Tag: healthy living

Safety Tips Part One

In my line of work, I work with survivors of domestic violence. I am also a single mother that lives out in the woods. Safety is always on my mind. Here are some good tips to use to keep yourself safe.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!

I love the exterior motion sensor lights, but sometimes it doesn’t do the trick. If lights go on and off from the inside, that will put any lurking on guard. I recommend the Kassa Smart Plug. I can be sitting in my office and turn my living room lamp, bedroom light, and a light upstairs on. I don’t have to walk into a dark house.

I also love my Blink cameras. I suggest these over Arlo. The batteries are replaceable AAs. They are just easier. I do have the Arlo doorbell with a siren that I can use at anytime. Ive left links to these products on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-HS103P2-Required-Google-Assistant/dp/B07B8W2KHZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=smart+plug&qid=1604975296&sprefix=smart&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ2LTB/ref=ods_vicc_ps_xt1kit

https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Audio-Doorbell-Wire-free-Weather-resistant/dp/B07HXNPJLJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=arlo+doorbell&qid=1604975756&sprefix=arlo+doorbell&sr=8-4

#diet success

Well, I started Monday with a diet and I have had some success.
I have been gaining weight for the past six months and I decided to do something about it.

scrabble pieces on a plate
Photo by Natasha Spencer on Pexels.com

Right now, I am decreasing how much I eat and  changing to healthy food. Seems simple right. Well, it’s been a struggle. I’m out in the field a lot and I usually hit up a drive-thru. Changing bad eating habits is incredibly difficult. Here’s what I have been doing:

1.I am forcing myself to eat breakfast every morning.  I usually just have a cup of coffee for breakfast. I eat either fruit or yogurt.

sliced strawberries banana and blackberries
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

2. I snack throughout the day. No more Cheetos or chocolate. I have walnuts and raisins, more fruit, veggies

3. I eat a little lunch. It consists of a sandwich and veggies.
5D2BA8EA-75FA-46C5-8EB4-2F5A3BEB9ACE

4. I eat a smaller dinner.

5. When I eat a salad, I don’t have salad dressing.

6. I don’t drink any soda. I only drink coffee (black), water, or wine. Come on, you thought I was going to stop drinking wine???
F7BAF0C0-E7CD-4A3B-8304-3A4A9D064C28

I am very glad to say that as of today, I have lost 4 pounds. I’m hoping to continue on with the weight loss and to return to the gym next week.

D13795BA-27F7-4FAC-924C-C022E4480367

Overcoming the cravings

I have gone almost two months without smoking. I am extremely proud of myself for going this long. That hasn’t happened in a long time. I used the patches to help me quit and I am almost finished with them. The first time I quit, about ten years ago, I had so much support from everyone. This time, I feel like everyone is trying to sabotage my efforts. I currently live with people that smokers whenever I come in the room. I will not be able to get the apartment I want until June, and I’m seriously considering finding another apartment.

I have been surrounded by cravings since I have quit smoking. Since coming back from Cambodia (more on that), I have been struggling all of the time. Here are the ways that I have been dealing with the cravings to smoke again.

black and white blur cigar cigarette
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

  1. Leave the room. When I am around someone that starts smoking. I simply leave the room. This might not be practical all of the time, but when you are able to, I suggest removing yourself from the situation.
  2. When I want to have a cigarette, I think about wanting and I try to think about why I want to smoke. Most of the time, it’s compulsory. It’s because there is nothing in my hand and I’m bored. Don’t just try to ignore the craving. Think about the craving and find the remedy to your craving.
  3. Find things to do with your hands and your time. If you’re bored, do something. If you’re stressed, find a stress reliever. Keep moving.
  4. Start working out. Yes, I have gained weight since I quit smoking. I knew that would happen. Exercise will help with the weight gain and occupying my mind.
  5. Clean. I went through everything and removed any to do with smoking. Soon after I quit, I found a lighter and a pack of cigarettes in my nightstand. That almost did me in. I threw everything away.
  6. Go to a different gas station. I know, that one sounds odd, but just hear me out. When I smoked, I would walk into the gas station, and the cashier would have my cigarettes already on the counter. I know that I am not always strong and I would not be able to say no all of the time. I now go to another gas station where the cashiers don’t know me. No issues.

This is just a short list of how I’m trying to beat the cravings. I hope that this list helps someone going through the same things.