First of all, I want to say that I’m starting something new on my blog to add more personality to it. I’m going to try to write more personal blog posts and share my opinions on different topics. This time, it’s all about physical media.

Physical media includes VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and books. But my favorite types of physical media are DVDs and CDs.

Streaming versus Physical Media

When I was growing up, we still had VHS tapes and later moved on to DVDs. I loved going to the store and renting a DVD for the holidays. It was something we did every single year. Everyone could pick one or two movies, and then we would watch them together. I loved it. It was exciting.

Then, eventually, illegal downloads became a thing, and slowly streaming became more popular. These days, streaming is huge. When it was still up-and-coming, I was pretty excited because I thought it meant having easier access to a lot of movies and music. I mean, I’m even listening to Spotify right now while writing this (without a subscription).

But over the last couple of years, I have become more critical of streaming services. First of all, there are so many platforms, and it can feel overwhelming. If you want a subscription to all of them, you have to pay a lot of money every single month. I have only had Netflix, for the record, but even with Netflix, I have my issues.

When you want to watch a certain movie, it’s possible that it isn’t available on the platform at that moment. They can also remove certain titles whenever they want. You are paying to use the platform, but you don’t actually own anything.

The other day, I read the news about Sony and their decision to stop producing physical media. Everything will become digital, and they also removed a lot of movie titles. I even heard that, even though you paid for a certain movie, it could be removed and become unavailable. Paying for something digitally basically means that you still don’t own it.

With physical media, it’s completely different because you pay for it and then own it for the rest of your life. They can’t take it away from you. That is why physical media is top-tier. And that is why I started my physical media collection, which includes DVDs and CDs.

Physical Media is Fun

Remember when I said that I loved going to the store and finding a DVD to watch? Well, I get that same feeling again from buying and owning DVDs. Streaming movies was cool at first, but now it doesn’t excite me anymore. Physical media is more fun because you can actually hold it, look at it, and it’s so much fun to add more items to your collection.

I love going to thrift stores and finding something special. The other day, I went to a thrift store and found a lot of amazing DVDs that I love. (You can watch my physical media haul down below.) Sure, sometimes you don’t find anything at all, but when you do find something, it feels amazing.

Plus, if I want to listen to music right now, I just have to turn on my CD player, and that’s it. I don’t have to use my phone or laptop to play music anymore, which is great since I’m trying to reduce my screen time. And there are so many reasons to go back to physical media.

How do you feel about physical media? Or do you still prefer streaming services?

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Title: How to die Famous
Author: Benjamin Dean
Publisher: Little Brown books for young readers
Genre: thriller YA
Pages: 384
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

How to Die Famous

Abel Miller is a rising star and just landed a role on the hottest reboot of Sunset High, produced by Omni Channel. But he is not there just for the acting role he landed. He is also on a mission. It has been no secret that there is a so-called curse on Sunset High, because terrible things happened to the actors in the past. Abel’s brother died while he was working on Sunset High. And Abel is now there to figure out what happened. And if Onmi Channel is the one to blame.

Review

First time I read a book by Benjamin Dean. I don’t read thrillers that often, even though I love them. I love my Freida Mcfadden books and I have also read other thrillers by different authors.

I liked the plot idea. Abel is sort off going undercover to find out what happened to his brother and if someone killed him and if Onmi channel is the one to blame. Omni channel was giving me Disney Channel or Nickelodeon vibes for the record. They all produce all young adult shows. Abel is not alone of course, he has three other co-stars: Lucky, Ryan and Ella. The curse everyone was talking about was interesting part. It wasn’t the first time something bad happened to people from Sunset High. And it is still happening. Bad things are happening to them right now.

But there was a huge reason why I didn’t like this book and I was sort off surprised. From the beginning the author makes it very clear who could be the bad person, the on who is stalking and murdering. But I have read other thriller books and I also know there will always be a plottiwst,except that never happened. By  2/3 of the books they made it very clear who the killer is. No plottwist came. That ruined the whole book for me honestly. I want to read thrillers and then be surprised who the killer actually is.

Sure, there were still interesting things happening at the end, but for me personally the whole story was already ruined. I want to figure out on my own who the killer is, not that the author makes it clear right from the beginning. That’s no fun.

Overall, I am just really disappointed. I really hope Benjamin’s other books do actually have plottwists, because this wasn’t fun. I still gave it 2/5 hearts, because I still like the plot idea. Or maybe I am just getting too old for YA thrillers at this point.

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I think we can all agree that some people really do overconsume. And the problem is getting bigger and bigger. One moment, Labubus are incredibly popular, and everyone is buying them. Then, two months later, everyone has moved on to something else.

And that’s a problem because it’s bad for the environment. Overconsumption has a terrible impact on our environment because, most of the time, everything ends up in the trash. We just throw everything away when the trend is over. I’m not perfect either. I’m on social media too, so I see all of the trends, and I also get the urge to buy all of those things. But these days, I’m trying to stop overconsuming, and in this blog post, I’ll share my tips on how I’m doing that.

What is Overconsumption

But before I give my tips, I want to explain when something becomes overconsumption. Because simply buying something you love isn’t always overconsumption. I think there are two aspects to it.

The first is buying something just because it’s trendy. Maybe you don’t even care about it, but you don’t want to feel left out. We humans are a bit like sheep; we tend to follow each other. That also means that when a lot of people are talking about buying Labubus, more and more people suddenly want to buy one too.

The second aspect of overconsumption is buying way too many of the same thing. I’ve seen people own 30 Stanley cups, dozens of Labubus, and these days I also see a lot of people buying bags full of NeeDohs. You don’t need that many of the same item. Because if you suddenly decide you don’t like them anymore, you’ll have to throw them away (or hopefully donate them). That’s a lot of waste.

The Difference Between Collections and Overconsumption

I also think there is a difference between owning a collection and overconsumption. Let’s say you’re a fan of Pokémon, and you started collecting Pokémon items from an early age. Over the years, you slowly add more and more pieces to your collection. That’s a collection; it grows gradually over time.

For example, I love physical media, and it’s become a collection of mine. I enjoy finding DVDs and CDs, but I’ve been collecting them for a few years now. With overconsumption, it’s different. Some people buy 30 NeeDohs in one shopping trip and call it a collection. But I think a collection has a certain value to you. It means something. Maybe you’ve been a Pokémon fan for a long time, and your collection reminds you of those good old days.

How to Stop Overconsumption

I have two tips that can actually help you stop overconsuming. Stopping overconsumption also means your home will be less cluttered, you’ll save more money, and you’ll learn to make better purchasing decisions.

Spend less time on social media

I like social media, but it’s also one of the main causes of overconsumption. One influencer shows something they love, and before you even realize it, everyone wants it too and starts buying it. Then, a month later, everyone has moved on to something else. It’s one of the reasons why I spend less time on social media. I used to see all those videos of people showing off what they had bought, and suddenly I felt the urge to buy those things too. Now I spend less time on those apps, and I don’t feel that urge anymore.

Put it on a wishlist

My best tip is this: when you see something you like and want to buy, put it on a wishlist instead. Create a wishlist on your phone or make a separate folder with screenshots of the things you want to buy. Then wait. Maybe wait a couple of weeks or even longer. Sometimes I even wait for months. If I still really want the item after that, then I’m allowed to buy it. But the funny thing is that, most of the time, I don’t even want it anymore after all those weeks or months.

And that’s how I stopped overconsuming. Do you have any other tips?

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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Title: Enola Holmes
Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and more
Director: Philip Barantini
Writers: Jack Thorne, Nancy Springer
Genre: Adventure/Mystery
Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes
My Rating:

Watch Enola Holmes 3 now on Netflix

Enola Holmes 3

Enola Holmes is getting married, but on her wedding day, she starts having doubts. While Tewkesbury is waiting at the altar, she is still at the hotel. Eventually, she decides she can’t keep him waiting any longer and finally makes the decision to get married.

But on her way to the ceremony, Dr. Watson catches up with her and brings her some bad news: her brother, Sherlock, is missing. A day later, she discovers that Tewkesbury’s mother is also missing. Enola must solve the case and find out who abducted them and why.

Review

This is the third movie in the Enola Holmes trilogy. I also think it is going to be the last movie, because it ends with a wedding, and I feel like almost every trilogy ends with a wedding. I really loved the first two movies, so I couldn’t wait to watch this one as well. Did it live up to my expectations?

The short answer to that question is no, it did not live up to my expectations. While I really enjoyed the first two movies, I wasn’t feeling this movie at all. But let’s start with the positive things. I still like the way she narrates throughout the movie, and some of the lines were quite funny. The visuals and performances were great again.

However, it felt to me that the story was quite boring compared to the other two movies. While I was invested in the other movies, it was hard for me to stay focused on the story. It was lacking something; I think I needed a bit more action and adventure. Most of the action happens at the end of the movie, which is why I started getting bored. I was expecting a lot more after watching the first two movies. The pacing was also a bit slow.

Unfortunately, it was one of those movies I will forget about in a day, which is sad because I really enjoyed the first two movies. This movie was definitely my least favorite in the series. I honestly think it might be better not to make a fourth movie, although, as I mentioned, I think this was already meant to be the last one because of the wedding. It is time for Millie Bobby Brown to focus on different projects, because I still enjoy watching her in movies.

It was not any of the actors’ fault that this movie felt a little dull or boring. It was purely the script and the story. But if you are a fan of the other movies, maybe watch this one anyway. I mean, some parts are still fun to watch.

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Imagine your dream life right now. What kind of job do you have? What kind of house do you live in? Imagine every single detail of your dream life. Are you feeling excited? Good! Because you can have it all if you want to.

I’m sure you’ve heard of manifestation by now, whether you practice it or not. By using your mind intentionally, you can transform your entire life. It is possible for your dreams to come true. In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to manifest your dream life.

Manifesting is very easy

And I’m here to tell you that manifesting is actually easy, and it’s something you do all the time, whether you realize it or not. A lot of people don’t even realize they’re manifesting everything in their lives, from the good things to the bad. You are always manifesting, and you do this through the thoughts you have.

Have you ever had a bad day when one bad thing after another kept happening? That probably happened because something or someone annoyed you, and you started focusing on that negative experience. As a result, you attracted more situations that annoyed you or made you feel bad.

Your thoughts create your reality. The good news is that you don’t have to worry too much about having negative thoughts. If you have around 50,000 thoughts a day and only 10 or so are negative, nothing bad is going to happen. It all comes down to what you’re focusing on with the majority of your thoughts.

How to Start Manifesting your Dream Life

So, now that you know your thoughts create your reality, how can you create your dream life?

Most people simply react to what is happening around them. Let’s say someone doesn’t like their life. They don’t have much money, they don’t like their job, and their colleague is annoying and stresses them out all day. So when they go to work, they probably start thinking about how they don’t want to be there and how they don’t want to see their colleague. Then, when they get to work, their colleague reminds them how much they hate their job, and the cycle continues. They are just reacting to the things happening around them, which means they will keep manifesting more of the same.

If you actually want to manifest something different from your current reality, you have to start thinking differently. In this case, that person has to start thinking about their dream job and having enough money. And you have to do this consistently throughout the day. Because if you only think about what you want for 10 minutes and then spend the other 23 hours and 50 minutes thinking your life is terrible, nothing is going to change.

Become aware of your thoughts. Meditation can help with this. Every time you notice a thought that doesn’t align with what you want to manifest, calm yourself down, bring your awareness back to the present moment, and then redirect your thoughts to what you want to manifest. Ask yourself why you want to manifest it. As long as you keep focusing on it, you’re moving in the right direction.

And that’s how you manifest. You simply change your thoughts and focus on the things you want to manifest. You don’t have to use every manifestation technique. You can if you want to, and if it helps you focus on what you want, then go for it. Don’t stop.

Photo by Faustina Okeke on Unsplash

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Title: Voicemails for Isabelle
Actors: Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson
Director: Leah McKendrick
Writer: Leah McKendrick
Genre: Romance
Length: 1 hour and 58 minutes
My Rating:

Watch Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix

Voicemails for Isabelle

Jill has always been very close to her sister, Isabelle. When Isabelle passed away, Jill struggled to let go of the bond they shared. She used to tell her sister everything, and even now she leaves voicemails for Isabelle, updating her on the events of her life.

What Jill doesn’t know is that Isabelle’s old phone number no longer belongs to her. The number now belongs to Wes, who has been receiving all of Jill’s messages. Rather than telling her, he finds himself looking forward to each voicemail. Through her stories, humor, and honesty, he becomes fascinated by the woman on the other end of the line.

Determined to meet her, Wes travels to San Francisco. As they get to know each other, they slowly fall in love. But there’s one thing Wes hasn’t told Jill: he’s the one who has been listening to all of the voicemails she thought she was leaving for her sister.

Review

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How to Stay Cool During a Heatwave

Control your Enviroment

1. Block the sun
   The first thing to do is keep the sun out of your home. This means closing your curtains, blinds, or shutters throughout the day. Yes, it might make you feel like a vampire, but at least your home will stay a little cooler. It’s even better if you have blackout curtains.
2. Optimize airflow
   This tip completely depends on the temperature outside. If it’s cooler outdoors, open all your windows and doors to let the cool, fresh air into your home. Open them early in the morning, then close them as soon as the temperature starts to rise to keep the heat outside.
3. Avoid extra heat
   Even lights and electronic devices give off heat, so avoid using them unless it is necessary. Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using and unplug electronics when possible. Every little bit helps, especially during very hot days, as reducing extra heat sources can make your home feel noticeably cooler.
4. Use fans
   Another way to cool your house when you don’t have air conditioning is to use fans. However, keep in mind that if it’s 35°C or hotter indoors, fans will simply blow warm air around. You can easily improve this by placing frozen water bottles in front of the fan, which will help create a cooler breeze.
5. Seek AC locations
   If you’re at home and it’s unbearably warm indoors, you can always spend some time in places that have air conditioning. Maybe it’s a good time to do your grocery shopping, visit a café, or work or read in the library. Many public spaces have air conditioning, so taking advantage of them can help you cool down and get a break from the heat.

Cool Your Body

1. Cold Compress
   This is my favorite tip of all, because it’s something I do when it gets really warm and I can’t find a way to cool down. Putting a wet towel on your body can give you some relief. It just feels nice, and suddenly it becomes easier to breathe during a heatwave. I usually put mine on my neck, but you can also place it on your wrists or inside your elbows.
2. Water
   Take colder showers to cool your body down a little, or find a swimming pool, start a water fight, or simply spray some water onto your body or face. Water can help cool your body down for a while.
3. Dress light
   This is an obvious one, but you should wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. It’s even better if the fabric is linen or cotton. These are the best breathable fabrics and won’t make you sweat even more.
4. Cool extremities
   One thing they always do is make sure older people stay cool, often by giving them a kiddie pool so they can put their feet in the water. This actually helps them cool their bodies down. And if it works for them, why not for you? Fill a kiddie pool, basin, or whatever you have with water, put your feet in it, and just relax.

Hydration and Diet

1. Drink water consistently
   Put a water bottle next to you and bring it everywhere you go, because you need to make sure you drink enough water. If you don’t drink enough, you will lose focus and may start getting headaches. So take several sips every hour.
2. Stay away from dehydrating drinks
   It is interesting how many people drink more alcohol when it is warm, even though it is exactly the opposite of what you should do. Alcohol, caffeine, and overly sugary drinks are the ones you should try to avoid, as they can dehydrate your body.
3. Eat light
   Eat smaller, lighter meals. Large meals that are high in protein and fat divert blood to your intestines to aid digestion, which makes your body generate internal heat. Eat more vegetables and fruit, and have more salads during a heatwave. Reach for fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and berries.
4. Drink hot water
   This sounds a bit weird, but it is something I learned years ago. Apparently, if you drink hot water, you will feel hot at first, but then your body starts to cool down again. If you drink iced water, you will feel colder at first, but then your body works hard to raise its temperature again, and it can even feel hotter than before. Although during a heatwave with temperatures above 30 degrees, you might be better off with just room-temperature water.

   Photo by Aleisha Kalina on Unsplash

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One thing I’ve learned in the past couple of years is that there are people who barely overthink, and then there are people like me who overthink everything. I have to admit that I sometimes feel jealous of those who don’t overthink as much. At first, I thought overthinking was normal and just part of life, but it isn’t. If you’re wondering whether you are an overthinker or simply someone who thinks things through, then this blog post is for you. I’m even sharing a few tips if you tend to overthink.

The Difference Between Thinking and Overthinking

Thinking

Overthinking

Overthinking is different, but the total daily thought count isn’t necessarily higher. The biggest difference is that overthinking involves repeating the same thoughts over and over again. Let’s use the example of needing to go grocery shopping. With normal thinking, you realize you need to buy food, maybe make a list of what to buy, and then you go. With overthinking, you start wondering if you have enough food, analyzing when it’s best to go and whether it will be busy, thinking about whether it’s better to go tomorrow, and checking if you have enough food for breakfast. You might even start mentally planning meals. And it goes on and on.

Overthinking happens when you seek comfort and try to avoid perceived risks or danger, even when there is no real threat. You keep thinking the same thoughts repeatedly but never come to a conclusion. Overthinking can make you feel anxious, drained, and scattered. You often focus on the worst-case scenario because your brain is in survival mode and is trying to protect you. In the end, overthinking creates more problems and worry, and it can leave you feeling paralyzed.

Tips for overthinking

1. Brain Dump
   Sit down for 15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind. It doesn’t matter what it is. This helps you clear your mind. Then look at everything you wrote down and see what kind of action you can take. Cross out everything that is out of your control.
2. The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
   This is a great way to ground yourself in the present moment. Every time you notice that you are overthinking and spiraling, stop yourself and name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This brings your awareness back to the present moment. You can use this technique every time you notice you are overthinking.
3. Swap overthinking for action-based questions
   You can overthink for an hour about how you should really clean something, but it is better to ask yourself better questions when you realize you are overthinking. Ask yourself: What can I do right now? Can I improve this situation? What is the next step forward? This helps you get out of your head and take action.
4. Schedule worry time
   Allow yourself to worry for 10–15 minutes every single day. Try to do it at the same time each day so your brain learns that this is the designated time to worry. However, don’t do it right before bed, because it can keep you awake. Instead, do it right before or after dinner. This way, you still give yourself permission to worry, but after about 15 minutes, you simply stop.
5. Mindfulness/Meditation
   These are two great things you can do when you want to stop worrying and overthinking all the time. Every time you notice you are starting to overthink or spiral, you can say: “I am overthinking this.” Then you bring your awareness back to the present moment. A lot of people use their breath as an anchor, but you can use anything you want.
   Photo by Teena Lalawat on Unsplash

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Dopamine; we’ve all heard of it. It’s a chemical messenger in the brain that plays an important role in motivation, desire, learning, and our reward system. Dopamine is released when we achieve a goal, complete a task, or experience something enjoyable. It helps reinforce behaviors that our brain sees as rewarding, which is why it often feels good when dopamine is released.

However, dopamine also has a downside. Activities such as scrolling through social media, gambling, or eating highly processed foods can trigger dopamine release as well. In many cases, it’s the anticipation of a reward, not just the reward itself, that keeps us coming back for more. This can make certain habits difficult to break, even when we know they aren’t always in our best interest.

The good news is that there are plenty of healthier ways to stimulate dopamine and support your overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some natural and positive ways to boost dopamine levels and feel more motivated, energized, and fulfilled.

Healthier Ways to Release Dopamine

1. Physical Activity
   One of the best ways to get a natural dopamine boost is to start moving your body. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. You can go for a walk, run, cycle, swim, dance, or do some strength training. Any form of physical activity can help.You may not always feel motivated to exercise at first, but you’ll often notice that you feel much better afterward. A simple walk or workout can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and give you a sense of accomplishment.The key is to find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy. Running isn’t for everyone, and neither is spending hours in the gym. Experiment with different activities until you find something that feels fun rather than like a chore. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it and reap the benefits.
2. Sunlight
   Sunlight can also help stimulate dopamine production in the brain. One of the best times to get natural light is shortly after waking up. Try stepping outside for a few minutes in the morning. You can even combine sunlight with physical activity by taking a short walk around your neighborhood.Even on cloudy days, spending time outdoors can be beneficial, as natural light is still much brighter than indoor lighting. If you’re spending most of the day inside, consider taking a five-minute break to step outside and get some fresh air and sunlight. Small habits like these can make a positive difference in your mood and energy levels.
3. Spend time in nature
   Have you ever spent time in nature and suddenly realized how calm and peaceful you felt in that moment? There’s something about being outdoors that helps us slow down and recharge. Spending time in green spaces, getting fresh air, and soaking up natural light can help reduce stress and improve your mood, leaving you feeling happier, more energized, and refreshed.So even if the weather isn’t perfect, try to get outside and spend some time in nature. Take a walk through a park, sit by a lake, or simply enjoy the greenery around you. Nature has a remarkable way of helping us feel more grounded, calm, and connected.
4. Quality Sleep
   How well do you sleep each night? Everyone has the occasional bad night’s sleep, but if you regularly wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed, it may be worth taking a closer look at your sleep routine.Good sleep actually starts long before you get into bed. One habit that can make a big difference is limiting screen time in the evening. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, computers, and televisions can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and make it harder to fall asleep.Try turning off your screens one to two hours before bedtime and replace them with more relaxing activities, such as reading, journaling, stretching, or listening to calming music. Creating a peaceful evening routine can improve both the quality of your sleep and how you feel the next day.
5. Eat Protein- Rich foods
   Eating naturally activates your brain’s reward system and can trigger the release of dopamine, especially when you consume foods that contain protein and the amino acid tyrosine. While highly processed foods can provide a quick dopamine boost, they are often less satisfying in the long run and can make it harder to maintain healthy eating habits.For more sustainable energy and overall well-being, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods. Not only will these foods support your physical health, but they can also help you feel more energized and satisfied throughout the day.
6. Set and complete small tasks
   Dopamine is also released when you complete a task. That’s why it can be helpful to break larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. Create a to-do list and check off each task as you complete it. Every small win gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment, which can help keep you motivated.I still do this the old-fashioned way with a notebook. I write down everything I need to do and cross tasks off as I complete them. It may seem simple, but it feels incredibly satisfying every time I put a line through a finished task. Not only does it give me a small dopamine boost, but it also motivates me to keep going and leaves me feeling productive and fulfilled.
7. Learn something new
   Learning something new is another great way to stimulate dopamine release. Our brains are naturally wired to enjoy novelty, so simply exposing yourself to new experiences can be rewarding.Even something as simple as learning a few words in a new language can give your brain a small dopamine boost. The same goes for mastering a new recipe, learning a musical instrument, or developing a new skill. And when you exceed your own expectations or finally accomplish something you’ve been working toward, the feeling of reward can be even greater.So why not challenge yourself to learn something new? Pick up a new language, try a new recipe, learn to play an instrument, take an online course, or explore a hobby you’ve always been curious about. Not only will you gain new skills, but you’ll also keep your brain engaged and motivated.
8. Social connection
   Positive social experiences can also contribute to healthy dopamine release. Instead of spending all your free time scrolling on your phone, try connecting with the people around you. Spend time with your family and friends, invite them over for dinner, or simply have meaningful conversations. Strong social connections can boost your mood and help you feel more fulfilled.Acts of kindness can be rewarding as well. Helping others, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger, can create positive feelings for both you and the person you’re helping. Small gestures of kindness can make a bigger difference than you might think.Physical affection can also play a role in promoting feelings of well-being. A hug from a loved one, holding hands, cuddling with a partner, or even petting a dog or cat can help you feel more connected, relaxed, and happy.
9. Music
   Listening to music you genuinely enjoy can trigger dopamine release, especially when you feel emotionally connected to it. So now you have another excuse to put on your favorite songs and simply enjoy them.Listen to your favorite artists, revisit albums you love, and allow yourself to get lost in the music. Whether you dance around your living room, sing along at the top of your lungs, or just sit back and listen, music can be a simple and enjoyable way to boost your mood and brighten your day.
10. Meditation
    Meditation and mindfulness offer many benefits and can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Regular practice can help you feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to handle daily stress.Research suggests that meditation and mindfulness can support healthy dopamine function while also improving attention and emotional regulation. As a result, you may feel more focused, motivated, and emotionally balanced. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a meaningful difference over time.
11. Healthy Challenges
    Activities that combine effort and reward can be particularly effective for boosting dopamine. This can include physical activities such as running, swimming, or other forms of exercise. It can also involve challenging yourself in other ways, such as taking a brief cold shower, deep-cleaning your home, working on a creative project, or playing a competitive game.These activities often require some effort upfront, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you feel afterward can make them especially rewarding.

    Photo by Ekaterina Krusanova on Unsplash

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Don’t Brake My Heart

A year ago, Leesa Kubicka’s professional cycling career came to an abrupt end after a disastrous final race. Now, she’s working for a sports marketing company and is given the opportunity to lead a major project during the Tour de France. Her assignment seems simple: follow one of cycling’s biggest talents and create content around his journey throughout the race.

The problem? That talent is Colin Gallagher. Leesa already knows Colin from their days on the same cycling team. Back then, he was constantly pulling pranks on her, and she never quite knew what to make of him. Now, they’re forced to spend weeks together during one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

What Leesa doesn’t know is that Colin has had a crush on her for years. With the Tour de France underway and their paths crossing once again, he sees this as his last chance to prove that he’s more than the immature prankster she remembers—before she disappears from his life for good.

Review

First, I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

The main reason I requested this book is that I’m from the Netherlands, and it’s centered around cycling. If there’s one thing you should know about the Dutch, it’s that we love our bikes. We use them for transportation every day. I cycle to work daily, so a sports romance about cycling immediately caught my attention.

I ended up giving this book 3 out of 5 stars for several reasons, but I’d like to start with the positives.

I really enjoyed the cycling theme. There are so many sports romances these days, but most of them focus on hockey, baseball, football, or Formula 1. I don’t think I’ve ever read, or even seen, a sports romance centered around professional cycling. This book revolves around the Tour de France, one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It’s hard to avoid during the summer, and I’ve watched it several times myself whenever I had the chance.

That said, I don’t think this was ultimately the right book for me. The biggest issue was that I never felt fully invested in the story. In fact, it felt like the most interesting part didn’t begin until around the 70% mark, when the Tour de France actually started. Until then, I found myself struggling to stay engaged.

The second reason was Colin. Unfortunately, I really didn’t like him as a character. Although he’s 25 years old, he often behaved like a 13-year-old boy. His constant pranks on Leesa felt incredibly childish and immature. I understand that his actions were supposed to show that he had a crush on her, but he was an adult during most of these interactions. There are far more mature ways to get someone’s attention, and instead of finding his behavior charming, I found it frustrating.

Overall, this book wasn’t for me, and I’m unfortunately not its biggest fan. However, if you’re a fan of sports romances and are looking for something different from the usual hockey or Formula 1 romances, this book definitely stands out. But the fact this book is about cycling/ Tour de France makes it stand out.

The post Don’t Brake My Heart – Leonie Mack | Book Review first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post Don’t Brake My Heart – Leonie Mack | Book Review first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>