How to keep your inner child and laugh more
Happy New Year Everyone. Wishing you a healthy and amazing 2021! By now, we’ve all probably written our new year’s resolutions with renewed effort, energy and discipline to ensure we achieve all our goals. Goals such as; (a) losing weight; (b) getting healthy; (c) finding a job or a new job; (d) possibly relocating; (e) meeting the one (*wink wink*), travelling and so on, are usually top of our lists. While all these plans are great and will generally contribute to our mental wellbeing during the year, we should all aim to maintain the child within us. Now, what does this mean? “We should try to laugh more and be happy.” There is a common myth that children laugh about 300 times a day and adults laugh about 20 times a day. While these numbers may not be accurate, the message is clear. As we grow older, we tend to laugh less and take life too seriously. This is mostly because our responsibilities and goals increase, and we are always looking to achieve more in different aspects of our lives. We can, however, try to laugh more while carrying our burdens and hoping for what is to come. “So how can we laugh more?” Well, here are some of my tips: Be grateful – Take a moment each day to remember all the things we are grateful for. This exercise helps us to remember everything in our lives that is going well, and what we should be grateful for. It also gives us renewed hope and strength that at the end of the day, everything will fall into place. Watch a funny movie – Funny movies make us laugh, even when we are in the worst of moods. When someone shows us a funny scene or says something hilarious, no matter how much you try to hesitate, you find yourself laughing. Solo dance parties – Now this is one of my favorites. I love listening to happy music, and dancing alone in my room, car, or the park. Anywhere you feel safe, just dance, let it all out and be happy. Talk to people who make you feel safe and happy – We all have that one family member or friend that always leaves us in a better mood every time after we talk to them. Speak to people like these more. Exercise – It’s scientifically proven that exercising releases endorphins, which are known as “happy hormones”. These happy hormones interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain and triggers a positive feeling all over your body. Learn to let things go – Now this is something that I still struggle with but have personally seen the benefits of by taking baby steps. As we go through life, a lot of things will most likely not go our way. When this happens, we should learn to accept it and move on. Stay hopeful – Believe that what you want, or need will happen. Have faith that God has answered your prayers and act like it. This programs our brains to believe we have already received all our heart’s desires and in turn, makes us happy. At the end of the day, we all have one life, so let us try to enjoy it and never let go of our inner child.
4 Bad Money Habits That Will Keep You Broke Forever
Bad money habits are kind of hard to break. We do them over and over without even realizing it. We all want to be rich. I mean, who doesn’t? But it’s one thing to fantasize about the many things you can do with a big paycheck and it’s another thing to muster the discipline you need to make it a reality. If you have bad money habits, you’ll get into a lot of financial trouble. For so long, I had no clear plan for my financial journey. All I knew was there was money and it had to be spent. Are you having issues saving? Do you feel like it’s a load of work putting some money down for the future? Well, I’ve got a couple of tips that can help you. Here are 4 bad money habits you need to quit this minute if you want to become more financially independent: Procrastination This is personal for me. I put off starting an investment plan for a later time. And I just kept pushing it farther. Not that I was super busy or anything, just plain laziness and a lack of self-discipline on my part.It wasn’t until I told myself the hard truth: that I can either continue pushing it later or just do it now and get organized. I realized that time was running out and that I had no clear financial goals. The Fix No one is coming to do it for you so you better get on with it. If you keep procrastinating, you’ll end up broke with lots of debts. Impulse Purchasing/Buying We’ve all been here. That urge to buy something. We give ourselves all the reasons why we need to have it. Impulse buying is all in the name. You see a bag and immediately want to buy it. You don’t even stop to consider the cost or whether you actually need it. You buy it before you stop to think whether you need it or can afford it. The Fix You need to first recognize this is a problem and keep track. Before you find yourself reaching for that candy or new pair of shoes, ask yourself if you have the resources and if you really need it. Don’t be in a rush; be certain you need it before you do. Not Budgeting A lot of people live on more than they make. If you don’t have a monthly budget, your money will disappear and you won’t know where it went.A budget allows you to see how much money you’re bringing in and where it’s all going. It enables you to make changes that help you save more money and avoid going into the red each month. Pro-tip It doesn’t have to be a big chore. It can start with only carrying a small amount of cash with you each day. You can also sign up with a money-saving app that automatically tracks your spending for you. Here’s an easy budget template for you. Love of Convenience Once a while, it’s okay to make a convenience purchase. These are purchases that are routine and take little thought when being bought. However, if you find yourself regularly making convenience purchases, it’ll cost you. Pro-tip You can start by cooking instead of buying fast food every day. Make a regular weekend event of preparing a dish that can be separated into freezer containers for future use. You can also stop getting that expensive breakfast on your way to work every morning and rather get up 5 minutes earlier to prepare something. I know waking up early might be hard for me so, I cook when I come home. At least I know lunch for the next day is sorted out. So, there you have it, 4 bad money habits that are keeping you from attaining financial independence. Which of them are you guilty of?
The free labour trap: Stop being a “yasss queen”
Practising social distancing and working from home as a mother of a one-year old has meant I have to be intentional with taking the time to rest and making time to be present with my family. It has also allowed me to revisit some of the things which I’ve been meaning to do. You know, those things we hang on the ‘I will get to you when I have time’ shelf? Yup, things which we have been putting off for months now. With the increase in online activity filled with Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings, it came as no surprise when every other day I would have a friend or an acquaintance texting me for feedback on their website or requesting tips for self-care regimens. It was always this or the other odd thing, which they have started taking on with all the free time we seem to have at our disposal. I don’t mind getting on a call so that you can pick my mind on an idea you would like to try out or give input on a concept you’re testing. I equally have no qualms about connecting or plugging you to a great resource base to make things happen for you. Where it gets a tad tricky is when I am asked to work on something and use my resources and expertise, without compensation. There is a super thin line between helping someone out because you’re homies and selling yourself short because of your ride or die ties. The issue with being a free labour ‘YAAAAAAS’ queen I am sure you’ve had acquaintances and colleagues asking you to proof-read their work and offer feedback on proposals or creative projects. Or friends who have asked you to work on their business plans or hustled you into a last-minute brainstorm sesh on their projects and because this is the sisterhood of the ‘each one help one’ mantra, we show up and shake it up. At what cost though, do we continue to tap dance to this thankless tune of free labour? If you’ve been here, you know that once you’re done, some don’t even have the inclination to acknowledge the time, expertise and resources that went into helping them. That is a post for another day entirely. This, however, is about how I have decided that my free labour has reached its quota. I am not available to perform these ad-hoc tasks unless I am getting paid for it. Sis, fatigue ain’t cute and I am not open to overextending myself any longer. Make ‘No’ your ultimate BFF We need to normalise handing out our rate card when asked to offer our expert advice or do work for friends and family. There is nothing wrong with this, we’re all trying to get our coins, Queens. Let’s not abuse each other’s generosity for self-gain, plus, it’s disrespectful. Not only will taking a stand on how you spend your time and allocate your resources ensure that you do not overextend yourself, but it will bring you peace of mind. A big part of self-care that we often overlook is knowing how to say no. No, is extremely liberating and it also makes sure that people do not take advantage of you. Join the SLA community! Get support from women like you. 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I want in! You’re officially a Motherland Mogul! You’ll get an email in a bit. I am not saying be selfish and not leverage off of each other’s knowledge and skills. These are the tenets on which sisterhood and community are built. We look out for each other and put one another on. What I am advocating for, is being self-FULL. Stop treating yourself like an afterthought, be intentional about prioritising yourself. Give yourself the respect which is due to you. 3 things to avoid going forward: Saying yes to a strategy and brainstorming session which will require research from you and will be resource-intense without compensation. Do not consult on a project or provide feedback for work that will be remunerated but you receive nothing. Say no to friends and family requests to do free work that you ordinarily get paid to do. Many won’t be happy with the decision I have taken to cut free labour. The beauty of this is that it isn’t about what people say, it is 100% about me. I will be happier for it; my relationships will be healthier as a result and my coins will stay popping. Surely, this is a good look! Remember that the work you do is important, and you are equally important. Want access to more resources and articles to get you ahead in your career? Visit SheLeadsAfrica.org!
5 Ways to Improve your Reproductive Health
As women, we take our reproductive health seriously. With our periods coming in every month, a lot of us are faced with a lot of discomfort and irritation. In the long run, this paves the way for disruptions to our daily lives. While taking a painkiller and/or using a hot water bottle may work for many women, it is not as simple for some of us because we may suffer from the following disorders: Endometriosis Ovarian cysts Gynecologic cancer Uterine fibroids Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Depending on the severity of the disorder, we can experience symptoms before, during and after our monthly menstrual cycles. This makes it hard for us to function optimally in our daily lives and careers. If you suffer from a reproductive health disorder, here are some tips to help improve your reproductive health so it doesn’t affect the world: Consult a doctor According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual and reproductive health problems are responsible for one-third of health issues for women between the ages of 15 and 44 years. The first step in taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health is to consult a medical doctor and get professional help. This will help you diagnose and find a solution for your disorder. Learn as much as you can A healthy you can only make you more productive and successful. The best way to achieve better reproductive health is to learn as much as you can about your disorder. This includes knowing all the do’s and don’ts and what short term and long-term treatments are most advisable. Consult your doctor and also do some in-depth research on the best diets, treatment, herbal remedies and exercise regiments. The more you know, the better. Use an ovulation calendar app An ovulation calendar helps you track your period. Knowing when your period starts, helps you plan your work in time and meet deadlines. With an ovulation calendar, you are able to take note of inconsistencies with your monthly period, note your symptoms, the heaviness of your menstruation flow, mood and the kind of vaginal discharge at different times. Ovulation calendar apps are available on the Android and IOS App stores. Talk about your disorder with your manager or co-workers This may seem rather daunting and uncomfortable, but disclosing your disorder to your manager or co-worker(s) benefits you. Through discussion with your team and disclosing your symptoms, you can discuss available options such as working from home on certain days, negotiating your hours for certain days of the month or moving your deadlines to earlier days so that your work does not suffer. Talking about menstruation and reproductive health should not be a taboo. The more women talk about reproductive health, the more people get to know about the different issues they face. Don’t be hard on yourself A healthy you is a productive and successful you. It’s okay to rest when you need to. It’s also okay to ask for help from your co-workers and/or business partners when your health impacts your work. For more articles to help you get ahead in your personal life, business and career, visit SheLeadsAfrica.org
4 Ways You’re Losing Money Without Realising It
[adrotate banner=”4″] Money is such an inexhaustible topic – we talk about earning it, investing it, spending it, and even sometimes losing it. We’re usually focused on the first three and barely pay any attention to the likely ways we have been losing cash. Most of us don’t have trust funds waiting for us, so every naira counts. Being on the lookout for money-sucking expenses can go a long way in increasing your disposable income. I’m going to let you in on things you’re doing too much of or not doing at all that could cost you some dollar bills (or whatever currency you spend). [bctt tweet=”Tracking your expense schedule, asking for a discount and buying items in bulk can help save up cash and thereby reducing the risk of losing money – @adeyojuwon” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 1. Bank Charges It’s so funny that the banks are starting to do the exact opposite of what they’re meant to be doing- helping people save money. The Fix You probably have more than one bank account/debit card. Each account attracts individual maintenance costs. A simple solution to ridiculous bank charges is trying as much as possible to have one savings account and one debit card. This will help eliminate charges that may arise from owning multiple accounts. You can reduce constant cash transactions and erase the need for unnecessary bank fees by having a budget that’s restricted to how much you’ll need for a week. 2. Delay in Paying Off Debts While taking a loan isn’t a big deal, delaying pay-off is quite a big deal. Especially when it has interest attached to it. Interest accumulates over time so delaying your debt pay-off inevitably increases the amount you’ll pay eventually. This means you’re gradually losing money. The Fix Once you have an inflow of cash probably due to holiday bonus or a salary raise, it is advisable you pay off your debt as soon as possible. This could give you a little extra to spend on other things and potentially save you a lot in interest payments. 3. Avoiding Negotiation Another money-draining factor that might not have ranked high on your list is negotiation. A lot of market vendors on this side of the world rarely quote the actual prices of their products. Most of the time, you’re expected to bargain and beat down the prices a little bit more. This negotiation rule also applies to the professional world. You’re expected to negotiate your salary and not simply accept what you’re initially offered when you apply for a new job. According to a paper by Harvard Business School, women are most likely to agree to the first offer on the table and lose money in the process, as well as better chances for career growth. It is time we change the narrative. The Fix Weighing other options available to you by knowing what prices other vendors are offering will go a long way when it comes to saving money. This also applies to knowing what other employees earn before you take a new job. This similarly applies to online stores, when I was buying my new phone, I checked a couple of online and physical stores to get the best price and avoid being overcharged. Always remember that avoiding negotiation comes with a price! 4. Subscriptions Technology comes at a cost. There is a cost attached to watching an endless stream of movies and listening to your favourite music. There’s a long list of other subscriptions- magazines & newsletters, fitness groups, diet plans and a whole lot more. It’s easy to forget what you’re subscribed to when payments are done automatically. The Fix You should only subscribe to plans you use regularly. This will help you avoid wasting money on plans you don’t get the most from. Certain subscriptions can be done with a group of people to save money on the total cost. Other significant ways you might be losing money includes wasting food, cancelling your Uber or Taxify rides, and impulsive spending. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
Molped Feature on Chidinma Ekile: Award-Winning Musician
Molped sanitary pad is a product from Hayat Kimya Limited (manufacturers of Molfix diapers), and is a skin-friendly, ultra-soft, sanitary pad, designed to make young girls feel as comfortable, soft, and secure as they feel beside their best friends. Molped’s breathable layer keeps young women fresh, and it’s skin-friendly, cottony soft layer does not cause irritation. Molped sanitary pad is every girl’s best friend, helping them be more confident, and supporting them through their periods. Molped has partnered with She Leads Africa to highlight the beauty and importance of valuable female connections. About Chidinma Ekile Chidinma Ekile is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, popularly known by her stage name Chidinma. She worked as a business promoter in Lagos, prior to auditioning for the third season of Project Fame West Africa, in which she emerged as the winner in 2010. Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released her first solo single “Jankoliko” featuring Sound Sultan. Chidinma, her self-titled debut studio album, was released through the music platform Spinlet. It was supported by the singles “Jankoliko”, “Carry You Go”, “Kedike” and “Run Dia Mouth”. Chidinma won the “Best Female West African Act” category at the 2012 Kora Awards Considered one of the most loved and respected African female artistes, Chidinma is verified across ALL social media platforms. A responsible, classy and elegant woman, devoid of scandals, Chidinma has over the years comported herself in a ladylike manner, evolving from the girl next door to becoming a role model and mentor for several young girls across Africa. Chidinma recently signed an endorsement deal with the premium sanitary towel line, Molped, where she features in all Molped’sTV and radio commercials as the Face of the brand in Nigeria. She released a critically acclaimed joint EP with Africa’s foremost musician, Flavor. Chidinma is the founder of Nma Care Foundation, a non-governmental organization set up to cater to visually impaired children. You can connect with Chidinma on Instagram and Twitter. What does friendship mean to you? Friendship to me, means identifying the traits and characteristics you favour in people. It means that you accept them for who they are, recognize their flaws and help them improve on themselves. It also means being there for them as practically as you can. What advice or tips do you have for women trying to build a professional relationship with mentors? While learning from your mentor, it’s important that you make sure you never take their time, access and opportunities for granted. You should recognize and respect their boundaries. Also, always offer value, because a person’s gifts will make way for them. What skills or character traits have been most helpful to you in building your career? I definitely think it is treating the music business as just what it is; which is a business, something akin to a 9 to 5. I am deliberate about my actions, my team and I plan ahead. We also don’t compromise on our standards or the quality of relationships we cultivate. What advice do you have for women trying to build a career in the music industry? As much as I am still learning, I will humbly state that any woman willing to build a career in the entertainment industry, must be ready to work twice as hard as the guys. Make sure you pay more attention to details and cultivate quality relationships. Do you think it is important to have a mentor as a young woman trying to grow her career? Yes. However, I think that it is important that any woman takes very careful time to evaluate the person she is submitting herself to as a mentee. This is important, in order not to have a misrepresented view of the industry they are working in, and also not be taken undue advantage of. Since you are the Brand Ambassador of MOLPED, in what ways does the brand remind you about friends/friendship? Ok I need to actually share this with the world☺. Let’s start with how the features of the product remind me of friendship. It’s not just soft, but cottony soft with no nylon and wide wings and because of these features, it causes no irritation or leakage. Those are definitely qualities that I expect of a friend. For them to be soft and comforting, with us having minimal to no friction or fights. I know we might fight at times though, but not all the time you know, and of course she always keeps my business my business. In addition, the brand promotes friendship and girls being there for each other, and drawing inspiration from each other at all times. Do you have any words of advice for our Motherland Moguls, trying to be successful like you? Please ensure you are bringing value to the table. Develop your craft, hone it and guard it like a mother protects her baby. #MyGrowthSquad series is powered by Molped (@MolpedNigeria). Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Sponsored Post
Molped Feature on Odunayo Eweniyi: Co-Founder, PiggyVest
Molped sanitary pad is a product from Hayat Kimya Limited (manufacturers of Molfix diapers), and is a skin-friendly, ultra-soft, sanitary pad, designed to make young girls feel as comfortable, soft, and secure as they feel beside their best friends. Molped’s breathable layer keeps young women fresh, and it’s skin-friendly, cottony soft layer does not cause irritation. Molped sanitary pad is every girl’s best friend, helping them be more confident, and supporting them through their periods. Molped has partnered with She Leads Africa to highlight the beauty and importance of valuable female connections. About Odunayo Eweniyi Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest. She previously co-founded pushcv.com, one of the largest job sites in Africa with the largest database of pre-screened candidates. She has 5 years’ experience in Business Analysis and Operations and is a First-Class graduate of Computer Engineering, Covenant University, Nigeria. She was named one of Forbes Africa 30 under 30 Technology in 2019 and one of 30 QuartzAfrica Innovators 2019. She sits on the advisory board of TrainFuture, an education technology company based in Switzerland, as well as the Gender Lens Acceleration Best Practices Initiative, a collaborative effort of Village Capital, US and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi). In 2019, she was named SME Entrepreneur of the Year West Africa by The Asian Banker’s Wealth and Society and she is the youngest Nigerian on Forbes Africa list of 20 New Wealth Creators in Africa 2019. Odunayo was also one of the featured speakers at the World Bank-IMF Annual Meeting in 2019. She is one of Business Day’s Spark 2019 Women to Watch and made the World Women in Fintech Power List for 2017; the YNaija Most Influential People in Technology 2017 and 2018. She is a 2018 Westerwelle Young Entrepreneurs fellow; and she is a recipient of The Future Africa Awards Prize in Technology 2018. In honour of her work, she was named one of 100 most inspiring women in Nigeria 2019 by Leading Ladies Africa, one of 50 most visible women in Tech by Tech Cabal in 2019. She is also included on the #YTech100 2019 list of the brightest Nigerian technocrats. She is the Her Network Technology Woman of The Year 2019. She was also voted The Most Influential Young Nigerian in Science and Technology 2019. She works to support the inclusion of women in technology by working with hubs and female-focused networks like For Creative Girls, GreenHouse Labs, She Leads Africa, Itanna etc. She is also the cofounder of the women’s community, Wine and Whine Nigeria. You can connect with Odunayo on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. What does friendship mean to you? Well to me, friendship means mutual understanding and reciprocity. I like to think of all my friendships as safe spaces that are characterized by genuineness, shared values and free of ignorance and discrimination. Can you tell us of a time when any of your girlfriends connected you with a career or business opportunity? Yes actually, in a previous life I was a part-time tech journalist and my friend, Dami, connected me with a well-paying, writing gig at an international magazine. I even ended up working there for well over a year. Is there a time when your friend(s) helped you through a difficult situation in your career? I have a young career, so no difficult situations have stood out there, but my friends are constantly helping me out of sticky situations, and outside of work, they always come through for me. How many women do you have in your power circle, and why did you choose them? I have five women in my power circle and the thing is, I wouldn’t say I chose them, as much as they accepted me for who I am. As a person with Asperger’s syndrome, I am definitely an acquired taste. So these five women, who are actually angels really, have moved through life with me with an understanding of who I am and I, them. But in addition to that, we share values, and despite having varied and many different goals, we work towards it together by supporting each other. How do you think young women can network with other women to achieve career success? To be honest, I think that would be much the same as they network with anyone else. There’s really no special way to relate with women. I think if you just treat people in general with empathy and respect, then you’re well on your way. What is your fondest memory of you and your girlfriends, from when you first began your careers? I actually started having girlfriends, or friends at all, after I started my career. So the memories we built, were built after we all started working and were at many different points in our lives. Finally, what advice/tips do you have for young career women, to help them build and maintain valuable relationships with other women? I think this is really general advice to maintain valuable relationships with everyone. It’s this simple, have empathy, have respect and always pay it forward. To add a caveat though, I 100% believe that female friendships save lives, so I definitely encourage young women to have specifically female support systems. But just overall, move through the world treating people fairly, whether you want from them or you’re giving to them. #MyGrowthSquad series is powered by Molped (@MolpedNigeria). Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Sponsored Post
5 Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss At SLAY Festival Joburg 2020
Warning: This article might make you rush off to get your SLAY Festival ticket. SLAY Festival is coming to Johannesburg, South Africa for the first time on 7th March 2020, and we are getting ready to have an absolute blast and unforgettable experiences. Want to know what experiences to expect at SLAY Festival Joburg 2020? Here’s your ultimate checklist so you know when and where the magic is happening. You’re welcome sis, you know we always got your back! Upgrade your skills with AUDA-NEPAD AUDA-NEPAD is the development agency of the African Union with a deep commitment to providing economic opportunities for Africa’s next generation. At SLAY Festival, AUDA-NEPAD is coming through for all the ambitious Motherland Moguls with training and skills development opportunities. So if you’re coming for a mix of fun and learning, AUDA-NEPAD has you covered. Join Glade in conversation and celebration of South African women Glade South Africa will also be bringing a breath of fresh air with an exciting discussion celebrating how women make Africa bloom. So make sure to look out for Glade’s sensorium and enjoy an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Slay your crown with Dark and Lovely It’s okay to be obsessed with your hair and want all the details on how to keep it healthy and slayed all year long. Get all your hair tips and tricks from Dark and Lovely at SLAY Festival, so you can make a bold hair statement all through 2020. Unlock new levels of growth with Women Will Get the upgrade you have been looking for with Women Will. If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to learn new digital skills and connect with other young professional women like you, then don’t miss Women Will, a Google initiative at SLAY Festival. Engage with Global Citizen on global issues You can be a part of the change with Global Citizen. If you’re looking for an opportunity to have important conversations about ending world hunger and other topical issues, then join Global Citizen in conversation at SLAY Festival. Get your groove on with Trace Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to vibe all day because Trace will be at SLAY Festival, bringing music, positive vibes and fun for all the queens looking to unwind and have some fun. There you have it girl. This has been your ultimate SLAY Festival Joburg 2020 experience checklist. So if you’re still wondering whether or not to attend, we just gave you 5 reasons plus one, why you should. We can’t wait to meet you at SLAY Festival Joburg 2020 queen, so until then, make sure you stay glued to our Instagram account, so you can see the updates as they happen.
MUST-READ: 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD STOP NOW FOR YOUR SANITY
We’re not halfway into the year yet and it seems like the world has gone insane. Between the locust invasion in East Africa, Coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world and climate change, it’s easy to be anxious and stressed. If you are looking to reduce stress, here are a few things you should consider letting go of for your own sanity. GET THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW SENT TO YOUR INBOX 1. Dwelling on the past Moving on can be difficult, especially if you are holding on to something that cuts deep down. However, holding on to hurt will not help you heal or change the past. It’s better to focus on what you can change – yourself. Your past doesn’t define you. Treat your mistakes are lessons and use them to grow. How do you move on? Accept that whatever happened can’t be changed, forgive yourself and others and grow from the experience. 2. Social media comparison It’s not a myth that social media can affect your mental health. In a world of curated perfection, it’s easy to constantly feel anxious. Be thankful for how far you’ve gone and work to ensure that many doors of opportunities open for me. 3. Over-Scheduling If you are taking on so much that you feel like you are stretching yourself beyond your limits, you might be suffering from ‘yes’ syndrome. Constantly saying “yes” without thinking or checking whether things fit with your goals is unhealthy. It’ll leave you constantly busy with little productivity. To break this habit, focus on your priorities. To check yourself, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you say yes: Will it stop me from having time for me? Am I saying “yes” because I feel bad or guilty? Will saying “yes” delay me or lead me closer to my goals? Am I automatically saying “yes” without thinking about it? Will saying “yes” stop me from relaxing, having fun and spending quality time with family and friends? 4. Not auditing my circle While forming relationships is important, you need to manage your inner circle personally and professionally. For instance, if you have close friends who don’t support and push you to become the best version of yourself, it’s time to take a look and ask – “Who am I associating myself with?” Whether you are networking up, down or sideways, always focus on maintaining relationships that build you up. 5. Not practicing self-care Even computers need sleep. Even the most effective systems in the world need a rest period. The human body works the same way. When you push your body to its limits without getting rest, there are very serious health consequences – I’ve been there. If you are running a chaotic schedule, integrate breaks into your schedule, book regular checkups with your doctor to hold yourself accountable, and make time to do the things you enjoy. Join a class of ambitious women who are networking and learning how to grow their careers. Sign up for the Motherland Mogul Insider program.
5 halal & budget-friendly ways to eat well during a busy week
Fatimah is a Motherland Mogul writer based in Nigeria. She has written over 6,500 minutes of television while working on African telenovelas like Battleground: The Final Showdown, Unbroken and EVE on Africa Magic. When she is not writing, she shares food recipes and tips on her Instagram page – @lazyhalalkitchen. In this article, she shares 5 tips for fellow Motherland Moguls on how to eat well on a busy schedule. As a bonus, she’s kept it halal! If you live and work in a busy city like Lagos or Johannesburg, you are more likely to have an unhealthy diet. It’s easier to find a quick unhealthy bite than cook a healthy meal when you are busy. However, working hard should never be at the detriment of your health. In addition to eating well, if you are Muslim like me, it’s important in your daily life to keep your diet in line with the guidelines of the Qur’an. Halal? Haram? Mashbooh? – What does it all mean? Here are my tips on 5 simple and affordable ways to eat well while on a busy schedule. 1. Keep It Simple Eating soups, stews, wraps, smoothies, and sandwiches are a great way to maintain a halal and healthy diet when you are busy. Focus on using ingredients that are versatile, easy to get, and quick to prep. You can never go wrong with tomatoes, peppers, canned corn/beans, and eggs. 2. Use Everything Before you think you need to spend money restocking groceries, think about your unused ingredients. Are you really done with that remaining bowl of frozen bananas or can of unopened cashews? Don’t be afraid to break a few rules and get creative with your recipes. Try swapping out flour for bananas and oatmeal to make pancakes. Substitute cooking cream with cashews to make a plate of creamy pasta. Blend up your peanuts to make a sauce that can work for rice or pasta. Not sure what to make? Use sites and apps like Yummly, Supercook, and MyFridgeFood to figure out what you can make with the ingredients you have. 3. Use It Again! Do. Not. Ever. Waste. Food. It is halal to stay nourished by eating all you have been blessed with. Food waste is also the largest contributor to climate change. Whatever the reason, it is important for all of us to keep our food consumption sustainable. So you made a huge pot of soup and you’re no longer feeling it? Reheat your soup, add a bowl of water and throw in a cup or two of rice or pasta. You are saving time, money, helping the planet and raking up those blessings. Most importantly, you are staying healthy so you can crush work. 4. Buy Only What You Need If you’re a foodie like me, the temptation of buying everything from the grocery store or market is real! Going grocery shopping without a plan is the worst thing you can for your bank account. Make a list and buy only what you need for the next two weeks. This is especially important if you don’t have time to prep your meals. Buying in bulk will overwhelm you, strain your wallet and lead to food wastage. Think about what you’d like to eat (or remake ?) and focus on buying the products for that. 5. Prioritize Quality It is halal to eat in moderation and keep your plate healthy. Staying committed to eating well is easier when you pay attention to what’s going on your plate. When you are busy, find time on your weekend to make a huge bowl of healthy salad that can last for the week. A halal lifestyle of nourishment is – ⅓ food, ⅓ water, and ⅓ air. No matter how busy you get, make sure you prioritize your health by eating well, drinking lots of water. and getting a good intake of air from exercise. What tips will you use to stay committed to eating well? Foodie? Get your eats on in Joburg at #SLAYFestival2020