Tag: inspiration

General, Lifestyle, Mindfulness

Slow Living in my 30s: Embracing a Homebody Lifestyle

Corie Muldoon

A homebody is a person who deeply enjoys spending time at home and centers their life, interests, and social activities around their home environment.

They prefer cozy, low-key indoor activities—like reading, cooking, or relaxing—over going out, traveling, or attending large social events.

Key Characteristics of a Homebody

Preference, Not Fear: A homebody chooses to stay home because they find it comfortable and rejuvenating, not because they are afraid to leave (which may indicate agoraphobia).

Recharging: For them, home is the best place to recharge, often allowing them to be “unapologetically themselves”.

Social Life: Homebodies can be social but often prefer having friends over or engaging in intimate gatherings rather than frequenting loud, crowded places.

Activities: They enjoy hobbies that center around the home, such as home improvement, gardening, cooking, or watching movies.

Common Synonyms & Related Terms

Stay-at-home: A direct synonym for someone who rarely goes out.

Introvert: While not all introverts are homebodies, many share the preference for quiet, solitary, or small-group settings.

Cozy enthusiast: Someone who prioritizes a comfortable “hygge” atmosphere.

A homebody is not necessarily shy or lonely; they simply find their greatest comfort and relaxation within their own four walls.

What is a Hygge Lifestyle?

A hygge “hoo-gah” lifestyle is a Danish concept centered on coziness, comfort, and deep contentment through simple pleasures and togetherness. It’s about creating a warm, safe atmosphere and slowing down to enjoy the present moment.

Key Elements of Hygge

  • Warm Lighting: Using soft lamps, a crackling fireplace, and lots of candles to set a gentle mood.
  • Cozy Spaces: Surrounding yourself with soft blankets, plush pillows, and thick woolen socks.
  • Togetherness: Sharing long, relaxed meals and deep conversations with close family and friends.
  • Simple Pleasures: Enjoying basic treats like hot cocoa, fresh baked goods, or reading a good book in a quiet nook.
  • Mindfulness: Unplugging from phones and work to appreciate the current moment
General, Getting Started, Lifestyle

Life Advice I’d Give to Someone Younger Than Me

Corie Muldoon

CANI. Continuing and never-ending improvement. It’s a way of life. Striving to learn from mistakes, learn from others, and become the best versions of ourselves we can be: happy, healthy, and fit.

Life can be broken down into areas we can work to improve, like health, fitness, mindset, finances. Below are some of my best reminders for myself that I would share with someone younger than me.

Applying CANI in Real Life

  • Emotional health: recognizing and accepting a range of emotions, both positive and negative, as natural parts of life and learning how to positively cope with them
  • Overall health: making mindful, healthy choices consistently
  • Fitness: stretching morning and night, strength training three times a week, cardio 2hrs per week
  • Lifestyle: keeping things simple, desiring less, scheduling in adventures
  • Relationships: communicating your wants and needs in a productive way
  • Living: slowing down, no rushing, being where your feet are in the here and now
  • Mental health: working on breathwork, walking in nature, sharing struggles with loved ones
  • Personal growth: reading books, journaling, answering self-reflection prompts

Final Thoughts

Having freedom and being happy lies in the daily choices we make. Focus on what you can control: your actions. Adjusting along the way with a good, positive attitude.

~ Leave your thoughts below ~

Keep on stepping! x Coor

PS – If you wanna dig deeper check out Best of Blog – Out of 300+ posts, these 15 matter most. Some changed how readers think about health, others represent my core philosophy, and the rest are the frameworks I return to again and again in my own life. If you’re new here or short on time, start with these – they’re the foundation of everything else I teach.

Featured Series, Mental Health, Relationships

Sowing Connection: Building Supportive Relationships That Help Mental Health Bloom

Corie Muldoon
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

Humans are wired for connection. Research consistently shows that strong, supportive relationships are one of the most powerful predictors of mental health and life satisfaction.

Yet in our busy, digital world, meaningful connections often get neglected until we desperately need them.

The Mental Health Power of Connection

Quality relationships don’t just make us feel good—they literally change our brain chemistry and stress response:

  • Strong social connections reduce the risk of depression by 30%
  • Supportive relationships lower cortisol levels and blood pressure
  • People with strong social ties live longer & recover faster from illness
  • Connection activates release of oxytocin, naturally reducing anxiety

Seeds of Connection to Plant Today

1. Deep Listening

The Science: When we feel truly heard, our nervous system calms and stress hormones decrease. Active listening strengthens trust and emotional bonds.

Plant the seed: In your next conversation, put away distractions and practice the “80/20 rule”—listen 80% of the time, speak 20%. Ask follow-up questions like “How did that make you feel?” or “Tell me more about that.”

2. Vulnerability in Small Doses

The Science: Sharing authentic experiences creates psychological safety and deepens bonds. Researcher Brené Brown found that vulnerability is essential for meaningful connection.

Plant the seed: Share one genuine feeling or struggle with a trusted person this week. Start small—maybe how you felt during a challenging moment at work or a worry you’ve been carrying.

3. Consistent Check-ins

The Science: Regular, predictable contact builds secure attachment and creates a safety net for mental health challenges.

Plant the seed: Choose one person to check in with weekly. Send a simple text: “Thinking of you—how’s your week going?” Consistency matters more than lengthy conversations.

4. Protecting Your Energy

The Science: Learning to say no to draining interactions preserves your mental energy and creates space for supportive relationships to flourish.

Plant the seed: Practice saying “I need to think about that” instead of immediately saying yes to requests. This simple phrase gives you time to consider what truly serves your wellbeing.

Nurturing Different Types of Connections

Acquaintance-level: Smile at neighbors, make small talk with cashiers. These micro-connections boost mood and create a sense of community belonging.

Friend-level: Schedule regular activities, remember important events in their lives, and be consistent in your communication.

Close relationships: Practice emotional honesty, offer support during difficult times, and celebrate successes together.

When Relationships Feel Challenging

Remember that not every relationship will bloom, and that’s okay. Some connections are meant to be seasonal. Focus your energy on relationships that feel mutual, supportive, and energizing. It’s better to have three deep, meaningful connections than twenty superficial ones.

This Week’s Connection Challenge

Choose one relationship seed to plant this week:

  • Have one conversation where you listen more than you speak
  • Share something authentic with a trusted friend
  • Send a heartfelt message to someone you’ve been thinking about
  • Say no to something that will drain your mental energy

Notice how tending to your relationships affects your overall mood and stress levels.

Next week: “Creating Sanctuaries” Simple ways to transform your living space into a mental health sanctuary.

Remember, while supportive relationships are crucial for mental health, they can’t replace professional support when needed. If you’re experiencing persistent mental health symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider. See free resources here

Sowing Connection: Building Supportive Relationships That Help Mental Health Bloom | Core by Corie

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Movement, Seasonal - Spring

Outdoor Fitness: Taking Your Workouts Outside After Winter

Corie Muldoon

After months of indoor workouts, spring finally invites us back outside!

Transitioning your fitness routine from the controlled gym environment to the great outdoors requires some adjustments, but the benefits:

  • Fresh air
  • Vitamin D
  • Changing scenery

…make it well worth the effort.

Why Take Your Workout Outside?

Outdoor exercise offers unique advantages over indoor workouts:

  • Natural vitamin D exposure improves mood and immune function
  • Varied terrain challenges different muscle groups
  • Changing scenery reduces exercise boredom
  • Research shows outdoor exercise can feel less strenuous while burning more calories

Smart Transition Tips

1. Start gradually: Begin with 20-30 minute sessions as your body adapts to different temperatures and terrain.

2. Layer appropriately: Spring weather can be unpredictable. Wear moisture-wicking base layers and bring a light jacket you can remove as you warm up.

3. Modify your routine: Convert gym exercises to outdoor versions. Swap treadmill runs for trail jogs, or stationary bikes for cycling paths.

4. Fuel yourself: Stay hydrated, and consider adding LMNT or Tailwind to your water bottle for longer cardio sessions.

5. Embrace the elements: Use nature as your equipment—park benches for step-ups, hills for resistance training, or trees for balance exercises.

Simple Outdoor Workout Ideas

  • Park circuit: Alternate between walking, jogging, and bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups against benches.
  • Stair workouts: Find local stadiums or public stairways for powerful cardio and lower-body training.
  • Nature walks: Start with brisk walking before gradually incorporating light jogging intervals.
  • City date days: Put on your favorite running shoes and explore new areas of your local city or town.

Remember, consistency matters more than intensity. The joy of moving outdoors after a long winter can reinvigorate your fitness journey and help you build sustainable healthy habits.

Are you looking forward to more outdoor workouts!? What’s your favorite way to get active outside? Leave a comment to share with the group and inspire others!

Newsletter

✨ March 2025 Newsletter ✨

Corie Muldoon

Hey Friend!

March was so eye opening! We touched on mindfulness, and how we can apply it in our daily life: fitness, nutrition, hydration, daily habits, and productivity. It’s true that when we ask the right questions and commit to intentional living, it improves our quality of life.

This month, I’m excited to share some simple ways we can be more mindful throughout our day to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. These tips are perfect for busy people looking to get the most out of their day without overwhelming things.

Let’s dive in!

 ✨ NEW ON THE BLOG ✨

✨ BLOG OF THE MONTH ✨

4 Steps to Building Wealth
most viewed blog – picked by you!

4 Steps to Build Wealth: There are four steps to building wealth: working income, savings, investments, and simple living. Together, they support goals like:

  • Financial independence (more money coming in than going out) and
  • Retirement (no longer having to work for money).

✨ WHAT I’M LOVING THIS MONTH ✨

Herbal tea (lavender, nettle life, dandelion), baking oatmeal cookies, sunbathing with the pup, grinding coffee beans for a fresh batch, dusting and cleaning, plant clippings, planning for Q2

✨ QUICK FIT TIP ✨

Did a 40 hour water fast for the first time this month… Overall, I loved it! The end result was no bloating, feeling super hydrated, laser focused activity, and a good reset for my internal clock.

I found that my digestive system was able to relax, like really relax. Specifically while I was sleeping (I got a great night’s sleep too!) Other than water, I had a single LMNT pack, some herbal tea, black coffee, and hot water with spices (herbal broth).

I’m thinking of doing a water fast every 3 months. Full cleanse mind, body, and soul. A great way to prepare for the new season. Big thanks to Jesse Itzler for the inspiration!

✨ KEEP ON STEPPING ✨

Another month in the books, super grateful for that! Wishing you an April full of renewal, love, and joy. You got this. Whatever the goal, take it one day at a time.

If you have any questions, comments, found value – please let me know!

Remember, take it easy and breathe deeply.

Do you like these newsletters? Anything I could add / takeaway?! Leave a comment or reply to this email! Appreciate you x

Movement

Move It or Lose It: Movement Hacks for Busy People

Corie Muldoon

Your body craves movement, but who has time for hours at the gym? These micro-movement strategies transform everyday moments into opportunities for health and vitality.

Morning Rituals

While brushing your teeth, practice single-leg balance. Alternate legs midway through. This simple hack engages your core and improves stability before your day even begins.

Kitchen Moments

Waiting for water to boil or tea to steep? Drop into a deep squat. Hold it as long as you can. This transforms dead time into a leg-strengthening, mobility-improving mini-workout.

Work and Desk Life

Set an hourly alarm for movement breaks:

  • Stand up and do 10 body rolls
  • Perform shoulder shrugs
  • Stretch your spine
  • Walk around for 2-3 minutes

Commute and Travel

Skip the elevator. Take stairs with a little extra bounce. If you’re walking, practice mindful movement by feeling each step and breathing deliberately.

Outside and Nature

Dog walks aren’t just for pets. Use this time for:

  • Grounding exercises
  • Walking meditation
  • Intentional breathing
  • Gentle stretching between work sessions

Quick Action Checklist

  • Balance on one foot while brushing teeth
  • Do a deep squat while waiting in the kitchen
  • Take stairs instead of elevators
  • Set hourly movement alarms
  • Practice mindful walking during dog breaks
  • Stretch between work sessions
  • Add small movements to daily routines

Movement doesn’t require massive time commitments. It’s about integrating small, intentional actions throughout your day.