If I were to make changes on my blog, I would have spent more time on my layout as well as making more time for more content. I could have better promoted my content by using my Instagram. My best experience through this semester long project is that I found a new passion for writing. This experience benefited me in many ways but most importantly I know how to run a blog and work WordPress. I could apply this skill to future jobs or professions. One might want me to run a blog for them, or add onto the blog with some original content. Or in an entrepreneurial sense, I may start my own business and use my blog to share insights. The most useful tools would have to be the menus because they are easy to access, and the least useful were widgets because in every post there would be a hyperlink.
My most popular week on WordPress was the week of 3/23/2020 – 3/29/2020. I had 27 views and six visitors. Yippee!
My most popular post of the semester was my post on personal hygiene. This post received ten views and I believe it was popular amongst the audience I reach because due to the situation we are all in, we want to take extra steps to maintain our health.
In all of the Site Stats data, the most surprising data I pulled was that I had views in China. I didn’t expect to reach people outside of the United States but hello! A Twitter stat I wanted to share is that I only have one follower on twitter but every tweet receives about 150+ views. I thought that was interesting because no matter the public following number, people are still intrigued in your words!
Thank you for riding along with me through out this semester, and hopefully I could spark something new inside you! Stay safe and healthy to all, and to all a happy ending to your semester.
The Technology Times, a name I have given to this generation. This time period is unlike any other in all aspects. It is amazing to be able to live in a time that is ever evolving. Although, it is important to realize the effects technology has on an individuals mental health.
During this time period, especially during the corona phase we are living in – we all need a little boost of dopamine. We live in a time that is labeled as “The Age of Anxiety.” With everything that is available at our fingertips, we have multiple options to just one thing. Once we get used to having all these options, we can’t help but to feel overwhelmed. When we need alone time we really don’t get our alone time. We are surrounded by an unnatural, inauthentic, technological universe within our own – that being the internet but specifically social media. Of course there are amazing opportunities that come along with social media. There could’ve never brought connections to fruition in real life without it. We wouldn’t know half the people we know now. We would not be as educated as we are now. Especially on topics that are essential to our health and well being. There are factors to grow or degenerate. It is up to us to make the final cut on quite literally everything. What I am getting at is, with all there is to be worried about we need a sense of identity in the midst of it all.
It is easy and only human of us that we get sucked into a screen for so long. For many of us that is our job! As a student especially, it is easy to be so distracted in the day to day life responsibilities that taking genuine time for yourself is a difficult thing to do at times. The constant chatter in the back of your mind may be overwhelming. I am here to tell you that the overwhelming feelings of anxiety are getting ready to hit the road. So put your seat belt on and get ready to improve your mental.
Down the grapevine I have heard and learned that if one spends more time in nature, the more grounded they will feel overall. Allowing in sunshine and fresh air accompanied by the sounds of the world. You are allowed to be still, one, whole. Essentially, gasping in what matters to our being and soul. My advice is to take in at least 20 minutes a day in the sunlight and 20 minutes at night to soak in the moonlight. Connecting yourself to both day and night, your body will adjust better to its own body clock and make for a better sleep schedule.
I feel as though we lose touch with ourselves and reality when we aren’t physically taking part in activities that require physical touch and individual thinking. It is important to take at least three hours a week to tend to your personal garden within you. Whether you choose to water your garden by journaling, reading, drawing or going for a run, doing some yoga, and even swimming in the river. Connect with your body and allow it to move how it pleases. This allows for energy to make its movement out of you – a release. Without a release there is no room to add the energy you wish to become or receive.
Mindfulness.
What you want to happen will happen if you believe in yourself and the power of your word. I once read that “Every time you write you are a writer, every time you paint you are a painter, and every time you create you are a creator.” So, go on the rooftop and read the book that has been waiting for you. Say f*** it and dive into the river fully clothed. Dance in the middle of a park to your favorite tunes. Go for a stroll and maybe you will come across your new favorite spot. Finish a project then go scream at the top of the hill. Do what you have to do to get it done but make sure you live and feel your way through it all. Authentically, genuinely, and poetically.
Not everything is black and white, it is time to explore that grey area.
During this time we spending a good amount of time with ourselves and if not you should think about it! One key event taking place in my quarantine routine is skin care. Taking care of your epidermis is essential to your being. You will feel a better sense of self and confidence.
For reference, I have combination and acne prone skin. What I have found is that for my skin using the least amount of products daily prevents acne from spreading. Everyone is different, but if you’re struggling with acne try not using too many products on your face. Your natural face oils need some time to stay! The first step is to wash your face with a light cleanser. I have gone through many different products until I found the one and only, Origins Checks and Balances frothy face wash. This face wash lives true to its name! No foolin’.
Once your face is clean and dry, it’s time to add a toner. A toner will even out your skin tone while ridding of any scarring and smoothing out the skin. My favorite all natural toner is Witch hazel. Which you can purchase at Target, HEB, or Walgreens. I personally added this tip to my skincare routine – once I’ve taken a cotton ball and lightly went over my face I continue to my chest and upper back. This will help any acne scars to smooth over in other problem areas. Now throw the cotton ball away and lets move on, shall we?
After cleansing and toning, it is time for.. yes… the most riveting part of the entire skin routine. Applying your serum. This is the part where you can pick another goal you want to achieve for your skin. Serums are a boost of hydration and are packed with face vitamins. My favorite serums right now are from The Ordinary. The Peeling Solution and The Hyaluronic Acid serums have made a huge difference. When you add serums to your routine make sure to read the printed directions on the bottle to see how often you should use them!
HEY. Also, make sure to double check where you purchase your serums and if they are clean. Clean meaning cruelty free, vegan, etc.
Once the serum is applied, lather on some moisturizer with SPF and voila. It is important to keep your skin hydrated and that is also how you get that glow everyone craves. I use the Origins Ginseng moisturizer. Almost every product I use is Origins and I swear this brand saved my skin. Plant Power am I right! Now let’s talk SPF – SPF is important for the every day stroll to HEB or walk to the park. Not only when you are going for a dip in the river. SPF will prevent skin cancer and premature aging. SPF YEAH! I use the Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen, it is the bomb.com honestly and truly.
Follow these simple steps and your skin will be thanking you! Although this is my routine, everyone is different so some products may not work as well depending on what your skin type is. The journey to great skin is what makes it fun and in the mean time you learn how to respond when your body disagrees or agrees.
Sounds simple, but it is a true craft. One of my favorite meals to prepare for myself is the one and only – Avocado toast. Avocado’s are packed with nutrition and leave you feeling just the right amount of full. Consisting of fiber, potassium, and fatty acids – it’s the best fruit to consume to make sure you are intaking the right amount of healthy fats needed for your body. Eating healthy fats help with absorption of vitamins and minerals and skin all while boosting your immune system. I use gluten free white bread, I would also recommend sourdough bread. A fun fact about white bread is that its better for people with kidney issues. White bread is easier for the kidney’s to break down. Now – lets dive in.
STEP 1
Grab all your ingredients. I will be using my bread of choice, avocado, himalayan salt, lemon, hemp seeds, crushed red pepper, and last but definitely not least… HONEY! (I usually just eye how much to add in or on, although I always use half an avocado and a third of a lemon.)
FOOD FACT: Hemp seeds are rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron. Hemp seeds are my favorite add on to any toast or smoothie. A quote from WebMD states, “Two tablespoons of hemp seed serve up 90 calories and six grams of fat. Watching what you eat? I say, “Keep sprinkling!” That two-tablespoon serving size offers two grams of fiber, five grams of protein, 300 mg of potassium, 15 percent of your vitamin-A requirement and 25 percent of your daily iron needs.” Booyah.
HEMP HEARTS ❤
We have all the ingredients now it’s time for lights, camera, ACTION.
STEP 2
Put your frozen gluten free bread in the toaster for about 6 minutes. (It depends on how toasty you prefer it to be.) For regular bread, toast for about 3 minutes. Then you cut open your avocado in a circle or as I say, “Around town.” It should be soft enough to scoop out the seed but if not, use your knife and lightly cut into it, then turn so pops out. Scoop the avocado out of its home and into the bowl, showering it with lemon juice. MIX MIX MIX. Add some salt, and your toast should be ready for the spread.
STEP 3
Toppings! Use however much of the avocado spread you need on the toast for your satisfaction. Top with crushed pepper, a bit more salt, and yes- honey. Some people think it’s “weird” but it is what makes avocado toast the delicacy that it is. There you have it folks – a semi time consuming and healthy meal to satisfy the soul and inner workings. Voila.
During a time where we are inside and staying put, is a training session for whenever we are able to live normally once again! Personal hygiene is one of the most important forms of self love and self care. Personally, I believe the more you make an effort to take care of your temple of a body; the happier you’re bound to be or become. It is never too late! Lets get the ball rollin’.
First and foremost, your body needs its nutrients in order to function properly. It all starts in the kitchen – truly! Be conscious of what you consistently put into your body. Your diet depicts your attitude, mood, health and overall well-being. Your diet also prevents stinky body odor, one simple way to prevent those smelly smells. Eating well and a consistent healthy diet can even help auto-immune diseases symptoms. For example, my Aunt has multiple auto-immune diseases. She made the conscious decision to cut out fast food, gluten, sugar, processed food, etc. She said her diet has helped her more than the medicine doctor’s have prescribed. It feels good to feel good!!
Next up, showering. This can be the fun way to keep up your personal hygiene. Dermatologists say to shower every other day or two to three times a week. If you’re active daily, its good to shower once or even twice a day. This allows for your natural body oils and scents to accumulate. There is a thing as good bacteria and microorganisms and they want time to play! Your face and hair need their own oils to grow and be healthy. Too much product on any part of your body can cause irritation and clogged pores. Spice up your shower time with some organic scrubs, clean face and body wash and vegan shampoo and conditioner. Limit the amount you use certain products to about three times a week in order to allow your natural you to shine. Less is more, according to moi and Mr. Thoreau. (A philosopher who believes that a simpler life is a better life.) This article you may like gives you tips on better showering habits as well.
Let’s talk about baths, shall we. Baths are a relaxing time to absorb your own energy. But they shouldn’t be taken too often. They fry out your skin, while also irritating the genital area, especially in women. Baths are a contributing cause of UTI’s and yeast infections. If you happen to be dealing with a UTI issue, this article from WebMd will help you. But, every now and again light your candles, turn on your calm Spotify playlist and pour the Dr. Teals bath soak in the tub!
Another tip for cleanliness is to wash your bed sheets and pillow cases every week. Two weeks MAX. Your bed sheets collect oils, dead skin cells, allergens, fecal matter and dust mites. YUCK. All of these tiny intruders can cause bacteria and fungi growth. Making sure to have a routine of when to wash your bed sheets will help decrease the risk of sickness and acne.
KNOW YOUR BODY AND GET TO KNOW THE INNER WORKINGS OF YOUR MIND!
By the end of this, with paying attention to what your body is saying to you – you’ll realize what you need. Let the garden inside you grow!
As we all have been in the middle of a pandemic, here is some information that will help make sense of what the corona virus is. I hope everyone is safe, healthy, taking pre-caution and staying inside! With the occasional drive to HEB and getting fresh air in line of course.
COVID-19 or known as coronavirus, comes from a large family of viruses that are present in animals as well as humans. The viruses that have been passed from animals to people are MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and now we have SARS-CoV-2.
It is believed that in Wuhan, China an infected fish market is to blame for the beginning of the virus’ mutation and spread. There are many links to the virus coming from China, suggesting it spread from animals to humans. Some cases suggest the virus has been around since 2016, we are only just figuring out the networking of how intense the virus is.
COVID-19 is a specific strand that has mutated twice already. First infecting only animals, and second infecting both humans and animals. Doctors and researchers say there is a high chance this virus will mutate for the third time, considering how rapid it’s spreading worldwide. It is extremely important that we all do our part in this pandemic so the virus doesn’t get the chance to harm any more individuals or mutate once again.
Symptoms
COVID-19 has symptoms consisting of a fever, cough, nausea, diarrhea and shortness of breath. These are common cold or flu symptoms, but now that we are informed on this topic, it is important to quarantine yourself to prevent the spread of the virus to others. It is also important to keep yourself updated on what the world is saying as well as the government. Educating yourself on this topic will prevent the worst anxiety of all, the unknown.
I have researched some people that claim they have the virus on Twitter and multiple people say the same thing. IT DOES NOT ONLY AFFECT OLD PEOPLE! We all have a risk of contracting this, which again wear the gloves! Wear the masks! Only go out when it is crucial!
This is a serious time and topic, it is important to remain calm with what we have to do in order to end this pandemic. One person can make the biggest difference. All it takes is one person to spread the virus, or hinder it’s spread amongst us.
Prevent and protect yourself and others
Quarantine, wash your hands, wear gloves and a mask
Tips for staying inside
Get lost within yourself. Read, journal, etc.
Shower or take a bath! Stretch or do some yoga! Staying cleanly during this time period is essential, it also gives you something else to do while releasing some anxiety or tension.
Find a good book to get lost in! I suggest any book that will expand your mind. From Educational, to Spiritual, to Romance – your choice!
Journal! Throwing your thoughts onto paper is a must. Especially during a time where you have to be inside, might as well do some self-reflecting! Introspective work is essential for your soul and your future self. A little quote I like from Vocabulary.com says, “The Latin word introspicere means to look inside, and that’s what an introspective person does, metaphorically speaking.” Time to be an introvert and introspect yourself.
Change up your room! Nothing wrong with some adjustments to the Feng Shui. Go through old clutter, donate or trash it. Organize your closet in the order of the rainbow! Switch up the decorations in your space.
Pick up a new hobby! Crochet, gardening, cooking, baking, a Tik Tok creamy coffee connoisseur. Whatever you’re into – just dive in. Now is the time! Now that we all have a bit more tips and tricks, it’s time to stay safe and stay in quarantine ladies and gents!
P.S. For more tips on how to stay healthy during this time period, check out which natural remedies can help prevent sickness HERE!
Flu season hits the hardest between fall and winter, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of you’re body in the process of balancing your work load. I personally like to use natural remedies to take care of my body along with the medicine needed to help my body stay at it’s best, plant power! So, here are some tips to help your immune system!
1.You Guessed It!
The first thing to always do is hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Doing so helps your body function at it’s best to loosen built up mucus and defend itself. You should try to drink an ounce of water for each pound you weigh to ensure you’re as hydrated as you should be. Drinking distilled water helps flush the body of toxins, it’s important to be aware of what water you are putting in your body since it is such a crucial part of our being!
2. Elderberry Syrup
Next up is to drink Elderberry syrup. Elderberry is used in teas, gummies, lozenges, and more. Taking two tablespoons of this vitamin packed syrup can help boost your immune system, promote bone strength, decrease inflammation, decrease stress, and improves respiratory health. No, the taste is not like the cough syrup you are probably used to taking! The syrup has a thick consistency and flows down the hatch just fine!
3. Honey
Another remedy is to use honey! Honey in some tea will comfort you in your sickly alone time while helping soothe and coat your throat, helping with that sore throat. Honey also reduces irritated mucus build up.
4. Zinc
Most colds are caused by a virus called rhinovirus. Zinc helps prevent the rhinovirus from multiplying in the throat and nasal passages, preventing build up in the mucous membranes. Available in oral or gel form, Zinc can help shorten the period of time you have a cold. I suggest taking the oral form and on the first day you notice flu like symptoms.
5. Ginger
Ginger is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory helping with more than just flu symptoms as well. It gives you an energy boost, improves gut health, relieves nausea, and improves digestion. Ginger looks intimidating at first, but just section the powerful veggie into pieces then slice of the coating and voila. I often incorporate ginger into my smoothies, this would be the best route along with a ginger shot. Ginger shots usually consist of ginger, lemon, and cayenne. Pick as you wish!
6. Probiotics
Probiotics = gut health. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are in fact good for you! Sounds gross, but is an essential part to add or keep in your diet. Gut health is an important part of your body to take care of, it all starts here! Some probiotics to start with are yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut. Yogurt is made from milk and fermented with the good for you bacteria that improves bone health as well as decreasing blood pressure. Kombucha is a fermented tea with live cultures and bacteria to help your gut! Sauerkraut is shredded lettuce fermented by lactic acid bacteria, packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Now that we have some tips to improve our immune systems, lets start now! Along with these, don’t forget to stay consistent with taking Vitamin C and make sure to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so already! A website I grabbed some probiotic food ideas from is from Healthline.
P.s. Keep a bottle of germ x on you. We’re on a college campus after all!
Hi all! This blog will be about all things regarding health and wellness. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. Staying in tune with my overall health is something I am very passionate about, and would love to spread awareness and tips on how to embody this topic. This is something I am constantly enlightening myself about and will also help broaden many horizons while pushing myself at the same time.
A little bit about me:
My name is Sydney Planka, and I’m from Houston, Texas. I moved to Austin last year, and transferred to Texas State University this past semester. I am majoring in advertising with a minor in business administration.
Q&A
What topics do you think you’ll write about? Mental health, physical health, sexual health, etc.
Who would you love to connect with via your blog? Anyone searching for enlightenment.
If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished? Helping people become more aware of their mental and physical states.
“Wellness is the compete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.” -Greg Anderson
Sydney's blog 