The New Year is all about fresh starts, and one of the most ancient and aromatic ways to kick things off is by burning sage. This ritual, known as smudging, has been used for centuries in Indigenous and spiritual practices to cleanse spaces, banish negativity, and invite positive energy. Let’s dive into the history, benefits, and how-tos of this soulful tradition.

A Little History

Sage burning originates from Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Lakota, Chumash, and other tribes, who used it for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. White sage (Salvia apiana) is the most commonly used plant, revered for its purifying properties. Smudging was and still is a sacred act in these cultures, symbolizing a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

The practice has since been embraced globally as a mindful ritual for clearing stagnant energy, but it’s crucial to approach it with respect for its origins. If you’re incorporating sage into your routine, ensure you source it sustainably and ethically, preferably from Native-owned businesses.

Why Smudge?

Smudging offers a host of benefits, both spiritual and practical:

• Energy Cleansing: Clears out old, stale energy and replaces it with positivity.
• Improved Focus: The ritual can help reset your mindset, making it easier to set and stick to goals.
• Aromatherapy: The earthy scent of sage is grounding and calming, helping to reduce stress.
• Air Purification: Burning sage releases negative ions, which may help neutralize allergens and improve air quality.

Best Times to Smudge

While you can smudge anytime, the New Year is perfect for this ritual as it marks a time of renewal. Other great moments include:

• After a deep cleaning session.
• Before setting new intentions or starting a project.
• After a tough day to clear emotional residue.
• When moving into a new home or rearranging your space.

How to Smudge

Ready to try it? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a sage bundle (or smudge stick), a fireproof bowl (like an abalone shell), and a lighter or matches.
2. Set Your Intentions: Before lighting the sage, think about what you want to cleanse or welcome. Clarity is key.
3. Light the Sage: Hold the bundle at a 45-degree angle, light the tip, and let it burn for about 20 seconds before blowing it out to produce smoke.
4. Smudge Your Space: Use your hand or a feather to waft the smoke around your body, home, or any specific items you wish to cleanse. Move clockwise around the space for consistency.
5. Say a Mantra: Speak your intentions out loud or in your mind as you smudge. Something like, “I release what no longer serves me and welcome fresh, positive energy.”
6. Extinguish Safely: Press the bundle into the fireproof bowl to put it out completely.

If you want to purify your space to usher in the year, burning sage is a simple yet powerful way to step into the New Year with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re releasing 2024’s baggage or inviting good vibes into 2025, this ancient practice can help you set the tone for the months ahead. Just remember, intention is everything. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy! Happy smudging!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Here’s the deal: happiness is like a butterfly. If you chase it, it flutters out of reach. But if you sit still, it might just land on your shoulder. Sounds poetic, right? But there’s truth in it. The harder we try to “find” happiness, the more elusive it becomes.

Why the Chase Doesn’t Work

The problem with chasing happiness is that it treats happiness as a destination—a place you’ll reach once you land the job, buy the house, or achieve that perfect goal. But happiness isn’t an end point. It’s more like a companion that joins you when you’re not focused on it.

When you focus too much on being happy, you create pressure. And ironically, that pressure can make you miserable. Instead of enjoying what’s in front of you, you get stuck in a loop of “What’s missing?” or “Why am I not happy yet?” It’s exhausting!

What Actually Works?

Happiness is more about building a life you enjoy and value than ticking off boxes. Here’s how to shift the mindset:

1. Focus on Meaning, Not Happiness
   Find things that give your life purpose. Whether it’s helping others, learning something new, or pursuing a creative passion, meaning creates a deeper satisfaction that lasts longer than fleeting moments of joy.
2. Embrace the Small Stuff
   Happiness hides in the little moments: a warm cup of coffee, a genuine laugh, or a stunning sunset. When you stop waiting for life’s “big moments” to make you happy, you’ll notice how much joy already surrounds you.
3. Accept the Full Spectrum of Emotions
   Newsflash: no one is happy all the time, and that’s okay. Allowing yourself to feel sadness, frustration, and even boredom makes those moments of happiness stand out more. Life’s highs feel higher when you’ve experienced the lows.
4. Build Healthy Habits
   Exercise, sleep, and spending time with loved ones might not sound revolutionary, but they lay the groundwork for a happy life. These habits create stability, and from stability, joy naturally arises.
5. Practice Gratitude
   It’s simple but powerful: take a moment daily to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already have—and guess what? That’s where happiness lives.

Happiness isn’t a treasure you find at the end of a map. It’s a byproduct of living a life filled with purpose, connection, and presence. So, stop chasing it. Focus on building a meaningful life, and happiness will sneak up on you when you least expect it.

The next time you feel the urge to “find” happiness, take a breath, look around, and appreciate what you already have. Spoiler: happiness might already be there, waiting for you to notice.

How about you? Which common things do you find happiness in? Do you actively pursue it or do you just find it along the way? Share your experience with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Working during the Christmas holidays might sound like a bummer. While everyone else is sipping eggnog, tearing into presents, or cozying up by the fireplace, you’re clocking in and getting stuff done. But let’s not dismiss it as all bad—it’s got its own perks, and the experience can even be enjoyable if you look at it from the right angle.

The Reality of Working Over Christmas

First, let’s talk about the vibe. Offices and workplaces during the holidays are way quieter. Most people are on vacation, which means fewer meetings, less noise, and a much slower pace. Depending on your job, it can even feel a little relaxing. This quiet time often lets you focus on tasks that require deep thought or planning—things that usually get buried under the chaos of a regular workday.

If you’re working in customer service or retail, though, it’s the opposite. It’s go-time, with last-minute shoppers and frantic customers. While that can be exhausting, there’s also a certain energy in the air. People are (mostly) in good spirits, and it’s a chance to connect with customers on a human level. Plus, once you’re done for the day, the satisfaction of surviving a holiday rush is real.

The Upsides of Being the Holiday MVP

1. Extra Cash
   Many companies offer holiday pay or bonuses to employees working during Christmas. That extra money can be a lifesaver for paying off gifts, treating yourself, or saving for something special.
2. Career Points
   Sticking around during the holidays shows dedication and reliability. Managers notice who steps up when others step out. It could even put you in a good position for promotions or special projects later on.
3. Networking Opportunities
   With fewer people at work, you might get more face time with leadership or colleagues you don’t usually interact with. These quieter moments can lead to meaningful conversations and connections.
4. Free Treats
   Offices that stay open during Christmas often keep things festive with free food, drinks, or even little gifts. Who doesn’t love free cookies or a surprise Secret Santa exchange?
5. A Head Start for January
   While everyone else is scrambling to get back into the groove after New Year’s, you’ll already be ahead of the game. You can use this time to clean up your inbox, plan your goals, or even tackle projects in peace.

Making the Most of It

To keep the holiday spirit alive, bring a little cheer to work with you. Wear something festive, put on a holiday playlist, or share some treats with coworkers. And don’t forget to schedule your own time to celebrate—whether it’s before or after the holiday rush.

Sure, working during the Christmas holidays might not be everyone’s dream, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The extra perks, quieter atmosphere (or exciting buzz), and sense of accomplishment can make it worth your while. And hey, the Christmas season is more about the spirit than the exact day, so you can still create your own moments of joy—whether it’s on December 25th or sometime later.

Are you working during the Christmas Holidays? Share your experience with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Some people go through life nervous and belligerent. They start off as nervous teens and grow up to be nervous adults. A lot of these nervous teens outgrow their nervousness but a few don’t. Getting older often means more responsibilities and, sometimes, more stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right habits, you can find yourself growing calmer and more content over time. Here are 10 things you can do to cultivate inner peace:

1. Practice Deep Breathing
   Sounds simple, but it works wonders. Taking slow, deep breaths when you’re stressed helps activate your body’s relaxation response. Try a 4-7-8 pattern: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It’s like hitting the reset button on your nerves.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
   Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay. Accepting that things won’t always go as planned—and that you don’t have to be flawless—can bring instant relief. Aim for progress, not perfection.
3. Spend Time in Nature
   A walk in the park or a hike in the woods isn’t just good exercise; it’s also calming. Studies show that being in nature reduces stress hormones and boosts your mood. Bonus: it’s free therapy.
4. Declutter Your Space
   Cluttered surroundings can make your mind feel cluttered too. Spend 10 minutes a day tidying up, and watch how your mood shifts. A cleaner environment often equals a calmer mind.
5. Say “No” More Often
   As you age, you realize your time and energy are precious. Don’t overcommit or agree to things out of guilt. Politely decline what doesn’t serve you, and you’ll feel much lighter.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
   Gratitude is a superpower. Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day helps shift your focus from stress to blessings. It’s a simple way to stay grounded.
7. Set Clear Boundaries
   Whether it’s work or personal life, boundaries protect your peace. Learn to set limits on how much time and energy you give others. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
8. Stay Active
   Exercise isn’t just about staying fit—it’s a stress-buster too. Even 20 minutes of walking, yoga, or dancing can calm your mind by releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins.
9. Limit Screen Time
   The endless scroll can make your mind race. Schedule tech-free moments during your day to recharge. Read a book, journal, or just enjoy the quiet.
10. Focus on What You Can Control
    Life is unpredictable, but stressing over things you can’t control is a recipe for anxiety. Instead, channel your energy into what you can change, and let the rest go.

Staying calm as you age isn’t about avoiding stress—it’s about learning to manage it better. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can help you feel more peaceful, no matter what life throws your way. After all, isn’t calmness the real secret to growing older gracefully?

What are your tips for staying calm? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp

Remote work is amazing, right? Pajamas all day, no commute, and endless snacks within arm’s reach. But, let’s be honest—remote work has a dark side no one really talks about. Don’t worry; I’m not here to crush your dreams of laptop-in-a-coffee-shop bliss. I’m here to highlight the challenges and give you solutions to crush them.

1. Loneliness Is Real

One big downside? It gets lonely. No watercooler banter, no impromptu lunches with colleagues, just you and…your plants. Over time, that isolation can sneak up and affect your mental health.

How to fix it:

• Schedule regular video chats with your team for work and casual catch-ups.
• Make an effort to meet friends or join coworking spaces a few days a week.
• Take breaks to connect with people—call a friend, join a class, or just get out of the house.

2. Work-Life Blur

When you work where you live, it’s easy for work hours to creep into your evenings and weekends. Before you know it, you’re answering emails at midnight.

How to fix it:

• Set a clear schedule and stick to it. When your day ends, log off.
• Create a designated workspace so you can physically “leave” work, even if it’s just a corner of your living room.
• Use apps to block work notifications after hours. Seriously, boundaries are your best friend.

3. Productivity Overload

Without coworkers or a manager hovering nearby, you might overcompensate by working too hard. Hello, burnout.

How to fix it:

• Prioritize tasks using tools like to-do lists or apps (hello, Asana or Todoist).
• Take regular breaks. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focused work, 5-minute breaks) is a game-changer.
• Stop equating your worth with productivity. You’re more than your to-do list.

4. Career Growth Stagnation

Out of sight, out of mind—remote workers can sometimes feel overlooked for promotions or new opportunities.

How to fix it:

• Over-communicate your achievements to your manager.
• Set career goals and have regular check-ins with your boss to discuss them.
• Participate in virtual team-building events and be proactive about networking online.

5. Tech Troubles & Distractions

Tech glitches and home distractions (like your cat walking on your keyboard mid-Zoom call) can wreak havoc on your day.

How to fix it:

• Invest in reliable tech and have backup options (like a mobile hotspot for internet issues).
• Set boundaries with housemates or family about your work hours.
• Noise-canceling headphones? Worth every penny.

Remote work is a blessing, but it’s not always easy. By addressing these challenges head-on, you can create a setup that works for you, not against you. Balance is the key—so build connections, set boundaries, and remember, no one’s judging if you wear pajama pants to your 9 AM meeting. As long as the camera doesn’t catch half of your outfit, you’re good! 

What do you think are the downsides to remote work? Have you experienced any? Share your stories with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp