A Roadmap to Help You Be a Better You

by | Apr 28, 2021 | Blog

Kristi Hugstad made a delightful third appearance on Life Mastery Radio this week. She has a second book out with a vital message for young adults, high schooler’s, teachers, parents, and anyone who can lead by example.

Her newest book is

Kristi is a grief recovery specialist and hosts The Grief Girl Podcast.

Eight years ago, Kristi’s husband died by suicide. That was tragic enough, and even more so since he stepped in front of a train on which his father was a passenger.

After living through the aftermath of such deep loss, and not having tools at the time to ease her pain, Kristi vowed to help those who might suffer as she did. This sparked her passion to write her first book: B

“There is a stigma regarding depression and mental illness. All of us are going through hard times right now. Businesses have been shut down; kids are learning remotely. No one was prepared for, nor had the tools to navigate this pandemic. Teens need a manual for selfcare.”

Kristi Hugstad

Kristi explained young people are wired for social connection. When they don’t  get that connection there will be problems, and she is doing her best to prevent those problems.

“Youth are feeling guilty for feeling depressed or having anxiety. They say, ‘I don’t know why I’m feeling sad, because no one in my family has died’. I tell them grief is not just about death. I point out they’ve lost social connection, and they can grieve for something that never was such as a prom, athletics, and/or graduation. I tell them their feelings of separation and loss is valid.”

Kristi Hugstad

Kristi’s book provides something all teens, young adults, parents, you, and I need: tools of self-care.

  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Emotional
  • Social
  • Financial

The reader may focus on one of these more than another on any given day. Kristi gives the why for each tool, allowing you to make better choices. She offers ways to track your progress and report often about the outcomes of your choices.

Kristi Hugstad

“Journaling is an important self-care tool. Many people wonder what to write in a journal, and how often to write. The book provides questions and prompts for simple and effective ways to compose your feelings.”  

Kristi Hugstad

Prompts may be:

  • What I’m I grateful for?
  • What positive things happened today?

In a brilliant way, Kristi also provides occasional check ins for the reader. She has included a stopwatch within the pages of her book and questions such as, “how long have you been sitting? Why don’t you grab a healthy snack and get five minutes of fresh air right now?”

“We take for granted people know how to do these things. Teens may not; you may not. Some people need this roadmap for selfcare, and these are reliable tools.”

Kristi Hugstad

Besides financial tools to help the reader avoid stress and anxiety related to money issues, Kristi’s book includes ways to change negative thinking.

“Young people can learn to attract more positive energy. Routine creates habits. Habits like exercise will raise endorphins in the brain, alter its chemistry, and encourage more effective action”.

Kristi Hugstad

Kristi had advice for parents and kids during the pandemic:

“Get your kids motivated again, lower your expectations right now. Their mental health must come first. Parents should lead by example. Dial it back a bit and take the pressure off. Make room for fun.”

Kristi Hugstad

Kristi suggests you don’t simply hand her book to your young adult. YOU need to read it first and apply the principles, then lead by example. Mention the highlights that helped you make changes, and tools that were helpful to you.

Kristi ends her book with a message of hope. She feels compelled to help you and your young adult to develop a positive lifestyle and mindset. By reading it you’ll figure out how to be a better you.

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