Tracie R. Braylock's Blog, page 24

3 Self-Care myths that are keeping you from living your best life

The lecture hall was silent. It seemed like everyone was digesting the words of our instructors. The two nurses, standing in the front of the room, in their freshly pressed lab coats, had just declared that “there’ll always be something begging for your attention. So do it now!” These were experienced educators who understood that life would keep unfolding and there was no reason to put anything on hold. They were trying to convince us that we could go on to graduate school, even as life kep...

When you don’t practice self-care because of what it reveals

Advocating for the care of women has been a centerpiece in my career. Speaking up for patient’s wishes when they’re asleep on the operating room table, sharing the best options and solutions to help them achieve their health and wellness goals and  expressing their previously determined desires when a trauma has prevented them from doing so for themselves are a few of the ways that

Recently, I’ve been encountering more and more women who believe that self-care is not for them. They describe...

What to do when you lack social support

The topic of friendship came up during our visit. I was asked if I had any close female friends. My answer was yes. I’ve been blessed to have a best friend for most of my life.

Then the comments started. ”Oh, well good for you.” “I’ve never had any close female friends.” “Wonder what that’s like?”

I couldn’t believe it. I was standing in the midst of some wonderful women and not one seemed to know what it was like to have true, long lasting friendship.

I honestly can’t imagine navigating l...

How you’re incorrectly describing postpartum depression and how it’s preventing you from getting the care you need

The topic was being covered on such a large platform and I was looking forward to watching them dive into it.

I patiently waited for a span of uninterrupted time so I could experience the intensity of the moment.

The show began and everyone expressed how they perceived the mother’s behavior, describing it as off and unusual. She was depicted as worrisome, always crying, inattentive to whatever was going on around her and unable to really bond with her baby.

Then it happened. She said these w...

How to Make an Herbal Steam

An herbal steam is an effective natural remedy that can be used in a variety of ways.

Using relatively easy to find items, an herbal steam has the ability to relieve congestion, cause you to relax and give you a great at home facial.

You’ll only need a bowl, towel, water and herbs for the first herbal steam method, and these simple steps.

Pour boiling water into a bowl. Add your herbs so they can steep in the water. Place the bowl on a heat safe surface, in a position that will be comfortab...

How to wake up earlier and have more time for yourself, mama

Whether you’re longing for more time alone, want more space accomplish your personal goals or simply need a change of routine, waking up earlier is packed with benefits.

Increased productivity, decreased stress and enhanced clarity for the things you want to accomplish are just a few.

But with sleep being high on the charts of things moms miss the most, you may be wondering how you could possibly wake up any earlier than you already do.

Hare a few practical tips for adjusting your routine w...

Garlic

Garlic is great for helping to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It also boosts the immune system. It contains allicin, a powerful amino acid thought to give garlic it’s healing potential.

Dill

Dill is a delicate herb and a member of the  parsley family. Dill is rich in vitamin A and Vitamin C and can help with insomnia, menstrual and respiratory disorders. It can provide a powerful boost to your immune system and act as an anti inflammatory.

The Power to Calmly Respond

One of the benefits of operating an online business is the ability to work from anywhere at any time.

This often means working from home or a local coffee shop, but this week, I decided to pay Panera a visit.

I was seated at my usual table, tea in one hand, pen in the other, when one of the employees entered the restaurant.

He walked up to the counter in search of his wallet. He was excited to find it and began walking towards the door, but by the look on his face it was obvious that somethi...

What If It’s Not As Bad As It Looks?

We knocked my plant down twice this week. I forgot to water it before leaving on vacation and it was in desperate need of attention.

The first time, the children caused it to fall. I placed the plant in a new location and they simply forgot it was there. They felt terrible about it.

But in my attempt to repair their minor damage, I completely knocked it down, exposing the roots, throwing soil across the room and fearing that the plant wouldn’t recover from such trauma.

I’ve really been lovin...