Your Simple Life Manifesto – Part Three

In like a lion, and out like a lamb. That seems to be how March works for us. The weight of an endless winter combined with work, family and everyday life can have a huge impact mentally and physically. Not to worry, I have some good news! The final part of this three-part series will focus on ways to simplify your personal heath and well-being.

Simplify your health. There are a number of ways to maintain your health easily.

Eat healthfully. It isn’t news that diet is important to your overall health. A lot of fruits and veggies, and less of the bad stuff like processed foods, refined sugar and flour will do wonders for the way you feel. A healthy diet is not a quick fix for dropping a few pounds; it needs to be part of your lifestyle.

Get moving. Feeling the winter blahs? Get back in touch with nature! Bundle up and head outside, even if it is for a short walk. I promise, you will feel much more energized and ready to take on the world.

Treat yourself. Everyone needs a little TLC now and then. Why not schedule a massage or a manicure? Getting pampered is a great chance to relax and rejuvenate.

Free your mind. You can do this anywhere and anytime. Meditation allows you to focus on what really matters while taking a moment to relax. How do you meditate? Relax your mind and let your thoughts come and go. There isn’t a wrong way to do it.

Have some you time. This may be uncomfortable for some, but spending time alone gives clarity on what is important to you. This quiet time gives you time to think and discover who you are.

Spend time with loved ones. More time with people you enjoy (and less with those you don’t). Find time to reconnect and do things with them.

Streamline your interactions. There are some basic ways to simplify your relationships that will save you headaches in the long run:

• Learn how to say no. You can’t please everyone, and if you try, you will please everyone but yourself.

• Don’t cross oceans for those who wouldn’t jump puddles for you. Stop giving to those that fail time and time again to do the same.

• Follow your gut. If something seems a little shady, it probably is. Don’t be influenced by these types of people.

The journey to a simple life is personal, and there is no wrong way to get there. What works for you today may need to be adjusted down the road. Some final thoughts: Don’t worry about something if you cannot change the outcome. If you can, do it! “Be yourself,” sounds cliché but it exists for a reason. It is much easier just to be who you are. The right people will love you for being authentically you.

Be Authentic Online

Be Authentic Online

It feels natural to be authentically you… right? Step outside of yourself for a moment and think about the many hats you wear. Who is the real you? What struggles do you face? What motivates you to keep chugging along? Social media can serve as an outlet to express thoughts, feelings, goals, and challenges. While some people take it to the extreme, using it effectively can create a strong connection between you and your followers.

Have you ever visited a page for someone you admire and look up to? When reading some of their statuses you are reminded that they are only human too. Sharing personal stories, struggles, and how you overcame them can give your admirers the same relatable experience. It can start a conversation that engages Facebook or Instagram followers. A visual way to do this is through sharing photos that show them what happens behind the scenes. This creates a very exclusive perspective that people can relate to, that also makes them feel included.

By being transparent and relatable, you make yourself (or business) seem more personable and approachable. Everyone has their battles, and some people are better at others at overcoming failure and using what they have learned.

What personal story could you share with the world?

The core of business connections

The Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for area businesses. Their purpose is to be the voice of local business and to serve their members. In need of a way to attract and recruit new members, they consulted our team to develop a presentation packet. We considered how the materials would function while enhancing the process. Great care was taken to maintain the integrity of the existing brand while creating materials that can be used together or separately.

Outlining each step creates more organization, streamlines the process and helps to decrease the chance of an error. Forms allow information to be collected in a thorough and organized manner and breaking down the process into manageable steps is a pleasant experience for both parties. A uniform look builds brand recognition and facilitates internal organization for preparing presentations and meetings.

Deliverables Included:

• Pocket Folder
• Informational Flyer
• Trifold Brochure for Yearly Events
• Member Application Card

Unplugging

While social media allows us to stay constantly connected to the customized online world we have created, unplugging on a regular basis has its benefits.

The ways we communicate online are extensions of ourselves-good and bad. Marshall McLuhan, visionary philosopher of communication theory, believes that “everything is an extension of our desire for connection.” While seeking positive reinforcement from others and gaining a sense of belonging builds our self-esteem online, doing it offline is much more meaningful.

Challenge yourself to unplug at least once a week. Even if it starts with just a few hours, you can work your way up. Take the time to experience the world around you, reflecting on your own feelings, goals, and relationships. Allowing your brain and soul to reset will bring a profound sense of balance. Filmmaker Tiffany Shlain, a digital pioneer and founder of the Webby Awards, expresses how she feels much more present with the people she cares about and how she feels more grounded and creative after her reset.

What will you do with your unplugged time? 

#hashtag #facebook

Facebook Hashtags

So, you might have noticed that the hashtag has finally made it’s way to facebook. Previously used mostly on instagram and twitter, hashtags allow you to make your posts part of a larger topic or discussion.

Using these are simple and can be very effective for personal and/or business use. To use, simply start with the # (pound) symbol, followed by a word or phrase with no punctuation or spaces. They are free and increase your visibility on search engines and across multiple social media sites.

Facebook’s hashtag functionality is similar to other social media sites allowing you to: search for specific hashtags, click on hashtags that originate from other sites, create posts that include hashtags as well as adding hashtags to facebook ads you’re running.

Try creating a hashtag unique to your brand, such as #yourbusinessname or #yourtagline (best thing is, you don’t have to register it, just start typing!) Just remember some common hashtag etiquette, avoid using hashtags that are irrelevant to your post and keep it short and sweet.

If hastags aren’t working on your facebook yet, don’t worry. Facebook indicates it is still in the process of rolling them out and will take a few weeks to complete.