the ward method

Tag: self-care

  • Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Let’s be honest: the whole “work/life balance” conversation?
    It’s cute in theory.
    But in real life, especially when you’re building a brand, chasing a dream, or trying to create a life you don’t need a vacation from, it’s kind of… BS.

    Because here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
    If you want a life that looks different, you have to move differently.
    You have to put in the hours no one sees, believe in yourself when no one claps, and keep going when most people would quit. That’s not balance, that’s commitment.

    And no, this doesn’t mean hustle until burnout or neglect your health. But it does mean realizing that in the beginning stages of anything meaningful, business, personal growth, your dream career, there’s sacrifice. There’s discipline. There’s choosing to stay in and figure it out while everyone else is chilling.

    You get what you give.
    What you pour into your work, your mindset, your energy, comes back. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will come back.

    If you’re thinking of starting a brand or business, here are 3 real, unfiltered tips you need to hear before you jump in:

    1. Start before you’re ready (clarity comes from action)

    Waiting to feel “ready” is a trap.
    You won’t suddenly wake up with all the answers, all the confidence, or the perfect plan.

    Start with what you have.
    An idea. A feeling. A problem you want to solve.
    Clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. You’ll learn more in one month of messy action than a year of sitting on the sidelines planning.

    “Done” beats “perfect.” Every time.

    2. Your brand is built in the boring stuff

    It’s not just about cute fonts and aesthetic Instagram posts (though those help).
    It’s about consistency. Systems. Emails. Following up. Doing the work no one claps for.

    The behind-the-scenes stuff? That’s what builds something sustainable.

    Show up for your brand like it’s already successful.
    Treat it like a job, even before it pays like one. That’s the energy that gets noticed.

    3. Protect your vision like it’s sacred (because it is)

    Not everyone will get what you’re doing. Some people will think it’s a phase. Others will straight-up project their fears onto your ambition.

    Do it anyway.

    This is your life. Your vision. And the truth is, most people don’t have the courage to build something of their own, so when you do, it can make them uncomfortable. That’s okay.

    Protect your energy. Unfollow the noise. And keep building.

    You might not have perfect boundaries every week. Your mornings might not be aesthetic and slow. And you might be tired sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

    It means you’re in it.
    You’re building.
    You’re growing.
    And one day, that freedom you’re working so hard for? It’ll all be worth it.

    So no, this isn’t about balance. It’s about alignment.

    And if the life you’re chasing lights you up inside…
    You’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

    Keep going.

  • Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    There comes a moment in adulthood when you stop overanalyzing, stop giving people chance after chance, and just say: “Ew. No. I deserve better.”
    It’s not about being cold or heartless, it’s about protecting your peace, your self-worth, and the future version of you that’s tired of being drained by the same cycles.

    Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is look at a situation, whether it’s a friendship that’s gone stale, a relationship that constantly chips away at your confidence, or a family dynamic that’s been toxic for years, and just decide:
    “This will be the last time I allow this to make me feel small, confused, or not enough.”

    That’s it. That’s the moment things shift.
    Not because anything external has changed, but because you have.

    We talk a lot about boundaries, but rarely about the moment they are born. And often, it’s not in a calm, meditative state, it’s in a burst of raw clarity.
    A “this is so not it” kind of clarity.

    Maybe it comes after another disappointing conversation.
    Another ghosted text.
    Another moment where you realize you’ve been tolerating crumbs when you deserve a full damn meal.

    And that’s when you say it, “ew.”
    Not out loud, maybe. But inside, in your gut, where the truth lives. And you move on.

    It’s about being done.
    Done explaining your worth.
    Done shrinking to fit in.
    Done making excuses for people who show you time and time again who they are.

    You’re allowed to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel good anymore.
    Even if it’s been in your life for years. Even if it looks “fine” on the outside.
    You are not obligated to keep showing up for patterns that make you miserable.

    This goes beyond romantic relationships.

    • That friend who never celebrates you, but always wants your energy when they’re low? Ew.
    • That family member who constantly throws backhanded compliments or dismisses your dreams? Ew.
    • That ex you keep circling back to because “maybe this time it’ll be different”? You already know. Ew.

    You’re allowed to outgrow people. You’re allowed to choose peace over nostalgia.

    Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you won’t tolerate anymore.
    And sometimes the most radical act of self-respect is to say, “This doesn’t feel right, and I’m not doing it anymore.”

    Let people think you’re too sensitive.
    Let them think you’ve changed.
    Because you have, and that’s the point.

    This chapter of your life doesn’t need more apologies. It needs more honesty.
    It needs boundaries that don’t shake.
    It needs you to look around and decide: “If it’s not good for my energy, my peace, or my growth… I’m out.”

    Say ew, mean it, and move on. Your future self will thank you.

  • 4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    Let’s be real: Some weeks feel like they’ve lasted 84 years. You’ve been in meetings, running errands, answering texts you didn’t have the energy for, and just doing the most. And by Friday? You’re a shell of a person who just wants snacks and silence.

    So, here’s your little reminder that the weekend isn’t just a time to catch up on laundry or stress about Monday, it’s also your time to feel like a human again.
    Here are 4 ways to help you do just that:

    1. Romanticize the hell out of your morning.

    Slow mornings are the ultimate act of rebellion in a world that loves urgency.
    Sleep in a bit. Light a scented candle. Put on some Addison Rae. Make your favorite breakfast. Drink your coffee slowly, like you’re in a film set in Italy.
    Put on a playlist that makes you feel like the main character and pretend you don’t have a single worry in the world, just for an hour or two.

    2. Do something fun with zero productivity attached.

    You don’t need to “earn” rest or joy. Pick something that makes you happy and do it just because.
    A cute farmer’s market stroll. A spontaneous drive. An art class. A Pilates session you barely get through but feel cute doing anyway.
    The goal is to do something that feels like you, not just something that looks good on your calendar.

    3. Disconnect to reconnect.

    Yes, I’m talking about a little break from your phone (even if it’s just for a few hours).
    Put it on Do Not Disturb. Go outside. Be with the people you love, or be alone with your thoughts (they’re not always as scary as we think).
    Go touch some grass, take a walk, breathe in the air like it’s your first time on Earth. Nature really is free therapy.

    4. Check in with yourself, gently.

    Use part of your weekend to ask yourself how you’re really doing.
    Not in a pressure-filled, “let’s fix everything” way, just a little mental check-in. Journaling, reading, reflecting, maybe even planning your week softly if that helps calm your brain.
    Give yourself space to feel whatever you need to feel, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Because you are.

    You don’t need a 3-day vacation to reset.
    Sometimes, all it takes is a weekend filled with intention, the kind where you take your power back, even in small ways.
    So go ahead: do less, laugh more, and don’t check your emails unless the building’s on fire.

    You deserve peace. And a pastry. Preferably both.

  • How to think, feel, live better.

    How to think, feel, live better.

    Lately I’ve been trying this wild concept called… being nice to my brain.

    Not in a “toxic positivity, everything’s fine” kind of way. More like rewiring the way I think so I don’t spiral every time my to-do list looks like a pharmacy receipt.

    It’s honestly not that deep, just small shifts that help me feel more grounded, more grateful, more me. And if you’ve been feeling a little all over the place too, here’s your gentle reminder that your brain’s not broken. It just needs a little love (and maybe a deep breath).

    So if you’re tired of thinking the same negative thoughts on repeat (hi, overthinking besties), it’s time to do a little rewiring.

    And no, you don’t need to move to Bali, delete all your apps, or become a full-time monk. Just try this:

    Be obsessed with gratitude (like, in a cute way)
    Start and end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. Yes, even if the only thing you can think of is “iced coffee” or “my hoodie.” It counts.
    Why it works: You’re literally training your brain to search for the good. Over time, you’ll start noticing more small wins, more beauty, more you got this moments.

    Tell your negative thoughts to chill
    Your brain: “Everything is terrible and you’re definitely failing.”
    You: “Whoa there. Is that even true?”
    This is your cue to hit pause mid-doom spiral and flip the script. Instead of “I’m so behind,” try “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough today.”
    Mental gymnastics? Kind of. Worth it? Always.

    Just breathe (literally)
    Sit. Breathe. For five whole minutes.
    Put your phone down, close your eyes, and just… exist.
    This tiny habit doesn’t just calm your nervous system, it helps you move through the day with more ease. More clarity. Less reacting, more responding.

    Here’s the vibe:
    You don’t have to “fix” yourself. You’re not broken. But you can choose to create better thought habits, feel better in your body, and live from a place of peace instead of panic.

    It’s all tiny shifts. Gratitude. A breath. A thought flipped.
    Over time, it adds up. And suddenly, you’re the calm one. The grounded one. The one who glows from the inside out.

    Let’s romanticize that.

  • Feeling lucky? Well, you should be.

    Feeling lucky? Well, you should be.

    Here’s the thing: optimism isn’t just for Instagram influencers posting their daily matcha orders. It’s about boosting your self-esteem and mental health. And there’s no reason we can’t lean into that, especially when it comes to dealing with all the chaos life throws at us.

    Lucky girl syndrome isn’t about being blindly positive or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about harnessing the power of positive thinking while also recognizing that, yes sure, life’s messy and sometimes you just need to vent. It’s the perfect balance between manifesting good things and owning the fact that it’s okay to not have it all together.

    And that’s the sweet spot.

    Two things you’ll hear a lot when diving into lucky girl syndrome: manifestation and positive affirmations. Don’t roll your eyes yet. It’s not all “just think positive and it’ll happen.” There’s actual science behind it, and I swear, it works.

    When we use positive affirmations, especially in the present tense, we’re training our brains to believe that we already have the things we desire.

    In other words, when you start believing that good things are possible for you, it’s not just wishful thinking, it’s setting yourself up for actual change, because you are believing it on an emotional level too.

    Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

    • I am so lucky.
    • Everything always works out the best for me.
    • My dreams are coming true.
    • I am attracting unconditional love.
    • I have everything I need (this one is a game-changer).

    Yes, it sounds cheesy. Yes, it’s kind of like telling yourself you’re a rockstar before you actually hit the stage. But trust me, it works. And it’s all about repetition, consistency, and truly believing that the universe is on your side.

    Now, here’s where we need to draw the line: toxic positivity. No one should be pressured to be happy 100% of the time, and honestly, that’s not what lucky girl syndrome is about. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and that’s okay. Sometimes you’re going to feel all the feelings, anger, frustration, sadness, and that’s just part of the ride.

    The key is to balance the good with the not-so-good. You don’t have to fake it. It’s about allowing yourself to feel what you feel while also knowing that good things are on the horizon. That’s the true magic of lucky girl syndrome.

    Oh gosh, have I lost you yet?

    So go ahead, embrace those affirmations, write them down, let the good energy flow, and give yourself space to feel all of it, because it’s all part of the process. And, guess what? it’s way better than pretending everything’s perfect when it’s not.

    Lucky girl syndrome is about shifting your mindset from self-doubt to self-belief. It’s not about pretending everything’s always rosy, it’s about trusting that the universe is on your side, even when it feels like life is throwing you curveballs. By focusing on what you want, using positive language, and being kind to yourself through the messy parts, you’re setting yourself up for real change.

    So, are you ready to catch the lucky girl vibe? Because the universe? It’s got your back. And you’ve totally got this.

  • Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Let’s talk about hustle culture for a sec. Look, I am an ambitious girlie too. However, grinding 24/7, glorifying burnout, answering emails at 11PM like it’s cute. We’ve all been there. But let’s be real: constantly being “on” isn’t the flex it used to be.

    Being exhausted isn’t a personality trait. And honestly? Hustle culture is just corporate gaslighting in a hoodie.

    So if you needed someone to tell you it’s okay to slow down, hi, it’s me. Here are 5 little self-care hacks for when you’re ready to unsubscribe from the productivity cult and actually enjoy your life.

    Give yourself permission to be unproductive

    Yes, really. No checklists. No “just one more task.” Just you… chilling. Your worth is not measured by your output, babe. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

    Make it a vibe: wear your fluffiest socks, stare at the ceiling, or nap like you’re getting paid for it.

    Turn on DND and disappear into a good book or show

    You do not need to respond to that email right now. Or that group chat. Or that random DM from your ex.

    Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, grab a cosy blanket, get on the couch and binge that show you’ve already watched five times. Rewatching Vampire Diaries again? Iconic behaviour.

    Text someone you miss

    Connection is underrated. And sometimes, a simple “Hey, I was thinking of you” is enough to make someone’s day (and yours).

    No need for a deep convo or perfectly crafted message. Just hit send. Emotional support doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Have a solo moment (yes, that kind)

    Let’s stop pretending that self-care is only skincare and smoothies. Sometimes, some self-pleasure can work wonders for your mood.

    Pleasure isn’t just allowed, it’s essential. Your body deserves to feel good without guilt. Explore, connect, repeat.

    Romanticize something stupidly simple

    Light a scented candle before answering emails. Make your morning coffee like you’re starring in a French indie film. Put on a cute outfit just to go to the grocery store. Life isn’t always aesthetic, but you can make the tiniest moments feel special anyway.

    How can you achieve your goals, if you’re constantly exhausted? Take care of yourself first, everything else can wait.