It is not uncommon for people to seek out new ways to lose weight, get fit, or become healthier overall. From eating more vegetables and exercising daily to meditating, there are many ways to be healthier. But what practices unlock optimal gut health? Health experts suggest that adopting a consistent morning routine can set your digestive system on the right path every day. 

Starting the day with poor digestive function can make you feel uncomfortable, sluggish, and tired. If gut issues become chronic, you could face more serious health issues. Prioritize a morning routine to kickstart your metabolism, regulate bowel movements, and reduce bloating. Consider the following tips to enhance gut health, optimize nutrient absorption, and prevent constipation. 

Drink Water As Soon As You Wake Up

Mornings can be very hectic, and it is very easy to go straight for the caffeine if you feel very tired. You don’t need to start your day with an Instagram-worthy breakfast, but you should at least make it a point to drink 16 ounces of water before you put anything else in your body. Not only does this put you on a path to avoid dehydration, but it also positively affects the lining of the intestine. Studies show that properly hydrating can help prevent constipation and help the body break down food in the stomach. Ideally, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day, but starting the day with 16 ounces is the way to set your digestive system up for success.

Engage In Gentle Movement

You do not have to engage in an intense interval workout first thing in the morning. In fact, most people don’t have the energy for that upon arising from a deep slumber. Try your best to incorporate 15 to 30 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise into your morning routine. Gastroenterologists agree that colorectal cancer (the second most lethal form of cancer in the U.S.) cases are on the rise. They encourage people to move their body to avoid health risks that stem from constipation and other serious digestive disorders. 

Eat A Balanced Breakfast

A lot of people are confused on what a balanced breakfast looks like. To some, a balanced breakfast is an egg on toast with some tomatoes and a glass of milk. To others, a balanced breakfast is a sugary bowl of packaged oatmeal. Ideally, you consume a variety of foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consider plain Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter and fresh berries. A fruit and vegetable smoothie is another great breakfast option. Steel cut oats with almond butter and diced apples is another option. Avoid processed foods like frozen waffles and refined, sugary carbs, such as white bread, donuts, and packaged baked goods. A nutrient-rich breakfast helps feed the good bacteria in the gut, which not only fuels the digestive system, but also keeps you energized and full until your next meal.

Drink Lemon Water Before Your Coffee

As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is best to start your day with 16 ounces of water. The next step could be drinking a cup of warm water mixed with the juice of half of a lemon. Sip this slowly and do not gulp it down for maximum benefits. Drinking lemon water can help stimulate bile production, which helps the body break down fats. It can also alkalize the body to reduce gut inflammation, while simultaneously hydrating the intestines for smoother, easier bowel movements. 

Practice Deep Breathing Before You Eat

Before you eat your healthy, balanced breakfast, make sure to engage in some deep breathing exercises. Stress can interfere with optimal digestive function, as it triggers gut-brain axis dysfunction. This can commonly lead to indigestion, so we encourage you to try five minutes of diaphragmatic breathing for five minutes before you eat.

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It’s safe to say that Dherbs CEO A.D. Dolphin is no stranger to weight loss. He’s been referred to as “The King of Weight Loss” during his numerous appearances on Steve TV with Steve Harvey. With that title comes great responsibility, which is why he’s made it his mission to help Bigg Jah, Ryan Davis, and Onyika lose weight and transform their health and appearance as part of the ICAN Challenge.

What Is The ICAN Challenge? 

Now in its third season, the ICAN Challenge is Dolphin’s documentary series that follows two participants per season. For reference, season 1’s total weight loss came close to 300 pounds! It was one of Dolphin’s proudest moments in his career, primarily because it was the most intensive weight loss challenge he’s ever been a part of. The plan for the challenge was simple: 

• Use the Full Body Cleanse to help clean out participants’ bodies and get rid of that unwanted waste and weight.
• Help them develop smart workout and eating habits.
• Make sure they have the tools they need to emerge from this process and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

The Goal Of The ICAN Challenge

The primary goal is for people to change their lives for the better and emerge from the challenge more knowledgeable about food and exercise. With Dolphin’s assistance, contestants should leave the challenge and exercise the same way they did on the challenge, and eat better than they did prior to the challenge’s start. Naturally, it becomes more difficult to do that when you don’t have Dolphin watching your every move. Just to be clear, convenience is nobody’s friend! Losing weight is difficult, but the right plan makes anything possible. 

Season 1: Standout Transformations

To say that we were more than shocked by the final reveals and weigh-ins during the finale of season 1 would be an understatement. Bigg Jah and Onyika put in the work and gave it their all to leave the challenge not looking anything like they did prior to the start. After six months of living with A.D. Dolphin, cleansing, and exercising regularly, Bigg Jah lost a total of 162 pounds, while Onyika lost 90 pounds. Both contestants were nearly in tears after seeing numbers on the scale that they hadn’t seen in many years. 

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Feel free to watch their journeys by clicking here. All of the episodes are available on our YouTube channel. Both Onyika and Bigg Jah truly showed us that anything is possible!

Season 2: The Weight Loss Continues

The premise for the second season is the same, only it is half the amount of time as the first season. It follows Ryan Davis and Kim Kimble. Davis’ starting weight was 269 pounds and Kimble’s starting weight was 214 pounds. Tune in to follow their weight loss journey! You can stream all episodes now by clicking here.

For Dolphin, the ICAN Challenge is a pivotal moment in his career. Not only does it document the successes of the participants, but it also highlights the struggles and emotional toll that weight loss takes on people. It’s as emotional as it is uplifting and inspirational. In Dolphin’s words, “It is my goal to help people, and more importantly, give those following the journeys on the ICAN Challenge an insight into the world of cleansing. It is also my hope to inspire them, in hopes that they may change their lives in a more positive way after seeing the progress”

Weight loss is not linear and it is anything but easy. It looks different for every person, but each person has the ability and willpower to change for the positive. Subscribe to the Dherbs YouTube channel to catch a new episode every week. Thank you for the love and continued support. 

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If you are on a weight loss journey, you have probably heard of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other diabetes drugs that people use to lose weight. Recently, however, Ozempic is under legal and medical scrutiny. The once-promoted breakthrough shortcut weight loss drug is currently facing over $2 billion in lawsuits in the United States. Patients have reported severe side effects, ranging from vision loss to stomach paralysis.

Why Is Ozempic Facing Lawsuits?

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist was originally designed for diabetics. It skyrocketed to fame when celebrities and influencers began using it to lose weight. Before long, social media feeds revealed before and after shots, which increased the demand worldwide. Unfortunately, folks, you sometimes have to pay the price if you want to lose weight by using a medical shortcut. 

According to some sources, there are more than 1,200 GLP-1 lawsuits. They have been consolidated into multi-district litigation in the Eastern district of Pennsylvania. Reports suggest that patients are suing after experiencing gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), vomiting, vision problems, and other complications after using Ozempic. People are alleging that Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company, failed to provide adequate warnings about these potential adverse side effects. 

What Does Novo Nordisk Have To Say?

Plaintiffs argue that the company failed to disclose risks, especially when used for weight loss. Novo Nordisk continues to deny any wrongdoing, stating Ozempic is a safe drug when used as directed. It claims that Ozempic is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diabetes only. Additionally, Noro Nordish claims that the labels already warn about gastrointestinal side effects. The company argues that using Ozempic specifically for weight loss use has exploded beyond its scope due to social media hype. 

All of that said, legal experts suggest that the $2 billion lawsuits could be the tip of the iceberg. Now, it is true that not all users experience side effects. Many people have used Ozempic to lose weight successfully without issues. Health experts warn that the drug’s short-term gains may come with long-term risks, though. 

Doctoral Advice For Current Users

It is true that not all users face severe side effects, or any for that matter. Many people have reported successful weight loss without major issues or complications. It is true that you can experience side effects after you stop using GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, but that is the body’s transition away from the drug. The lawsuits toward Ozempic are for people actively using the drug to lose weight. 

Health experts warn that short-term gains may come with long-term health risks. Doctors recommend that people already using Ozempic should:

• Report persistent nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision
• Schedule regular check-ups for gut health and vision
• Consider lifestyle-based weight loss methods that are much safer with no side effects and beneficial long-term results. 

The Takeaway

The reality is that Ozempic is not the magic weight loss wand people can wave and reap unimaginable results. It is much safe and more beneficial to the body to go the natural route, such as the Full Body Cleanse. This Dherbs cleanse provides people with a plan that can help set them up for success. The herbal supplements are 100% natural and free of additives. Accompanied by a raw vegan diet, the Full Body Cleanse is designed to cleanse the body of impurities and improve the function of the body’s major organs and systems.

If you use Ozempic, it’s like receiving a fish from a fisherman. With the Full Body Cleanse, you learn to fish, and that will only benefit you in the long run.

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The holiday season can be very uplifting for a lot of people, but not everyone feels that way. It’s very common for stress to overwhelm the mind and body during this time of year. Perhaps the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones proves too much. Hosting a large family gathering, or traveling to meet family can also induce a lot of stress. 

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Mental health experts agree that setting clear boundaries can make a big difference in preserving your mental and emotional health. A healthy boundary can be defined as such: your list of what is okay and what is not okay. That means you have to clearly establish what you are comfortable with before encountering certain situations. Perhaps you are sober and attend a holiday party. Some friends or family members come and try to get you to drink, but you have to let them know that you are content without imbibing. Your uncle treats you like a child even though you are 40 years old. Whatever the case, you feel frustrated, and that is where healthy boundaries enter the equation. 

Define Priorities

Before you even think about setting boundaries, make sure you understand what your priorities are. Are there aspects of the holiday season that are meaningful to you? Is it important to spend time with immediate family, reconnect with old friends, or spend time alone? Make sure to understand your priorities, as that understanding will guide you to set boundaries that set you up for success. 

Communicate Openly

Do not be afraid to share your intentions and needs with people. If they truly care about you, then they will respect these boundaries because they are important to you. Honest conversations can prevent conflict and misunderstanding. In fact, your loved ones are more likely to respect your wishes if you explain where you are coming from and why these boundaries matter. 

Create A Budget

This is more of a personal boundary that can help you avoid stress regarding gift giving. Financial stress is very common during the holidays, as many people often spend beyond their means. Setting a budget for holiday spending can help you avoid financial stress. That means that you have to plan your budget for holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses ahead of time. The most important thing: stick to that budget!

Politely Decline

You do not have to say yes to every single party invitation or holiday request that comes your way. There is great power in the ability to say no. You can politely decline when you need to, and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In fact, saying no to things is a great way to conserve your energy for things that matter the most. Whether you know it or not, saying know is a great way to practice self-care and set boundaries simultaneously. 

Prioritize Self-Care

Speaking of self-care, it is very easy to forget about yourself during the holidays. It is difficult to take care of yourself when there is so much to do. Find moments for yourself and do things you love during those moments. Go to the gym, watch a movie, read a book, meditate, or practice writing in a journal. Do not be afraid to recharge your batteries and show yourself love. Consider gifting yourself a massage or facial!

Congratulate Yourself

You stood your ground, you said no, you shared what mattered to you, and then some. Great job! Being vulnerable, honest, and respectful is not easy, but you did it! Sometimes, it takes a little force to establish boundaries, but people will respect them if they care about you. People may get upset at your boundaries, but don’t worry about that. Setting boundaries will help you feel more confident about setting new ones when the time comes. At that time, you’ll have the knowledge and power to set them even more clearly!

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It can be frustrating to arrive at the day’s end, only to feel like you did not accomplish anything. You may feel like there are not enough hours in the day or days in the week to complete all the tasks on your to-do list. Even though there is a lot to do, there are many distractions that can absorb your attention for hours. You may not even realize how quickly time passes when you engage with them! To help you regain focus and accomplish daily tasks, we put together a list of five hacks that can help you improve productivity. 

Set Your Goals

The first step is to set goals. Don’t set lofty goals, for example, to clean the entire house in two hours. Instead, set smaller, more attainable goals to tackle them more efficiently. To do that, though, you first have to think through your goals before you set them. Imagine that you want to get detailed directions to a destination. Do that for yourself, but with goals, in order to maximize your likelihood of success. Live by the SMART acronym: Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. If you follow the SMART method, you’ll be knocking down goals left and right!

Reassess Your Schedule

Does your current schedule match up with your goals? It is easy to get caught up in a certain pattern, but specific goals may require you to shake things up. Perhaps that looks like saying no, especially if you are a people pleaser. Problems tend to occur when you spend the majority of your time doing things that you didn’t originally plan on doing. That doesn’t leave time for the goals you want to achieve. Naturally, various obligations, opportunities, or exciting events pop up. Social media can make you feel like you’re missing out. If you say yes too often, you are usually missing out on the things that matter most in life: family, solo time, etc. Just remember that every yes means that you’re saying no to something else. 

Plan Ahead

The best way to set time aside for your most important tasks is to establish time blocks. Plan your day simply and effectively by saying that you will complete certain tasks in a specific window. That way, you can be more purposeful with the time you spend on these actions. Additionally, keep in mind that planning affords you the opportunity to set your priorities with intention. That can help you be more purposeful with your time and the goals you want to accomplish. Planning can also help you avoid distraction, especially when you begin with intent. 

Focus On Priorities

Distractions are commonplace nowadays. If you work on a computer, you can easily visit infinite websites that distract you from the task at hand. You can also get caught up in social media scrolling or games on your phone. These devices just suck you in and you lose track of time instantaneously. Remember the time blocks we mentioned in the previous paragraph? Well, having a specific amount of time to tackle a task can show you how easy it is to get distracted and how hard it is to stay focused. Don’t allow distractions to control your time. You have to fight distractions in order to do that, and that can be very difficult at first. You have the power to come up with ways to get around distractions and do the things you have to do in your time block. 

Stack Habits

Working towards your goals is easier when you have a schedule and when you work on your habits. Change your habits by way of stacking them, which is a simple productivity hack. Habit stacking, essentially, is taking a habit that you have and stacking a new habit you want with it. Starting a new habit is a little easier when you pair it alongside an existing one. If you want to drink more water, for example, drink a glass of water to your pre-existing habit of eating. Do you eat breakfast at 730 a.m. every morning? Add a glass of water to that meal and it will feel like killing two birds with one stone. Attaching a new habit to an existing one is much easier than beginning a new one by itself. In fact, it can be more distracting to set aside time for a brand new habit!

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By increasing concentration, you ultimately improve mental performance. That allows for better problem solving abilities and an enhancement in the way you approach general tasks. Improving concentration can also help you make decisions more efficiently and effectively by analyzing your thoughts and ideas. It will ultimately improve productivity in and outside of the workplace. 

How do you go about improving concentration, though? One of the easiest ways to do this is by practicing a few simple meditation techniques. You, yourself, are responsible for your own success, and that isn’t just regarding your work or performance charts. We are referring to successes in your social and personal life, too! If you want to learn more about simple ways to boost concentration, continue reading.

What Is Concentration?

Concentration is the ability to focus your mind on a singular object, either within or outside the body, and maintain this attention for a steady amount of time. It is very common and completely natural for the mind to wander, especially during meditation. Don’t let that throw you off balance, because being able to concentrate takes practice. True concentration can help you succeed in your meditation practice. When your mind is steady, other aspects of your life will also start to balance out. 

You can concentrate on internal aspects as a start. Focus on your breathing, counting numbers in your mind, or even your heartbeat. If it is easier to focus on external aspects, such as a crack in a wall, a ticking clock, or a candle’s flame, then you can do that as well. You will not be able to concentrate on internal or external aspects immediately. Don’t panic; rather, just allow your thoughts or distractions to come and go and begin the process again. 

How To Do Concentration Meditation

Ideally, you want to eliminate all distractions, be they internal or external, in order to increase your concentration. Being able to concentrate during meditation will provide benefits that extend into everyday life. In order to achieve this, practice the following steps.

Focus On Your Breathing

Make sure to find a comfortable spot and allow a few minutes to clear your mind of excess thoughts. Let your mind wander and allow it to come back once your thoughts have washed in and out like waves up a beach. Once your mind is quiet, focus on your breath, inhaling and exhaling. You can count your breaths if you want. Consider inhaling for four seconds, holding for four seconds, and then exhaling for four seconds. 

Be Still

The reason that you want to start in a comfortable position is because it is very natural and common to fidget. That is especially true if you are new to meditation and don’t sit for long periods of time. To begin, close your eyes and settle yourself into a comfortable position. Calm your mind and you’ll notice that your body loosens up. Before you know it, your body will be as calm as your mind.

Use A Mantra

Once you have focused on your breathing and are in a comfortable position, begin to repeat a mantra or affirmation of your choice. A mantra can be a single syllable, word, or phrase that helps you focus. The most popular meditation word is “Om,” but this doesn’t have to be your mantra of choice. Choose something that you resonate with and progress through your meditation practice.

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What is the secret to a healthy, romantic relationship? Before we can answer that, we have to first determine what a healthy relationship is. They don’t look the same for everyone because everyone has different needs. Not only that, but needs surrounding affection, space, sex, hobbies, shared values, communication, and more can change over time. That’s why a healthy relationship that works for you in your 20s may not work for you in your 30s. 

It is hard to say that a relationship that goes against the norm isn’t healthy. People who practice polyamory or ethical non-monogamy may define a healthy relationship differently than a couple that practices monogamy. That’s why the term “healthy relationship” is broad and what makes one relationship thrive may threaten another one. One thing that all healthy relationships share, though, is adaptability. People change as they journey through life and relationships, so adapting to circumstances is vital. Here’s some advice to help you establish a stronger, healthier relationship. 

Individuality

A healthy relationship does not exist if you or your partner is codependent. Instead, you want an interdependent relationship, which means you rely on each other for mutual support while maintaining your own unique identity and individuality. That essentially means that you have a balanced relationship. You each have mutual love and approval, but self-esteem isn’t dependent on each other. Maintain connections and friends outside the relationship and spend time pursuing personal interests and hobbies. 

Trust

Trust is not going through a partner’s phone and not feeling the need to hide anything about yourself. There is inherent integrity and honesty within the relationship. You don’t worry about the other person pursuing others while you’re apart. Trust is much more than believing your partner will be faithful and honest. Feeling safe and comfortable with the understanding that you won’t hurt each other physically or emotionally is trust. You have your partner’s best interests in mind and that they respect your own choices and encourage you to be your own person. 

Curiosity

One of the trademarks of a healthy relationship is curiosity. Each party is interested in each other’s thoughts, goals, and daily life. You are excited to hear about the other person’s day and tell them about your own day. You both want to grow together and don’t fixate on who you both used to or could be. The goal is to hold flexible mindsets about each other because that can help you overcome obstacles in a relationship, and ultimately make it more fulfilling. 

Playfulness

Sure, playfulness in the bedroom is perfectly welcome, but that’s not what this pearl of wisdom is referring to. One of the best things you can do in your relationship is make time for fun and spontaneity. Joke and laugh together because you never know when one of you will encounter one of life’s many challenges. An obstacle can temporarily change the tone of the relationship, but being able to share laughter in lighter moments can help relieve that weight and strengthen your bond over time. 

Time Apart

A healthy relationship involves spending time together, but the amount of time varies based on personal needs, commitments, living arrangements, and work. One of the keys to a successful relationship is time apart. You need to be able to recognize the need for personal space and individual hobbies. Spend time with family on your own or pursue a hobby with a group of friends. What you do doesn’t matter, but what does matter is not spending every moment of your relationship together. The last thing you want to believe is that your relationship will crumble if you spend time apart. 

Open Communication

In a healthy relationship, you can regularly discuss successes, failures, and everything in between. You should not feel uncomfortable talking about any issues with your partner. Be free in your communication, whether it is about work, mental health symptoms, or even a friend that causes stress. A great partner may have a different opinion, but will listen without judgment before sharing their perspective. Just remember that communication goes both ways, so make sure your partner also feels like their voice is concerned.

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You probably know that a healthy diet and regular exercise help you feel better and healthier. These choices can lead to fewer health issues and a longer life. If you set a New Year’s resolution to improve your diet and find that your motivation is waning, you may need more help. 

Change is difficult, but an inability to change often comes from not knowing what lasting changes help you in the long run. Another thing to remember is that results are not instantaneous and that maintaining habits can take quite a while. For something to become a habit, especially something you find difficult, you have to know how long it takes to form. This article aims to give you a better idea of how long it takes to form healthier dietary habits. 

Allow Your New Dietary Effort Time To Become A Habit 

According to health professionals, it usually takes 21 days to create a new habit. Other research on behavioral change shows an average of 66 days for a behavior to become habitual. That said, it can take between two to eight months for a habit to form. The time it takes, however, truly depends on the individual and the changes they want to make. You also have to factor in whether or not the changes are new to you or if they are building on existing behaviors.

Drinking more water each day usually becomes a habit more quickly than adhering to a regular exercise routine. How long did it take to form your current pattern of eating habits? You have to rewire old pathways in the brain, but this is done more efficiently if you break a big change down into smaller steps.

Separate Your Eating Habit Changes Into Smaller Steps

It is very difficult to make an all-or-nothing dietary change last. Instead, nutritionists recommend tackling one change at a time. Once you have success with one change, you’ll get a boost of confidence to tackle the next change you want to make. Realistically, changing your diet all at once is not effective for long-term change. You will most likely give up if you take that approach. 

One way to make smaller changes is to adopt an addition mindset, as opposed to a restriction mindset. Figure out how you can best add to your current diet to begin a healthier journey, instead of cutting out entire food groups. Start by aiming to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. You don’t have to worry about other aspects of your diet yet. It’s easier to add more nutritious foods to your diet instead of focusing on what you can no longer eat. 

Once you have a more balanced diet with nutritious foods, you’ll find that it is easier to avoid sweets and other less nutrient-dense foods. There is no restriction to those foods, and you can now notice how your body feels after eating those unhealthy foods. 

Helpful Tips That May Aid Lasting Change

Now that you understand how to better manage your expectations and break up changes into smaller steps, the following tips may aid lasting dietary changes:

• Identify your why: Connecting your goals to deeper motivations makes it easier to stick with your goals. If eating healthier can help prevent diabetes or get you off medication, let that be your motivation. Perhaps you have grandchildren and want to live longer to be able to enjoy more time with them. Find your “why” and you may form habits more quickly. 
• Find community: Typically, you can form habits more easily when you have people supporting you in your corner. Additionally, you may benefit from forming an accountability group, so that you all hold each other accountable to the same dietary changes. You may also find that a wellness coach or nutritionist can help you as well. 
• Make change a part of your identity: It can help to link your new dietary changes to your identity to promote intuitive change. Let’s say that you want to improve your and your family’s health. This can become easier when you identify as someone who prioritizes health to be a great role model for your children. 

The main thing to remember is that eating healthier takes time, but it can help you live longer and feel better. It may take longer than a few weeks to form these habits, but anything worth achieving usually doesn’t come easy. Break things into smaller, more manageable steps and you’ll find that forming dietary habits is much easier.

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Nearly 100 years ago, the United States celebrated the first Black History Month as a weeklong event. Carter G. Woodson established that week as Negro History Week, and he realized the importance of establishing a theme to attract and focus the public’s attention. The intention was never to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience; rather, the goal has been to bring public awareness to important developments that merit emphasis. 

Since 1976, the U.S. has celebrated February as Black History Month. Not only does Black history embrace the 400-year-long record of Black life in America, but it also emphasizes stories and activism against slavery and present-day racism. Read on to learn about eight facts about Black History Month. 

Black History Month Began As Negro History Week

As previously stated, Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. The celebration highlighted Black Americans’ lives, history, and contributions to the U.S. It wasn’t until 1976 when Negro History Week expanded to a month-long celebration that people continue to observe today. 

The Theme For Black History Month Changes Yearly

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which was founded by Carter G. Woodson, selects a different theme for Black History Month each year. The very first theme was Civilization: A World Achievement. The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance, which sheds a light on historic and modern oppressions against Black Americans. Resisting acts of discrimination, racism, and injustice plays an integral role in the well-being of Black Americans. 

Different Countries Celebrate Black History Month

Known as the “Mother of Black History Month” in Canada, Dr. Jean Augustine established celebrations in 1995. Just like in the U.S., celebrations occur in February. In the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, Black History Month is observed in October. The United Kingdom’s initial focus was on Black American history, but the focus now is on Black British history.

Black History Month Recognizes All African American Experiences

According to the Census Bureau, Black Americans accounted for 13.6% of the U.S. population as of 2022. That means that there are over 45 million different lived experiences across the nation. Each experience is honored during Black History Month, and celebrations that honor these experiences are about supporting communities, family members, and the stories that unite them. 

Black Students Protested For Black History Month

In 1968, members of the Black United Students (BUS) at Kent State University protested disorderly conduct charges against students that participated in sit-ins. The student activism was successful in that it helped establish three Black studies departments and institutes on campus. The following year, BUS members demanded Kent State extend Negro History Week into a month of Black history celebrations. This was later observed nationwide. 

National Organizations Sponsor Black History Month

Different organizations honor Black History Month every February by hosting commemorative events. Of the many Black History Month sponsors, some of them include The Library of Congress, The National Park Service, The Smithsonian Institution, and The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. These organization-run events involve art gallery productions, different speakers, and community learn sessions. 

HBCUs Promote Black History Year-Round

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education opportunities to Black Americans. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was the first HBCU established in 1837. HBCUs that were established prior to 1964 honor their mission to educate Black Americans. These universities recognize Black American experiences in addition to teaching Black history.

February Honors Frederick Douglass And Abraham Lincoln

Carter G. Woodson selected February to celebrate Black History Month for good reason. He wanted to honor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birth dates. Lincoln declared freedom for enslavedAmericans held in the Confederacy via the Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass escaped American slavery in 1838 and became a famous abolitionist, speaker, and writer. One of his most famous books was A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. 

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past and learn from earlier lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Explore community events and celebrations this February to learn more about Black History.

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Before the New Year begins, people do their best to get their ducks in a row to achieve resolutions. The easy part is saying that you will do whatever your resolution is. Once the first couple weeks of the New Year pass, motivation begins to dwindle. Exercising every day turns into exercising a couple times per week. Reading every night gets replaced by your favorite TV shows before bed. Eventually, you abandon the resolution altogether, leaving you heavy with the feeling of failure. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-loathing when you don’t achieve your goals. If your plan to save money or lose weight doesn’t work out, your self-esteem can take a big hit. Failure is an inevitable part of life and nobody is perfect, so there’s no reason to beat yourself up for abandoning resolutions. More often than not, the people who embrace failure often generate more motivation to succeed. 

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

Do you want the complete, honest truth? Let us first tell you that resolutions are problematic, primarily because they aspirational. This means that people think that setting these goals will change who they are, but the authentic self can never be silenced. So how do you maintain commitment to your resolutions when they are the farthest things from what you know to be true? Resolutions are often so grandiose that they are not easy to commit to, causing self-doubt and eventual failure. That’s why it’s better to set intentions and break resolutions up into smaller, more manageable goals. 

If you recently gave up on your New Year’s resolution and feel down in the dumps, the following tips will help you get back on the horse. It’s never too late to bounce back and focus on strategy and success!

Reframe Your Failure

It’s easy to look at your failure through a negative lens, but failing at a resolution is not a poor reflection of your character. It’s best to analyze failure so that you can learn from it, improve, and ultimately try again. Through failure, you can see where you thrive and where your weaknesses are. Plus, you build up resilience when you emerge from the ashes of your failure to try again. 

Acknowledge Your Strengths And Weaknesses

When you fail at anything, the hardest thing to do is to see where you succeeded. You failed at achieving your goal, so you naturally point out weaknesses, but it’s constructive to analyze your strengths as well. In fact, when you examine both your weaknesses and your strengths, you can correct yourself for the future and invite change into your life. 

Keep Time On Your Side

The wheels can easily come off the resolution wagon, and one of the most common causes is poor time management. If getting fit is your goal, you have to plan out daily workouts and make them work with your schedule. Rather than stressing out beyond control, you abandon your workouts to focus on making breakfast for the kids, working on freelance projects, or whatever else demands your attention. Time management, in and of itself, is a great resolution to have, but you don’t have to wait for the New Year to practice time management. When you figure out how to make space for your resolution, you’ll have greater success. 

Applaud Your Efforts

You may not think that you deserve a pat on the back, but you did put some effort into your resolution. That’s worth something! Don’t deny yourself a little self-appreciation. Your efforts have merit and are worth celebrating. If you want to succeed with future resolutions, you have to be able to encourage yourself, even if you don’t hit your goals all the time. 

Set Yourself Up For Success

When you don’t see a resolution through, it’s easy to see that your goals may have been out of reach from the start. That shouldn’t stop you from trying again, though. When you come back for round two, be sure to evaluate your past processes to implement change for your future goals. Plan your route, so to speak, and expect a couple twists and turns along the way. The reality is that the road to accomplishing your goals is not smooth and flat. Realistic expectations will allow you to invest more time and effort into your journey. Be aware of the setbacks, acknowledge them when they arise, and keep moving forward. 

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