Article Archives – Page 9 of 14

11 Inspiring Women Share Stories of Chasing Their Dreams

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Josh

We’ve been delighted to hear so many inspiring ladies stories of chasing after their dreams, finding a way to make a more flexible lifestyle work for them, and stopping at nothing to create a life they adore.

We’ve featured some of these inspiring women on our Instagram and Facebook and are sharing more of their stories here. Full of passion, they’re sure to inspire and encourage you. They might even ignite the fire in you to pursue your crazy big dreams. Because life’s too short and we only have one brilliant chance at building a life we love.

Ami Lee’s story about taking a huge risk then falling in love with her life again.

“Last year I quit my job, packed a bag, and jumped on a plane. People told me I was crazy, that I was ruining my life, that I should be scared. But I didn’t care. I felt suffocated and stuck, so I left. And I met the best damn people on this Earth. I ate street food that fed my very soul and experienced profoundly spiritual moments in ancient, holy places. My heart cracked wide open and fell head over heels in love with life again. I don’t know how I found the courage to get on that plane, but I’m so glad I did. My only regret is not doing it sooner.” – Ami Lee ( @_ami_lee_ )⠀

Grace Kim’s story on being open to taking risks and enjoying life.

“Leaving my job this past March was the hardest and easiest thing to do. The hardest because I’d never done anything that ‘risky’ before. The easiest because I chose myself. Every day, I make my schedule, decide who I see, what I do, how I move, and where I work. There’s nothing more satisfying to my soul.” – Grace Kim @gracejyk

Veronica Stoddart, former travel editor-in-chief of @usatoday, on the importance of travel.

“I consider travel a force for good in the world. I started consulting in early 2015 after a long career with major media companies and absolutely love the flexibility and empowerment of being my own boss and master of my domain. Although I’ve had to learn to manage the ebb and flow of working with clients, it’s been life-changing to be able to decide the kind of work I want to do. Plus, I can work from anywhere, which is a real advantage since I’m on the road so much. Have laptop will travel!” – Veronica Stoddart, @vjstoddart

Viktoria Urbanek and the benefits of remote work for her.

“I’ve worked remotely for the past four years, many times just from my desk at home but also on trains, planes, ferries, and pretty much anywhere. It’s not easy, but the freedom that comes with it is what defines me. Traveling and diving are so much easier when working remotely – I wouldn’t want to change a thing. Proud to be a female entrepreneur!” – Viktoria Urbanek @wanderlustcom

Brianna Valleskey explaining how freelancing has helped her become her happiest self.

“I’m not built for office life. I get extremely antsy when trying to sit still for eight hours a day, and that feeling of being trapped at a desk always made me less productive. But freelancing has freed me to follow my wandering spirit. I now have the pleasure of working with clients across the globe how, where and when I want. My boyfriend and I love to travel, and I couldn’t be happier that I finally have the finances and flexibility to do so.” – @bri_valleskey ⠀

Emily Pelland’s story on her fear of the ordinary inspiring and motivating her.

“My greatest fear is the fear of an ordinary life. It’s the fear of not actually living, of my life being cut short but having never actually painted the colors my mind is full of. The fear of not having stories to tell and the fear of lying in my death bed, and not having used the gift of life wisely. I fear being defined by one career or by one place. People always tell you to face your fears, but I have a hard time believing that this is a fear I should set aside. This is the fear that motivates me and I hope it’s here to stay.” – Emily Pelland, @hikingwithheels

Jacqueline Jensen sharing how remote work has really helped her.

“Working remotely allows me to live a rich life where I can optimize my environment and my day in a way that works best for me. I find I’m more productive, creative, and passionate working remotely compared to times when I have been in an office each day. I’m excited to see how the future of work evolves to give more women the option to be able to work remotely, too!” – @JackieMJensen⠀

Bethany’s story about facing her fears to pursue a life she had been dreaming about.

“A year ago, I booked my one-way ticket, quit my job, sold my car and have not looked back since! Travel has been a massive journey of self discovery for me. I’ve definitely had to work through some big fears and challenges along the way. Travel not only changes your physical reality but it also changes you as a person. I know I’ve had to let go of many beliefs that I held about people and the world in general to make room for what I was now coming to know through real experience. Beliefs about other parts of the world, different cultures, lifestyles, and religions. When you travel it changes the way you see everything and you start to see and experience life with fresh new eyes.” – Bethany, @brownhairedwanderer⠀

Christina’s story on how she finally achieved work-life balance to live the way she wanted. ⠀

“I never believed that work-life balance was possible, or that I could actually create a lifestyle that was equally challenging and fulfilling. When I quit my job to travel, I had no expectations that it would be forever- just a short stint to see the world. But what I found was that once I chose to honor my deepest desires, the world opened up to me in ways that I never thought possible. I experienced true presence, met amazing people, and built a worldwide network just from following my instincts. I’ve gained so much from that act of bravery two years ago, not the least of which is the ability to work where I want, when I want, making as much as I want. It was a scary undertaking and certainly a leap of faith, but looking back, I wouldn’t change it for anything.” – Christina Perricone

Sara’s story of finally giving into her daydreams and pursuing a life she really loves.

“Having been born in Tokyo to mixed race parents, and going back and forth between Japan and the US throughout my childhood, I guess traveling is in my DNA. For as long as I can remember, all I wanted was to continue exploring new cultures, experiencing new places, and meeting amazing and diverse people. I studied in Rome during college hoping it would cure my wanderlust, but it just fed that need even more! Now, after taking the road society expects and working at a desk (while daydreaming about being anywhere else), I’ve finally decided to give into that not-so-quiet voice in my head to build a life that will allow me to travel and do work that I truly enjoy! I have started a social media marketing & VA business and already landed my first client within my first week! I’m now working on building my clientele, leaving my 9-5, and transitioning into taking this full time! I am so excited for this journey and am ready to build a life that I truly love!” – Sara Lovelace, @saralovelace⠀

Sophie’s story on how becoming a freelancer allowed her to follow her intuition.

⠀

“Working as a freelancer allows me to enjoy my freedom, respect my own pace and follow my intuitions. I believe it helps me get the best out of me because I can adjust my working hours and change location often. It keeps me awake, curious and inspired. After a few years working in an office, freelancing has really helped my find myself again, I feel more responsible for my life and alive.” – Sophie Rocher, @pepillustration⠀

These women show how possible it really is to live with flexibility. They all took a leap, to chase their dreams and managed to find a way to make it fit the lifestyle they wanted. Whether you’re just starting your business, have been consulting for ages, or are working a 9-5, know that it is possible to have the life you want. Let these inspiring women light a fire in you to finally take a leap and dive wholeheartedly into chasing your dreams.

Ready to take the leap? We’ve shared a ton of amazing resources here, to help you find remote work, pitch going remote to your boss or level up your freelance game. Happy flex working!

How to be a Better Speaker – Do These Things

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Josh

The ability to speak clearly, succinctly and powerfully is easier than you think.

Guest Post by Stephanie Fairyington
The ability to communicate effectively can make or break a person’s assessment of your intelligence, competence, and authenticity. President Donald Trump, for example, is frequently noted for his every-man communication style, and the way he “tells it like it is.” In contrast, former President Barack Obama is often hailed as one of our nation’s greatest orators for his poise and eloquence. Robert Dallek, a presidential historian and author of An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, ranks Obama in the same class as historically renowned speakers, such as former Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and John Kennedy, telling the Los Angeles Times that Obama “stands in that tradition in using poetry, literature and phrasing that is artistic.” Geoffrey Tumlin, the CEO of Mouthpeace Consulting and author of Stop Talking, Start Communicating, puts Oprah Winfrey and Madeleine Albright in the same category. “Oprah,” he says, “is a great example of connection plus preparation and someone who lets you really see who she is.” She expertly employs Tumlin’s musts for powerful and persuasive communication:

Stand Still and Stop Fidgeting

Learning to harness spazzy energy and erratic movements while talking, whether in a meeting at work or on stage in an auditorium, will give the impression that you are calm and in command. “There’s a lot of good research that suggests that we project influence and status on people who aren’t fidgeting around a lot when they are talking to people,” Tumlin says. He suggests watching Obama, whom he calls a master of stillness, at the White House Correspondents Dinner to see what elegant comportment looks like. “His poise,” he says, “projects gravitas.” In our frenetic world, there’s something deeply soothing about someone who can manifest a sense of equanimity and placidity. “Power is so characteristically calm,” English novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton once wrote, “that calmness in itself has the aspect of strength.”

Steady Your Emotions and Be Prepared

It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing for a one-on-one meeting or presenting a Ted Talk, it helps to do your homework before opening your mouth. When there’s an intense underlying emotion beneath the desire to communicate something, we tend to hyper-express a messy tangle of words that fail to capture what we’re really trying to say. That’s all wrong. Find your center, perhaps with a breathing exercise or five minutes of meditation to calm the inner storm, and prepare. “Almost no one goes to a public speaking engagement unprepared,” Tumlin points out, but we frequently do just that for crucial conversations with close friends and family — or for one-on-one situations at work because it’s not nearly as daunting as talking in front of dozens or hundreds of people. “In the absence of that fear, they don’t prepare,” he notes, but those intimate tête-à-têtes are “where some of the most important conversations of our life happen.” Tumlin, who’s been a communication scholar, educator and expert for 20 years, stresses: “If the conversation matters, prepare for it. Period.”

Be Yourself

“The whole goal in interpersonal communication and being influential,” Tumlin says, “is to be yourself minus distractions,” like fidgeting or bringing high octane emotionality and unpreparedness to a situation. He cites Obama, Trump and Winfrey as examples of political and cultural leaders who evince authenticity: “You never get the impression that they’re acting.” That’s crucial because “everybody knows when you’re trying to be someone that you’re not.” And the payoff for being yourself may bring you unexpectedly high returns: “I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become,” Winfrey jokes, “If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.”

Record Yourself

Tape your next presentation or meeting to see where you’re missing the mark. “Get some footage and get somebody to give you feedback,” Tumlin suggests. Even if you fumble the first several (hundred) times, Tumlin encourages the insecure or faint-hearted to keep at it, noting that both Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush were considered blazingly bad public speakers at first, but dramatically and steadily improved with continued practice.

Originally shared on Thrive Global.
Stephanie Fairyington, staff writer at Thrive Global.
A New York-based journalist, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic (online), The New Republic (online), The Boston Globe, and several other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her spouse Sabrina and daughter Marty.
Confidence is something we all have to work on but speaking better comes with more confidence. At Behere, we know the value living in new cities has on you and your confidence. Learn more about the difference living in a new city has on you, and your productivity, here.

Women Making Moves | Skylar Schneider, Team USA Cyclist

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Josh

Our team connected with this driven, forward-thinking woman, Skylar Schneider. Since a young age, she has traveled and pushed herself out of her comfort zone. A Team USA Cyclist, Skylar shared her journey into cycling (that started when she was just 4 years old!), some of her greatest challenges and how it got her to where she is today – living in and biking for Holland.

Where are you from and where do you currently live?

I’m from West Allis, WI which is just outside of Milwaukee. Home is still West Allis, however my base in Europe is in Southern Holland.

Tell us about your journey to cycling. What inspired you to start?

My dad was already a cyclist when he met my mom in high school, although she didn’t think the sport was cool enough and swore that she would never touch a bike. Later in their relationship he built her a custom hot pink bike, which was enough to change her mind.
Both of them raced around the US and passed on the love of the sport to my siblings and I. I did my first race at four years old and am now one of the youngest women in the World to be racing at the highest level of the sport.

What has been your greatest achievement?

In 2016 I qualified for the World Championships and represented Team USA in Doha, Qatar. I went on to finish 2nd place and earn a silver medal in the road race. Standing on the podium in the red, white, and blue of the United States uniform is a feeling I’ll never forget and hope to achieve again one day!

And your greatest challenge?

The greatest challenge is the time spent away from home. In a given year, I spend more days away than I am home. Therefore, I sacrifice a lot of time with my family and miss out on holidays. During the Spring while I was living in Holland, my dog passed away and this broke me. I knew that when I returned home it would never be the same. I grew from this experience by realizing that it was OK to cry and it was OK to talk about it with my family as we mourned together, despite being so far away from them. In other words, communication is key – especially with loved ones – and something I’m constantly working at to keep our relationships strong despite the distance.

How has traveling and living abroad inspired/pushed you and provided you with valuable life experiences?

I have realized that every time I travel, I am changing a bit as a person. My own understanding of the world has been shaped by the beautiful and imperfect places that I have had the opportunity to see, and the people I meet along the way.
With these valuable and raw life experiences, I’ve been pushed and inspired to have more compassion and an understanding for other cultures. You can learn a lot from people by observing- especially the locals who have a rhyme and a reason for the way they’re doing things. Like this, you’re opening your mind to doing something different than you might normally and developing a better understanding for the people around you.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since moving abroad? Any advice for someone thinking about living abroad?

At 19 years old I essentially moved abroad where a lot of unknowns and lessons awaited me. I was living in a place where my only transportation was by foot, bike, or train. I learned to strategically plan my grocery store trips, load a train card, and plan logistics for getting the places I needed to be (…and so much more).
For anyone living abroad, there’s a balance between letting go and living in the moment, while also understanding when it’s super important to plan for the future. Ultimately, you’re going abroad to enjoy it and not be stressed out the whole time, so really take advantage of learning from your mistakes and remembering that ‘que sera, sera’.

What is your fav place you’ve been? Where you’re off to next?

“My favorite place to travel to is Colombia! There’s something about the charming towns, happy people, and fresh food that makes me fall in love every time I’m there! The culture is dramatically different than what I’m used to in America or Europe, but what I’ve learned from Colombians is that you truly don’t need a lot to be happy- in other words- money doesn’t equal happiness.
Although 99% of my travels throughout the year have to do with cycling, my next trip is an actual vacation! My family and I are going to Montreal, Canada. My grandma grew up in Montreal but hasn’t returned in many years, so the family is going with her to learn more about her roots. It has been in the works for about 3 years and now it’s just 2 weeks away!
Overall, I hope women will feel encouraged to travel using Behere, and inspired to learn more about themselves by embracing the challenge and independence of going abroad.”

Connect with Skylar at myscarletsky.com or on IG @sky_schneider.
To learn more about Behere, click here.

Challenges Faced by Women Working Remotely (And How to Minimize Them)

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Josh

Making the move from a standard office to a remote worker can be daunting. It’s a departure from the structure and social elements we associate with corporate life. We took a look at some of the challenges faced by women working remotely, and what they can do to ensure a smooth transition.

Create Structure

Creating structure is something both employers and employees need to address early on when establishing a remote team. The employer wants to ensure that enough work is getting done. The employee wants to make sure they are completing tasks, while maintaining flexibility. Managing expectations is key on both sides in creating a productive team. Ease your supervisor’s mind by staying connected. Make it easy to reach out with tools like Slack which make communicating your goals and team collaboration simple.

Finding Balance

Finding balance as a remote worker can be difficult, but is critical to not getting worn out. Working from anywhere means you likely can control your schedule. So tap into your most creative and productive hours, while ensuring your work time has an end. Stay accessible to your colleagues during office hours, but set boundaries of when you can be contacted. Women often feel a need to demonstrate their full commitment to their job, more so than men, but staying connected 24/7 is draining. All employees need time to recharge at the end of the day. Just because your phone is always on you, doesn’t mean you should be responsive at all hours.

Feeling Connected

Feeling connected to your colleagues and company culture can be difficult when you’re not sharing a workspace. Co-working spaces can be a good solution to this, as you may miss Friday happy hour or enjoying your lunch with a colleague. If you’re still craving that social scene, seek out other environments that have an established community like exercise classes or volunteer events that provide a sense of belonging and common interest. At Behere we not only establish that community of like-minded women, but provide avenues for women working remotely to connect through things you want and things you need when you’re out of your comfort zone.

Keeping Communicating

Keeping the lines of communication open is key to ensure you are connected with your coworkers, just as you would if you were in the office. Make sure you call into meetings to share what you are working on and let your colleagues know all of the modes of communication that make it easy to keep in touch. Avoid the question, “When will you be in the office next?” and encourage your team to not delay any meetings based on geography.

Don’t be afraid to ask for training

Don’t be afraid to ask for training when you’re working remotely. You may feel like the space between you and your coworkers could deter training and job advancement, especially since almost half of women in the US feel that they receive less professional development and career growth than men. So continue to communicate your goals and voice your eagerness to learn.

Working outside of the standard corporate office can have drawbacks, but overall the flexibility makes for a happier, healthier and more productive employee. Women around the world are taking advantage of the remote lifestyle, where they find balance while loving their work and gaining experiences.

If you’re looking to make the switch to remote work or just become a better remote worker then head to our resources page.

Written by Katie Tatham – @kltatham (Canadian wanderer & outdoor enthusiast)

The One Easy Trick That Will Sharpen Your Decision-Making

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Josh

It’s been used by everyone from philosophers to business leaders — and Stanford research shows it really makes a difference.

Guest Post by Nora Battelle, Multimedia Staff Writer at Thrive Global

Every month, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Executive Education and Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management come together to release a “nano tool” that hones in on small changes you can make to improve your performance and leadership abilities. Their September suggestion highlights the positive impact — and widespread usage amongst successful people — of walking while making difficult decisions or thinking through complex problems.

Walking has a long history as a regular habit of successful, influential people — Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens both used to take a walk every day, and Aristotle was famous for conducting his lectures, pupils in tow, while on the move. These figures have taken their walks for myriad reasons — to improve health with movement and fresh air, to find peace and solitude or to observe nature or cityscapes. There’s no shortage of good reasons to go for a walk.

But Wharton’s nano tool focuses on a particular one, and it’s a benefit that is encouraging business leaders like “the CEOs of LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook” to start walking, as well: Walking increases your creativity, and can “improve business outcomes” by helping you “come up with more and better ideas and enhanc[ed] decision making and problem solving.”

Research backs this up. Wharton’s nano tool is based on a 2017 Stanford University study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. The study found that walking encouraged “divergent thinking,” whether the walking occurred before participants were thinking through a question or while they were thinking it through. Divergent thinking can be understood as a psychological definition of what we often refer to as creativity: It indicates a pattern of thought that brings original ideas to a question or problem.

That’s a great mental state to encourage if you want to find novel, successful solutions to stressful and difficult problems. So, next time you are puzzling through a complex issue that needs a special creative touch, go for a walk. You may be surprised by the ideas you come up with.

Originally posted on Thrive Global.

Nora Battelle, Multimedia Staff Writer at Thrive Global
Nora Battelle is a writer from New York City. Her work has been published in the Awl, the Hairpin, and on the LARB blog, and she’s written for podcast and film. She’s fascinated by language, culture, the internet, and all the small choices that can help us thrive.

How This Business Owner Conquered Her Fears to Travel Alone

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Nevica Vazquez, is business strategist that started her company to have more freedom. She shared how as a business owner conquered her fears to travel abroad alone. Originally from New York, Nevica booked her month in Lisbon this summer on Behere. In Lisbon she focused on work, getting amazing photos taken and connecting with the community. Read about her summer in Lisbon below!

You started a company to help woman realize their full potential, tell us about it.

“I’m a Business Strategist at NevicaVazquez.com to digital bosses who know their businesses have huge potential, but don’t have a business plan spelled out and locked in place. The women I work with are past the beginner stage and are ready to refine and restructure their business so that it’s built to grow to six figures.
My clients are online service providers and have been in business for 2-4 years. They’ve tried, tested, and launched a lot of things. Their business has made around 20k – 40k, so they know their ideas can make money, but they haven’t been able to make their business consistently sustainable. So, I come into their business and help them figure out what is, and isn’t, working. Then I help them refine and restructure what they have, to create a business that’s built to grow.”

What did your typical day look like in Lisbon?

“A day in My Lisbon Life went like this:

8:00 am – Wake up + meditate in my beautiful living room, which had floor to ceiling windows and looked out to the amazing streets of Lisbon

8:30 am – Workout. Though Behere has the option of a gym membership, I chose to workout from my apartment with Youtube videos and workout apps because I had the space and it was what I preferred!

9:00 am – Get ready for a day of work!

10:00 am – On a good day, when I wasn’t rushing to start working, I would get a smoothie at my favorite lunch place in Lisbon, Sama Sama

10:30 am – 3:00 pm – Work, which means: client calls, emails, creating business plans, sending clients their action steps

3:30 pm – 4:00pm – Back to Sama Sama for my favorite crepe (the Charles), and chat with the owners, Sofia and Malte, about life and what was going on that day

4:00pm – 5:00pm – Go for a walk along the Tagus river to work off lunch, people watch, get refreshed and inspired!

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Squeeze in 1-2 more hours of work

7:30 – 8:30 – Walk up to my favorite lookout, with other women from the Behere community, at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, to watch sunset

9:00 pm – Find somewhere cool and new to go for dinner (my fav dinner spot was Mez Cais LX in LX factory)

11:00 pm – Get a pastel de nata for dessert at Manteigaria

11:30 pm – Go to Tasca Do Chico to listen to Fado music and end the night!”

What would you say is the most important thing you learned while in Europe?

“Traveling abroad on my own was always a big dream, and fear, of mine. I knew I wanted to do it but was afraid of being alone. One day while reading a book in front of the Tagus River, it hit me that I did it/was doing it. I had the courage to get over my fear and travel alone to somewhere I’d never been before, where I didn’t know the language. Realizing that I overcame a fear in that moment was so empowering, it made me feel limitless.
I really feel I can do anything since I had the courage to get over this fear.

Another huge takeaway I had in Lisbon was that there are people living their dream lives. Depending where you come from, you can sometimes feel life can only happen one way, because it’s all you see. But when you get out of your comfort zone, and surround yourself with people with different perspectives, you realize there is no one way to do life. And that you can create the life you want, if you have the courage to do it!”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“The most impactful way Behere helped on this journey was connecting me with other women in Lisbon and providing a City Host. My biggest fear of traveling was being alone. But the second I landed I had the opportunity to make friends and meet my city host.
Our city host connected the Behere community before we arrived and set up a welcome dinner so we could all hang out. She was an amazing host and connected me with other groups of people in Lisbon so I was always meeting new people and going to new places. Having her there for me in Lisbon really made it a special experience!
There’s nothing like visiting a place with a local! I’m so grateful Behere connected me with other amazing female business owners.”

Are you running a business and want to travel to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations!
Connect with Nevica on her website, NevicaVazquez.com or on Instagram @nevicavazquez.

Images and words courtesy of Nevica Vazquez.

Here's How You Can Make Time For Exercise – Even on Crazy Days

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Josh

A new study shows choosing to exercise is hard work for our brains. These are some ways to make it easier.

Guest post by Nora Battelle, Staff Writer at Thrive Global
At Behere we know the importance of exercise in staying mentally and physically fit, that’s why fitness memberships are a core part of Behere. And there’s no shortage of science suggesting that exercise is good for your mental as well as your physical health — and yet for many of us, incorporating exercise into our daily routines remains a struggle. A new study, published in the journal Neuropsychologia, asks why. Shouldn’t it be easier to take on a habit that is so good for us?
The study’s answer points towards what’s holding us back: According to the researchers, picking physically active behaviors over sedentary ones actually requires more brain power than picking active behaviors over sedentary ones. Whether it’s evolutionary or cultural, our brains seem to be wired to have an easier time lying on the couch than running on the treadmill — or even out in the park.
This means that it’s crucial to have structures in place that help you keep active, even when your brain is already tired out and would love some couch-lounging. Your brain will reap the benefits if you force it to: you’ll find that moving around even just a little bit will leave you less stressed, in a better mood — and even more energetic.
Here are a few microsteps to get yourself working out:

Pick a regular (sedentary) part of your existing routine and switch it out for an active choice

A great bet for incorporating change into your routine is attaching it to an already familiar habit. You may currently be in the habit of taking the elevator up to your office, using the closer train entrance or parking lot on your morning commute, or standing in front of the mirror as you brush your teeth and floss every night. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs; rather than using the nearest entrance, spend a few extra minutes and walk to the farther one; instead of standing as you floss, walk around your house. Small changes like these are a structured way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine without making any significant changes. Because they are attached to habits you already have, they should be easier to make routine.

Pinpoint the most frustrating, stressful part of your week, and commit to exercise right after that

This could be a weekly meeting or work task, or a regular phone call with one of your parents — simply pinpoint a moment of peak stress in your week. Then, commit to some physical activity immediately afterwards. Hold yourself accountable by writing a note to yourself in your calendar or an iPhone reminder. Depending on where and when this moment of stress happens, that activity could be as quick as running down the office stairs for a walk around the block, or as comprehensive as scheduling in gym time or a quick run. Whatever the activity is, sticking to it in those moments of tension will have an outsize effect on your stress by catching it immediately and diffusing tension through movement.

Work out while you watch TV

This is one of my favorites: You get to indulge the part of your brain that’s telling you to lie down on the couch while actually circumnavigating laziness. There are tons of exercises you can do while sitting or lying down in front of a show — pilates leg exercises are particularly great, because they often don’t require moving your upper body and interrupting your viewing experience. And there are plenty of videos with clear instructions to get you started on Youtube — run a quick search and find some moves that work for you. Every time you settle in for an hour of TV, take the first twenty minutes to exercise, as well.
Utilize these ideas to get your butt moving, even when you really don’t want to.

Article originally published on Thrive Global.
At Behere we know the importance of maintaining your fitness routine. We also know the value of living abroad (science backs this one up too!). That’s why we support your big dreams of living in a new city, by providing a solution for the time consuming, costly and overwhelming work behind it.
Choose a city and we’ve got you covered. Learn more here!

How To 'Design' Your Life, One You Truly Love

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Josh

We know the obvious ways design is part of our lives – through architecture, decor, fashion, art, food, the list goes on.

But have you ever thought about the actual ‘design’ of your life? Of what your ideal life looks like? Versus your current life design?

When you stop to ponder this, you realize your life is something that you too can design, and something you have control over the design of.

Let’s discuss for a minute the notion of flexibility…

Not just flexibility in the sense of stretching and yoga, but flexibility in our day-to-day lives, routines and work. Having the flexibility to design your day is something everyone strives for in today’s society.

Flexible work has become a hot topic, as more people are trying to find work-life balance. Employees are requesting flexible work options to have more time for themselves, the things they enjoy and the people they love.

Whether you’re a mother that wants to pick up your child, someone that is sick of sitting in rush hour traffic for two hours, or someone who desires to experience new places and people, flexible work is what you want.

Women especially value flexibility.

In a world and workforce that was created by men and for men, women are striving to find a way to live how they want.

Whether it’s because they are fed up with toxic office environments, don’t resonate with the 9-5 work structure, or have a penchant for travel and autonomy, more and more women aspire to create alternative frameworks in which they can thrive on their own terms.

This notion of seeking more and trying to live outside the box is something many women have dreamt of but few have pursued. Fear of the unknown, change, risk, danger, failing or even fear of succeeding and loving it too much, all hold us back.

If you can shake these fears and take that leap, the possibilities are endless.

**You can design your lifestyle.**

It’s as simple as that.

You can live in the middle of America one month, then decide you’re going to move to Bali the next. You can spend your whole life saying “what if ’s” and making excuses, or you can go ahead and actually do it. And once you do it opens a world of possibilities.

The value, knowledge and life-long memories you gain from pushing yourself out your comfort zone to live abroad are endless. You no longer have to settle for staying in the same town or city you grew up in, or falling into the same daily routine that no longer excites or serves you.

You can break free and learn – from adventure, from experience, from new cultures, people, places, cuisines and get to know this beautiful world we’re so lucky to call our home.

You can choose to design a life you truly love, one that meets all your needs and wants.

That’s the goal of what we’ve created at Behere.

To help women design lives they really love, through living in cities around the world, a month at a time.

The notion of moving to a new city is exciting, but also frightening and overwhelming.

We’ve been there; we get it.

That’s why we’ve taken care of all the getting set up and settled down parts, so you can continue your life – in a new city. We also know the decision to start your flexible lifestyle is one of the best decisions you’ll make.

**Oh, and science has proved it too**

In a recent study about the benefits of living abroad, it showed living abroad actually helps you find yourself (something most of us are trying to do). It helps you do this because when you’re away from your home environment and exposed to different people, cultures and values, you realize which values you have that are your own and which are simply a product of your upbringing.

This can be best summed up in a quote by the German Philosopher, Hermann von Keyserling: “The shortest path to oneself leads around the world”.

So what does this global-flexible lifestyle look like?

It could be spending a month in Spain, a month in Bali, 3 months in the Croatia, a month in Thailand or a build your-own “Eat Pray Love” experience.

That’s the beauty of your flexible lifestyle: you design it how you like.

“What about work, my job, my company?”

Technology has you covered on that one.

Thanks to the rapidly growing innovations of today, we can now speak with people all over the world face-to-face (or rather through a screen with our faces on it), we can communicate instantly with teams via platforms like Slack, Google Docs and more.

We are always, and instantly, connected, wherever the wifi might be.

Does this really help me be more productive?

What’s more are the benefits this lifestyle can have on your work that you won’t truly realize until you’ve done it.

You’ll feel more inspired by your new environments, more creative and more productive. You’re no longer distracted by office conversations, unnecessary meetings, loud coworkers (or barista’s if you’re a coffee shop working kinda gal). You’ll feel refreshed and invigorated by the new sensations and sights around you.

Excited by the possibilities, by the world, by your oh-so-delicious pizza at lunch, or your vino tinto by the beach at sunset. You feel free.

Free to do what you want.

To design your day; today, tomorrow, next week, month, etc. You can work on your passion projects or you can pour your reinvigorated heart into your work.

**Don’t get me wrong though, this is not a vacation.**

It is a lifestyle. An actual, sustainable, possible lifestyle. One that you will have to work at achieving and maintaining.

The reality is, you will still have the problems you had at home. There will still be bad days, laundry and work to be done.

But that’s the point. Not to run away from your life, but to design your life. The way you want it.

So try this: write out your ideal day. What it looks like, what you do, what it’s filled with. Where in the world are you? Where do you want to be?

Write down what you want your day and lifestyle to look like. There you’ll have it.

Your flexible lifestyle design.

Now, go make it happen.

Written by Behere CEO, Meesen Brown. Originally shared in Belong Mag.

How this Startup Founder Traveled While Running Her Business

Posted on September 25, 2018 by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and their advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.

Today’s Behere community feature, Joyce McCaffrey, is a startup founder from Toronto, Canada. She used Behere to book a month in Barcelona this summer. While busy running her own startup, Joyce took time to explore Spain and ring in the one year anniversary of her company’s launch from abroad.

Pretty cool, right? Check out her story below!

We love that you celebrated your business’ one year in Spain, tell us about your startup.

“A year ago, I started a digital content marketing agency called Atlas Content Studio. We specialize in creating credible online awareness for underrepresented areas of health. Think mental health, vaccination, sexual health – areas that people don’t necessarily want to talk about or simply don’t know the facts. Clients hire us to develop online strategies to tackle those awareness gaps. It’s super niche, but incredibly rewarding.”

What did a typical day look like for you in Barcelona?

“Life moves slower in Barcelona. My apartment was by the beach, so I’d take the time to eat breakfast on my balcony in Barceloneta. Then I’d walk to my workspace – about 30 mins through the beautiful streets of El Born (my favorite neighborhood). I’d spend the day at work, then go for a run along the beach. Or I’d explore a new neighborhood with friends from the workspace. Needless to say, every day was inspiring.”

What was the biggest thing you learned from living in a new place?

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that anything is possible. It applies to everything in life, but in this case – it’s possible to define the way you want to live, work, and travel. A second learning that caught me by surprise, was the value of solo traveling. It was one of the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had – and something I’ll be prioritizing moving forward.”

How was Behere helpful to your journey?

“My dream was to start a business that allowed me to do the work I love, while offering the flexibility to travel often while working. I was busy learning how to be a startup founder, so researching working remotely and getting set up abroad was out of the question. Fortunately, Behere had every detail figured out. I had a beautiful apartment, a workspace filled with likeminded people, and local recommendations upon arrival. My trip was curated based on the experience I wanted to have, and the process was seamless. Barcelona was my twelfth month since starting my business – so I got to ring in my one-year living out the very dream that got me started. It was a surreal feeling, and I’ll always have Behere to thank for that.”

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“I took a weekend trip to Cadaqués, a beautiful coastal town in Costa Brava. It’s where Salvador Dalí lived, and it honestly looks like a painting.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living abroad?

“Commit to it, make it happen, and start living out your dream.”

Are you running a business and want to travel to experience new cities without the headache of planning?
Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations!

Connect with Joyce via her website weareatlas.ca or on Instagram.

Images and words courtesy of Joyce McCaffrey.

Helping Women Around the World Create Careers They Love

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Josh

We think this enthusiastic lady, Kalyna Miletic, is great for many reasons. But we especially love the positivity and passion she shares for helping women succeed. Kalyna shared some great insights about her experience with starting freelancing and how she transitioned into a business dedicated to helping other women succeed.

Read on below for Kalyna’s insight and adventures through starting her company and traveling.

**What Inspired You to Start Kickstart Your Work?**

Even though I’ve worked with clients in 21 countries around the world and coached over 1,500 hours so far, my business hasn’t always been this way.
When I began freelancing at 19, I felt completely alone. I didn’t know how to grow my business, where to get clients or what service I should be providing. My confidence was at an all time low because I didn’t think I could make this happen for myself. There weren’t many others doing freelancing yet, especially where I was living, and the field was very male-dominated.
I started Kickstart Your Work to support women around the world to put their satisfaction and fulfillment first.

What is Kickstart Your Work?

Kickstart Your Work helps women love the work they do through group coaching programs, one-on-one coaching, training courses, retreats and workshops. Our philosophy is centred upon the idea that you can be successful and enjoy your time while working.

I’m so passionate about this mission because I believe time is our most valuable resource. Supporting women to take the leap and move into exciting careers as freelancers, makes me feel like I’m making the world a better place! Building this community has helped me feel there is a place I belong, with all of my quirks and big goals. I believe we should all be supported in achieving our big dreams. It means so much to me to know I’m supporting women around the world live their bigger visions.

Why is Helping Women Specifically, So Important to You?

I choose to work with women, specifically, because I know what it’s like to not fit in or feel you’re asking for too much. In high school I had a hard time and felt like I didn’t belong. The feeling continued throughout university and I always felt I was asking for too much with my big aspirations and dreams.
I want all women to know that they deserve whatever their heart is calling them to do, and their happiness matters and is critical to their fulfillment. I hope to help women build the lifestyle of their dreams, by sharing the system that has allowed me the freedom to work online, from anywhere.

What has been Biggest Challenge Since you Started Your Business?

The biggest challenge, so far, has actually been accepting that I can run a business and be successful. There have been all sorts of learning experiences and growth moments, but the most impactful, by far, has been to allow this wonderful experience into my life. I tried to push it away for years, feeling I didn’t deserve to be doing it, or it was too good to be true. Believing that I deserve to be happy, and can create anything I desire, has been life-changing professionally and personally.

How has Travel Impacted You?

I’ve been traveling for 4 years and it has completely changed the way I see the world and myself. Living in Brazil in 2016 was foundational to me making the decision to start Kickstart Your Work and continue running a location independent business.
Seeing how happy locals were with seemingly little material success was so inspiring to me. Their values of family, fun and celebration have stayed with me. I’m also always inspired by the people I meet. I’ve had thousands of conversations in planes, busses, hotels or restaurants, to name a few and I’m amazed at how much you can learn from people you meet.
I’ve visited around 22 countries so far, and seeing the different ways of life has truly opened me up to the realization that we are similar and rooted in the same fundamental desire for love and belonging.

What is your favorite place you’ve been? Where are you off to next?

My favourite place is a tough question to answer because I’ve seen such beauty all over the world. I feel most at home when surrounded by water. Some of the most gorgeous beaches I’ve seen are; Australia’s Sunshine Coast, Aruba, Brazil and California. My next stop is in France where I’ll be exploring the South!

Behere is excited to be helping with your upcoming retreat in Chiang Mai. What is it all about?

The Freelancer’s Retreat in Chiang Mai is all about helping women learn how to start attracting clients as independent contractors and work online from anywhere.

If using your genius zone (things you are great at and love doing) to deliver a service to clients feels like the right next step toward a fulfilling career, then learning the 5-step system to landing clients will completely transform the way you approach the transition to freelancing.

Any fun facts you want to share?

Through my travels and adventures, I’ve had the opportunity to skydive Foz Iguacu in Brazil and swim with Stingrays in Grand Cayman all while on the quest to find the perfect hammock.

And professionally, I’ve just landed two TedX Talks happening in the next few months (a long-time goal of mine)!

Want to start traveling and freelancing? Get started below!