https://nutritiouslife.com/category/love-more/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:00:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://nutritiouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/favicon-16x16-1.png https://nutritiouslife.com/category/love-more/ 32 32 https://nutritiouslife.com/eat-empowered/healthy-brown-bag-lunches-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthy-brown-bag-lunches-kids Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:06:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/healthy-brown-bag-lunches-kids/ How about a chicken meatball sub (with hidden veggies!)?]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/love-more/jill-lawrence-tns-success/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jill-lawrence-tns-success Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:27:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/jill-lawrence-tns-success/ It’s really hard to not be happy in Jill Lawrence’s presence.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/simple-ways-to-recharge-and-reset-this-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=simple-ways-to-recharge-and-reset-this-weekend Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/simple-ways-to-recharge-and-reset-this-weekend/ In this new world of ours, it can feel like weekends don’t really exist anymore. When working from home, it’s hard to define when we are working, when we are parents, and when we are just ourselves. Finding even just five minutes of self-care often seems unattainable, and this constant stress can affect your entire body, causing headaches, aches, pains, and insomnia. But taking time for yourself is essential for your health.  At Nutritious Life, we believe unplugging is a priority; so much so that it has its own spot on our to-do lists (for good reason). If you’re struggling with work-life balance, planning a weekend (and we mean both Saturday and Sunday) to unwind or just have fun can be the mental health break you need.  To help you decompress, we’re sharing 10 simple ways to recharge and reset so you can (happily) conquer the days ahead.  Consciously Indulge Welcome indulgence with open arms by cooking your favorite comfort food or stirring up a sweet cocktail. Rewarding yourself is a form of self-care, and it may even lead to a healthier week ahead. A recent study found that people who associated chocolate cake with celebration lost more weight than those who felt guilty about eating it (we don’t use the word guilt here at NL). A much-deserved treat can put you in a positive mindset, and it’s a pretty tasty way to ring in the weekend. Skip the Schedule Don’t make the mistake of jam-packing your weekend.  It will only overwhelm you and lead to burnout. Instead, sleep in to help your body recover from those grueling weekday hours. Getting enough sleep boosts brain function, so prioritizing your zzz’s will set you up for a successful week. Try committing to rest rather than a handful of exhausting activities. Your energized weekday self will thank you for it. Bullet Journal  After a long week of staring at screens, pulling out a pen can feel therapeutic. On Saturday morning, release any thoughts into a journal so you can get out any lingering negativity from the week. A great method is bullet journaling which helps you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future. This type of journaling allows you to record inspirations, reflections, and entries of progress toward your goals leading to better performance. Get Nostalgic Work-heavy weekdays can make us feel disconnected from people and things we love. Nostalgia is a powerful healing tool that can help you find meaning and increase social connectedness.  Reconnect by calling an old friend, or dig up objects that spark memories (old photo albums, a high school yearbook, or a family recipe). These purposeful actions will remind you of your passions beyond the every day, helping you attain a more meaningful life.  Pamper Yourself Embrace your definition of self-care with a pampering session. While getting a massage may not be in the cards at this moment, there are ways to plan some “me” time. Plan a morning yoga session to release tension, light a candle and soak in a bubble bath, or just relax with a good book. Whatever you choose, plan something special you’ll look forward to all week. It will make your hard work that much more worth it.  Declutter  This one sounds like work, but it can be really freeing. Organization is a great way to clear your mind and feel in control. Clutter overloads the visual cortex and interferes with its ability to process information, so a quick cleaning session can help you be more productive on Monday (and focus on the weekend fun). Start with something small like your purse, car console, or junk drawer. Enhance the experience by lighting a candle and turning on your favorite playlist. You’ll be surprised how therapeutic it really is. Turn Off the Tech & Get Outdoors We know you’ve heard this, but it’s worth repeating. Turn off your tech. How can you truly enjoy yourself if you’re tethered to work emails or random notifications? Research has shown when people “unplug,” they report feeling fresher and more recharged. Spend your time exploring and appreciating the world around you—go on a hike, garden, paint, swim, or stargaze! Just 10 minutes spent outdoors can improve mood and focus.  Give Back Giving back will lead to a more grateful, happy mindset. Just performing an act of kindness is the ultimate mood booster. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, bake treats for your neighbors, or teach a free class on something you love. Even better, it also benefits the well-being of others. You’ll enter the week having gained a new perspective and an uber-positive attitude.  Redecorate Amidst the chaos and stress of everyday life, your personal space should offer comfort and happiness. As we’re spending more time at home than ever, we may be in need of a refresh. Something as simple as rearranging the furniture or adding a bouquet of fresh-picked flowers can make you feel more creative or even clever. Studies have shown that rearranging your personal space can help you identify what you truly love, want, or need—offering relief in times of turmoil or heightened stress. Feeling extra adventurous? Try repainting your wall or furniture with a new color. Learn a New Skill If you’re feeling uninspired by the time Friday hits, spend the weekend exploring an exciting new skill. Having a hobby can help you get creative and raise your self-confidence. Pick something that will keep your mind engaged and your body active. Learn how to play an instrument, get creative with cross-stitching, walk around your town taking photos, or get adventurous with something physical like parkour or roller skating!]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/love-more/how-to-practice-self-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-practice-self-love Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-practice-self-love/ Have the concept of practicing self-love ever crossed your mind? The concept may seem silly and even a bit self-indulgent at first, especially if you’re constantly doting on everyone else. Why is it that we have such an easy time showing tenderness to our children, partners, and friends, but when it comes to ourselves, it feels foreign?  The following self-love techniques are attainable, affordable, and will help foster a positive relationship between you and, well, you. 6 Self-Love Techniques Squash Negative Self-Talk Take note of harmful thought patterns that may be limiting your potential. Think of your inner voice as your inner child—speak to it kindly! Daily affirmations and journaling are great tools to help with this.  Prioritize Your Health This means nourishing your body with healthy, energy-boosting foods, making regular time for physical activity (whatever that means to you), getting enough sleep, building white space into your day, and any other actions that support your mental and physical well-being. Set Boundaries Whether at the office, with extended family, or between you and the six hours you spent scrolling on TikTok last night, setting boundaries is a way to maintain healthy relationships and preserve your sanity. (Say, for example, your boss is texting you on the weekend. Boundary-setting would be telling him or her that they can no longer text you outside of normal business hours.) Although setting boundaries can be awkward at first, it’s worth it in the long run. Make Time for Self-Care Self-care is a crucial part of loving yourself. Making time for self-care means that we think we are worthy of love, attention and TLC. Try to set aside time in your schedule to do things that make you happy, even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk or baking a pie.  Show Yourself Compassion Ditch the perfection mentality (it’s the enemy of self-love), and realize that you’re human and you’re going to make mistakes. It’s important to get comfortable with that notion and change the way you react to them when they happen. Instead of interpreting mistakes as a sign that you’re a failure, view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.  Practice Authenticity Don’t hide the parts of you that are messy and imperfect, embarrassing or shameful. Don’t fear the judgment of others (it says nothing about you and a whole lot about them). The only person you need to please is yourself. So live your life full out. Be unapologetically and authentically you.  (Photo: Shutterstock)]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/eat-empowered/diy-valentines-day-desserts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diy-valentines-day-desserts Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/diy-valentines-day-desserts/ Because a homemade treat is so much more lovely than a box of chocolates, don’t you think? Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day has evolved to celebrate far more than romantic relationships. The day is a fun way to tell your friends, family, teachers, and neighbors that you care about them. Whether you like this holiday, you have to admit it has some perks (hello, chocolate!).  The top item most of us plan to gift our sweethearts, ranking above flowers, a gift card, clothing, or even a greeting card? Candy. No real surprise there.  Instead of overdosing on sugar bombs, why not try a DIY Valentine’s Day dessert recipe? Whipping up your own dessert at home can help you control the quality of ingredients, sugar content, and more.  We’ve rounded up seven day-of-love dessert ideas that will sneak in a little nutrition and maybe even spark a little romance. RELATED: The 10 Easiest Healthy Recipes We’ve Ever Shared Our Site 7 Healthy Desserts for Valentine’s Day A homemade treat is so much more lovely than a box of chocolates, don’t you think? Date Brownies You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect healthy Valentine’s Day dessert recipe to share with your date (see what we did there?). We’ve replaced all the sugar with naturally-sweet medjool dates (try Joolies Organic Pitted Medjool Dates; $14.00 for two 7-ounce boxes, Amazon). With plenty of antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and a couple handfuls of dark chocolate chips in the whole wheat flour-based brownie batter, neither of you will miss the sugar—or likely notice the nutrition upgrade. Get the recipe here. Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Mug Cake If a chocolate lava cake is your MVP menu item when you dine out, you’ll likely fall for this gluten-free and higher-protein rendition. Instead of fussing with the oven, though, you can cook the entire seven-ingredient chocolate cake in the microwave. Get the recipe here. Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Grab two straws and share a smoothie recipe that’s an ode to those chocolate-covered cherries you might normally snag from a box of chocolate. In this surprisingly healthy shake-like smoothie, the sweet frozen cherries, vanilla extract and cocoa powder team up to make the avocado and spinach inside completely incognito. Get the recipe here. Choco-Avocado Pudding Speaking of avocado, we’ve also added it to this silky chocolate pudding. The heart-healthy fruit is actually the secret ingredient that makes it possible to ace the luxurious texture, with zero butter, cream, or whole milk required. Simply combine an avocado with cocoa, unsweetened almond milk and honey in a blender and blitz until creamy. Dreamy! Get the recipe here. Poached Pears Similar to something you might order at a fancy restaurant, make a half-batch (two pears) of this fruit treat and you’ll have just enough red wine left in the bottle for one generous glass each to pair with dinner. Since this healthy Valentine’s Day dessert is made in the slow cooker, it can essentially prep itself as you enjoy the rest of your holiday plans. Get the recipe here. Protein Cookie Dough To save even more time, skip the baking and cooking all together. While it tastes remarkably similar to the chocolate chip cookie batter you enjoyed at grandma’s house as a kid, this spoonable cookie dough just requires a bowl and a spoon to stir up—then chow down on. A scoop of vanilla protein powder, almond flour and almond butter (such as NOW Foods Nutty Infusions Roasted Almond Butter; $9.64 for 10 ounces, iHerb) make this healthy Valentine’s dessert idea rich in texture and protein. Get the recipe here. Spiked Berries and Cream No need to choose between an after-dinner drink or dessert! The ricotta cheese that acts as the base of this 15-minute treat is spiked with just enough dark rum to ensure your Valentine’s Day ends in good spirits. Top with balsamic-infused berries, and you’ll be ready to officially break up with those basic store-bought chocolate-covered strawberries. Get the recipe here. (photo credit: Shutterstock; Nutritious Life original photography)]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine/ I’ve always been told that having children will change your life forever. This is undoubtedly true—your love expands to depths that are indescribable. But I never expected that having children would revolutionize the way I view and support my fitness routine.  (Photo: Alexander Kusak) Pre-Baby Fitness Goals Prior to having my daughter, I worked out every day. If it wasn’t for at least an hour, and at a high-intensity, I was convinced I didn’t get a “good workout.” Back then, my main purpose behind working out was to be fit and healthy, but if I’m being completely honest, my “why” was really to make sure I “looked” fit.  Unfortunately, my mentality towards achieving fitness was void of tuning into how I felt on any given day. I was constantly pushing myself without taking the time to ask questions like,  “Am I tired? Could I use a rest day?”   “Am I under a lot of stress? Would I benefit more from a long leisurely walk than an insanely intense workout?”  “Are my muscles really sore? Would doing yoga be a better way to support my recovery today?”  It took having a child for me to begin shifting my mentality toward achieving whole-body health and fitness. Becoming More In-Tune With My Body It wasn’t until I was well into my first pregnancy with my daughter that I began to feel a shift in my body. While I was growing a little human being inside me, I suddenly started to notice signs indicating what my body was capable of doing or not doing. My body was adamantly telling me to shift my priorities and listen more carefully to its needs versus doing what I thought I needed to do to be “fit.” This was the beginning of my search for a more diverse fitness routine that would better support my “new” body and reality. After giving birth to my daughter, I transitioned into a new phase of life, which came with a new outlook on life and health in general. To say this transition was difficult would be an understatement. It was really, really hard. I was navigating new experiences and responsibilities, now with less time and energy (hello, constant feedings, diaper changings, working full-time and lack of sleep) while also trying to maintain my healthy lifestyle on the same level as I did pre-baby.  Understanding My Body’s Limits As you might imagine, trying to be and do it all was beginning to take a toll on me. And my daily feelings that I was failing to meet my fitness goals added unnecessary stress. I quickly realized that my expectations were unrealistic for this stage of life. I knew I needed to shift my perspective and revolutionize the way I viewed my fitness routine, whether I liked it or not. Everyone can relate to experiencing a new season of life in some way. It could be starting a family, caring for a sick loved one, moving to a new city, starting a new career, etc. Does a new season, with new variables in life, mean we just stop investing in our health? No. Should I just stop exercising because I’m tired every day from caring for a newborn? No. I wasn’t going to give up on exercise altogether; it was too important to me. I just needed to redefine what exercise, or as I like to call it, “movement,” looked like for me. I let go of my past, reset my expectations, and did my best to embrace changes as they came. My Post-Baby Fitness Routine And there were a lot of changes. I began to celebrate a 10-minute yoga session while my daughter napped. I savored a walk—brisk or slow—while pushing her in the stroller. I included her in my workout videos and just had fun with it. It’s been a tough but incredible learning experience as I’ve walked through this new phase of life. Most importantly, I’ve learned that when you tune into what your body needs versus listening to external factors or being trapped by what you have always done, you begin to feel a new sense of freedom and empowerment. I have learned that life is dynamic, and so is our health. And, to optimize our health, I believe we must evolve with our ever-changing lives. We must listen to our inner voice at all times, even if it feels easier not to. My Ever-Changing Fitness Journey Fast-forward to today: I now have two children. My daughter is 5, and my son is 3. Once again, life has changed and so has my fitness routine to match my energy level, my priorities, and my goals. Today, we like to have family fitness time together, and my “why” has become so much bigger than myself.  My needs and goals have stretched far beyond a desire to “look” fit. I want to be and feel fit and healthy because I want to feel energized enough to keep up with my kids all day. I also know that being healthy will support my mental health and allow me to be a positive influence on my kids’ health. Family Fitness Resources Fitness is a journey that changes through the different stages of your life. Starting a family can sometimes make it difficult to maintain strict fitness goals and routines. If you’re looking to start a new fitness routine that fits into your new phase of life, or want to begin incorporating family fitness time into your days, here are a few free resources that have supported our family fitness goals over the years: Yoga for kids  Hundreds of simple, at-home workouts Our favorite large exercise & yoga mats for you and your family  Affordable Rebounder designed for adults and children Your Fitness Journey What type of fitness routine makes sense for you right now? It’s okay if it’s not the same as it was 10 years ago or even five months ago. If it’s time for a change, try to let go]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/stress-less/3-tips-embrace-the-power-of-saying-no/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-tips-embrace-the-power-of-saying-no Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/3-tips-embrace-the-power-of-saying-no/ Some of the most successful people in the world say no to most things.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/live-consciously/4-brilliant-back-school-survival-tips-wellness-expert-moms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=4-brilliant-back-school-survival-tips-wellness-expert-moms Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/5-brilliant-back-school-survival-tips-wellness-expert-moms/ August can feel like whiplash after the slower, sweeter days of summer. But don’t stress — we tapped incredible women who run wellness businesses while raising kids (including our own rockstar Nutritious Life founder, Keri Glassman, R.D.) to get their top back-to-school survival strategies.  Take a page from their hectic-season playbook: Keri Glassman Founder, Nutritious Life Making lunch the night before and deciding what breakfast will be is a huge help in keeping the morning peace. Doing this (and prepping the coffee the night before, too, of course!) allows me to be present and enjoy morning family time. Also, deciding what breakfast will be with the kids ensures I don’t get hit with the “I don’t want to eat that today” complaints — most of the time! I am a morning person, so making each one as calm as possible is very important to me and to us as a family. Chloe Epstein President, Chloe’s Fruit I have to prioritize my workouts or I can’t function, so finding a great workout and sticking to it is a must. Also, it sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve found that spicing things up with the family at home at the start of a new school year helps. For example, we launched all family cook-offs two Sunday nights a month. Each family member prepares a dish for our Sunday night dinner and is responsible for cleaning up their own mess. Thus far, it’s a lot more time in the kitchen for me, but it’s been a hit as a great way to end the frenzy-filled weekend together. Prioritizing time together is always a challenge, but it helps keep everyone balanced and happy, for the most part! Catherine McCord Founder, Weelicious + One Potato It’s all about smoothie jars! Every week we make seven jars filled with our favorite smoothie essentials like bee pollen, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, dates, collagen powder and more. This way all you need to do every morning is add a banana, your favorite frozen fruits, a handful of greens, and the ingredients in your smoothie jar, and you’ve got an easy, fast nutritious breakfast for yourself and your family.  Kristin McGee Celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor As a mom of three boys, I’m pretty crazed a lot of the time! My advice includes always keeping a sense of humor and letting things go as much as you possibly can. Stress is a huge downer and can wreak havoc on your health. The more we can take things in stride, the better. On top of that, I recommend staying consistent with a few set things. For instance, I always eat a healthy breakfast no matter what. If I”m not getting as much sleep as I would like to, I make sure to move my body during the day and get some fresh air. I also think it’s important to stay connected with your kids and partner as much as you can —and do one thing daily for yourself, whether it’s a yoga class, glass of wine, or a few minutes with a good friend or book.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/love-more/international-friendship-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=international-friendship-day Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/international-friendship-day/ What was once considered a Hallmark Holiday is now celebrated globally every 30th of July: International Friendship Day. International Friendship Day was initially founded by the UN General Assembly in 2011 with the goal of building bridges and promoting camaraderie between communities, people and culture through formed friendships. With the help of social media, this celebration of diversity became globally known, garnering 102K Instagram posts to date using the hashtag #internationalfriendshipday. As platforms like Facebook and Instagram become more and more popular, physical distance between friends is no longer a barrier.  World-wide connections may be hard to wrap your head around in your day-to-day. Luckily, there are very real health benefits to spreading the love with something as seemingly small as grabbing dinner with your girls or going for a walk with a friend…or perhaps setting up a quick fun-filled Zoom call.  Celebrate World Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way There isn’t a right way to celebrate International Friendship Day with your favorite people. But, if you need some inspiration, we’re sharing three fun ways to connect with your besties. 1. Eat and Drink Your Heart Out Thinking of throwing a party with the BFFs? It doesn’t have to be grand; a bowl for two might be perfect. Celebrate with nourishing foods, like these easy-to-prep colorful summer salads loaded with antioxidants. Or, why not serve up some fancy charcuterie board? You can pair it up with a glass of wine or two. Remember, conscious indulgence is encouraged to make you feel empowered with your choices rather than regretful. On the other hand, if you’re ditching alcohol entirely we highly recommend you try these sober-licious mocktails.  RELATED: How to Create the Perfect Healthy Party Platter 2. Get Groovin’ Under the Sun Moving your body, be it swimming, running, a quick workout together, or even a trip to an amusement park, can trigger the release of endorphins, AKA happy-making chemicals. Imagine yourself flashing those pearly whites and letting out audible laughs with your gals while soaking up the sun. You’re not just having the best time here, you’re also getting sunshine vitamins. What a treat!  If you’re up for something new, level-up your time with friends by exploring these head-throwing dance workouts outdoors. And while you’re sweating it all away, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water will energize you; more energy means more time to hang with your friends.  RELATED: How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink? 3. Travel, Nature … and Sleep? Yes, you read it right! If you’re feeling out of whack and want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, hop on to the sleep retreat wagon with your best friend. Or maybe, enjoy nature with a side of luxury in these best landscape hotels around the globe. These trips might be the gateway to rejuvenation and the ultimate bonding experience you’ve been longing for.  Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this day with your person or tribe, remember to be fully present and savor each moment of fun. Want to learn how healthy and strong relationships can improve your health? Read the Three Proven Health Benefits of Friendships (Backed by Science) (Image: Shutterstock)]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/love-more/health-benefits-of-friendships/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=health-benefits-of-friendships Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/health-benefits-of-friendships/ Human connection is integral to your well-being and when you’re in a healthy relationship with family, friends, or acquaintances, there are very real health benefits you can experience for yourself.  We know that when you love more (one of our 8 Pillars), you live a more nutritious life so here are three science-based facts about the health benefits of friendships that you don’t want to miss. 1. Friendships Can Boost Immunity & Lifespan According to a study from the American Psychological Association (APA), strong support from your social connections may protect you from illnesses caused by stress. How is this possible? Activities that strengthen close connections — like fun or meaningful chit-chats, laughing, kissing, hugging, and bonding with friends — releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These hormones positively impact your mind, mood, and body. They also improve immune function as they lower cortisol levels (AKA stress-induced hormones). Maintaining healthy friendships is beneficial for your health in long-term ways, too. As you find peace, calm, and genuine happiness with friends, the release of the feel-good hormones mentioned above decrease inflammation. This leads to lower risks of illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, gut-health problems, cancer, and depression. According to Harvard Health Publishing, one study shows an increase in mortality risk for people who do not have strong relationships leading to premature deaths from all causes by 50%. TLDR: Having friends may actually tack more years onto your life! 2. Friendships Enrich Your Emotional Well-Being Having friends or *friends* (if you catch our drift) to offer you a safe space for raw conversation or a shoulder to cry on is an essential resource when dealing with life’s many challenges. This emotional support fosters trust and a sense of belongingness between friends.  The desire to feel accepted and valued is innate, rooting from the time of conception between mother and child. Longing for attention and attachment with another human being goes on across the lifespan giving a sense of purpose and a more positive outlook about life and relationships according to Psychology Today. So keep in mind that creating time to be with a girlfriend or maybe sending a quick text message to check in can play a massive role in building a supportive relationship.  And guess what? It’s a two-way street! A recent study shows that your availability to listen and provide support to a friend can boost your health. Talk about a mutual benefit! RELATED: 5 Ways To Build Stronger Friendships 3. Strong Friendships Can Improve Your Self-Esteem The Cambridge Dictionary defines self-esteem as “belief and confidence in your own ability and value.” It is your perception of yourself — whether it be negative or positive. How does friendship influence the way you view yourself? In a meta-analysis published by the APA, researchers explored how positive relationships boost self-esteem. They found that strong and healthy social relationships mold the development of self-esteem in people ages 4-76. On the other hand, poor relationships can negatively reinforce your self-esteem. An unhealthy  self-perception can accumulate from childhood and may continue through adulthood. The good news? You can always start building stronger friendships — a relationship that will help you develop self-love and empathy for yourself and others.     And if you ever find yourself thinking of that one friend who naturally brings out the best in you, that friend who nourishes your soul, then that means you found the one. He or she’s a keeper! The healthy choices you make daily, and the small habits you form are just as crucial as choosing friends and people you let into your life. Evaluate and look at them closely—do they make you feel good or stressed out? That should give you a hint. Remember, healthy relationships are one of the keys to living a Nutritious Life.  Read this and plan ahead with your besties this coming World Friendship Day: Celebrate International Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way  For more tips on how to build happy and strong relationships plus a fulfilling sex life (yes, please!), check out our LOVE MORE top stories here. (Image: Shutterstock)]]>