by The Lovely Refinement Team | Nov 14, 2019 | Self-Confidence, Self-Improvement
Do you have anxiety at the gym? It’s very common. Anywhere you look when searching for how to reduce anxiety, getting in a good workout is always on the list.
I’ve even mentioned it a few times here on my own blog. Exercising is a great way to feel better about yourself.
But, if you have anxiety, you know how difficult it is to get up and work out. There are so many mental roadblocks thrown in our way whenever we want to do something.
Anxiety makes you worry about every possible scenario that could go wrong, and you’re just left feeling confused and unmotivated to try.
Working out at home is one thing but getting to the gym is a whole other story. Here are some tips for how to deal with anxiety at the gym.
How To Deal With Anxiety At The Gym
I have gym anxiety, so trying out an exercise I’ve never done before in front of a bunch of strangers at the gym is similar to standing in front of them naked.
- I am so uncomfortable to the point I can’t even focus on the workout.
- I don’t want to look like an idiot in front of the experienced people.
- And there have been times when I really struggled through a workout, just waiting for it to be over so I could go home.
This made wanting to work out very difficult. I come from a family who loves to exercise, so I feel like I should be able to do it with no problem.
All of my siblings have done triathlons, marathons, and IronMans. My dad climbs mountains like Mt. Blanc and Mt. Kilimanjaro, and he just got done climbing Mt. Denali.
Meanwhile, there have been days when I can’t even bring myself to get to the freaking gym. But, that’s just a part of what anxiety does.
Giving yourself a break and taking baby steps is the best way to make progress.
I am able to go to the gym by myself now and am okay with it. I still have mental roadblocks, but I work through them. And I’ll show you how you can, too!
1. Figure Out Your Reason Why
Exercising is a great way to deal with anxiety, but you have to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.
A lot of people like to do it to look better and lose weight. And sometimes that can motivate you at the beginning.
But, it can also lead to a distorted view of exercise. You don’t have to do it just to lose weight.
Determining your reason behind it will help you stick with it. Doing it to maintain anxiety is a great reason, and as a bonus, you’ll get into shape in the process.
2. Take it Slow
As you start to exercise, don’t force yourself to do too much at once. Sometimes, just waking up earlier and putting on workout clothes is enough.
I know it might seem weird but take it as slow as you need to. Set mini goals that push you in the right direction.
Then, you can eventually work up to going to the gym for 15 minutes. After that, you can push for 30 minutes. That way, you don’t throw yourself into the fire and never want to go back.
3. Make Sure to Challenge Yourself Mentally
When you have anxiety, there isn’t a moment where you don’t constantly have to challenge your thinking. Otherwise, it can eat you up.
So, as you make progress towards exercise, focus more on building up your mental strength. Instead of physical strength, at least for a while.
Work through the thoughts you have about working out. What prevents you from trying in the first place?
- Is it intimidation at the gym?
- Feeling creepy guys staring at you?
- Lacking the motivation to get outside?
Pay attention to the thoughts that hold you back, then work on those every single day. That’s why starting small is important.
You first have to prove to your brain that exercising isn’t as bad as you’re making it up in your head.
Take 10 minutes a day exercising or walking outside and see how you feel. Then slowly progress from there.
4. Practice Mindfulness at the Gym
Anxiety at the gym usually stems from being unfamiliar with the equipment and what you’re supposed to do with it.
Going to the gym when you have no idea what you’re doing is terrifying. So many people are there, and if you catch them staring at you it can feel uncomfortable.
I go to the gym often by myself. And I have a lot of anxiety. At first, it wasn’t easy, but after I worked on mindfulness and just going all the time, it got better.
Practice staying in the present moment and remember why you’re there in the first place.
Think about how your body feels during each exercise. Listen to the music in your headphones and focus on what is right in front of you.
Work on letting go of the fear that everyone is staring at you. Most people have the same worries at the gym, and it’s overwhelming at first. But, people usually only stare because they don’t know what else to do.
When I run on the treadmill, I never know where to look. So, I ended up looking around at all the people. I’m not judging, it’s just that I literally don’t know where else to put my eyes.
5. Spend 10 Minutes Being an Observer
When you first get to the gym and your anxiety is high, try to look for a treadmill or elliptical that’s in the back of the room.
As you get a warm-up in, you can observe what everyone else is doing. This helps give you a better idea if people are actually staring at you, or if it’s all in your head.
You can also look around and see that most people are in the same boat as you. Some people just like to stay on the treadmill the whole time and observe people.
Others are so focused on their own workout, that they don’t even know you’re there. This can help you to stop caring about what other people think. And just focus on doing your own thing.
6. Do What You Enjoy
If you hate running but do it only because it burns more calories, then stop! I hate playing basketball because I suck at it. That’s not what I’m going to do to get exercise.
Think about the type of exercise you do enjoy, or what you want to try. There are so many different ways to exercise. I’m sure you can find something that interests you.
- Even if you haven’t tried it before, it’s worth a shot to try out.
Exercising becomes a lot easier when you actually enjoy and look forward to your workouts. If you hate getting your heart pumping, try yoga or Pilates. Or get a 30-minute walk in each day.
This way you can reduce your anxiety and feel excited about adding it to your daily routine.
6 Ways To Beat Anxiety At The Gym – Conclusion
Anxiety at the gym is completely normal and very common. I completely understand feeling anxious about exercising. When you have a high-anxiety day, doing anything feels like the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest.
Some days, you will not want to work out at all, and that’s OK! What you can do is stop beating yourself up so much.
Forgive yourself on the days when your anxiety takes over. Progress with anything is not always a straight line.
Sometimes progress is one step forward and two steps back. There will be days that will be harder and days that will be amazing.
The most important step is to just keep moving forward. Even when you’ve taken two steps back. Just don’t give up, and you will see that your anxiety at the gym will lessen over time.
by The Lovely Refinement Team | Nov 11, 2019 | Gift Guides
Are you on the hunt for a gift for your best friend? Having good people who are there for you through good and bad times is one of the greatest gifts in this world.
So, of course, you want to spoil her on her birthday or over the Christmas holidays. If you are currently looking for best friend gift ideas, I have a list of cute best friend gifts that you can choose from.
Buying gifts for friends can be fun. But most of the time, it can be an overwhelming thing to do considering everyone has different personality traits and needs.
But my list of meaningful friendship gifts will help you figure out which one will best fit your best friend.
Meaningful And Cute Best Friend Gifts (10+ Ideas!)
Ready to dig into these gifts for best friends? Here we go!
1. The Gift Of Gorgeous Hair
The Grow Gorgeous Intense Gift Collection has everything your best friend needs to grow and maintain strong, shiny, healthy hair.
This gift set includes:
- Grow Gorgeous Hair Density Serum Intense (60ml) – to encourage hair thickness
- Thickening Shampoo (50ml)
- Thickening Conditioner (50ml)
- Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask (50ml)
- Mini brush that is safe for use on wet hair
Good to know: All Grow Gorgeous products are vegan, gluten-free, and made without Parabens, Sulphates, Silicones, or Phthalates.
2. Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser
Help your best friend to relax after a long day at school or work. Or, if your best friend is a parent, a good natural aromatherapy oil diffuser with powerful aroma coverage will definitely be needed in their household. It helps to naturalize any strong unwanted odors around the house.
The Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser by Pure Enrichment comes with a soft night glow and with its whisper-quiet operation, it allows your best friend to have their own spa-day at home anytime they want.
3. Pinky Swear Necklace
Cute best friend gifts alert! The Pinky Swear Best Friends Necklace comes with 3 discs that can be personalized with your and your bestie’s initials.
Remember to buy two of these necklaces so you each have one!
4. Suitcase Organizer
Do you have a best friend who loves to travel? If you do, I highly recommend getting them the Coltant’s 5-set Compression Travel Packing Cubes as a gift this holiday season.
Not only will these packing cubes help them stay organized while traveling, but it will also prevent them from forgetting and losing their items.
5. You’re My Favorite Bitch Socks
These cheeky socks need no explanation at all. If your bestie has a good sense of humor, these gifts for your best friend will be well received.
6. The MantraBand Bracelet
If your best friend loves words and enjoys daily affirmation, I recommend getting a Mantraband Bracelet. They have beautiful bracelets that make cute best friend gifts and are very meaningful.
With its minimal, simple, and elegant style, the bracelet also comes with an uplifting message. Remind your best friend how wonderful they are by giving them the MantraBand Bracelet as a gift.
7. A Cocktail Shaker
Surprise your best friend with a three-piece pineapple cocktail shaker as their holiday gift. The W&P Pineapple Cocktail Mixer comes with five different color choices from gold, copper, silver, black, and white.
This is the best gift for a best friend who loves to get the party started and if you want to inspire them to hone their skills in making good drinks, you should definitely get them this unique tool.
8. Soul Sisters Personalized Mug
Whether she’s using this Soul Sisters mug to drink coffee or wine, she will be thinking of you.
9. A Super Cool Tumbler
What I like about getting a tumbler as a gift for best friend is that it’s a useful gift. When buying something for someone important in your life, you want to make sure that your gift will add value to their lives.
The YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Tumbler comes in multiple color choices and the durable coat of color will not crack, peel, and fade even with extensive use.
It’s a sweet way of reminding your best friend to stay hydrated.
10. Portable Wireless Charger for Apple Watch
This portable wireless charger is a best gift for a best friend who already has an Apple Watch. It comes in the form of a stylish keychain shape and due to its pocket size, this charger is portable.
All you need to do to charge the Apple Watch is by connecting the back of the watch to the keychain charger. You can do this while you’re on the go and in need of a quick battery recharge.
This is super convenient and definitely one of the most meaningful friendship gifts you can find this holiday season.
11. A Digital Air Fryer
Encourage your best friend to cool without extra calories by purchasing a digital air fryer as the holiday gift. With an air fryer, you can fry, grill, bake, and roast any food that you want with little to zero oil usage. For food lovers, it is definitely one of the best gifts you can give to someone.
And not to mention if you purchase the Digital Air Fryer from GoWISE USA, you will also get a recipe book. It’s a great gift for a best friend who doesn’t really know how to cook but would like to start learning!
Meaningful And Cute Best Friend Gifts – Conclusion
Please share and pin this gifts for best friend article if you loved it! Also, check out these other gift guides:
by The Lovely Refinement Team | Nov 10, 2019 | Gift Guides, Self-Esteem & Self-Love
The best gifts for single women can range from pampering and thoughtful, to humorously self-deprecating. Depending on the type of friendship you have with the single lady you’re buying for, you can really go either way.
If she just had a breakup, you may want to choose the single girl gift ideas below that will help her feel better about herself. Or if she has been proudly single for years, one of the funny gifts for single women here will make her smile.
Today you’re in luck because I have compiled a great list of the best gifts for single women.
Any of these would make a great Christmas, birthday, or Galentine’s Day gift for your single girlfriend.
The Best Gifts For Single Women
1. Singles Swag Box
Singles Swag is a subscription box curated specifically for single women. Each month she will get a collection of unique organic beauty products, trendy fashion and lifestyle items, tasty treats, and even books and other educational resources.
Another fabulous subscription box that makes a wonderful present for a single woman is FabFitFun, which delivers 4 times a year.
2. Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer
This smart coffee brewer is a perfect gift for single women who need coffee to function in their daily lives. I love the Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer because it comes with an easy-fill brew basket and all you have to do is slide the basket out quickly and fill it with your favorite coffee.
It also comes in four different sizes from a cup, and travel mug, to half carafe and full carafe.
3. Single AF Pin / Brooch
This ever-so-cute best-selling pin found here is beautifully handmade. And eloquent …”A.F.”
4. Bracelet and Bangle Set
If you want to stay on the traditional path of giving your single friends a set of jewelry, I highly recommend getting them the Anne Klein Women’s Swarovski Crystal-Accented Bracelet and Bangle Watch Set. They are water-resistant and will look good on anyone.
They are simple but still sparkly enough to make a statement. This is definitely one of the best gifts for single women that you can find out there.
5. In-Home Garden System
Do you have a friend who loves plants like they are their own children? Well, you should look at the AeroGarden Harvest Elite Stainless Steel.
With its energy-efficient LED grow lights and soil-free seed pods, this garden system comes in handy for garden lovers who want to plant something without a mess. It also features a water reminder and will automatically turn the light on or off.
6. “It’s Not Me, It’s You” Shirt
The It’s Not Me, It’s You shirt makes a great closet staple for any single woman.
7. Supersonic Hair Dryer
Help your single friends to feel good about themselves again by getting them the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
It prevents extreme damage while protecting the hair shine and is engineered for different types of hair. This is one of the best holiday gifts for single women who love to look good for themselves. It’s worth every penny.
8. Margarita & Slush Machine
Surprise your single friend with this amazing margarita and slush machine! Every single woman who just went through a bad breakup needs a good drink, and what better way to surprise them than giving them the opportunity to make one at home?
With the Nostalgia Margarita and Slush Machine, you can easily make up to 1 gallon of your favorite slush drink. Not to mention the fact that this machine is transferrable with its carrying handle.
9. Single AF Wine Glasses
Just imagine the cute Instagram photos you’ll take together with these at the next girl’s-night-in party, with the Single AF wine glasses.
10. Vegan Leather Laptop Backpack
One of the best gifts for single women is a professional laptop backpack that is not only ideal for work but also good for traveling, too.
I personally love this one because the style is personally and aesthetically tailored for women. The padded and sleek structure of the contoured straps offers enough support for the body. Definitely a great gift idea for a single woman.
11. Drinking Buddies Hunk Drink Markers
Next time she hosts girl’s night at her place, everyone can drop a color-coded hunk into their glass, so no one loses/mixes up their drinks.
12. 7-Speed Folding Bike
By getting your single friend a bicycle, you’re not only making her happy but you’re encouraging her to stay healthy.
It’s normal for people who just went through a breakup to stay indoors most of the time, but if you want to help her re-start her life again, you should get her something that gets her out of the house. The EuroMini ZiZZO 7-Speed Folding Bike makes a great gift.
13. Wellbeing Class
Refine Your Life Purpose & Wellness offers mental wellness and anxiety relief exercises, advice on finding your inner strength and life purpose, and overall self-improvement.
14. A Book Celebrating Singledom
The book in the gallery above makes a great gift for single women.
15. Some Instagramable New Clothes
After a breakup, many women try a new hairstyle or go on a shopping spree buying clothes in a completely different style than they’ve had in the past. A fresh new look can really help someone’s confidence, especially after a bad breakup.
Help give her confidence a boost by picking out a few Instagram-worthy outfits at Pretty Young Thing. This online retailer is adored by Instagram influencers.
Check out their Basics Collection, where you can stock up on clothes that will make her look like Kylie Jenner, without spending a Kylie Jenner fortune.
The Best Gifts For Single Women – Conclusion
Let me know in the comments if you tried any of my gifts for single women recommendations today!
Please share and pin this article.
For more resources on building self-confidence, and getting over a breakup, check out my articles listed below.
More Gift Guides
by The Lovely Refinement Team | Nov 6, 2019 | Gift Guides
Are you looking for the best gifts for a homebody or introverted friend? If you know someone who is a homebody or introvert, it can be a challenge trying to figure out what they would love to have.
If they live in a place where they can experience all four seasons, winter is definitely their favorite time of the year. It’s the best time to cozy up with a coffee or tea with a good book, after all!
With that being said, this is my list of the best gifts for a homebody and gift ideas for introverts.
Amazing Gifts For A Homebody And Introvert
1. Ring Video Doorbell
We all know how introverted people are. Especially if they are also working from home and live most of their days in their pajamas and messy hair.
But if you give them a Ring Camera, they will love you eternally. Apparently, a camera doorbell is considered one of the best gifts for introverts.
Whenever the ring bells, they can always check who is at the door first and if it’s worth answering, they have the time to prepare themselves. If it’s just a sales guy or the UPS man, they don’t need to panic.
2. The Introvert Activity Book
The Introvert Activity Book is fun, it’s illustrated, and it’s interactive. I personally think this activity book suits introverted people and homebodies of all ages.
My suggestion would be to pair this activity book with other gifts for a homebody that you have already bought.
They can draw, write, doodle, and sketch just to express themselves, discover their unique talents, and find their voices. It’s definitely a fun activity book for an introvert.
3. T-Shirt for Introvert People
Buying a t-shirt for introverts that show off their introversion can be a risk. If you do not really know the person, I suggest staying away from buying a shirt that says they are introverted because it can come off as offensive.
Homebody Sweater – Get it here
I Like Coffee And Maybe 3 People Shirt – Get it here
But you can’t really go wrong with this “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come” Tshirt!
For the record, homebodies and introverted people typically are not anti-social, yet may appreciate the humor in these shirts.
If the homebody is your sister, brother, close friend, or even your parent, then you can definitely try getting an introvert t-shirt as one of the gift ideas for introverts.
4. A Mindfulness And Wellbeing Course
Refine Your Life Purpose & Wellness is a complete mindfulness and mental well-being program, packed with inspiring and educational lessons on everything from stress relief to self-improvement and empowerment.
These resources make wonderful gifts for a homebody or introvert as they are self-paced, online, and full of helpful life-improving tools.
Take a look at the full program and all of the additional bonuses right here.
5. Door Signs or Hangers
Pretty much like the doorbell camera, buying them a door hanger or sign might be one of the best gifts for a homebody who loves their privacy.
Introverted people love their quiet time because this is the best way of recharging their “batteries”.
However, it can be hard trying to explain this to other people especially if they have completely different personalities and approaches compared to introverts.
It might look silly at first, but eventually, a Do Not Disturb door sign can be one of the best gift ideas for introverts, too.
6. Noise Canceling Headphones
It doesn’t matter where they live, escaping the noise of the world can be pretty challenging. With the sound of people talking, screaming, and even transportation, all that an introvert wants is to escape the busy noise.
But if you get them a pair of noise-canceling headphones as their gift for the holiday season, they will definitely appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Of all the gift ideas in this homebody gift guide, noise-canceling headphones are the most useful. Even when they are not at home, high-quality noise-canceling headphones will be able to help an introvert escape into their own little world for a while.
7. Book for Introvert People
There are plenty of books that openly celebrate introversion and embrace the unique personality of introverted people.
If your homebody friend loves reading, I highly recommend the popular Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking as one of the gifts for a homebody.
The author, Susan Cain, did a very good job of explaining why introverts are unique in their approach toward life and people in general. It’s definitely one of the best books for introvert people on the market.
8. Subscription Box For Introverts
Homebody subscription boxes make fantastic gifts for a homebody or introvert.
Why? Because one, they arrive on their doorstep each month at their favorite place (home), and two because they are filled with a variety of items that homebodies will love.
Check out the Introverted Chick Subscription Box and the Introverts Retreat Girl’s Night In Box.
8 Amazing Gifts For A Homebody And Introvert – Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best gifts for a homebody and introvert. If you did, please share/pin it.
For more resources, check out these helpful self-confidence tips!
More gift guides:
by The Lovely Refinement Team | Nov 2, 2019 | Gift Guides
Looking for the best Christmas gifts for pet lovers in 2023? Pets are just as much a part of the family as the humans, that’s for sure.
We all know at least one good boy or girl with four paws who deserves a special present this year.
With Christmas right around the corner, I thought I should share some of the most useful Christmas gifts for pet lovers.
If you know a pet owner who would appreciate cool holiday gifts, this is your gift guide for this season.
The Best Gifts For Pet Lovers In 2019
Here at LovelyRefinement.com, I share all sorts of tips about ways you can boost your happiness, improve your life, and beat your anxiety.
And you know what? My dog gives me all 3 of these things every day. I bet you feel the same about your furry friends.
So in this post, I will share with you some ready-to-buy Christmas gifts for pet lovers as well as custom pet lover gifts.
Whatever you choose, make sure you know the pet’s and their human’s personality to know what they will really need and enjoy.
Personal and personalized gifts like these will always brighten someone’s day. Now, let’s check these gifts out!
1. A Snuggle Pet Sofa Bed
What better holiday gift for dog lovers than a snuggle pet sofa bed? Did we read that correctly? Yes, I said “pet sofa bed”.
Help your pet owner friend give home comfort for their little furry friend by giving them the Enchanted Home Pet Snuggle Pet Sofa Bed.
It’s not that high and it comes with only 2″ legs lift bed off the floor.
The best part about this is the storage pocket where your pet owner friend can keep their dog’s bones and toys away.
This is definitely one of the best Christmas gifts for pet lovers!
2. A Welcome Mat For Everyone’s Paws
Since Christmas is just around the corner, we all know family and friends will be visiting us this holiday season.
How can a pet owner welcome their guests and still show their house personality? Well, a good welcome mat is an answer!
One of my favorite welcome mats is the Wipe Your Paws mat. It’s humorous, made in the USA, and can be used indoor or outdoors.
Welcome mats are good holiday gifts for dog lovers who want to welcome and even warn their guests that they have a furry friend in the house.
3. A Subscription Box For Dogs/Cats
There is a subscription box for everyone, and that includes cats, dogs, bunnies, rodents, and birds!
Check out this huge selection of per-subscription boxes for every budget. Pictured above: Pupjoy Box.
4. A Funny Cat Egg Mold
Do you want to bring humor and joy to the life of a pet owner who owns a cat?
Give them a cute cat egg mold. It’s a great way to start their day and whenever they want that sunny side up, they can always take this out and start making cute cat-shaped eggs.
Definitely one of the funniest Christmas gifts for pet lovers!
5. The Automatic Wi-Fi Pet Feeder
Do you know a pet owner who is not always home due to work, school, and other outdoor activities? I personally think the PetNet Smart Feeder Automatic Wi-Fi Pet Feeder is one of the best Christmas gifts for pet lovers.
It helps save time, energy, and lives. Sometimes pet owner has schedules that require them to be somewhere else.
But with a smart feeder machine, a pet owner can control everything through their smartphone. Super smart, right?
6. The 2-in-1 Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser
This one is quite similar to the smart feeder but it’s for pet treats. It also comes with a pet camera for pet owners to monitor their pets while they are not at home.
It also has night vision and sound and motion alerts. The best part about this is while the pet owner is away from home, they can still call their pets to come closer to the PetCube Treat Dispenser and eventually talk to them.
They can hear their owner’s voice and the pet owner can hear them meow or bark back. This one is definitely worth an investment.
7. A Set of Deodorizing Candles
We all know how important it is to keep the air and environment smelling fresh and clean when you have pets in the house.
This is why I think deodorizing candles are some of the best gifts for pet lovers.
Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care has a variety of deodorizing scented candles that will guarantee odor elimination in a pet owner’s home.
When looking for scented candles for pets, make sure that they use pure essential oils that help de-stress their pets.
Just make sure you have the type of friend relationship where you know they will appreciate this type of gift.
You know, one who won’t think you are passive-aggressively telling them their house stinks!
8. An Interactive Ball Launchers
This gift is for dog owners who have super active dogs. We all know dogs constantly need interaction and stimulation. But most of the time, we get so tired from work, school, and other daily tasks.
But by giving a pet owner the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher as a Christmas gift, you have just saved their lives.
Even if they have small dogs, the small launcher machine was created specifically with the smaller dogs in mind because they come with three mini tennis balls.
Do you have a bigger dog? No worries, they come with a launcher for bigger-sized dogs, too!
See more gift guides to find more great gift ideas for everyone on your list!
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