Better Life Archives - Page 10 of 14 - Miranda van den Heuvel

We all have quirks. But are they normal, a habit or even a medical condition?

Miranda2022-05-31T13:48:23+02:00February 12th, 2021|

Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks. -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The other day, I was in the car with one of my friends (let's call her MrsJ) on our way to meet another one of my friends (let's call her MrsH) for some shopping (cause that's what girls do). MrsJ has a great sense of humour and language so our discussions are often very, how shall I put it..., intellectually funny in a 'you had to be there' kind of way. MrsJ blog [...]

You don’t know what you’ll do until you get there

Miranda2022-05-31T13:49:32+02:00February 5th, 2021|

Before I had kids, I remember saying to my then husband that having kids would not change anything. We would still go out for romantic dinners, have active, adventurous vacations, take the kids everywhere, ... Then we had kids, and the whole world spun upside down! Sleepless nights, breastfeeding, a body I didn't recognize (didn't like or couldn't get used to), trying to do it all perfectly right, going back to work and having the impression that half of my braincells had died off. Someone had [...]

The touch of a hand…

Miranda2022-05-31T13:54:44+02:00January 29th, 2021|

In Sleepless in Seattle, Meg Ryan dreams of meeting the man who will bring her a feeling of peace and security by the simple touch of his hand. Each human seems to secretly aspire to such a feeling. Is it a Hollywood fantasy or is there some reality behind this idea that a simple hand contact is able to 'talk' to our inner being? Over the past 20 years, sociological studies have shown that people who live - happily - in a couple are in better health. They have less colds, cardiac illnesses and [...]

Miranda’s favorite podcasts – January 2021

Miranda2022-06-01T13:29:34+02:00January 22nd, 2021|

My last favorite podcasts post dates back to 2018. So I thought it's time to share some new recent favorites with you. They are ideal for when you have a some time to spare, while driving to work, while waiting at the doctors or the bus stop. They are a great learning opportunity, can teach you about new things, can help you understand certain topics, give you tips and tricks or simply tell a wonderful short story. Also, if you have any podcasts to share, please do so in the comments below! I [...]

8 totally do-able rituals to END your day

Miranda2024-07-23T10:01:18+02:00January 15th, 2021|

Further to last week's post, which introduced you to rituals to START your day, today I want to share some of my favourite rituals to END your day. Don't worry, they are so easy, you will have no trouble at all to integrate them at the end of your day. Daily gratitude Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. If you are focusing [...]

9 totally do-able rituals to START your day

Miranda2022-05-31T13:59:17+02:00January 8th, 2021|

Those of you who follow me know that I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I am however a fan of habits and rituals. So today, let me share some of my favourite rituals to start your day. Don't worry, they are so easy, you will have no trouble at all to integrate them first thing into your day. "Today is going to be a great day." As soon as you wake up, and before you do anything else, say this sentence. Simple as that. It sets the tone and mood of the day. And wouldn't you rather have a gr [...]

Your annual personal review and preview in 3 simple questions

Miranda2022-05-31T14:00:59+02:00December 25th, 2020|

Today I would like to ask you just 3 questions. What 3 things are you proudest of accomplishing in 2020?They can be big things, small things. Things that are important just to you, that made a difference to your family or made the world a better place. What 1 new thing do you want to accomplish in 2021?This should be your number one priority, the one thing you focus on every day and that you want to have finished by the end of next year. It can of course be something intangible like being a goo [...]

How balanced are you?

Miranda2024-07-23T08:50:48+02:00December 18th, 2020|

Balance is the new buzzword. It's the state we all long to be in. For years now, we have been hearing that a work life balance is important for our well-being. That we can't just work-work-work because we need to play in order to stay sane. And that we can't just play all the time, because there is rent to pay. But what does work life balance really mean? From my experience there is no right answer here. Because my work life balance may look terrifying to you and I might not like the way you ha [...]

8 ways to mindfully avoid overwhelm

Miranda2022-05-31T14:00:05+02:00December 11th, 2020|

We all lead busy lives. Our agendas are chock-full with appointments. Our to do lists hardly leave us time to breathe. We have become multi-taskers, juggling work and life but struggling to find the right balance. Usually we manage pretty well. But sometimes, things spin out of control and OVERWHELM takes over. What are the signs of overwhelm? you don’t know what the next thing is you need to be doing you break down and cry you get head- or back-aches from too much stress you forget important [...]

Choices are luxuries – or are they?

Miranda2022-05-31T14:06:03+02:00November 20th, 2020|

Strolling through the aisles of the supermarket, I like to have a large choice of jams or teas. New and exotic flavors tingle my curiosity in experiencing something new on my bread in the morning. I choose with pleasure. However, it is with much less pleasure, let alone curiosity, that I choose my laundry detergent from the large offer on the shelves. I usually go by price and ecology label. The same goes for restaurants: I enjoy choosing from a smartly chosen list of courses but I hate going t [...]