Thrive N' Create

As a lifestyle consultant, I often see individuals striving for external achievements – career success, material possessions, perfect appearances. While these can be fulfilling, true, lasting happiness often blossoms from a much deeper place: within. This is why I was so inspired by the message of the "Happy Journal: Love for Yourself," which beautifully articulates a journey I believe is essential for us all. Life, in its beautiful complexity, is a continuous unfolding. To truly thrive, we must nurture our inner landscape with as much care as we tend to our external lives. This journal's premise—a year-long guide to inspiration, joy, courage, and fulfillment—offers a profound invitation to embark on this very journey. Why a Year? The Power of Sustained Self-Reflection In our fast-paced world, it's tempting to seek quick fixes and instant gratification. However, cultivating self-love and a deeply fulfilling life is not a sprint; it's a marathon, or rat...

A growing body of scientific evidence supports the profound impact of our physical environment on our physiological well-being, particularly for women. The Science Behind the Stress Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While essential for our "fight or flight" response, chronically elevated cortisol levels can have detrimental effects on health, including impaired immune function, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Research has indeed shown a link between cluttered environments and increased cortisol levels, especially in women. A landmark study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin in 2010 by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), found that women living in cluttered homes had higher levels of cortisol throughout the day. The study, which involved ethnographic observation, physiological me...