercising in the morning can help promote your energy levels. This activity, however, is particularly helpful for non-morning people or those who have low blood pressure to get their heart pumping faster. It’s also most efficient to workout in the morning so that you can get it out of the way and free up your time to handle any tasks or problems that might arise later in the day. For those who are looking to lose weight, working out in the morning before breakfast can boost your metabolism and minimize your appetite.

Breakfast

The most important meal of the day, and what you eat directly impacts your energy level. If you eat too much or too many calories, you might experience some sort of “food coma” that could be detrimental to your productivity; we use a lot of energy to digest food. Therefore, it is most beneficial to consume easy-to-digest food, such as smoothies and oatmeal for breakfast.

Tea

If you need that extra caffeine to kickstart your day, consider switching out coffee for tea for a gradual and sustainable boost of energy. No crash, no jitters, no bad breath, no upset stomach. This also helps kickstart your detox process, clearing out any residues that have gathered over the night, which also lightens the burden on your body. If you don’t wish to consume any caffeine in the morning, herbal tea works too to calm any stress or frustration you might have experienced during the morning rush.

Listen

One thing that could help wake your body up in a way that is nonabrasive is by stimulating the senses. While it might be tempting to reach for our phones the first thing in the morning, you might want to consider using your other senses to promote and generate greater stimulation that could lead to a prolonged effect on your energy levels, such as our auditory senses. Listen to thought-provoking podcasts, upbeat music, or your favorite audiobooks while you prepare for your breakfast or working out is a wonderful start.

Groom

For stay-at-home entrepreneurs, or if you have a home office, chances are that you don’t have to change out of your pajamas to get to work. You also don’t have to waste time on finding the appropriate outfit or commuting to work. While being comfortable is appealing, you might want to consider including as part of your morning ritual by making yourself feel fresh. This means taking a shower, washing your face, and/or brushing your teeth so you begin your “workday” with a clean start. The grooming process can not only wake up your body instantaneously, the effects could potentially last into the day as well.

These are only a few examples of the type of activities you can engage in in the morning to help boost your energy levels in a natural and gradual manner so that you don’t feel the “crash” in the middle of the day. There are many means to obtain the energy level you need to get through your day, so find one that best suits you, your body, and your needs.

 

Content courtesy of  Betsy Kwong, the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga and managing director of Boon Tea!

Contributing Author, Betsy Kwong

Betsy is the managing director of Boon Tea, a California lifestyle brand dedicated to inspiring life through the celebration and appreciation of the arts and culture. She is also the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga, a yoga method that advocates for the concept of slow living and self-expression with an emphasis on the teachings of Hatha Yoga. Her goal is to help others find the means to lead a purposeful and conscious life. In her free time, Betsy likes to go on hikes with her goldendoodle Bailey, read, and do pottery.

You can follow @boonteala and @boonyogala on Instagram. You can also follow them on Facebook @boonteala – @boonyogala , or visit their websites: Boon Tea and Boon Yoga.

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5 Female-Driven Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels to Empower Your Inner Heroine

Strong and independent females are becoming more mainstream in today’s media and entertainment. Here are five novels that features awe-inspiring female protagonists in the sci-fi/fantasy genre who demonstrates that gender is just a word, and when a woman sets her mind to do something, she usually succeeds.

The Broken Earth Trilogy

by N.K. Jemisin

The first book of the series, The Fifth Season, opens upon a scene where Essun comes home to find that her husband has murdered their infant son and vanished with their daughter. As the novel and series progresses, we discover that Essun possesses powers that could stabilize catastrophic effects caused by climate change. This complex novel is rich with powerful female characters, laced with the intricate use of the earth as a reimagined literal and metaphorical form, and introduces a provocative perspective on social issues that are both timely and convincing. Jemisin’s intriguing use of multiple point of views, especially the daunting use of second person point of view, “you”, this trilogy is a masterpiece and bound to become a classic for avid fantasy readers and realistic feminists alike.

The Power 

by Naomi Alderman

Selected by President Obama as one of his favorite books in 2017 and endorsed by Margaret Atwood, the legendary multiverse author best known for her novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”, Alderman presents an alternative reality where teenage girls develop a new physical power that could electrify people and capable of awakening that same power in other women. The novel explores the question of “what happens when women become the default and dominant gender of society?”. This is both a provocative and timely piece of work that has been applauded as “one of those essential feminist work that terrifies and illuminates, enrages and encourages”. With brilliant writing and intriguing premise, The Power has been awarded the Women’s Prize for Fiction, which is one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the UK.

A Shade of Magic Trilogy 

by V.E. (Victoria) Schwab

This trilogy is written in multiple point of views, whose protagonist, Kell, is a powerful Antari who uses blood magic to travel between the four Londons: red, white, grey and black. We are being introduced to Lila Bard as a main character Kell meets in Grey London on his travels. First branded as a thief, then contestant in a magic competition in Red London, and finally becoming captain of a ship of pirates, Lila Bard is a badass and empowering character that sets every feminist heart on fire. Most interestingly, Lila Bard is said to be one of the few gender-fluid characters in the genre of fantasy, which adds more color to an already spectacularly beautiful story.

Throne of Glass Series 

by Sarah J. Maas

Six books in the series (excluding the novellas), this Cinderella-inspired young adult high fantasy is one worth binge reading for any age. The story follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, who is known as a trained assassin but takes multiple roles throughout the series, including the King’s Champion and Fae Queen. The author introduces many other strong independent female characters throughout the novels, including a witch, a shapeshifter, and a Lady, who all makes difficult decisions and learns to fight for the freedom to choose their own destinies.

Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt

Although a children’s book, this piece of stunning literature is apt and entertaining for all ages. 10-year-old Winnie Foster discovers the Tuck family, who became immortals by drinking from a spring in the back of her house. This bittersweet story explores the issues of life and death, right and wrong, morality and ethics. It allows us to ponder the effects of cohabiting with nature, and that every person has the power to make their own decisions in life. A short but profound read that leaves an everlasting impression.

These novels are tributes that remind us as women that what doesn’t kill us can only make us stronger.

 

Content courtesy of  Betsy Kwong, the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga and managing director of Boon Tea!

Contributing Author, Betsy Kwong

Betsy is the managing director of Boon Tea, a California lifestyle brand dedicated to inspiring life through the celebration and appreciation of the arts and culture. She is also the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga, a yoga method that advocates for the concept of slow living and self-expression with an emphasis on the teachings of Hatha Yoga. Her goal is to help others find the means to lead a purposeful and conscious life. In her free time, Betsy likes to go on hikes with her goldendoodle Bailey, read, and do pottery.

You can follow @boonteala and @boonyogala on Instagram. You can also follow them on Facebook @boonteala – @boonyogala , or visit their websites: Boon Tea and Boon Yoga.

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3 Essentials for a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset

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The recipe to the success of a new-found business is often vague and unpredictable. Creating a sustainable and profit-making business is even more challenging and elusive. There are those who would contribute their career achievements to their luck of entering a market at the right time with the correct type of support system. And there are those who believe the honing of specific skills and knowledge within their field of expertise is the secret ingredient to their success.

In Chinese philosophical teachings, the essentials for success in any sort of life matters are:

1. Timing is the opportune moment of when you decide to enter the prospective market. It is important to note how saturated the market is currently before you determine your niche and how you could brand your products, services or simply yourself.
2. Geography is where you will be conducting your business. Although most small businesses usually begin with the launch of a website, the online platform may not be the most beneficial for some businesses which is best experienced first-hand and face-to-face to garner credibility.
3. Connections is essentially the people you know that could help your business directly by purchasing your product or service, or by being your advocate and providing the approval you need for a greater and more profitable reach.

 

Now that you have all these essentials in place, how do you distinguish yourself from your competition and create a sustainable and lucrative business and/or partnerships?

Principles

Set goals and objectives for your business. This should be both short-term and long-term. 3 months. 1 year. 3 years. 5 years. Make plans to build your company’s core values to avoid getting sidetracked by alluring opportunities that might be detrimental to your company’s development. Don’t forget that building withstanding values for the business and brand could sometimes take precedence over monetary gains that are not a good fit for the long-term goals of your business. Be sure to keep these principles clear, concise, and simple, and frequently reference these principles when you make difficult decisions or looking to grow your business in uncharted grounds.

Flexibility

There is one constant in the world of business: change is inevitable. While you should set goals, be mindful of your principles, and execute your plans with caution, there is always the possibility that moving components of your plan could change unexpectedly. You may need to be prepared to maneuver on paths that you have not explored before and adapt freely to making decisions that could feel risky and uncomfortable. Be vigilant, be flexible. 

While these two notions may seem a bit contrary, we must understand that the basis of the art of business is finding the balance between these two notions, the sweet spot. Through the difficult decisions we make as a business owner, we weigh the pros and cons of each option we are presented with, thoroughly analyzing the risks and outcomings, and finally reaching a decision that could potentially propel your business forward in a meaningful way.

Content courtesy of  Betsy Kwong, the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga and managing director of Boon Tea!

Contributing Author, Betsy Kwong

Betsy is the managing director of Boon Tea, a California lifestyle brand dedicated to inspiring life through the celebration and appreciation of the arts and culture. She is also the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga, a yoga method that advocates for the concept of slow living and self-expression with an emphasis on the teachings of Hatha Yoga. Her goal is to help others find the means to lead a purposeful and conscious life. In her free time, Betsy likes to go on hikes with her goldendoodle Bailey, read, and do pottery.

You can follow @boonteala and @boonyogala on Instagram. You can also follow them on Facebook @boonteala – @boonyogala , or visit their websites: Boon Tea and Boon Yoga.

 

 

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5 ECONOMICAL Ways to Inspire Creativity

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The inspiration of creativity is not limited to imagination generally associated with the fine arts. It could be understood as a guided sort of self-expression that perpetuates solution(s) to a problem, also referred to as the notion of “creative thinking”.

For entrepreneurs whose capital are restricted but in need of a boost in creativity to resolving issues, propelling their businesses forward for greater growth, or observing strategies with a wider perspective, there are methods that could help your business without affecting your budget.

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ARTS

The idea that doing something creative to spark potential creativity may sound trivial and obvious. However, this method works for a number of reasons. Scientifically, you are engaging both hemispheres of your brain by actively producing a piece of artwork, such as painting. You imagine and create, but simultaneously, you also executive with logic and organized thoughts. On a personal level, creating artwork is a solitary activity that promotes self-care. Doing something for yourself could bring tremendous happiness, which again could provide new perspective to troubling hindrances. A few hours spent at your local art or history museums are wonderful alternatives.

MEDITATION

According to research by Daniela Kaufer, associate professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley, some stress to the body and mind is actually good for your performance level. Therefore, the suggestion to meditate is not a means to prevent stress, but rather to bring about a sense of equilibrium when the amount of stress becomes overwhelming, or when you feel your focus is wandering. The most effective and direct form of meditation is to concentrate on your breath for a designated period of time. For a guided meditation and accompanying music, consider using apps such as Headspace or Yogitunes.

NATURE

One of the greatest gifts of life is mother earth. The simple act of observing your surrounding of blue skies, green leaves, brown forest beds, and the turquoise waterfront could stimulate your senses of sight, touch, smell, and hearing, allowing you to relax and open your mind to thoughts that are worthy of your headspace. Be fully present in the moment. Forget your phones, forget your to-do lists. Simply breathe in the fresh air, feel the breeze tousling your hair, and soak in the basic bliss of being in nature. The U.S. National Park Service provides a list of parks you could visit in your home state.

READ

If you’re reading this post here, you are already on your way to an enlightening start to a library of creative output. Read in a variety of mediums: books, magazines, blog posts, scholarly journals, news articles etc. Read in multiple genres. Read things you don’t like. Read things that are instructive. Read things that you love. Whatever you choose to read, be one that intrigues you to deliberate further.

WRITE

Following the wealth of knowledge you’ve accumulated from your reading ventures, writing is the natural extension. This does not have to be epic novels or beautifully crafted idioms with soulful resonance. It could be you journaling your daily thoughts, jotting down interesting things you witnessed or experienced on your travels, flush out all sorts of ideas—the good and the bad, and develop relationship flow charts to connect your seemingly scattered thoughts and watch it take on new meaning. Write so you don’t forget how you’re feeling, why it is happening, and what all that means to you.

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The seemingly mundane offerings of life could sometimes be just the right medicine for your problems. If these are things that you are already undertaking—keep it up and wonderful things are sure to come your way. If you have not had the opportunity to pursue these means of luring the creative thinking mind, trying something new like this is bound to inspire novelty.

Content courtesy of  Betsy Kwong, the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga and managing director of Boon Tea!

Contributing Author, Betsy Kwong

Betsy is the managing director of Boon Tea, a California lifestyle brand dedicated to inspiring life through the celebration and appreciation of the arts and culture. She is also the Lead Instructor for Boon Yoga, a yoga method that advocates for the concept of slow living and self-expression with an emphasis on the teachings of Hatha Yoga. Her goal is to help others find the means to lead a purposeful and conscious life. In her free time, Betsy likes to go on hikes with her goldendoodle Bailey, read, and do pottery.

You can follow @boonteala and @boonyogala on Instagram. You can also follow them on Facebook @boonteala – @boonyogala , or visit their websites: Boon Tea and Boon Yoga.

 

 

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I’m Jessica Korthuis, a branding and marketing expert with a passion for teaching female founders and aspiring mompreneurs how to market and brand their businesses.

I’m here to teach you all my secrets!

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@jessica_korthuis

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