A Positive Work Environment- Oh, and an Awesome Summer Berry Salad

There is something to be said about your surroundings and the energy that you allow into your life. Spirits, God, the Universe or whatever you consider the great unknown to be, I think we can all agree on the fact that there is something greater that has a power within and around us. In my past yoga teacher trainings, chakra trainings and reiki practice that I've learned about and experienced always had such a focus on a higher energy. It's something you can't deny. When a creepy person is around you that makes your hair physically stand up or the energy around you to just feel "off" isn't a coincidence. Surrounding yourself with good energy is so important in your day to day mental health and productivity.

Your working environment is no different. You know what they say, a cluttered space is a cluttered mind, and I think that is beyond true. But what do you do when you have a career like mine that you don't have an office? You don't have a space of your own to collect your thoughts and dig into a higher productive energy? You don't have a cool, calm, collected place of controlled energy and surroundings? Well, you find a place. Simple right? ;)

In all honesty though it's been through trial and error that I've come to learn this. When it comes to productivity, I can get more work done in an hour at a local trendy coffee shop that has mellow hipster music playing in the background, a hodgepodge of chairs, couches, tables and decor than I would sitting for 8 hours with my computer at a Golden Corral. Sure, they're both restaurants, they both have wi-fi, there's food and beverages, there's loud noises and people all around you.

So why is one different than the other one?

The energy.

Plain and simple.

There's a different FEEL.

A different energy.

One calming.

The other chaotic.

Just this week, I had a to-do list of computer work that was a mile long and didn't seem to be going anywhere. There were a few times that I tried to sit down at the computer at home, at the hotel, at lunch, but I just couldn't focus. But then I found this cute little local cafe and within 1.5 hours my list was DONE. Checked off. Kaput. Finito. All it took was me finding a place that had a positive energy vibe that allowed me to relax, put my blinders on and focus. Aaaaannnnd it didn't hurt that the food was freakin BOMB!

Check out this salad I'll deconstruct so we can enjoy it at home:

Summer Berry Salad

Mixed Greens

Chopped Strawberries

Blueberries

Candied Pecans

Candied Walnuts

Grilled Chicken Breast

Avocado (obviously)

Goat Cheese (SO soft and creamy and delicious)

Topped with a Raspberry Vinaigrette

This was so good you guys. So good. I could have licked the plate clean. I also had a cup of creamy Tomato Basil soup (omg) since it was a rainy, dreary day, and a steaming Americano that hit the spot.

The main thing I think I'm trying to get at here is that if something doesn't feel right, change it. Our intuition and energy isn't just for big decisions in life, but all of the little day to day ones as well. Some people and places just don't make you feel good or right. Don't be afraid to change your focus, your location, your surroundings, whatever it is to find the energy feeling you want to allow in. It will change your relationships, your productivity, your mental & physical health...everything. You choose the energy you want to allow into your life. Make it a good one.

And remember, it's up to you to take hold of your health and happiness.

Steph