Blog by Kristina Kasparian Veni Etiam Photography

Tips for working from home

3/4/2020

I have always enjoyed working from home.

Throughout my studies and PhD research, I thrived when studying or working independently from home, following my own rhythm or routine. I created this possibility whenever I could, and ultimately chose a line of work where this could be part of my lifestyle. It takes tremendous self-discipline and one needs to develop strong time-management skills, and it may have some drawbacks as well, but overall I find that working from home is a wonderful opportunity.

In this COVID era where millions worldwide have been forced to adapt to a new reality of teleworking, I am sensitive to the fact that the lifestyle I have long cherished is actually quite challenging for others.

I thought I would share some of my strategies and guiding principles for working efficiently from home, with the hope that they might help you turn this challenge into opportunity.

1. Know your rhythm

Do you concentrate best in the morning or afternoon?
What are the signs that you need a break?
Which tasks do you dread the most?
What distracts you?

Consider all of these details when you plan and structure your day, to give yourself the BEST chance of staying focused, especially during tasks that are not your strong suit.

2. Start the day right

How you start the day can have an enormous impact on your mood and mindset.

Let light and fresh air into your working space. Tidy a little. Start the day with something that makes you feel good - coffee, tea, music, gratitude, stretching, journaling gardening, yoga - anything that will fill your body and mind with energy to tackle your day with ease.

Look forward to working; it's a game-changer!

3. Set rules

If you are not alone at home but are worried about being distracted or interrupted, set rules so others know when not to disturb. Wear noise-cancelling headphones, choose a separate space to work from that's away from "the action", put a sign on the door, silence your phone and notifications, communicate to those who try to reach you that you will be working without interruptions until a certain time.

This is by far the biggest challenge for me, especially when friends or family are on a different rhythm (and are sometimes disappointed that I am difficult to reach during the day), but it's the only way I can stay in the zone, especially for demanding tasks like writing, translation or brainstorming. I even leave my phone in another room (I used to call it "putting my phone in quarantine" but then this pandemic broke out and that word stopped being funny to me).

4. Stay organized

Create a desk area (even if it's your kitchen table!) where you have everything you'll need at your fingertips.

Avoid having a "dumping pile". Make sure everything has somewhere to go, physically or on your computer.

Use folders, different colors, to-do lists, post-its, storage bins, dividers, an agenda and apps (like Asana) to stay organized.

Start and end each workday with a few minutes of tidying.

The clearer your space, the clearer your mind!

Featured: "Landmark" from the Canadian collection

5. Track your time

Plan your day in advance (in the morning or the evening before).

Make sure you know what your 1-3 main priorities are for the day - what is urgent and/or will bring you closer to your goals?

Break your tasks down into a list in manageable chunks that you can assign a time interval to. If the task is so huge that you can't estimate how long it will take you, it needs to be further broken down into smaller pieces.

If you don't want to set a time for every task, another strategy is to break your day into 3 parts (e.g. morning, early afternoon, late afternoon) and stay on track with the tasks within those blocks of time. Remember to leave room in your schedule for breaks!

Once you estimate how long something should take you, track your time to stay on task! This will further motivate you to eliminate distractions and silence your notifications. Lots of apps exist to help you track your time if a simple clock doesn't do the trick for you!

6. Schedule breaks

No matter how you structure your to-do list, be sure to plan for breaks AND TAKE THEM!

Whether it's a short walk, exercise, lunch, bath, a phone call, a YouTube video, gardening, meditation or laundry - write it down and make it happen.

I literally put "self-care" on my to-do lists because it makes it important - just as important as all the other items that measure my productivity - and it eliminates any ounce of guilt I have a tendency to feel if I am not working towards my goals. I tell myself that feeling well (physically, mentally and emotionally) is also a priority.

Taking a step back from our work helps us refuel the body and mind, which helps us work faster and with more clarity once we get back to it.

Writing down what you want to do on your breaks keeps you accountable. Work life balance is important, and so is your mental health!

7. Prepare healthy snacks in advance

Sometimes (often...) we reach into the fridge or pantry for inspiration, as if the answer to our problem can be found in a pint of ice cream or a jar of cookies...

To avoid binge eating unhealthy foods, it helps to have healthy snacks already prepared so you can grab them easily: yogurts, pre-cut fruits and veggies, healthier types of chips, cheese, nuts, dates, bars, etc.

When you do your grocery run, try to think of what you might enjoy snacking on while working or a lunch that doesn't take long to prepare. Making healthier items easy to grab will lessen the urge to reach for quick, junky foods.

8. Nurture your space

Your workspace, no matter its size or location, should motivate you. It should feel like a little haven that accompanies you and picks you up when your creativity starts to slump. It doesn't have to be a designated closed space - work with what you've got, even if it's the dining room.

Choose accessories, furniture and decor that inspires and uplifts you. You should feel comfortable and happy in your space, so that you enjoy being there for hours on end.

Don't be afraid to make changes to your space. Your needs evolve, so your space should too!

Featured: "Canopy of Color" from the international collection

9. Move around

If you're working from home, you're not commuting, and you're likely working from one spot all day long.

Be sure to move around while you work (some tasks can be done without your full setup) or during your breaks.

Stand up and stretch. Work while standing sometimes. Pay attention to your posture and how many steps you've done during the day.

If you're the type to lose track of time, set an alarm to get up and get your heart going a little bit, even if it means dancing like no one's watching.

10. Create a boundary

If a task or email comes up and it's not on your radar for today, set it aside until tomorrow.

If 10 new ideas popped into your mind but are not priority, jot them onto a post-it and leave them for another day.

If your "work pile" is causing you anxiety because it's in the middle of your kitchen, put it somewhere else at the end of your day.

If you've noticed that reading emails or checking social media before bedtime causes you stress or insomnia, have a strict no-device policy after supper.

Whenever possible, delineate boundaries between different aspects of your work, or between "work" and "home". Be conscious of how you feel and how you thrive, and set boundaries that protect your mood and mindset.

11. Know when to stop - and stop!

Don't work overtime every single day. Pace yourself even if you think you don't need to. Create work-life balance whether you have a family or live alone.

Know when it's time to stop, and STOP.

Whether it's after 1 more task or at a scheduled time - whatever it is, respect that limit.

Make yourself a note or list so you'll know exactly where to pick up tomorrow.

Featured: "Tour de l'horloge" from the Canadian collection

12. Celebrate

Acknowledge something positive about your day, every day.

Something you learned, a way you stepped out of your comfort zone, a problem you solved, someone you helped, positive feedback you got, a challenge that is behind you, a new opportunity, good news.

Celebrate anything that makes you feel pride, relief or joy.

I hope you found these tips valuable and you feel motivated to try some of them out.

Got a tip to share? Leave a comment below, I would love to know!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Tips for reducing anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic

23/3/2020

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Version française

It's a strange, strange time in our world.

During this period of isolation, uncertainty, fear and loss, I want to continue showing up for you and serving you by having a small positive impact on your days, through my words or my colorful art.

In today's post, I wanted to share some tips for managing the very valid feelings of stress or anxiety many of us are experiencing during this difficult time.

1. Practice acceptance

It's NORMAL to feel scared, uncertain, vulnerable, anxious, and worried about the future. There are SO many things about this situation that we cannot control and that are totally unknown. We are forced to deal with our days one at a time, with many questions and few answers.

Given the weight of this situation, it's important to be kind to ourselves, to accept that it's a terrible time for us, and to give ourselves the grace to work through these tricky but valid emotions.

2. Limit the information overload

We are all home and more glued to our devices than ever before.

So many people in our personal and professional networks are sharing news, articles, opinions, memes, videos, TED talks and recommendations. It's normal to feel overwhelmed.

Limit your information consumption to reputable sources and verified information (and to a few funny memes), and be sure to give yourself time to UNPLUG.

3. Eat well

Comfort eating is a real thing. Be gentle with yourself and do what makes you feel comforted, but also avoid overeating out of boredom or stress. Be sure to keep sipping water all day long, try to reduce caffeine, sugar and alcohol (even / especially if they are comforting!), and boost your fruits and vegetables during this time. Your body will thank you when we emerge from our hibernation in time for swimsuit season!

4. Rationalize your worries

Our minds might be racing with worries about our work, our businesses, our income, our loved-ones, our time slipping through our fingers, our boring life in quarantine... the list of worries may be absolutely overwhelming.

What helps me in times of overwhelm is a strategy like rationalization.

Make a mental list (or a physical one, if you're a visual person) of everything that you are worried about - everything, big or trivial.

Go through the list and eliminate those which are unfounded (no evidence) or beyond your control. Then, come up with a strategy or comforting thought to tackle each of the worries that remain.

Challenging your thoughts is a way to stop them from "poisoning" your mind. This strategy also helps you come up with solutions to mitigate some of our worries.

5. Take action

Action - any action, even if imperfect - helps boost our mood and motivation.

If you're worried about unemployment or finances, look into the measures your government is putting in place to help you. Reach out to your network or support groups where you will feel less isolated and where you can find solutions to your problems.

Taking action prevents you from feeling helpless.

6. Do what you love

I am a firm believer that the most difficult times in our lives are also periods ripe with opportunity.

Take a moment to think about how you've always wanted more life-balance or family time. What interests have you always wanted to pursue? What were those "when I retire" goals, or those "rainy day" plans you had? Which room needs serious decluttering?

Without putting tremendous pressure on yourself to perform or achieve incredible things, treat yourself to something you love or have always wanted to do.

Many artists are giving free tutorials on social media. Many museums and opera houses are offering virtual tours or concerts for free. There is an abundance of online resources, books, podcasts, movies and TV you can devour.

You can decorate, shop online, spring clean, cook, bake, dance, start a new business, read and create.

Find your joy!

7. Sleep well

It's easy to get carried away watching the news, reading article after article about the coronavirus and scrolling endlessly through our Facebook and Instagram feeds.

But, let's face it: that's really not relaxing, and not the best thing to do while in bed. To face the next quarantine day with pep, be sure to maintain a regular sleep schedule (sleeping and waking at roughly the same time each day), avoid your device before bedtime, keep your bedroom cool, reduce your caffeine intake in the evening, and relax your mind and body with breathing or imagery techniques before falling asleep.

8. Get fresh air

Depending on your location, your government may have put measures in place to limit your time outside your home. However, if possible and if you do not have symptoms, step outside to get air and sun, either on your balcony or in your garden, by exercising outdoors or by taking a short stroll around your block. Fresh air and movement will help boost your mood and allow you to take a breather from the information overload waiting for you on the other side of your screen.

Remember to practice social distancing if you do go outside - even if you feel invincible, it is your responsibility to protect society's more vulnerable lives.

9. Remember that you are resilient

It's a strange time in our history.

Yes, it sucks to live through this. Yes, the economy will plunge. Yes, we are making sacrifices EVERY day.

But there will be an end to this at some point, and we humans are incredible in the ways we cope, help, adapt, grow and survive.

Try to remember that when it feels like too much to bear.

10. Practice gratitude

Gratitude has tremendous healing properties for the mind and body.

Make it a habit to practice gratitude daily by introducing it into your morning or evening routine.

Think of 1-3 things you are grateful for each day.

What is going RIGHT in your life?

11. Stay home

Stay home as much as you can. This protects you and others from the virus.

And, remember, the more we stay home now, the quicker this will all be over.

Give yourself the opportunity to be intentional with your daily rhythm and your health. You might be pleasantly surprised. What good can come of this unwanted and uncomfortable situation?

12. Seek help

If you feel like your anxiety or depression is taking over, please ask for professional help.

Mental health is as important as physical health. If you feel significant distress and these tips do not help, you may need professional support from a doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker or other health professional.

You may be in self-isolation but you are not alone!

Take care of yourselves and your loved-ones.

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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My 3 words for 2020

13/1/2020

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Every year, I choose 3 words every year to guide my intentions, goals and decisions every day. Whatever doesn’t fit these words doesn’t fit my year.

This is how I know that I am on the right track, working towards my ultimate goals for myself, my work and my relationships.

For 2020, my 3 words are:
quietude,
fulfillment
and
freedom.

This exercise of coming up with 3 words is an annual ritual I have cherished for almost a decade now. I recommend everyone to do this, to pick even just one word. What is essential is reflecting for a moment on what you would like your ideal year to be, and committing it to paper. Because when it is written down somewhere, I really think it's one step closer to being actualized.

Quietude

I wish to create space in my day for calm, knowing that calm fuels clarity of thought, creativity, contentment and health.

I wish to embrace simplicity, to distinguish between what is essential and that which doesn’t serve me.

I hope to remember, especially when I forget, that everything comes from within – all the healing, all the answers, all the joy.

I wish to continue my daily appreciation of my surroundings, my home, my favorite places near and far.

I strive to be present, unhurried, to challenge the notion of “urgency”, rush less and enjoy more. I hope to finally make peace with grief, resentment and pain, to not let them poison my thoughts and shatter my hope. I want to feel peace with my decisions, and to make them without fear, without feeling the torment of picking the wrong door.

I want to feel that feeling of pure happiness and lightness that can be found in small pockets of peace, and for those moments to come closer and closer together in time.

I wish for there to be a stillness in me that can’t be rattled, a steadiness that only grows stronger with practice.

Fulfillment

I wish to continue feeling pride and excitement at the thought of where I am, who I am and what I do. I want to wake up rested, curious, eager and motivated to create. I want to go to bed feeling complete. In between, I wish for my days to flow with ease. I want to be creative, productive and full of momentum.

I wish to feel like a garden in full bloom, a light that infiltrates everywhere, a tide that is powerful but gentle.

I wish for every day to be a clear step in the direction of my dreams. I wish to have something to celebrate every single day, and to hear myself laughing loudly, no matter where I am or who I am with.

Freedom

I want to be free. Untethered. Light on my step. Grounded and anchored to what is essential, but free to float in dreams and possibilities.

I want to feel connected to pure joy and purpose, and shake off what weighs me down.
I wish for the continued freedom to make my own living, to choose my projects and my people, but also my reactions and my words. I wish to break free of cycles and patterns that no longer serve me, or which actually never have.

I wish to be free of what others might say about me, what they might think of me but not say, what they say to me but don’t mean.

I wish to be free of the grasp of Time and the nagging worry that I won’t have enough of it.

I wish to learn how to achieve this freedom even though life is full of high tides, steep peaks and dark shadows.

Once again, I’ve shown you a part of my heart. Thank you for reading and for being here with me, in whatever way, wherever you are.

And since you are here, having read this far, I ask you:
What is your word for 2020? What does your ideal year look like to you?

I would love for you to let me know in the comments below, or just write it out for yourself. I promise you, it's a powerful exercise. I wish for all your wishes to come true this year, and always!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Discovering the Saguenay Fjord: 5 best panoramic spots

17/10/2019

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Often, the most awe-inspiring places are right in your backyard.

Many of us travel far and wide before we set out to discover the gems that are right nearby. Lately, I have felt compelled to explore the beauty our province of Québec has to offer over the course of its four glorious seasons. You may have already read about my dreamy overnight stay in a historic lighthouse on a tiny island in the middle of the St-Lawrence river. Following those memorable days, I continued my trip inland along the Saguenay fjord, from Baie Sainte-Catherine, through the Saguenay Fjord National Park, to La Baie and Chicoutimi.

There is something about the region that is absolutely breathtaking, a vision that lingers in your mind's eye without fading until you return.

The deep waters are a mysterious mix of salt water and freshwater, their infinite ripples entrancing you in every light, as you watch the fog or rain or the millions of crystals dropped into the water by the Sun. The cliffs look a bit like whale backs, their silhouettes visible from a distance.

The horizons are expansive, painted in a nameless color mixing blues, grays and greens in random but perfect proportions. And you stand there, feeling tiny, your lungs filled with fresh air and hope.

If you're planning a trip to the Saguenay fjord, here are 5 spots I loved and wholeheartedly recommend.

1. La Baie (Saguenay)

La Baie is a borough of the city of Saguenay, the first colony in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region. It is a beautifully scenic spot that is well worth the visit! The Saguenay river splits into a fork at this point, and La Baie is located on the "Baie des Ha! Ha!" (on the Ha! Ha! river). Fun fact: although the name might make you laugh aloud, it apparently either stems from the Algonquin "place where bark is exchanged" or from the French "unexpected obstacle on a path". Linguists always ruin all the fun!

2. La petite maison blanche

La petite maison blanche (The Little White House) is a symbol of resilience. An ordinary Chicoutimi home built in the 1900s, it survived two major floods caused by the overflowing of the nearby dam. The buildings around it were totally destroyed, but there it firmly stood, against all odds. Today, the Little White House has been converted into a museum commemorating the floods, and surrounding area has been transformed into a lovely park with waterfalls paying tribute to its past.

3. L'anse de la Tabatière

Anse de la Tabatière is close to Anse St-Jean and part of the SEPAQ Saguenay Fjord National Park. It boasts breathtaking panoramas over the fjord from several lookout points that are relatively easy to hike to once you leave your car in the parking area and enter the park (a small admission fee applies).

4. Le quai du Petit Saguenay

Here, in contrast to l'Anse de la Tabatière, you are almost at eye-level with the fjord, and you can't help but feel moved by its immensity and beauty. Every angle, every light, every color is inspiring, and you could probably stay here for hours. I know I could! If you can, time your visit with the sunset in the summer months to catch it setting on the water.

5. L'anse Saint-Etienne

The sandy beach at l'Anse Saint-Etienne was created by the natural emptying of a lake that was once located upstream from the village. The small town was completely razed after a serious fire in 1900, and it is said that, at low tide, remains of the old village can be seen. L'Anse Saint-Etienne attracts thousands of visitors every year because you can see beluga whales from its shore.

For more information on these sites, visit:
SEPAQ Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
Saguenay Lac-St-Jean
Tourisme Saguenay

Have you been to the Saguenay region? What was your favorite part? Let me know in a comment. I always love to hear from you!

From my heart to yours.

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Tips for traveling with a chronic illness like endometriosis

14/8/2019

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Since I was young, I have been restless, curious and drawn to certain places around the world without knowing why. Whenever the opportunity arose to travel and even live abroad for studies and work, I jumped at it with my heart thumping in my chest and a notebook (and camera) ready to record my observations and feelings.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when my "normal" life with endometriosis (then still undiagnosed) unraveled into symptoms that were too much to bear on a daily basis, let alone to carry with me on a trip. My nomadic lifestyle and, to a large degree, my sense of self, grappled with the reality that I could not travel freely with my condition, which needed treatment and management continuously on a physical, mental and emotional level.

Travel is a privilege and is good for the soul. But chronic conditions like endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, PCOS, Crohn's, or celiac disease (only to name a few) require lifestyle accommodations and mindset shifts on a daily basis, which can make travel feel daunting.

Here are my 5 tips for traveling with a chronic illness. These are the strategies I personally use as someone with debilitating endometriosis and associated conditions. Whether I travel with loved-ones who know about my condition or with acquaintances who have no idea, I prioritize these 5 practices to make sure that I am comfortable, peaceful and ready to feel inspired by my journey.

1. Have all the essentials

The basics cannot be underestimated!

Having travel health insurance and a flexible cancellation policy is important and definitely not a waste of money. Knowing that you are covered in case of unexpected circumstances can help reduce anxiety surrounding your health condition, making your trip far more enjoyable.

Make sure to have your pain / prescription medications filled for the duration of your stay. It could also help to have them in their original packaging or at least with the accompanying label that describes their generic pharmaceutical name and dosage, in case this information is required by a physician or pharmacist caring for you abroad.

Before you pack, make a checklist of everything you use at home to manage your symptoms and flare-ups. Be sure not to forget these essentials, whether it is your favorite loose clothing (hey there, #endobelly), your more reliable footwear, a hot water bottle or heat pack, lavender or other soothing essential oils, CBD, specific foods, bath salts, etc.

In short, do everything you can to feel at home when you travel.

2. Know yourself

If you're like me, chances are you've been called "hypersensitive" or something similar over the course of your medical (or even personal) history. Well, I've learned that the beauty of being so "hypersensitive" is being totally in tune with my body, its signals and its needs. Checking in with yourself regularly - not only when symptoms surface - is the best tool to keeping triggers at bay and fully enjoy your trip.

What foods or behaviors trigger flare-ups in your symptoms?
At what point in the calendar are you vulnerable or susceptible to pain or fatigue?
What are the non-negotiables in your daily or weekly self-care routine?

Know your rhythm, your triggers, your body's signals and your favorite strategies for taking a step back and prioritizing self-care.

There is nothing in the rulebook that says you cannot adopt all of your approaches while you travel!

3. Choose your surroundings carefully

There can be a lot of guilt associated with living with a chronic illness, but it's important to train ourselves not to feel guilty for tending to our physical, emotional and mental needs. Choosing an accommodation that will support our comfort is an important part of traveling happily.

If you feel you might need a private room, a bathroom or a bathtub, look for an accommodation with those criteria. If swimming or warm, sunny climates help ease your pain, choose destinations that will do you good! Look up the surroundings of your accommodation - know where the nearest pharmacy or supermarket is, for example.

While in transit, pace yourself. Give yourself enough time so you don't have to rush or strain. Finally, don't be shy to ask for assistance, whether it means getting a lift somewhere, or asking the airline staff for extra support.

4. Make time for recharging

Travel can be so exciting, invigorating and exhausting - it's easy to forget yourself and to neglect your downtime when you're on the go. If you're the type to follow an itinerary, then please schedule REST into your itinerary!

Seriously.

Guilt-free time to relax and recharge will make your travel experiences more positive and more memorable than if you take that time to cram in yet another destination or activity.

5. Practice forgiveness

If the way you are feeling "gets in the way" of something you had planned to see or do, please don't be hard on yourself. I know that feeling all too well. Truthfully, this is still something I struggle with personally. Forgive your body for slamming on the breaks. Go one extra step and thank it for doing so, because it means it is articulating its needs, and maybe - just maybe - you will discover something special in staying still.

Got a personal strategy to share? Please do! I'll see you in the comments!

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Money tips for traveling abroad

14/8/2019

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International travel is super exciting but also requires some preparation to ensure your experience is safe, hassle-free and inspiring.

An important aspect of "traveling smart" is to devote some thought to how you will manage your money while you're abroad.

These tips may seem like common sense, but sometimes we get carried away with everything we have to do before our trip, and our departure date sneaks up on us without having had the time to deal with money matters.

Here are 13 money tips for your peace of mind while you travel internationally.

1. Never change money at the airport

If you have to change money at an airport, it likely means you're rushed, unprepared and desperate. And those are precisely the ingredients that cook up the exorbitant rates that airport exchange offices will "offer" you!

2. Know the exchange rate in advance

To understand how far your money will go and how much things actually cost, it helps to familiarize yourself with the local currency in advance. You can also download a quick currency converter app. Look up the exchange rate before you change your money so you know what to expect in return and know to feel alarmed by hidden commissions, transaction fees or wrong calculations. Stress, numbers, jet-leg, crowds and a foreign language can lead you to feel flustered and inattentive, so better to be as prepared as you can be.

3. Don't store all your cash in one place

If you are forced to travel with a decent amount of cash, certainly don't carry it all in one place... and certainly not in your back pocket. This would easily be a pickpocket's dream and your nightmare! If traveling with someone, split the money up between you. If you have a secure place to leave it that is not ON you, that is a safer bet. If you have no choice but to carry it on you, be sure to hide it in different secure areas of your backpack, purse and/or on your person, so that it is not vulnerable to loss or theft in one shot. Some nifty items have been invented over the years to hide banknotes, so you can be creative as well as strategic!

4. Have enough cash for your first few days (and emergencies)

Even if your trip is the spontaneous, "go with the flow" kind, be sure to have enough cash on you for your first few days abroad, as well as for emergencies. Research where you can get extra money in advance, but plan for the unexpected.

5. Ask for small denominations

When you exchange your money, ask for smaller denominations as a general rule. If you have a few large denominations, break them in reputable places where you are not in a rush or surrounded by a crowd (and be mindful of the change you get back). Smaller banknotes are also a good idea to stash in a safe place in case of emergencies.

6. Carry more than one bank card

Even if you foresee paying cash almost everywhere you go, it's a good idea to have more than one bank card on you, in case one gets demagnetized, lost, stolen, frozen by your bank or swallowed up by an unfriendly ATM machine.

7. Keep your bank cards separate (and know how to report them lost)

Carry your bank cards separately to avoid losing them in one fell swoop if your wallet is lost or stolen. In case you don't have data or internet access, make sure you have the phone numbers of where to report your card lost or stolen, and that you have the information required by your bank to identify yourself and your account.

8. Know your cards' usage fees

Your bank probably charges a fee to withdraw from foreign ATMs. It's a good idea to know any special fees that may be incurred on your account before you travel. If you use your credit card to withdraw cash, note that it will charge you a cash advance fee as well as interest on the amount immediately, until you pay your card's balance in full.

9. Notify your bank before you travel

Notifying your bank / credit card company of your travel prior to your departure is a good idea to avoid their fraud department freezing your card as a precaution when they see frequent or large transactions being made abroad. Notify them of your dates and destinations so they know the irregular activity is not fraudulent.

10. Choose a secure ATM for your withdrawals

If you're planning on withdrawing cash abroad, be smart about when, where and how you do it. Choose an ATM that is not in a sketchy or poorly-lit location. Make sure to be discrete and strategic when divvying up the money you withdraw into your different "stash" areas, and opt for making the withdrawal on your way back to your accommodation rather than on your way out for the day, so that you are not carrying a ton of cash everywhere you go.

11. Familiarize yourself with the currency

Knowing what the country's banknotes and coins look like will facilitate your life when you're abroad, whether you're about to pay for something in a line-up or whether you want to double-check what you received as change. When money looks foreign to you, it is surprisingly easy to confuse similar-looking banknotes.

12. Check your statements online

Using a secure internet connection (i.e., not the free public WiFi), make a point to periodically check your bank statements online. Create an entry in your calendar to remind yourself when your credit card is due, and take that opportunity to make sure there are no suspicious transactions on your account. Before notifying your bank of what you think might be a fraudulent transaction, take an extra moment to make sure it really was not something you purchased yourself - sometimes establishments come up under a different legal name on your statement.

13. Use as much change as you can

It's tempting to always pay with banknotes for the sake of ease and simplicity, especially to avoid counting coins when we're in a rush or in a crowded place. Unfortunately, that might mean you'll end up with a ton of coins that will have no value to you when you return home, because currency exchange places and banks rarely accept coins in return. One strategy would be to count your coins before you leave your accommodation and to organize them so you can easily pay for your coffee or fruit with a chunk of pre-counted change.

Was this helpful? Got another money tip to share? Leave a comment below.
I always love to hear from you!

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8 travel tips for a memorable vacation

29/7/2019

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So you've planned your next trip and chosen a destination that calls to you!

Here are 8 quick travel tips to make it a smooth and enjoyable trip that you'll remember long after you return home.

1. Be patient

Often, the best discoveries are those made when you least expect it (certainly not while you're rushing or stressed).

2. Buy tickets in advance for major attractions

It's such a great feeling to skip a massive line!

3. Take a metal water bottle with you

Staying hydrated is important, and a reusable bottle avoids plastic waste. Just don't fill it up until you're past security at their airport to avoid delays or them confiscating it!

4. Go food shopping

You'll learn more about local life if you shop and prepare your food rather than always eating out. You'll save some money too!

5. Have a copy of your passport and important cards on you

If you should ever lose your documents, having a copy can speed up replacing them, especially since we tend not to know our card numbers or other info by heart.

6. Vary your shoes

In case one pair gives your feet a hard time. Painful feet can be a real nuisance when traveling. Love your feet because they take you places!

7. Don't forget your battery pack

If your battery dies and you don't have access to a charger on the go, these inexpensive packs can save you and get you to the end of your day.

8. Be respectful of your surroundings

Remember that a place is not your personal playground. Respect the locals, nature, architecture, language, culture and any rules of the place you're visiting.

Got a tip to share too? Leave a comment below!

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Life at Number 63: A conversation with interior designer Kat Mannell

9/5/2019

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Imagine creating a home for yourself and your family that feels cozy, stylish and representative of your tastes, without breaking the bank.

Imagine feeling that interior design does not have to be a daunting task, and that a beautiful space can be achieved with a few creative ideas, helpful tips and tricks, and original finds from independent businesses.

That is precisely what Kat Mannell offers us with her inspiring interior design blog and Instagram account "Life at Number 63".

Based in the UK, Kat left her job as an interior design assistant for the affluent and decided to show home enthusiasts that it is unnecessary to spend endless amounts on designer labels and bespoke items to create a perfect home. She is also a passionate advocate for small businesses and handmade items.

Kat thoughtfully renovated her Victorian home to create a stylish Scandinavian-inspired interior on a budget. Only 18 months after the start of her journey, her audience has grown to almost 60 thousand followers, with whom she shares her unique finds, favorite brands, inspiring color schemes, interior trends and design tricks.

What is special about "Life at Number 63" on Instagram is that Kat takes us through her space at least twice a day, showing us different angles and different ways of styling the rooms. In fact, Kat proves that a decor need not be set in stone! Kat embraces change at home, switching the color scheme and decor frequently.

"I live in the moment, and if I feel like a room or part of a room isn't making me happy anymore, then I change it. I like to shop my home as well as buying new things, as even moving around furniture or accessories can make an area feel fresh."

Her two little girls Ruby and Molly also embrace a changing decor like their Mum.

"They are used to it! I think that, since we have lived in the same house all their lives, they are very settled children, and so a few colour changes or new items don't daunt them at all."

Kat describes her home style as "scandi, hygge and botanical".

She loves clean lines, soft pinks and Scandinavian-inspired furniture and accessories.

There isn't a spot of the house that is hidden from our view - we can admire every corner, and sometimes Kat takes us on a tour of the layout in her Instagram Stories.

"It's not a large house, but I try to be creative with my shots, and actually photograph every angle and corner possible!"

My print "Alberobello" in Kat's cozy space

Her personal favorite spot at home is simply her side of the bed. "I layer it up with blankets, turn my air diffuser and string lights on and curl up with a book and a cup of tea. Bliss!"

Other than showcasing her own space and guiding others in their home decor projects with her helpful blog articles, Kat also hosts an Instagram challenge she created under the hashtag "#spotthenewtrend", with prizes to be won. "I base the theme on current and future trends, and people use the hashtag on their posts containing that theme, and I share their posts on my stories. There are now over 18000 posts to the hashtag, which I'm thrilled with!"

Kat shares her surprise about the online community she has discovered. "There are so many people whose home is a huge part of their lives, and who want to make a cozy, inviting space to share with friends and family".

Aside from her work as an interior blogger and influencer, Kat is also the owner of the online shop Art House Illustration, where she sells her custom house portraits as prints.

When we talked about how she juggles her numerous projects, passions, collaborations and parenting, Kat confessed that keeping up with it all can sometimes be a challenge. "I have to be organized (which isn't my strong suit if I'm honest). I make a list of things to do at the start of the week, even down to small details and then work my way through them. If it all stays in my head, then sometimes I can feel a little stressed. List making is definitely key!"

Although Kat is grateful for the huge community support she surprisingly experienced, she attributes her success to her persistence in following her dream. "Just believe in yourself and go for it," she advises fellow bloggers and entrepreneurs. "I really wanted Instagram and my blog to succeed, and I have put in many hours and late nights, which has often been exhausting, but it's always worth it in the end."

Follow Kat over on "Life at Number 63" on her blog and Instagram to discover her home and her affordable tips and tricks to creating a unique home you adore!

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10 tips for taking compelling travel or portrait photographs

22/3/2019

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I am frequently asked to give workshops or "tips" on how to achieve better photos. If you have been following me for a while, you know that the aspect of photography that I am most passionate about is composition and storytelling. The technical stuff is plenty fascinating and important (no one likes blurry or underexposed photos!), but the art of observing is key to photography. The technical elements can be mastered with resources and practice. The passion for observation comes from within.

If I had to give only ONE tip, it would be to practice observing - to take photos without fear or self-judgment, just for the sake of observing, experimenting and learning. This tip is a valuable one for beginners and professional photographers. It is ultimately what allows photographs to convey feeling.

But today, I'm not giving you just one tip. I'm giving you 10. Here are some of my "photography mantras", which I practice daily.

1. Notice details

There is so much beauty in the ordinary. Still-life painters had the right idea to glorify the mundane! Celebrate the daily details that draw your eye. Look for patterns, lines, shadows and textures, and study how they change with the changing light. What treasure will you uncover?

2. Take several variations of the same shot

Once you pinpoint what you want to photograph, give yourself the assignment of photographing it in at least 5 different ways. Vary the composition: include and exclude different parts of the scene. Vary the ratio: Apply the rule of two-thirds, then take a symmetrical photo. Try both a horizontal and vertical version. Vary your focus and make different elements of the scene stand out. Follow your subject as they move through the frame. It will be painstaking to review and compare these variations later, but oftentimes one of them really makes you say: "A-ha!" and it may not be the one you expected.

3. Move your body

Photography is a sport! You think inspiration will just come to you? Nope. Sometimes you have to get on your knees or risk your life on a precarious stool or circle around a spot peering into a puddle for a reflection. Jokes aside, testing out different vantage points, no matter the type of photography, will present perspectives you otherwise would have missed.

4. Look first - and keep both eyes open

When we wanderlusters travel, we feel awe. Our senses get flooded, overwhelmed. We feel all sorts of emotions and want to bottle them up and keep them in our pocket forever. Although it seems effective to snap, snap, snap away, there is a lot of value in refraining from snapping and looking with our eyes first. What naturally draws our eye without the viewfinder? Is there an underlying story or feeling? When you do grab your camera, be sure to keep both eyes open, i.e., don't shut the one that is not looking through the viewfinder. This will keep you connected to the scene. It will also allow you to monitor anything peripheral to your frame that you may want to include, or that may intercept your shot.

5. Look behind you

Ah, we are such go-getters. We are always so focused on looking ahead of us and moving on from where we have been, but sometimes, the best treasures lie behind us. Look over your shoulder. Anything worth pausing for?

6. Know your camera

Here's a technical tip, albeit a broad one. Whatever device you choose to work with, whether it is a phone, an entry-level camera or a pro camera, use the technical manual and get to know its features to use it at its optimal capacity. That way, you will know when you have outgrown it and are ready to upgrade.

7. Make room for surprises

In any photographic style (travel, portrait or event photography), the most memorable shots are usually the unplanned and candid ones. Give yourself time and flexibility for the shot to come to you. Plant yourself, wait for magic and be quick to capture it.

8. Create a sense of depth

When composing your shot, enhance the sense of depth by making sure the eye is drawn from the foreground to the background. You can achieve this by using leading lines that propel our gaze deeper into the scene, using a wider angle, or changing your perspective to emphasize some of the background elements. A greater sense of depth makes the viewer feel more connected to the photograph, as though they are in the scene itself.

9. Focus on the eyes

Whenever we look at a portrait photograph, we look at the eyes immediately. Everything else is secondary. For that reason, make sure you focus on your subject's eyes before framing your shot.

10. Break the rules

You know what they say: rules are meant to be broken. Sometimes reading up on the do's and don'ts makes you feel like experimenting with all the don'ts! When you break the rules, you also break expectations, which allows you to stand out. But, most importantly: have fun with photography. Use it as a form of self-exploration and self-expression, and let the rest follow.

Did you enjoy these tips? Got a tip of your own to share? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Free workbook: Celebrating growth and intention

7/1/2019

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The end of the year always brings about a desire to reflect on the last twelve months - to recap its ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, to extract the most meaningful
experiences and ponder what we have learned. We can't help but feel hopeful,
optimistic, though possibly a little daunted when turning the page from one year to
the next, a blank slate ahead of us, waiting to be written.

Over the last two years, I have developed and used these reflection prompts to help me verbalize my insights, wishes and goals both with respect to my business but also my personal life. When I do this exercise, I am always amazed at how it reduces my anxiety, grounds my perspective, centers me with my main priorities and boosts my confidence in my abilities and my decisions.

It helps me distill what I want to do less of, more of, and what I want to maintain in the new year. It gives me a roadmap to follow during the year when I want to focus or reassess my strategies. It allows me to celebrate my growth and my purpose.

Without further ado, I invite you to sign up to receive this tool in your inbox, with the hope that you can use the exercises or tweak them to reflect on YOUR life or business.

This free workbook is for you if:

You're not sure where to start when it comes to setting intentions for the new year for your business or personal life
You could use a structured exercise with reflection prompts to help you look back or plan ahead
You could use help figuring out the priorities and goals most important to you
You would like to reflect on how you have changed and what you have learned
You would like to create a set of intentions that will guide all your decisions

Setting New Years' Resolutions are not always helpful. This workbook helps develop strategies to re-assess and recenter your priorities and intentions for work and for life.

Sign up here to receive it in your inbox!

Happy New Year!

I wish you light, inspiration and ease for 2019! I hope you will do and be what inspires you most, without self-doubt or fear. Because if we all feel inspired, we will collectively make this world a better place! Thank you so so much for being there with me this year, for all your kind words, memorable conversations, touching collaborations and for your trust in me. It is an incredible privilege to meet you, create for you, and get to know you!

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

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Mid-week wisdom

4/5/2018

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#MidWeekWisdom (based on a true story):

🖤When you feel like you're not making a difference or an impact, chances are, you're wrong. It takes one person to tell you that you inspire them to feel motivated again.

🖤 Sometimes showing up is the hardest part, and then it's done.

🖤 Once you do something daunting, it's always comforting to tell yourself, "Now, I can't say that I've never done that before. Next time I'll do even better!"

🖤 If you catch yourself eating too fast, holding your breath, slouching in your posture and over-working, it's really time to take a step back and make a change.

🖤 Being outside of your comfort zone is like being out in the rain. It's necessary, inevitable, unpleasant at times, and it feels so darn good when you come back in.

🖤 Mindset is key to so many things: health, success, peace. It's a wonder this isn't a skill we're encouraged to master earlier on.

🖤 Comparison really IS the thief of joy. It's so important to actively tone that habit down for our sanity's sake.

Got one to share too? Please do!

Featured 📷: "Magnolia". Because Spring WILL eventually grace us with its presence!

For more posts like this one, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

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Wishes for a near-future me

15/4/2018

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When I grow up, I wanna be....

The answer to this question changed often, almost with the seasons. Lifeguard, vet, astronomer, writer (though that one stuck!). I'm still not exactly sure what I am doing or when the "grown up" part is supposed to kick in in full gear. But today, as I turn the page and step into a very green number (oh thanks #synesthesia), I think my wishes have changed a little bit.

I sat down one day during this past year and wrote a short essay called "Wishes for a Near-Future Me" and it was such a powerful, cathartic exercise.

I've added this essay to my Etsy shop to better connect with you and inspire you to contemplate the ideal version of YOUR life and strive towards it. All proceeds go to my women's health initiative called Alba A New Dawn.

I hope that, no matter what the occasion, you can sit down and reflect on what YOU want for YOURSELF and to feel empowered by these wishes, by the vision of your ideal life.

From my heart to yours.

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Your guide to the best wines of southern Italy: The Awaiting Table

11/3/2018

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"If you are not drinking widely, you’re not doing it right. It’s like watching the same DVD, night after night."

Silvestro Silvestori's advice on wine stems as much from passion as from expertise.

Silvestro is a sommelier, cook, food writer and photographer. He owns and runs one of the best culinary schools in Italy - the Awaiting Table - set in baroque Lecce, the heart of Puglia's Salento region. I met Silvestro during my travels across Italy's heel, where, between lessons on making fresh orecchiette and preparing a savoury rabbit dish, I got a beautiful taste of the region's culture, and of how its geography, history, climate and people have influenced the food and drink of the land.

"Well-made wine reflects the very specific patch of earth that produces it," Silvestro explains. "I happen to think that Southern Italy is the most intriguing wine region of the world right now. Thousands of years of wine history. Cuisines that grew up alongside the wine for just as long. Modern technology (the autoclave has changed wine more than the arrival of the oak barrel or maybe even the glass bottle and cork). And the profound local wisdom in vineyard management (a lot of our vines are still grown as free-standing trees). You might have more limousine-style wine tourism in other regions of Italy, but I challenge you to find a more compelling combination of place, grape, weather and people."

Photo courtesy of Silvestro Silvestori, The Awaiting Table

When asked whether southern Italian wines are overlooked by the world and perhaps even by the rest of Italy, Silvestro's answer is as objective as possible. "Where in Italy has wine been produced the longest? Who produces the most? Both of those answers point to the south (4,000 years of wine production, with Sicily and Puglia toggling back and forth between the highest production in all of Italy). Longer and more than anyone else on the peninsula. You can’t argue regional chauvinism on this one!

The biggest change in Southern Italy is that foreign tourism is starting to better mimic domestic tourism, and domestic tourism has always been crazy about the south. Puglia has been Italy’s number one domestic tourism destination for the last 20 years, and people want to drink wine from places that they have been."

Silvestro's descriptions of his favorite wine varieties leave you wanting to taste them all.

"My three favourite Southern wines are based on:

1) Nerello Mascalese, the red of Etna, easily the most beguiling wine region in the world right now. Like Burgundy, but yet to be charted. Lava flows differently and it affects the wine. Travel a hundred meters and it’s different. And when the wine reflects a very specific field, wine drinking is at its zenith.

2) Aglianico del Vulture, another volcanic wine, round and elegant. Arguably the most important wine grape of the south. One of the few southern wines that really benefits from barrel and bottle age. It’s what I have set aside for my own next big round birthday. You could double the price and they would still be asking too little.

3) Salice Salentino, the only blend here (a field blend, that is, planted that way and then all harvested at once. Classically, every fifth row is malvasia nera, the other four, il negroamaro). I used to have it as my blood type on my health card here in Italy. If your diet is based on big and brawny vegetables (radicchio, chicory, dandelion greens) like mine is, this is the simple choice.

Photo courtesy of Silvestro Silvestori, The Awaiting Table

A food and wine pairing that Silvestro can't do without involves a white wine indigenous to Sicily. "I love carricante (the volcanic white of Etna) and grilled langoustines. Carricante - if you haven’t had it - is like ice cold river rocks in your mouth. And few things make my mouth gush quite like the salty minerals of this wine, coupled with the smoky char of grilled lobster shells."

Photo courtesy of Silvestro Silvestori, The Awaiting Table

But red and white are not the only worthwhile options. Silvestro explains how rosè - or rosato as it's called in the south - is celebrated year round.

"To understand rosato, you have to understand how one culture borrows from another, almost always radically altering it along the way. (Italian restaurants offer cappuccini for dessert whereas, in Italy, only for breakfast, etc.) Rosato in the south is a year-round wine. It's not linked to a season, activity or location (e.g., 'Sitting on the patio in summer, I love a good rosè!'). Grilled mackerel in February is as appropriate as a table just off the beach in August.

The oldest, most established rosè culture in all of Italy is the Salento. They have been bottled here longer than in any other part of Italy. The sedimentary rock makes them darker, and the fact that we're mostly at sea level, they are ripe and stony.

Photo courtesy of Silvestro Silvestori, The Awaiting Table

Getting the feeling while reading this that we might be missing out in North America? Well, we are, according to Silvestro.

"Wine in North America is complicated by provincial monopolies in Canada and the cultural and legal residue of Prohibition in the States. Why drinkers there don’t storm the hills with pitchforks, I don’t know. You’re not getting most of the good stuff. When I travel, the first place I go is to visit the Italian wine aisle. Most of the time, I know little of it, as most of Italy exports wines that we locals don’t drink. Most of my friends are producers and I rarely know any of the wines on foreign shelves, in spite of the addresses given being close to home."

His advice? To really learn about wine tasting.

"I’d like to see wine drinkers begin to better separate wine education from wine drinking. Many tastings turn out to be sponsored cocktail parties when they could really be ways of helping you to better appreciate one of life’s greatest pleasures. Take a class. Read books. Watch videos on YouTube and follow wine bloggers. The more you know about wine, the more you will enjoy it. Ask a lot of questions. Drink widely. As widely as your local government will allow."

The Awaiting Table offers a wide range of cooking, wine and olive oil courses, with new and exciting options being added every year. Silvestro also offers a "Terronia: Southern Italian wine" course, which introduces you to the indigenous grape varietals and wines of Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia.

"Our wine course is an extension of our bicycle trip through southern Italian wine country that we offer every year. We learn about soil, pruning, harvest, fermentation, aging and tasting. We learn about Southern Italy, its food and history. And drink a lot of wine. And yes, we follow our own advice. First we learn a great deal, and THEN we drink like Albanian truck drivers at your cousin’s wedding. You might rethink that optional travel insurance for this one."

Photo courtesy of Silvestro Silvestori, The Awaiting Table

As someone who has been to the Awaiting Table, I can personally vouch for Silvestro's courses and teaching style. What better way to learn about a region than from an accredited sommelier and chef who is as passionate about it as those who work the soil?

To daydream and learn a little more before you book your trip to Puglia, check out Silvestro's wonderful videos on YouTube.

From my heart to yours.

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How to create to-do lists that boost productivity and minimize anxiety

8/2/2018

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In a productivity-driven world, most people make to-do lists at some point or another in their routine. In this post, I share some of my top principles to making a great to-do list – one that is organized, balanced, focused and realistic, and actually motivating rather than daunting.

As an inherently anxious person, to-do lists serve as a way of navigating my nerves, getting all my competing priorities down on paper and structured, so they’re not floating around in my mind. It's not simply about writing down everything that needs to be done, but the trick really lies in balancing and structuring the list.

It took me about a decade of juggling an ambitious academic career and other passions – among which, my business – to hone the skill of making a to-do list that helps boost productivity and diminish anxiety.

I've been asked a LOT about how I have time for all my different projects, and how I get organized to maximize motivation, focus, productivity and life balance.

Here are my 5 guiding principles for creating a great to-do list:

1. Make more than one list

This may sound (and look) nutty and obsessive, but I swear it helps! Each list gives you a different overview of what needs to be done. I think this is key in reducing stress, because it allows you to practice switching perspectives and focusing. Like a camera, you have a big picture view and then you zoom in. There’s a time and a place for each task, but you have acknowledged them all, so they are not floating in your head, taxing your memory.

Here's how:

The bigger picture: First, I make a “goal and priorities” list for a period of 1-2 months. What do I want to work on or achieve in that time, in terms of tasks and milestones? Each weekly to-do list and my daily activities should ultimately bring me closer to these precise goals.

This gives me direction - it keeps me grounded, focused and goal-driven.

I usually write these out on GIANT PINK POST-ITS on a wall in my office, as a giant reminder of what I am striving for.

Tip # 1: Throughout the month, things obviously crop up that I can’t deal with straight away, so I leave some room in a corner of the page for things I have to take care of next month. That gets them out of my head and onto paper, but still gives me some breathing room.

Tip # 2: Given the beauty of unpredictability, I never sketch out more than 2 months at a time.

The big picture: Once I have direction, I create a 4-quadrant list (more below in a minute!) for the week’s tasks. I make this list a touch more ambitious than what I could achieve, especially since unexpected things will inevitably come up. I want it to be one level up from what I can easily do, so that it motivates me and also gives me a clear starting point for the following week if I have to move over items that were out of reach.

The zoomed-in picture: Next, I use my 4-quadrant week’s list to create my daily list. If my schedule is already pretty clear for the week (e.g., if several meetings, errands, deliveries, classes are already scheduled), I tend to make a daily list for each weekday in one sitting. Otherwise, I do one day at a time by referring back to the weekly list, based on what is most urgent or what I feel most like working on.

I do this at night before I go to sleep, because knowing what I have to do in the morning reduces my stress.

As you check off your daily items, you also check off your weekly items and see how on track you are by Thursday.

2. Balance your priorities and create quadrants

We strive to lead a balanced life. So why not make a balanced to-do list? (Seriously, am I the only one who has self-care items like sleep in, make pancakes, bake banana bread, exercise and take a bubble bath on the list?)

I generally like to break up my lists into 4 quadrants which are usually:
- Veni Etiam
- Science / other projects
- Around the house / self-care
- Errands / communications

It’s pretty straightforward what goes into what category, and it helps me balance out my priorities as well as how much time I spend at my computer vs. up and around doing other things. Being aware of how much of your time goes into each type of activity is extremely valuable.

You can do this for your weekly list, but organize your daily list chronologically, if that makes more sense to you.

3) Vary the level of difficulty of the day’s tasks

A friend of mine and I used to laugh about putting “make a to-do list” at the top of the day’s list – easy check!

It really helps to put a mix of easy/quick items and more challenging items on the list, to ease into the day and then reward yourself after a task requiring more concentration.

That being said, it’s crucial to break up the more challenging projects into manageable chunks. What can you do in an hour or less? That’s what the task name should be - not a whole project name! Overwhelming items tend to get skipped!

Easy items for me are returning emails, organizing files, updating documents, bookkeeping, tidying up around the house, etc. The more head-consuming items for me are scientific writing, creating blog posts, working on web design and on my Etsy shop, graphic design or any sort of content planning for social media. I make sure to alternate between easy and challenging tasks to keep my motivation up.

4) Make a “to be” list

In the go-go-go rhythm of our days, it’s easy to lose ourselves, to move less, breathe less deeply and be less mindful. Adding self-care items to my to-list boosts their priority and makes me consciously aware of those needs. I like to also have a “to-be” list when I start the week or the day.

What I do I want to feel and to be? What did I dislike about my feelings last week? Maybe you want to be more patient, less of a perfectionist, complain less about petty things, be more optimistic.

It helps make me feel more centered and clear-headed to practice this, and I find that good things come my way with less resistance.

5) Make room for adjustments, pauses and check-ins (and yes, sometimes, forgo the list!)

The art of a realistic to-do list is also not to pack it to the brim where you have no time to flow between tasks. Breaks are vital – you’ll break down sooner or later without them. If you feel guilty about taking them, by all means schedule breaks in! Use a strategy like the Pomodoro method if you like that idea (I’ve never been disciplined enough to do that; it just doesn’t work for me).

I like to stare out the window, sit on the bus without looking at my phone, or play hide-and-seek with my crazy cat if I’m working from home. I also use these short breaks to check-in with myself about how I’m feeling, and adjust from there.

I am also not afraid of tweaking the list when unexpected events occur. If I feel totally uninspired to write or create, I won’t force myself to get into the zone – I’ll switch it with a task from tomorrow’s list and move on. A few eraser marks or white-out marks are expected on to-do lists!

Lastly, not every day should be carved out. Sometimes, I make a backwards to do list, only writing down items I do in the order I do them! It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and flexibility. It’s also much more relaxing!

On days where you feel your to-do list was totally hijacked by unexpected tasks, it helps to make a list of what you actually did, to override your initial daily list. This chases away anxiety because it demonstrates that you were actually productive, just not the way you expected to be. And that's okay.

Other times (albeit rarely), I make no list at all and just take the day as it comes.

The bottom line is to be aware of what you are feeling and to work – first and foremost – in accordance with that.

I hope this post gives you some helpful strategies on boosting productivity in an organized and balanced way.

Is there a tip on here you haven’t tried, but would like to? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know.

Share your to-do list posts with me on Instagram and Facebook by tagging me @veni.etiam.photography. You'll receive a coupon for my shop as encouragement!

From my heart to yours!

#FridayCheckIns and don't sweat the small stuff

12/1/2018

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When 2018 started, I decided to carve out 20 minutes on Fridays for a weekly assessment of how I'm doing -- how am I meeting my goals, how do I feel and where is my mindset? I have learned over the course of last year that where my mindset is REALLY impacts my creativity, productivity and balance, which is why I have made more room for these practices in my routine schedule and in the content I post for you.

Today was the first #fridaycheckin. I sat quietly, without writing anything down or over-analyzing. I thought of my week as a whole, and thought of its effect on my well-being and creativity.

I also looked back on this week's pages in the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" 365-day desk calendar I bought for 2018. I pulled out the 5 tips that resonated most with me so far. Each of them is a gentle "food for thought", a small step towards a more balanced and peaceful way of living.

Here is an abridged, paraphrased version of my 5 favorite calendar days so far:

1. Know your own value, feel secure in how you are unique and important.

2. Let go of the idea that in order to achieve great things, you need to treat life as a giant hurried emergency that is driven by competition and fear.

3. Approach a day without expectations so that you won't be bothered if things don't go as expected. You'll meet less resistance that way.

4. Your time and energy are your most important assets. Think about who and what nourishes you most and choose to focus more time and energy on those.

5. It takes courage and faith to find your calling. When you follow your heart, the universe confirms your decisions with open doors.

Find this inspiring and uplifting calendar HERE.

Tell me: How do you make wellness part of your weekly routine?

From my heart to yours.

Pssst! Follow me on Instagram!

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<<Previous

1. Know your rhythm

2. Start the day right

3. Set rules

4. Stay organized

5. Track your time

6. Schedule breaks

7. Prepare healthy snacks in advance

8. Nurture your space

9. Move around

10. Create a boundary

11. Know when to stop - and stop!

12. Celebrate

1. Practice acceptance

2. Limit the information overload

3. Eat well

4. Rationalize your worries

5. Take action

6. Do what you love

7. Sleep well

8. Get fresh air

9. Remember that you are resilient

10. Practice gratitude

11. Stay home

12. Seek help

Quietude

Fulfillment

Freedom

1. La Baie (Saguenay)

2. La petite maison blanche

3. L'anse de la Tabatière

4. Le quai du Petit Saguenay

5. L'anse Saint-Etienne

1. Have all the essentials

2. Know yourself

3. Choose your surroundings carefully

4. Make time for recharging

5. Practice forgiveness

1. Never change money at the airport

2. Know the exchange rate in advance

3. Don't store all your cash in one place

4. Have enough cash for your first few days (and emergencies)

5. Ask for small denominations

6. Carry more than one bank card

7. Keep your bank cards separate (and know how to report them lost)

8. Know your cards' usage fees

9. Notify your bank before you travel

10. Choose a secure ATM for your withdrawals

11. Familiarize yourself with the currency

12. Check your statements online

13. Use as much change as you can

1. Be patient

2. Buy tickets in advance for major attractions

3. Take a metal water bottle with you

4. Go food shopping

5. Have a copy of your passport and important cards on you

6. Vary your shoes

7. Don't forget your battery pack

8. Be respectful of your surroundings

1. Notice details

2. Take several variations of the same shot

3. Move your body

4. Look first - and keep both eyes open

5. Look behind you

6. Know your camera

7. Make room for surprises

8. Create a sense of depth

9. Focus on the eyes

10. Break the rules

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1. Make more than one list

2. Balance your priorities and create quadrants

3) Vary the level of difficulty of the day’s tasks

4) Make a “to be” list

5) Make room for adjustments, pauses and check-ins (and yes, sometimes, forgo the list!)

﻿Kristina Kasparian﻿

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Kristina Kasparian