Hi friends! My name is Courtney Shields and I write the blog “Bring Your Own Beauty.” I’m so excited and honored that Haley asked me to be part of this takeover! I’m lucky enough to call her one of my close friends and I adore this blog, so I can’t wait to take over for the day and share my post (and a little about me) with you guys.
BYOB is all about bringing your own beauty aka being the best version of yourself. I love helping my readers feel confident, whether that’s finding the perfect shade of lipstick or dishing out a little daily motivation. You’ll notice pretty quickly that I always keep it real in my little corner of the internet. On my blog and IG I share all things lifestyle – from my everyday style, to motherhood, my fitness journey. beauty, recipes, my favorite healthy snacks etc. (if you haven’t tried my signature sweet treat, raspberries + chocolate chips, it’s a must!)
My husband and I have been married for a little over 4 years. He’s pretty hilarious (don’t tell him I said that) and apparently sounds like Chris Pratt, lol. We have one baby girl (Kinsley), who is my little bestie and his twin! We JUST bought a new house and are currently in the process of moving in, remodeling a few things and decorating, so I have a ton of home content coming your way. Most of all, I’m just a girl from Austin who loves helping people and sharing things I love. Pop over to my IG to hang out with me daily (lots of real life stories!) and my blog, www.byobeauty.com.
Looking forward to hopefully getting to know some new faces!
Today, I’m diving into a topic I get asked about constantly – how do I stay happy and productive on a daily basis? I think the perception is that some people are just happier than others. That it’s some kind of secret gene you either have or you don’t, but I’m here to tell you that’s just not true. The truth is, being happy and positive is a learned skill and a daily choice!
Of course some people have a natural disposition towards happiness and others have to work harder for it, but it is absolutely doable.
Another misconception? Positivity and happiness = perfection. No one’s life is perfect. Life is beautiful, but it can also be messy and unpredictable. We can’t always control what hand life deals us, but we can control how we play it. We are constantly faced with the option to fold or go all in.
I thought it would be fun today to share things that help me choose happiness on a daily basis and how choosing that happiness helps me be my most productive self.
ONE // Practice gratitude
Start the day by listing the things you are grateful for. Sing them, say them, write them down, whatever works for you. Count your blessings early each day!
TWO // Keep your space clean
Lately, I’ve noticed how much having a clean and organized home, helps my everyday outlook and productivity level. Clean space, clean mind.
THREE // Set goals + make lists
One of my favorite ways for staying happy and positive it to set goals. Long term goals are great, but I love setting short term goals too. There is something so satisfying about making a list and checking things off throughout the day. Making lists also helps get everything I have to do out of my brain and clears up head space for other things.
FOUR // Focus on what you HAVE, not what you don’t
The grass is greener mentality is a sure fire way to send yourself into a downward (unhappy and unproductive) spiral.
FIVE // Get a sweat in
Working out absolutely helps with my overall mood. I have more energy, I sleep better and able to be way more productive if I get in a few workouts a week.
SIX // Vitamin D
Get little sunshine when you can. I know not everyone lives someplace with nice weather, but get outside for even a few minutes every chance you get. There is no substitute for good old vitamin d!
SEVEN // Get up and get ready!
This isn’t for everyone, but I am definitely my most productive when I have thrown a little makeup on. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme, but just a five minute face and an extra coat of mascara!
EIGHT // Time block
Don’t spread yourself too thin! As a new mom, I like to spend the majority of Kinsley’s awake/play time focused on being with her, in the moment and I usually ditch my phone (minus an IG story here and there, because let’s be real, she’s just too cute not to share!!). If I allow myself to fully focus on her, then when she goes down for her nap, I hustle and am way more productive because then I am fully focused on work. Of course some days are crazy and this can’t always happen, but I find I am happier and more productive when it does.
These are eight things I like to do as often as I can and that absolutely help me stay happy and productive on a daily basis. What about you? Leave a comment below and let me know what your happiness tip is!
