by Vicki Peel | Apr 23, 2024 | Lifestyle |
Continued from 15 Seconds of Fame – or Less..
After 5 days of quarantine in the hotel and practice at the studio, the MrBeast challenge was set to start.
Expecting to start the challenge bright and early, I got dressed and waited for directions to board the bus. And I waited. And I waited.
By the time we were bussed to the studio and practiced marching to our cubicles a few times, the official challenge started about 3:00 pm.
Once we stepped into our cubicle, we had to stay inside until we were eliminated. If we stepped out, across the red line at the door space, we were automatically eliminated.
We still had no idea what the challenge was all about.
The only things in our cubicles were a bed with white linens and a pillow, a box underneath the bed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a few snack items, and a tablet on a podium in the corner of the cubicle.
First order of business was to test the tablet. Pictures of all contestants and their ages were already loaded onto the tablet.
MrBeast then directed us to vote for one person who we thought should win the $250,000 prize. If everyone voted for the same person, the challenge was over.
Most people voted for themselves. I voted for the 100-year-old.
On the tablet screen was a picture of a toilet. If we needed “to go”, we pushed that button and a port-a-potty was wheeled down the aisle on our level and into our cubicle. When we were “finished”, we came out and the port-a-potty was wheeled out and back down the aisle to be sanitized for the next consumer.
Now, we’re ready.
MrBeast announced that he needed 10 of us to leave on our own volition.
If 10 people did not leave, then 25 people would be randomly selected to be eliminated from the challenge. Ten minutes was allotted.
Ten people did not leave. The 1-year-old, 3-year-old, 89-year-old left, and one other person left. That’s all.
I don’t think the 1-year-old and 3-year-old were responding to the request. They just ran out of the room!
Getting down to the business of elimination of 25 people!
A machine with popup ping pong balls with each of our ages on them was used to make the selections.
#18! #85. #82. #73.
OK – good. #73 was gone. The odds were in my favor that #74 wouldn’t be chosen, at least not right away.
So, I sat back on my bed and relaxed. I was feeling pretty confident.
#74!
And just like that, my 15 seconds of fame never materialized!
However, I am sharing exclusive photos that prove I was actually in the challenge.
You can watch the entire challenge here:
I missed seeing Howie Mandel, who was a guest of the challenge at a crucial point. Afterward, MrBeast gave Howie a tour of the studio. (Click on Howie to see that!)
In case you missed me, (If you got to the 3 minute mark and didn’t see me – you missed me) here are the exclusive and conclusive photos of my participation:
Look for the yellow circle in the back on right side!
#74 getting settled in!
#73 eliminated! Odds for #74 staying improve!
Walk of Shame: the 25 randomly eliminated before the challenge started!
Until the video was published, I had no idea what happened after that! At the time of this posting, the video had been on YouTube for 3 days. Almost 80 million views. Over 163K comments.
And after all that, I remain anonymous. Fame is fleeting – or nonexistent as the case may be.
Was it worth it? Absolutely!
I took a chance at doing something I never would have volunteered for when I was much younger.
I met some interesting people in spite of my introversion, including a writer from Los Angeles, a family of a mother, father and son who owned a restaurant and a “dueling pianos” bar.
My new writer friend from Los Angeles told me about #82, a mother of 8, grandmother and great-grandmother of a LOT, who had never worn pants before this challenge. She was from Kentucky and requested they send her the fabric for her to sew a skirt to wear. However, the fabric didn’t arrive before she had to fly to the challenge. So, she wore the first pants in her life for this challenge. She was the 3rd person eliminated in the random 25! Bless her heart! (We say that a lot in the South!)
I also met a former principal of a school in a county near me. His wife was in basically the same challenge of ages 1 – 100 the previous year and came in second in the entire challenge! She made it to the last two contestants and made the wrong decision at the wrong time!
Because I live only about 30 miles from where MrBeast lives in Greenville, N.C., I wanted to know what it was like to see him in action and where the studio was located.
It was a great experience!
I also know several people who have won money from MrBeast challenges or “encounters”.
My granddaughter’s roommate was a participant in the 100 girls vs 100 boys. She was one of the remaining girls left who won the challenge and won several thousand dollars.
My grandson’s friend won $35,000 by making a basketball shot.
And my husband’s friend and former co-worker was one of the 1000 people who received hearing aids from MrBeast. I’ll call him G. MrBeast talked with him afterward and asked him if he needed a car, and G said he didn’t. Then MrBeast asked him what he would do with the money if he were given some. G said he would put it in a college fund for his grandchildren. When MrBeast asked him how many grandchildren he had, G replied “12”. He was given $12,000. A nice little jumpstart on college funds.
I didn’t win the money, and I was eliminated before the challenge really got started, but I didn’t come away empty-handed.
We were told we would receive $500 if we didn’t win anything else. But we were given $1000 instead.
I don’t think $1000 is too bad for 5 days in a nice hotel with meals brought to you, high-speed Internet, and all that time to work on my business and watch TV!
I’m a pretty proud Introvert, who put myself “out there” for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
By the way, did you identify what each of the items on my rejected artwork represented in Mr.Beast world (from previous post)?
Here are the answers, clockwise from top:
- Tree – 23 million trees planted, estimated to absorb around 2 million pounds of harmful carbon air pollution
- Trash bag – removed over 8,000,000 kg (17.8m lb) of trash from the oceans and rivers worldwide
- Well – built 100 wells in Africa, bringing clean drinking water to an estimated 500,000 people
- Candy bar – introduced Feastables chocolate bars in several varieties, making over $250 million in first year
- Numbers – MrBeast first viral video breakthrough, counting to 100,000
- Bee – MrBeast red the entire Bee Movie script in a video
- Eye and Ear – paid for 1000 people to have their vision restored and donated hearing aid technology for 1000 people
- Dictionary – MrBeast read the entire dictionary in one sitting
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Apr 22, 2024 | Lifestyle |
I participated in a MrBeast challenge. Me. The ultimate introvert – certified no less.
And now that the video has been published, I am no longer bound by the non-disclosure agreement.
So, here’s my story.
First, if you are not familiar with MrBeast (yes, that’s the correct title for him), he is the world’s (yes, I said world) most-subscribed individual on YouTube and the second-most subscribed channel overall.
MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, has over 253 million subscribers, and the video in which I participated already has over 51 million views and climbing after only one day since its release.
In fact, Jimmy – MrBeast was featured on the cover of Time Magazine in February 2024! Have you read the article?
In May of 2023, I came across an online application to participate in a MrBeast challenge. I filled it out. I don’t know why.
It’s not like that was on my Bucket List. And I’m not very good at mingling with people I don’t know. And I like to know what to expect in any given situation.
Then I forgot about it.
In December, I got a call inviting me to participate in a Zoom meeting interview. I was told that this did not mean I was chosen. I was only going to go through a casual interview with casual questions.
Then, in January 2024, I got a call inviting me to move to the next step in the casting process!
I had to complete a Casting Questionnaire, Contestant Intake Form, and sign a non-disclosure agreement that prevented me from sharing any information about the challenge until after the video was published.
At this point, I was still in the running for selection as a contestant but had no assurance of becoming one.
By the end of January, I was issued an official invitation announcing my selection as a MrBeast Contestant!
I was allowed to share that information with family and friends, but nothing about the actual event, of which I knew nothing anyway.
The challenge took place the first week of March.
I was in quarantine in a nice hotel with a kitchenette for 5 days. That included an extra day because of technical issues before starting the challenge.
There were 100 contestants, ages 1 – 100. I’m #74.
We received 3 room service meals and snacks daily.
As a confirmed Introvert, I loved being alone for 5 days, with my laptop and a TV! I worked on my blog, emails, products, did research, and watched TV. That’s what I call fun!
All contestants were invited to submit a drawing of MrBeast-related content for prizes in each age group. I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, but I submitted this one. (And – I didn’t win! Surprise!) Can you identify what each of the items in the circle represents?
Before the challenge started, we were allowed to go outside for a little while and rotate through doing a Feastable commercial, MrBeast’s chocolate bars and several other stations.
I wasn’t worried about that, because I knew there was no chance that mine would be selected. I’m not exactly an “on-camera” person.
The final station included an individual photo shoot in a number of poses in our outfit for the challenge.
Then back to our rooms until challenge time.
We were issued an athletic outfit that included a blue jacket, matching blue pants, white T-shirt, white socks and white sneakers.
The outfit was in men’s sizes, and needless to say, mine didn’t fit well. The pants were about 18” too long. I just tried to roll them up to keep from tripping over them.
The shoes were too small, and they did not have a larger size available. So, I squished down the heel and wore them like clogs.
MrBeast Contestant Outfit
The day before filming started, we were bussed to the studio for practice. I use the term practice loosely.
The set consisted of 5 rows of 20 bedroom plexiglass cubicles, separated down the middle with a ramp for access. The rows were tiered, so that each row was higher than the previous row. Then everyone could see the front where MrBeast and his pals worked the event.
Row 1 was ages 1 – 20, the next row included people ages 21 – 39, and so on. As a 74-year-old, I was on the next to the top row, followed only by the 80 – 100 year-olds!
First, everyone was lined up in front of the cubicles in age order and we practiced yelling and cheering on cue for the 360-degree camera overhead. We practiced and we practiced. After 45 minutes, I assume they thought they had enough to get some good video. (None of it was used in the final video!)
Then, we practiced marching to our cubicles, which had an open-door area on the back and our age number in the middle of the floor. And we practiced and we practiced.
When we were “good enough”, we were bussed back to the hotel. The challenge started the following day!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 28, 2024 | Lifestyle |
Question: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Answer: One. But the lightbulb must want to change.
You’ve probably heard that riddle before. But even though it may make you smile it does get down to the heart of the matter of changing your life. To change your life, you must want it.
Our habits drive our lives. They make things easier because we don’t have to think about them. We just do them.
We brush our teeth twice a day. We have that morning cup of coffee to get us going. We take a shower daily.
Habits are powerful. We don’t have to make decisions about many of the things we do daily. They are simple habits.
Have you ever tried to change a habit and replace it with a new one that serves you better? I know I have. But most of the time, I failed. I tried to change too much all at once. Or I tried to change too many things.
When I tried to count calories by writing down everything I ate, I failed. When I tried to cut out all sugar in my diet, I failed. When I tried to exercise 30 minutes every day, I failed.
So, what did I do? I quit trying.
But what if I changed one tiny thing consistently? How might that affect my life?
Check out this short video about what I did.
(Since I created this video, I moved the “My One Thing Daily Habit Tracker” to my Etsy shop. So, click on the links at the end of this post to access your FREE habit tracker!)
And you know what? If you start doing one thing differently until it becomes a habit, it changes your perspective about things. I found that what I drank at meals or snack time wasn’t that important. I could focus more on enjoying the food I ate. I also found that I started feeling better by drinking water instead of Pepsi. And then, I started feeling better about myself because I was successful at doing something to improve my health.
It was a tiny microhabit. But it had powerful results.
So why is it better to make tiny, incremental change in your life instead of revamping your entire life at once? Because microhabits are simply doable
They are easier to start.
Often, the reason we have such a hard time making changes in our lives is that we just don’t know where to begin. The whole process seems so daunting and overwhelming. With microhabits, the difficulty is removed. When you’re only changing one very small thing, it barely feels like a change at all. In fact, it can be kind of fun trying out an incremental change just to see what kind of result you get.
They are easier to sustain.
While big changes tend to get real old really fast (like changing from a diet full of processed foods to something Keto or Paleo), micro-changes (like adding a vegetable to every meal) never feel hard at all. The simplicity of incremental change carries momentum all on its own.
They are fairly painless.
Big changes are sometimes so sweeping that they can actually hurt. Imagine throwing out every piece of unhealthy food in your kitchen. Then imagine standing there staring into the abyss of an empty refrigerator trying to figure out what to eat. You have nothing left that you actually liked to eat!
The nice thing about microhabits is that the change is incremental. So, if you’re working to change your diet, you may be only changing one food – like giving up soda – while still enjoying the things you love.
And ultimately, you may find it much easier to start adding other healthy microhabits in your life.
They use less energy.
Those great big changes are only going to wear you out. It’s like going for a full-fledged workout when you typically rarely leave the couch. Your body certainly isn’t ready for that kind of work, and the whole process (finding workout clothes and equipment, going to the gym, knowing what machine to use and how long, and for how many reps) can be pretty daunting.
Microhabits encourage you to take things slow, leaving you with more energy for the rest of your day. So instead of worrying about all that time at the gym, maybe you’re just deciding to take the stairs at work or to park further away from the building, so you get that extra walking in. That bypasses all that energy you’d spend going to and from the gym, and still gives you some exercise you wouldn’t normally get.
They keep you motivated.
Great big goals can feel a million miles away and easily leave you discouraged.
Microhabits set smaller goals that are achieved in tiny increments. This means you get to your destination a lot faster, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment. That feeling helps keep you motivated as you continue to work towards change. Creating microhabits is a self-sustaining cycle of change and momentum.
While these might not seem like big achievements, the feeling of having done something special is still perfectly valid and will make you feel good about yourself, and what you’re doing.
Is there something you would like to change in your life? Can you simplify it into a microhabit?
Here is a simple habit tracker I designed that you could download for free! My One Thing Daily Habit Tracker is an undated printable that you could print out to complete or use in digital format and save in a file. You have a choice of three colors – green, pink, or white, and can use it over and over because it is undated.
Go to my Etsy Shop to get your free copy! Just click HERE!
And start your tiny, incremental change toward huge rewards in your life today!
(If the coupon for the habit tracker has expired in this post, contact me for a new code!)
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 18, 2024 | Clear Clutter |
Ever experienced the urge to declutter, but don’t know where to start? So, you just leave it for another time – when you’re feeling more motivated or energetic. You’re not alone. Dana K White, of A Slob Comes Clean blog, offers practical wisdom on how to effectively tackle clutter, starting with what she calls the Visibility Rule.
You may have read to start with one drawer, like a junk drawer. Or start with your closet, sorting, donating, and trashing. While those are places you could start, if you’re like me, you quickly get too tired and the motivation to continue is soon gone.
And look around. You’re left with a bigger mess because you pulled everything out of that drawer onto the counter or spread out all your clothes on the bed. Bigger mess and your urge to clutter got up and went!
But Dana urges us to pause and consider a different approach.
Enter the Visibility Rule. Instead of starting the decluttering process with those tucked-away areas, Dana suggests focusing on spaces that are in plain sight.
Why? Because tackling visible clutter not only enhances the overall appearance of your home but also boosts your motivation to continue decluttering.
It makes a bigger difference faster!
Just look around first. What can you do in just a few minutes? You can make significant strides by addressing items that have been lingering unnoticed but would make a huge difference if picked up and put away. Whether it’s clearing out unused containers, discarding expired food items, or simply straightening up, these small but visible changes can have a profound impact on your space.
So why prioritize visibility over the seemingly more important clutter tasks that you’ve been wanting to tackle for so long? Dana says that by focusing on what people see upon entering your home, you’re not only creating a more welcoming space for guests but also streamlining your decluttering efforts. After all, the areas that catch the eye are often the easiest to tackle, making it a win-win situation.
What does prioritizing visibility look like in practice? It’s about making intentional decisions based on what will make the most noticeable difference. Rather than getting bogged down by the enormity of clutter, start with manageable tasks that yield visible results. Whether it’s organizing a countertop, decluttering a living room, or tidying up a high-traffic area, these small victories pave the way for larger successes.
Pick up an item and make a decision right then and there. Does it need to be trashed? (Keep a trash bag with you at all times.) Does it need to be put away? (That means you have a place for it and can take it there right away.) Or, is it still in good shape, but your family doesn’t need or want it anymore? (In this case, it goes into the Donate Box.)
In essence, the Visibility Rule offers a simple, but strategic approach to decluttering—one that prioritizes impact over effort. By making incremental changes to the areas that matter most, you’ll not only create a more harmonious living environment but also gain a sense of accomplishment that fuels further progress.
So, remember the wisdom of the Visibility Rule. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of hidden clutter, channel your energy into transforming the spaces that make the greatest impression. Your home—and your sanity—will thank you for it.
by Vicki Peel | Mar 9, 2024 | Clear Clutter, Home |
How UN Are You? Assessing Your Motivation, Interest, and Energy for Decluttering, Cleaning, and Organizing
I have been planning and dreaming about taking control of my house for over a year now. I’ve considered each room and how I want the room to look, feel, and function. I’ve made this a major goal for this year.
I’ve thought about the available spaces and whether my belongings would fit into the spaces. However, I know the answer to that problem. No – my belongings would not fit into the available spaces in my home. Solution: get rid of enough stuff so the remaining stuff will fit into my space.
I know what I want, and I know what I need to do. Why haven’t I been progressing on this goal?
After much procrastination and endless analysis, I have come to the inevitable conclusion.
I want a decluttered, clean, and organized home. I just don’t want to do it!
I’m the founder and organizing leader of the UN-Crowd – the UN-motivated, UN-interested, and UN-energetic!
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, uninterested, or lacking in energy when faced with household tasks? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the UN-Crowd!
Many of us find ourselves in the UN-Crowd at one time or another, struggling to muster the motivation to tackle clutter and chaos. We may want a clean and organized house, but getting there is a major struggle.
This post is all about assessing your motivation, interest, and energy levels when it comes to decluttering, cleaning, and organizing your home.
Understanding the UN-Crowd
To begin, let’s consider whether you are a likely member of the UN-Crowd. The UN-Crowd consists of individuals who feel UN-motivated, UN-interested, and UN-energetic when it comes to decluttering, cleaning, and organizing their homes. They may feel overwhelmed by the thought of tackling clutter, lack the energy to get started on household tasks or simply hate the thought of decluttering, organizing, and cleaning.
There are several common reasons why people may find themselves in the UN-Crowd. Busy schedules, overwhelming clutter, and a lack of knowledge on where to start can all contribute to feelings of being UN-motivated, UN-interested, or UN-energetic when it comes to household chores.
Assessing Your UN Status
Now that we’ve defined the UN-Crowd, let’s take a closer look at where you currently stand on the “UN” scale. Using this simple self-assessment tool, you’ll be able to rate your current level of motivation, interest, and energy when it comes to decluttering, cleaning, and organizing your home.
Take a moment to reflect on each statement and rate your feelings honestly on a scale of 1 to 10. Once you’ve completed the assessment, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your current status and where you may want or need to focus your efforts.
Click on the title below and take this quick and easy self-assessment. It should take only a couple of minutes.
Identifying Challenges and Obstacles
As you complete the self-assessment, you may begin to identify specific challenges or obstacles that are contributing to your feelings of being unmotivated, uninterested, or unenergetic when it comes to household tasks.
Are you too busy to embrace decluttering and organizing?
Is knowing where and how to start daunting?
Do you fear letting go of stuff you’ve had forever?
Are you happy with the current level of clutter and organization in your home?
Take note of any patterns or recurring themes that emerge as you reflect on your current status. Do you want to make changes in the current status of clutter, organization, and cleanliness of your home? If not, fine. It’s up to you.
By identifying any challenges, you’ll be better equipped to develop strategies for overcoming them and moving forward toward a more organized and peaceful home environment.
That’s where I’m headed – toward an organized, peaceful home, one where I know what stuff I have and where I’ve stuffed it! (Not “stuffed it” – I mean where I assigned it to be, nearest its point of use, and where I might look for it first when needed!)
It’s going to be a long and slow journey for me. The goal is better, not perfection. And I don’t think there is an end. There will always be parts of the process that need repeating from time to time. But each time I have to declutter, clean, or organize again, it will be easier than the first time.
Are you coming? What’s holding you back?
A final word of clarification: Your decluttering, cleaning, and organizing journey may look very different from mine. There is no right or wrong way to get to your destination. You simply decide how much or how little you need or want to declutter, clean, and organize. Take what you need or want from the resources and advice I share along my journey, and let the rest go. Define your organizing journey. Do as little or as much as you decide.
Comments and questions are welcomed!
by Vicki Peel | Feb 1, 2024 | Clear Clutter, Organize |
Are you ready to embark on a transformational journey that promises not only to declutter your space but also bring clarity and peace to your life? If so, you’re in the right place!
Welcome to the D-COM project, where we Declutter, Clean, Organize, and Maintain our spaces, and in doing so, cultivate a mindset of change and growth.
The Power of Transformation
We’ve all been there – staring at a room filled with belongings, overwhelmed by the chaos, and wondering where to begin. It’s in these moments that we realize the power of transformation. D-COM is not just about tidying up; it’s about reclaiming control over our environments and our lives.
I’ve been looking at my home and thinking about what needs to be done for too long. I’m ready to take action and share my experiences with you. I crave the peace that I know will come from having less stuff to manage and knowing that the stuff I keep is accessible.
The Mindset Shift
Starting a project like D-COM requires more than just cleaning supplies and organizational tips. To be successful, it demands a mindset shift. Here are some key elements to consider:
Commitment: The journey ahead may seem daunting, but remember, every step forward counts. Commit to making a change, no matter how small. Each small victory helps motivate you to take on the next challenge.
Patience: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your perfectly organized space be. Be patient with yourself and the process. Real change takes time. This is a process that is never really complete. However, reaching the last step of Maintenance will be worth it.
Letting Go: One of the most challenging aspects of Decluttering is letting go of items we’ve held onto for emotional reasons or because of a “what if” mindset. Remember – “what if I need this in the future” is not a valid reason for keeping something you don’t need or use now. Be prepared to release the unnecessary to make room for the essential.
Purposeful Cleaning: Cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. Embrace it as an act of self-care.
Organization: Organization is the foundation of an orderly life. If you take the time to invest in tools and strategies that work for you, it will be much easier to Maintain the order you create.
Consistency: The last step, Maintenance, is often overlooked but is crucial for long-term success. Make D-COM – DECLUTTER, CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN a lifestyle, not just a one-time project.
Join the D-COM Community and make your home a haven that supports you emotionally, spiritually, and physically because you invested the time to make it a reality.
Join me by committing to your personal D-COM journey, knowing that you’re not alone. We are building a community of like-minded individuals who are ready to embrace change and elevate their living spaces. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes with us, and let’s support each other along the way.
More to Come
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll delve deeper into the various aspects of D-COM, providing tips, tricks, and inspiration to keep you motivated. Remember, the journey towards a clutter-free, clean, organized, and well-maintained space begins with the decision to start.
Are you ready to transform your life and living space? Let’s decompress and D-COM together and watch your stress levels diminish.
by Vicki Peel | Nov 1, 2023 | Lifestyle |
When it comes to our health, few things are as important as maintaining healthy blood pressure. Yet, it’s usually not something we think about until it becomes a problem.
So, what does it really mean to our health and what can we do about it?
When I was much younger, my blood pressure was always low, sometimes to the point of making me feel sluggish. But I thought that I wouldn’t have to worry about high blood pressure in the future. Wrong!
My blood pressure has crept up and up over the years. My doctor has pushed me to take blood pressure medication, which she has been increasing as my blood pressure increased. Yikes! I hate that!
I’ve been forced to learn more about blood pressure and what I can do about mine. This blog post examines some what we need to know about blood pressure.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Basically, blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It’s typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number, known as systolic pressure, represents the force when your heart beats, while the second number, diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.
It’s important to maintain a healthy blood pressure because high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. On the other hand, low blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting. Striking the right balance is key.
As my blood pressure has increased, so has my anxiety about it. My father and grandfather had a heart attack. My grandmother had mini-strokes and dementia. You see why I’m concerned, right?
Know Your Numbers
The first step in managing your blood pressure is knowing your baseline. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial for this. If your blood pressure is consistently above 120/80 mmHg, it’s essential to take action to bring it down to a healthier range.
It’s also important to take your blood pressure regularly if you have reason to be concerned. Newer methods of taking blood pressure have made it easier to do that.
The OMRON Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor was the highest rated by Consumer Reports, which is my go-to source for unbiased product reviews. It is available from Amazon for $84.00.
The second highest-rated monitor was OMRON Silver Blood Pressure Monitor at only 1 point below the platinum-rated one and it’s only $53.00.
I use the Withings BPM Connect – Digital Wireless Blood Pressure Cuff & Heart Rate Monitor. I was surprised to find that Consumer Reports rated it much lower than the above two monitors. The main con was that it didn’t have an irregular heartbeat detector. But I’m happy with mine because it is easy to use, and I can save readings on my health app.
Keeping a log of your readings can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment plan. (See an easy way to do this at the end of this post.)
Lifestyle Matters
One of the most effective ways to manage your blood pressure is by making lifestyle changes. Here’s where the rubber meets the road! Yes, if I want to lower my blood pressure, I must make some lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Eat Healthy
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. Reducing your sodium intake is also essential, as excess salt can contribute to hypertension.
This one really hurts, because I love salty foods!
Get Active
Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. But any movement that is more than you usually do is a good place to start.
I don’t think I’ll be doing much vigorous-intensity exercise no matter how I build up my activity.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you’re overweight, losing even a few pounds can make a significant difference in your blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare provider about a healthy weight loss plan that’s right for you.
Yikes!! Here we go again. This one is a biggie for me (pun intended)!
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Excessive alcohol and caffeine intake can lead to high blood pressure. Moderation is the key here.
Whew! I don’t have to worry about this one. I was never one to drink a lot of alcohol but after I was diagnosed with a liver condition, I didn’t drink at all. And since I switched to drinking only water (no sweet tea, Coke, or Pepsi), caffeine is not an issue. Hold the chocolate!
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help to manage stress effectively.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your blood pressure and overall health. But here’s something else to think about: I’ve read that “sitting is the new smoking”! So back to the exercise routine!
Medication
Lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to control blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure. It’s crucial to take your medication as prescribed and follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your progress.
Managing your blood pressure is a journey, not a destination. By understanding your numbers, making healthy lifestyle choices, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take control of your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health problems.
Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being, so start today on the path to a healthier life. It’s become a priority for me. I’d like to be around long enough to see my last grandchild grow up!
Because my blood pressure has increasingly become a source of concern for me, I have created a Blood Pressure Tracker to help me keep abreast of my blood pressure daily.
It’s a simple spreadsheet in Google Sheets, which is free. Click HERE to take a look at it and see if it might help you track your blood pressure.
The cost is minimal, but your health is priceless.
by Vicki Peel | Sep 26, 2023 | Home |
Ready to unleash your creativity with a gorgeous fall topiary?
That’s what I did, and now I’m ready for fall! I finished two fall pumpkin topiaries and have them flanking my front door.
I got my inspiration for creating the topiaries after seeing a similar one in Wayfair and WalMart. And the best part – theirs were $300 for one topiary! And mine is about 80% less than that.
If you want to see how I did it, just click the image below to watch the video! It’s easier than you think!
What do you think? Would you like to make a similar one yourself?
I’ve got just the thing to help you create your own fall topiary! You can download my FREE Instructions – Fall Pumpkin Topiary PDF!
The PDF gives you step-by-step instructions for exactly what I did to create my own topiary plus tips along the way to save you time and frustration.
The link to the instructions is in the YouTube video description. Just click the link for your FREE download!
And, if you create your own topiary, I’d love to see it and post it in a future blog post!
by Vicki Peel | Sep 7, 2023 | Clear Clutter |
By Guest Blogger, Elizabeth H. Cottrell, Heartspoken.com
When an idea crosses your mind in more than one way within a short period of time, it’s best to pay attention. I call these “God nudges,” but others may cite serendipity. Whatever you choose, they are often learning or growth opportunities that, if ignored, will fly away and possibly not return.
I’ve recently had two such “opportunities” by being involved in clearing, sorting, tossing, and distributing the possessions of two women I love—my aunt and my mother—who had to vacate a large home or apartment. It was a bittersweet experience, but I learned some valuable lessons:
1. I don’t need “things” to remember my loved ones.
I am the oldest of five, and each of my siblings had quite different emotions about what they wanted to keep and what could be let go. One asked for the sweater Mom wore at her graduation or the lamp she and our mother bought when they were shopping together. Another felt protective of all of Dad’s military memorabilia. Another was concerned that we save anything our children might be able to use in their homes.
Was I lacking in compassion or family sentimentality when I didn’t find it hard to release most of my aunt’s or my mother’s possessions? I already had a home full of things that made me happy, including other family items that I use and enjoy. I didn’t need more except for a piece or two of jewelry that have been handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter to granddaughter or aunt to niece to great-niece.
I realized that as long as I can remember my loved ones, they will ride lightly on my heart without help from a “thing” they owned. And when my memory is gone, it no longer matters.
2. If you don’t love it, let someone else have it.
When my parents moved to a retirement community from the house where they had lived for decades, we “kids” felt we had to keep their possessions for fear of hurting their feelings. We stuffed our already-full homes with items that Mom and Dad had bought or even received themselves as gifts.
Several months later, when Mom was visiting, she saw a figurine that had been in her home all my life and which I had taken out of a sense of obligation. “I always hated that thing,” she declared out of the blue. “We got it for a wedding gift, and I couldn’t make myself get rid of it.”
Light bulb realization: just because my mother owned it for years didn’t mean it was a treasured family possession. From that day on, I felt liberated to keep only things I thought I would use or enjoy.
3. There comes a time when you should say to yourself, “Downsize now so someone else won’t have to do it.”
Clearing out someone else’s home is a huge job, and for me, this was a wake-up call to do what I can to minimize the job of clearing out our own house in the future.
Unless you’ve documented the provenance of family heirlooms, for instance, your own heirs will have no context for sorting and tossing other than their own taste. I want to save my daughter time and emotional energy by making the hard decisions now, decluttering our home, and identifying anything I want her to know about its history. It will still be tough for her, but I’m determined to make it easier by starting now.
4. A good system can maintain good habits.
There are two ways I hope to accomplish and maintain my downsizing goal:
- Whenever I bring something new into the house, I’ll take something old out. Wish me luck with that one.
- I’ll remember Gretchen Rubin’s One Minute Rule: “Whatever you can do in one minute, do it.” This may not seem like very long, but I’ve been astounded at the things I can get done in this short amount of time:
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- Declutter a drawer.
- Toss pens and markers that don’t writ.
- Papers can be straightened and reviewed for trash or filing.
- Put a book I’ve finished into a donation box.
- Examine and discard or donate knick-knacks.
- Sort a stack of mail and discard the junk.
- Put away that pair of shoes you just took off. Pull out any other shoes that hurt your feet and give them away or discard.
- Open any closet and discard or give away contents you haven’t worn in three years.
I’m taking baby steps – one drawer, one corner, one small closet. Intentional downsizing makes me feel lighter and freer. And one day, my daughter will thank me.
Elizabeth is a writer, speaker, blogger, and author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. Above all, she is a connector and encourager whose passion for note writing has launched a #HeartspokenMovement to help readers find their own heartspoken voice and learn to harness their own note-writing superpower.
Connect with Elizabeth:
P.S. From Vicki
If you don’t have Elizabeth’s book, Heartspoken, then you need to take a look. You’ll be glad you did. Everyone should have a copy!
by Vicki Peel | Aug 23, 2023 | Lifestyle |
“See yourself living in abundance and you will attract it. It always works, it works every time, with every person.” – Bob Proctor
You probably don’t constantly think about how your mindset affects your life. You may have always thought this way, either because of how you were raised or through your experiences. Your mindset in fact not only affects your life, but it also directs your life. Changing how you think is the single most important thing you can do to improve your life.
It’s not easy to do. I know. I’ve been working on mindset shifts to improve my life for a long time. It’s never too late to live the life you dream about.
Abundance mindset, scarcity mindset, fear mindset, fixed mindset, growth mindset, confident mindset and many others are all different types of mindsets we have. Do any of these mindsets sound like you? Each unconscious and conscious belief affects our lives every moment.
According to the research of Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, the power of our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, is far greater than we imagine and changing even the simplest of them can have profound impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.
The world has changed dramatically in the last few years. And by all accounts, that kind of change will continue. The political climate has become something I could never have imagined. Of course, people have differences of opinions, but whatever happened to collaboration and compromise?
Climate change is real. We are not being good stewards of the planet on which we live. My hope is that my grandchildren and their grandchildren will have the intelligence and sense of responsibility to right some of the wrongs my generation has inflicted upon the earth.
Yes, the world has changed. What some may see as limiting and disruptive may be seen by others as an opportunity – an opportunity to emerge in ways you define. Change has occurred rapidly and definitively. Are you moving around by the winds of change or defining your own change and how you can take control of your life?
The first step is becoming aware of our mindset and consciously choosing to develop a mindset that will help us move forward with creating our intentional life. If we allow ourselves to remain stuck in the flow of things, we are abdicating our choices to circumstances. All the advice in the world about how to get the most out of life is worthless if we don’t take responsibility for the choices we make, or we allow those choices to be made for us.
For us to emerge from these experiences and thrive, not just exist, we need to think about and plan for who we are now and who we want to be in the future. We can start by practicing mindfulness and reframing our mindset.
If you are totally happy with yourself and your ability to navigate the new normal, I suggest you stop reading here. But before you go, describe your strategies for being in control of your life and what makes you feel secure in your abilities to move forward with confidence.
If you’re still reading, here are five ways changing your mindset to an abundance or growth mindset can improve your life.
- You aren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Changing your mindset to one of growth allows you to see the many different paths available to you in whatever you are seeking, whether it is job advancement, creative outlets, or something more personal. This allows you to move forward rather than being stuck in the same place.
- You become comfortable sharing ideas without feeling threatened or intimidated, which leads to better choices, environments, and relationships.
- Changing your mindset to one of growth helps you build better personal and romantic relationships. You realize people will always have differences. You learn that a relationship involves learning about and from each other.
- You’ll begin to judge yourself and others less. You won’t have time to waste on judging others are saying or doing. Instead, you’ll be able to focus on making progress in your life.
- The change to a growth mindset allows you to accept constructive criticism for what it is and use it for personal growth. You become more confident because you won’t need validation to reassure you that you’re doing it right.
You can change your mindset. And it will improve your life. Your skills can be cultivated, learned, practiced, and grown. You no longer worry about what will happen. Instead, you will commit to the process of taking action and learning along the way.
Changing your mindset helps you to step out of your comfort zone to go after what you want and believe you will get it.
Is your mindset helping or hindering you at this point in your life?
One of the most impactful practices we can adopt is that of journaling. Daily expression of our thoughts on paper can be cathartic in so many ways. It can reveal much about ourselves. And it can help us develop the habits we need to shift our mindset to one that serves us well and will continue to do so throughout our lives.
I invite you to take a look at my “Habits and Mindset Journal”.
Is this a tool that will help you shift your thinking to a mindset that will continue to improve your life? I encourage you to look it over and make the best decision for you.
Here’s to the peace and joy of your new and improved mindset!
