It's human to self-compare, but it can get in the way of our power and actions, especially when it comes to activism. In today's meditation, we switch our mindset from "am I doing enough?" to "is what I'm doing making an impact?". Takeaways: 1- Self-comparison is natural, but it can get in the way of our activism. 2- Instead of asking "am I doing enough?" ask if what you're doing is making an impact. 3- Creating positive change requires different things from each of us, and what matters is that ...
Sep 10, 2020•10 min
Our physical environment has a huge impact on our mental health. Notice the impact certain colors have on your psyche and use them as a tool for your self-care. Today's breathing meditation helps you practice. Takeaways: 1- The study of color is a form of environmental psychology—the research of how our physical world affects our brain. 2- Certain colors can calm us, energize us, or stress us out. But everyone is different. 3- Practice breathing intentionally and visualizing a positive color you...
Sep 09, 2020•10 min
Instead of ruminating on our worries, we can push the thought process forward. Today, ask yourself "if this happens, what will I do next?" in a gentle, reflective meditation. Takeaways: 1- Ruminating on our worries—especially those out of our control—often makes us feel worse. 2- Move your thought process forward by thinking: OK, if this were to happen, what will I do next? 3- This helps you think through actions and solutions and believe in your ability to get through. --- Mantra: I greet my an...
Sep 08, 2020•6 min
Before the week takes flight, we're making sure to build in moments of relief. Today we're setting an intention to create balance. Grab that journal! Takeaways: 1- Your week can take flight and quickly fill with responsibilities and to-dos. 2- Ward off stress by building in activities that allow you to rest and recenter your needs. 3- Feel more balanced and replenished when you intentionally create this relief. --- Mantra: I can build in moments of relief. --- Support our Black-owned business an...
Sep 07, 2020•12 min
"How are you?" just doesn't cut it these days. Today we learn how to check in with others mindfully during challenging times. Takeaways: 1- It's important to check in with the people around you even when things are a little uncomfortable. 2- Switch "how are you?" for more open-ended, non-judgmental questions. 3- This opens the door to conversation and shows that you care, rather than trapping others into surface-level replies. --- Mantra: May I be safe, happy and live with ease. --- Support our ...
Sep 04, 2020•9 min
Worrying is part of being human, but we still have the power to stop ourselves from spiraling. Today, try the 5x5 rule, and ask yourself if your worry will matter in five years. Takeaways: 1- The 5x5 rule means asking yourself if your worry will matter in 5 years. 2- If so, keep thinking it through. But if not, give yourself only five more minutes of worry time. 3- This helps us get space from our worries, and time with our feelings. --- Mantra: I have the power to stop my worry spirals. --- Shi...
Sep 03, 2020•9 min
Our childhood wonder, curiosity, and imagination are still inside of us. Tap into your childlike side with some playful breathing exercises. Takeaways: 1- The joy and freedom we may have felt as children can still be tapped into today. 2- Use deep, intentional breathing to calm your nervous system and open up your imagination. 3- Visualize your breath as parts of nature: the ocean, sunshine, or lava from a volcano. --- Mantra: I honor my inner child. --- Support our Black-owned business and help...
Sep 02, 2020•10 min
This September feels different from most. To cope with the uncertainty you may be feeling, practice focusing on what you can control and letting go of the rest. Takeaways: 1- Uncertainty can bring up a lot of valid emotions, like fear and anxiety. 2- Acknowledge that we never know the future or what will happen in the world. 3- Let yourself feel however you feel, and practice letting go of what you can't control. --- Mantra: I let go of what I can't control. --- Support our Black-owned business ...
Sep 01, 2020•10 min
A journey mindset helps us cope with challenges by taking stock of the growth we experience along the way. Today we're setting an intention to embrace ours. Grab that journal! Takeaways: 1- We tend to think of growth in terms of destinations. 2- With a journey mindset, you look beyond the outcome of wins and challenges and open your mind to what you learned along the way. 3- Use your lessons to help you move forward and feel more resilient and fulfilled. --- Mantra: My growth is a journey, not a...
Aug 31, 2020•11 min
What if your inner voice sounded like someone else? Tiffany, Shine’s senior audio producer, revisits one of her favorite Daily Shine episodes to help us switch up our inner self-talk. Takeaways: 1- Our inner voice isn't always kind. 2- But we have access to other inner nurturers when we need it. 3- Think of someone who roots for you and add their voice to the conversation when things get tough. --- Mantra: My inner voice helps guide me. --- Support our Black-owned business and help us to continu...
Aug 28, 2020•7 min
Shine HQ's content strategist Martha picked this episode from the archives, which is here to remind you that you need time to recharge. Today, we're letting go of the pressure to do it all and settling into some quiet time. Takeaways: 1- Disconnecting from others and enjoying time alone can feel tough. 2- But taking quiet time for ourselves is necessary. It helps us recharge and feel re-energized. 3- Flip the script on how you think about being solo— do activities you love and turn it into a mom...
Aug 27, 2020•8 min
In today's episode from the Daily Shine archives—picked by Chris, Shine’s software engineer—we're celebrating Lady Gaga's vulnerability and exploring the symptoms of burnout you can look out for in our own mental health. Takeaways: 1- Just like coughing and sneezing for a common cold, burnout comes with symptoms. 2- Notice how you're feeling on a regular basis, and be sure to pinpoint where those feelings might be coming from. 3- We're all human and we need physical and mental rest—avoid burnout...
Aug 26, 2020•7 min
The road to success is paved with….choices. Haley, Shine’s director of content, picked this episode from the archives, which is all about moving towards your goals with the help of your “choice point.” Takeaways: 1- Each choice we make impacts us in some way. 2- Your choice point gives you a moment to connect with yourself before you make a decision. It takes you out of autopilot. 3- Focus on making towards moves—the things you want to start doing or do more of that guide you in the direction of...
Aug 25, 2020•8 min
The Shine team is taking time to recharge out of office this week—so we're revisiting some of our favorites from the Daily Shine archives. Today’s pick comes from Kara, Shine’s community lead. Listen to check in with what you want out of your week and how your values align. Takeaways: 1- We all have values that are core to who we are, and when we live by them we're better able at setting and achieving our goals. 2- You can find your values by asking yourself what you most like doing, or would mo...
Aug 24, 2020•9 min
We can take community care to another level by sharing what we learn from professional mental health practitioners. Mental health speaker and writer Sinclair Ceaser offers some of his own insights, and invites you to work through your emotions with love and acceptance in a meditation. Takeaways: 1- Take community care to a new level by sharing what you've learned and gained in professional therapy. 2- This can help to break down the barriers of access and privilege, and reminds us that we're not...
Aug 21, 2020•9 min
Holding space means listening without judgement. We can hold space not just for others, but for ourselves and how we see the future. Today's meditation helps you practice. Takeaways: 1- Holding space in relationships means listening without judgement, and accepting someone exactly as they are. 2- But it's not just reserved for other people, we can hold space for ourselves too. 3- Listen closely to what you tell yourself, and embrace who you are in the moment. --- Mantra: I hold space for myself ...
Aug 20, 2020•8 min
Even when we can't physically travel as freely as usual, we always have the power of our minds to transport and soothe us. Today's meditation helps you practice self-soothing by mentally visiting your favorite place. Takeaways: 1- We can use soothing techniques to redirect stressful thoughts, and stay present in the moment. 2- Visualize your favorite place with help from all five of your senses. 3- Embrace the feelings this brings your body—from the top of your head to your feet. --- Mantra: I h...
Aug 19, 2020•8 min
We're in a moment of widespread financial instability, which can wreak havoc on our mental health. Today's meditation helps us ground ourselves through stress and remember that our financial situation is not a reflection of who we are. Takeaways: 1- Financial stress can be a form of trauma, which we can manage with professional help. 2- In moments of stress, ground yourself in the present with your breath. 3- Remember that financial stress isn't a reflection of you, but the greater system we all...
Aug 18, 2020•7 min
What will help you feel your most supported? Today we're taking time to check in with a Do More, Do Less list. Grab that journal! Takeaways: 1- Our needs are always in flux—and checking in with them is helpful. 2- What have you learned recently about your wants and needs? What can you do to feel more supported? 3- Create a *do more, do less* list: Write what you want to create more space for, and what to let go no longer serves you. Let it be your guide to a more cared for you. --- Mantra: I dec...
Aug 17, 2020•13 min
So many of us are navigating tough but necessary conversations, and it's important to prioritize listening and learning over our own discomfort. Today's meditation helps us flex our listening skills to make room for more growth. Takeaways: 1- Lately, we're being given many opportunities to learn about other people's experiences. 2- Holding yourself accountable is part of that, and it means prioritizing the truth over your own comfort. 3- Practice by reflecting on a narrative in your own head. Sh...
Aug 14, 2020•8 min
Our phones offer us connection with the outside world, but that can breed anxiety within us. Learn how to nurture our human need for information without sacrificing your mental health in today's meditation. Takeaways: 1- We can easily fall into the cycle of doomscrolling: wanting information, feeling anxious, then wanting more information. 2- The key is to learn about the world without losing sight of your needs. 3- Set boundaries around your scrolling time by setting a timer. --- Mantra: I conn...
Aug 13, 2020•8 min
Even in moments of stress, we can connect to ourselves with the power of our breath. In this meditation, you'll practice breathwork exercises that connect you with yourself on a deeper level and strengthen your concentration. Takeaways: 1- When we face uncertainty, it's human to feel overwhelmed. 2- By breathing mindfully, we let go of the external world and offer care to our internal selves. 3- Practice sitting with yourself as you breathe deeply without losing focus. --- Daily Mantra: I breath...
Aug 12, 2020•10 min
The Japanese concept of Ikigai can help us live longer, feel better, and connect to ourselves more deeply. Reflect on your values and purpose to find your ikigai with this meditation. How 'Ikigai' Can Help You Live Your Happiest Life: https://bit.ly/30t2UDQ Takeaways: 1- Ikigai means the reason to be living, or in other words, our purpose. 2- It's been shown to correlate with longer life spans and better health. 3- Connect with yours by asking what you love, what you're good at, and what the wor...
Aug 11, 2020•8 min
Feel less overwhelmed by your to-do list when you turn it into a self-care list. Today we're setting an intention to reframe how you're spending your energy. Grab your journal! Why 'Future You Care' Deserves a Spot in Your Self-Care Routine: https://bit.ly/2XwDWSq Takeaways: 1- To-do lists help us plot our days, but they can become overwhelming. 2- De-stress your list by reframing it as a self-care list. 3- See how your tasks help you show up for yourself and support your wellbeing and feel more...
Aug 10, 2020•12 min
Friendships add so much to our lives. And we can better nurture them when we notice whether they're active, dormant, or commemorative. Learn about the different categories of friendships and offer your friends compassion and love, even from afar. Takeaways: 1- Research shows we have active, dormant, and commemorative friendships in our lives. 2- We can sift friendships through all three categories depending on how much we're able to give them, or the time we're in in our lives. 3- Check in with ...
Aug 07, 2020•8 min
We all have an inner critical voice that repeats our most negative thoughts. But you can hit pause on that voice, and ask yourself "who told you that?" to ground yourself in truth. Today's meditation helps us put it into practice. 3 New Ways to View the Stories You Tell Yourself: https://bit.ly/2BYVJtE Takeaways: 1- We all have anxious thoughts, especially about how others view us. 2- Notice when your thoughts lean negative and ask yourself: who told you that? 3- When we notice the truth and gro...
Aug 06, 2020•9 min
When anxiety creeps into your day, you always have the power to step out of it with your body and breath. Today's meditation is a progressive muscle relaxation technique that's research-backed for lowering levels of stress and helping ground ourselves in our bodies. Takeaways: 1- Even on our best days, anxiety can start to get the best of us. 2- Step out of it with deep breathing, stretching, or progressive muscle relaxation. 3- Squeeze your muscles for 10 seconds and then release. Take turns wi...
Aug 05, 2020•9 min
We all deserve to care for ourselves, through all the aspects of our lives. Today's meditation helps us explore how we can care for ourselves through work time, play time, and more. Takeaways: 1- We all deserve to care for ourselves in so many different ways. 2- Divide your self-care into quadrants of work, play, restoration, and me time. 3- If you feel yourself lacking in an area, ask yourself what you need. Daily Mantra: I care for myself throughout the day. --- Support our Black-owned busines...
Aug 04, 2020•9 min
Today we're setting an intention to embrace on our own unique paths. Grab that journal! 32 Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection and Self-Care: https://bit.ly/2D9tMjF Takeaways: 1- Starting a new goal can bring equal parts excitement and pressure. 2- It's human to feel overwhelmed or look around you to see what others are doing similarly. 3- Instead of questioning or comparing yourself, face your front. Your journey and path is what's best for you. --- Daily Mantra: My focus is on my path. --- Sup...
Aug 03, 2020•12 min
The late, great Maya Angelou said "once you know better, do better," and today we're applying that to our lives. This meditation is an end-of-month reflection to help you focus in on what you've learned and how you can put those lessons into action. Takeaways: 1- We acknowledge each other's humanity when we hold each other accountable for our actions. 2- We can hold ourselves accountable in the same way. 3- As you look back on your month, notice what you've learned and how you can take action wi...
Jul 31, 2020•8 min
