Tips On How To Get Out Of A Reading Slump?

getting out of your own head ✧˚ · .

i've had a topsy-turvy mental health journey in my time and i know that i am really good at self-victimising, self-blaming, and falling into thought spirals where i agonise over events and perceptions that are so tiny in real life.

it is important for me to identify when i am engaging in unhelpful behaviour, so i can find a way to shift. it feels like the hardest thing in the world but healing is a journey unique to everyone.

the info below comes from a single source and i hope to expand on mental health info in the future, but it might be helpful if you have an anxious mind or you're an overthinker.

<image from pinterest, below info source: becoming the one by sheleana aiyana>

BEHAVIOUR THAT KEEPS YOU STUCK IN YOUR HEAD

Responding to feelings by pulling them apart and looking for meaning

Denying how you feel because it doesn't make logical sense

Trying to talk yourself out of feeling sad, anxious, etc

Coming up with a reason for feelings

Overexplaining feelings

Feeling "numb"

Feeling embarassed or exposed by your feelings

Focusing on the "facts" as if emotions have no value or purpose

BEHAVIOUR TO BRING YOU INTO YOUR BODY

Noticing an emotion as it arises and naming it: "I'm feeling sad, angry, joyful, nervous, etc."

Locating and identifying bodily sensations: "I feel tightness in my belly, my chest is feeling constricted, there is tension in my jaw."

Using "I think" when you have a thought and "I feel" when you have an emotion, and knowing the difference

Allowing your feelings and sensations to be there without needing to make sense of them

Creating opportunities to move energy through the body (dance, screaming into a pillow, deep breathing)

 SKILLS FOR THE EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED

Able to differentiate between thoughts, sensations, and feelings

Knowing when to take time and space to process intense emotions before making a decision or initiating a conversation

Trusting the body and exploring the messages it delivers without self-judgment

Being meditative and noticing when the mind is making up a story or being self-critical

Bringing presence into the body when overthinking or spiraling into fear and worry

Having a few favourite self-soothing methods, or reaching out for support when overwhelmed

Valuing both emotion and logic at different times

Making space for a spiritual practice and radical acceptance in your life

don’t care, never cared, will never care

bad habits that held me back for years

negative self talk: tune into your inner voice and turn mean thoughts into kind ones

prioritising comfort over progress: you have to actually do the work, then enjoy your rest and comfort (with less anxiety too)

hanging around the wrong people: you are the sum of the people you spend the most time with, choose your friends carefully

never taking responsibility: tough stuff happens to everybody, focus on what you can control (you) rather than blaming outside circumstances (not talking about trauma here obviously)

expecting praise for 'being yourself': you're good enough as you are in a spiritual sense, but if you want to be excellent at something you have to actually do the work, not just expect praise and reward for just showing up

liking the aesthetic more than the work: do you want to achieve that goal or do you just like how it looks on pinterest??? make sure you derive some level of pleasure and satisfaction from the pursuit

overthinking: seriously just tell your brain to shut up. stop over intellectualising and over thinking every single thing. find your heart to guide you and save your brain power for working on your passions...

The essential skincare acids guide

type of acids sheet

Salicylic Acid – Best for oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the pores, unclogs blackheads and whiteheads, controls excess oil, and prevents breakouts.

Glycolic Acid – Ideal for normal to oily skin. It exfoliates the top layer, brightens the skin, improves texture, and reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Lactic Acid – Suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates while providing hydration, making it great for dullness and rough texture without irritation.

Mandelic Acid – Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It helps with uneven skin tone, reduces breakouts, and provides mild exfoliation without irritation.

Azelaic Acid – Works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, treats acne, and calms rosacea.

Kojic Acid – Best for hyperpigmented and sun-damaged skin. It helps lighten dark spots, melasma, and discoloration caused by acne scars or sun exposure.

Tranexamic Acid – Ideal for all skin types struggling with stubborn pigmentation. It effectively reduces melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sunspots.

Hyaluronic Acid – Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin. It deeply hydrates, plumps fine lines, and retains moisture for a youthful look.

Polyglutamic Acid – Great for dry and dehydrated skin. It locks in moisture, provides long-lasting hydration, and enhances the skin’s elasticity.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – Best for dull, uneven, and aging skin. It brightens, reduces pigmentation, fights free radicals, and boosts collagen production.

Ferulic Acid – Works for all skin types, particularly those using Vitamin C. It enhances the antioxidant power of Vitamin C and E, preventing premature aging.

Ceramides (Fatty Acids) – Essential for dry and sensitive skin. They repair and strengthen the skin barrier, preventing water loss and irritation.

Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid) – Ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. It reduces clogged pores, balances oil production, and supports a healthy skin barrier.

Ellagic Acid – Good for sun-damaged and aging skin. It protects against UV damage, brightens skin, and provides antioxidant benefits.

Cinnamic Acid – Suitable for all skin types. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against environmental damage.

Succinic Acid – Best for oily and acne-prone skin. It controls sebum production, fights acne-causing bacteria, and soothes inflammation.

How to choose the right skincare acid for ur skin type

Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic Acid (BHA): Penetrates deep into pores to remove excess oil and prevent breakouts.

Azelaic Acid: Reduces acne, fades dark spots, and calms redness.

Succinic Acid: A gentle anti-inflammatory that helps control breakouts.

Dry & Dehydrated Skin

Lactic Acid (AHA): Exfoliates while hydrating the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: Retains moisture and plumps the skin.

Mandelic Acid: A mild exfoliant that improves texture without drying.

Combination Skin

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Brightens skin and smooths texture.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) (my bff🦅) : Controls oil production in the T-zone.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates dry areas while balancing oil.

Sensitive Skin

Mandelic Acid: A gentle AHA that exfoliates with minimal irritation.

Azelaic Acid: Soothes inflammation and reduces redness.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids): Provides mild exfoliation while boosting hydration.

Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots

Kojic Acid: Brightens skin and reduces discoloration.

Tranexamic Acid: Fades stubborn dark spots and melasma.

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Speeds up cell turnover for an even skin tone.

Aging & Wrinkles

Glycolic Acid (AHA): Stimulates collagen production and smooths fine lines.

Ferulic Acid: Enhances antioxidant protection and stabilizes vitamin C.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Brightens skin and fights free radical damage.

Common Mistakes When Using Skincare Acids

Using skincare acids can transform your skin, but when used incorrectly, they can cause irritation, sensitivity, or even worsen skin concerns. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Over-Exfoliating

Many people think using glycolic or salicylic acid daily will give them faster results, but excessive exfoliation weakens the skin barrier. This can lead to redness, peeling, breakouts, and sensitivity. (especially for oily skin)

Solution: Use exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) 2-3 times per week and always listen to your skin. If it feels irritated, take a break pleaaase

2. Skipping Sunscreen

Acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Without SPF, you risk sunburn, premature aging, and even worsening of dark spots.

Solution: Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily when using serums with those acids.

3. Mixing the Wrong Acids

Not all acids work well together. Using too many active ingredients in one routine can cause irritation.

🔴 Examples of bad combinations:

Vitamin C + AHAs/BHAs → Can cause irritation and weaken Vitamin C’s effectiveness.

Retinol + AHAs/BHAs → Too harsh on the skin, leading to peeling and sensitivity. (by experience 💁🏻‍♀️)

Niacinamide + Vitamin C (unless properly formulated) → Can cause flushing or reduce effectiveness.

Solution: Use exfoliating acids on alternate days and simplify your routine to avoid irritation.

4. Not Hydrating Properly

Exfoliating acids remove dead skin cells but can also strip away moisture. Without proper hydration, the skin can feel tight, dry, or irritated.

Solution: After using acids, apply thick a moisturizer to maintain balance especially if the acids dry ur skin so fast

@bloomzone

6-MONTH REBRAND: the plan + goals

hi, i’m binatoki. this is my online diary to document my self-rebrand journey. i am going to go on this journey for 159 days. why? because 7 years ago from that date will be the day that my glow-down started. so in 159 days, i want to be better than i was on that day 7 years ago.

daily non-negotiables:

my non-negotiables are daily habits that i am going to do each day. these habits will help me get better physically, emotionally, mentally, & spiritually. these include:

• movement/exercise— 45 minutes minimum, 10k steps

• clean eating (with minimal occasions)— no alcohol, minimal dairy, minimal refined carbs, minimal sugar. high protein, lots of veggies, herbal tea, water, and supplements

• hair, makeup, skincare, hygiene— styling my hair pretty, wearing makeup, smelling my best, and grooming my best daily. i am going to look the best i can each day

• listen to at least 1 video/podcast or read at least 10 pages of self-improvement material

• get closer to God— use the Bible app, pray, and listen to at least 1 service/Christian video

• must document on here daily

weekly “homework”:

each week, i will be giving myself “homework”. my homework is basically 1-3 tasks that will either get me out of my comfort zone (ie become friends with a stranger) or to boost my level-up (like getting my hair done). the start of the week is monday and the end of the week is sunday

monthly goals:

each month i will give myself 1-3 goals within each category: beauty, health/fitness, finances, career/school, and lifestyle/social.

so what are my goals for the next 159 days?

i can’t list every goal on here because i have so many, but here are the more “major” goals that i’ll be working on.

1. lose 50lbs (i need to lose about 85lbs)

2. move on to my third quarter in nursing school with straight A’s

3. have my dream hair (long, thick, blonde, healthy)

4. keeping my skin plump and youthful (face & body)

5. become debt-free (i’m approx $30k in debt)

6. move out and live on my own again

7. make at least $12k a month / quit my current job

again, i have so many other goals (that i will be writing about) but i’m not trying to make this post super long!

lastly, what parts of myself or my lifestyle will i be leaving behind?

i’m leaving behind the part of me that loves playing into the victim mentality. i’m leaving behind the part of me that let’s her insecurities ruin her day, her mood, and her social life. i’m leaving behind the part of me that is tired, “lazy”, comfortable in my discomfort, and who loves to procrastinate and put things off. for the next 159 days, i’m going to focus on me and the present. i’m not going to focus on who i was in the past anymore. i’m not going to dwell on things i can’t control or change.

so now what?

feel free to follow my journey. i will be posting daily and will keep it raw and authentic. i can’t wait to see how much i’ll grow at the end of the 159 days. i’ll talk to you soon.

— binatoki

The Glow-Up Is a Lifestyle: 10 Ways to Elevate Your Everyday

by Soleau Club

If you're still thinking of a glow-up as a one-time thing, let's shift that energy. The glow-up is a lifestyle, not a crash course. It's how you pour your water, speak to yourself, and curate your entire damn aura. Here's how I subtly (but dramatically) elevate my everyday to keep it soft, hot, and high-vibe.

I start romanticizing boring moments

Folding laundry becomes a reset ritual when Sade is playing and there’s lavender mist in the air. I’m not "cleaning the kitchen" — I’m clearing space for my next manifestation.

I treat my body like it’s my best friend, not a project

I’m not punishing her with workouts or starving her. I move her with joy. I feed her with care. I rest her with luxury. She’s my ride-or-die, so I act like it.

I say no without guilt

Overbooked = overwhelmed = out of alignment. I’ve started turning things down that don’t feel like a full-body yes. If it doesn’t light me up or calm me down, it’s a no.

I drink my water like I’m getting paid for it

Hydration is a personality trait. I have one bottle for bed, one for my car, one that looks cute in Instagram pics — and I rotate through them like they're part of my identity.

I curate my surroundings like they’re part of my nervous system

Everything around me either adds to my peace or disrupts it. I choose candles, playlists, lighting, textures, and colors that feel like me. That is self-respect.

I move slowly on purpose

Walking slower. Eating slower. Answering slower. When I stopped rushing, I started glowing. Slow = sensual = regulated = powerful.

I take social media breaks before I get bitter

If I’m doom scrolling and comparing, I log out. If my vibe is off, I don’t keep feeding it content. I detox like I detox sugar — regularly and unapologetically.

I spend money like it’s energy

If it’s not aligned, calming, inspiring, or luxurious in some way… I’m not buying it. Wealth starts with how you invest your attention, your time, and yes — your dollars.

I prioritize joy over aesthetics

Some days the vibe isn’t a green smoothie in a silk robe — it’s eating popcorn in mismatched pajamas while watching early 2000s rom-coms. That counts. That heals.

I act like my dream life already exists (because it does)

I’m not waiting to “glow up.” I’m embodying it. I wear the perfume now. I eat the nourishing food now. I take care of myself now. And suddenly, I’m already her.

Follow @soleauclub for more soft glam wellness, ritual-coded glow-ups, and hot girl elevation that lasts all year.

The girliest things you can try to do on your worst days 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

• i learned that when i have a clean room, my mindset is better

•saying affirmations can really help, just tell yourself you’re beautiful

• good hygiene even if you might not be having the best day:(

•get yourself a sweet treat, you deserve it babes

•try doing your skincare routine -`♡´-

•having your nails & hair done helps!!

•for my lovers who might not be able to afford hair & nails, i recommend press ons for nails & doing simple natural hairstyles might help or trying to learn how to do your own hair

• I really love doing sanrio face masks when i feel down

• romanticize your life, even the little things could help you feel better

•always remember you are loved by someone even if you might not feel like it

That’s all for now my dolls! 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ I just wanted to post something small to help because currently senior year is kicking my butt & I know even I have my bad days recently. Just know each day gets by luvs & you are loved no matter what. mental health always matters.♡

Reminder of the day! ❤️✨

TIME IS NOT REFUNDABLE.

USE IT WITH INTENTION.