Search results for: “mindfulness”

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SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTICE EVERYDAY MINDFULNESS

Tackling Stress And Anxiety, For Today & Tomorrow

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Over the course of the last year or so I’ve been focusing a lot more of my attention and energy on myself, specifically looking after myself. After years of self neglect and overwhelming volumes of stress as a result of my career, it’s fair to say my health had never been worse.

I talked a little about this here and here, but looking back I can see I suffered for 6 years with rather chronic stress and anxiety that I didn’t really acknowledge let alone do anything about (I still suffer now but am becoming much more aware and conscious of it). The tail tail sign was weekly debilitating bed bounding migraines, every single week, for years, yet even then I didn’t really stop and consider that this was my body trying to make me stop, let alone realise the stress that was causing them.

As a confident, high achieving person, you wouldn’t really think on the surface there was anxiety and stress riddling away from the inside out. It was only really when I reached peak ‘unwell’ and finally got diagnosed with auto immune (Colitis) that I started to think about my health and started to realise the level of stress and anxiety I was dealing with. And sadly probably another year again until I was compelled into making some lifestyle changes and to re-frame my priorities – my migraines, skin problems and colitis reached peak, and I couldn’t continue with the constant battle of trying to feel well. It was only really this moment (a mere matter of months ago) that something clicked and I decided it was time to put myself first, over my job, and get a handle on my health properly.

Anxiety and stress affects everyone differently, it’s personal, it’s scary and it’s often invisible. Looking back, suffering with stress and anxiety isn’t new for me, I spent my late teens pretty unwell and had three years of therapy to help me through it. And here I was again in my late twenties, with a completely different manifestation of my anxiety – auto immune disease, but ultimately being driven by the same underlying issues – stress and anxiety.

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Perhaps it was turning 30 or perhaps it was just feeling utterly fed up with living in such an unwell state, but in the last 6 months or so I’ve made a serious concerted effort to adjust my lifestyle to start living WELL. Finally making a commitment to myself above my commitment to my work. Seeing a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor has really helped, of course western doctors have too and I am on treatment for life for my colitis, but the TCM approach helped open my eyes to self healing and the real importance of looking after yourself, from the food you put in, to the management of stress to simply taking some time out each week for treatment. It also opened my eyes to how interlinked my migraines, skin and colitis is, and critically how stress terribly impacts them all. I’m now dairy and gluten free, I obviously have medicine for my colitis, as well as supplements (tumeric, fish oil, digestive enzymes & probiotics) for overall inflammation, I am having weekly acupuncture, I’ve restarted Pilates and yoga, and am working much more consciously at managing stress, dealing with anxiety and ultimately trying to create more CALM in my life everyday.

It’s funny, as I’ve written SO many posts about managing stress and living more mindfully in the past – and whilst I still stand by those tips now, in reality they were my own cries for help and advice to myself, and as with most things you never really take your own advise. But this time it’s different, I am practicing a more mindful approach, there’s tons more I need to do, but for the first time in years I am looking after myself and I am seeing health improvements.

So whatever your situation, however stress and / or anxiety manifests for you – it might be one off bursts of stress, constant anxiety, IBS, IBD, migraines, panic attacks, a general feeling of depression, fatigue … whatever it is – taking some super simple steps to calm down is really important, and HELPS.

And not just calm down in the moment, but create more calm in your life so the impact of stress and anxiety doesn’t happen so often and so intensely. So today I wanted to share a few of the ways I am trying to be more mindful and some of the techniques I am finding are helping me be more calm.

Lets talk: Tackling Stress, Being More Mindful, Creating Inner Calm

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SIMPLE WAYS TO BE MORE CALM, EVERYDAY

Tackling Stress, Being More Mindful, Creating Inner Calm

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5-10 MIN PRACTICES

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JOURNALLING:

There are so many mindfulness journals available on the market that there really is something for everyone. I am quite particular about the sorts of journals I enjoy and would use, anything too laborious just doesn’t work for me, but journals that offer quick tasks that can be done without any effort are exactly what I need. I recently bought two 5 minute journals from Anthropologie (one is mindfulness and one is for the morning) and these are pitched at exactly the right level for me, 5 minute mindfulness activities that can be done anywhere, at anytime, and don’t require anything more than a few minutes of brain power.

MEDITATION:

Apps like Calm and Headspace are absolutely brilliant ways of adding a touch of mindfulness and calm to your day everyday, both offer free or paid for services and have such a great array of tools at your disposal. I love both for different reasons, and regardless of what you’re feeling or struggling with each day, they have an activity, meditation or calming story for you. I highly recommend both of these apps for a super simple but effective way of practicing well being and re-balancing yourself.

At it’s most basic, spending 10 minute simply ‘being’, with no phone, no TV, no computer, no noise, no anything … sitting for 10 minutes doing nothing is enough to achieve a little bit of mindfulness everyday. When was the last time you did nothing?

INTENTION SETTING:

Another very simple practice is taking some time each morning or evening, just a few minutes is required, to set your intentions, think about some things your grateful for, or simply framing your day positively. Often starting the day or ending the day on the right note can make a big impact on how your day actually goes (it impacts your ability to deal with situations, and therefore manage stressful situations more positively). Intention setting is a really easy but positive tool for embracing calm, feeling hopeful and generally getting yourself into the right state to handle the day (and whatever it throws at you). State management is a super important part of mindfulness.

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1 HOUR PRACTICES

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PILATES / YOGA:

Regular practices such as Pilates and yoga are fantastic tools for mindfulness, they are great for breathing, releasing muscle tension, generally clearing your mind and relieving stress within your body and mind. I find when I do regular Pilates and yoga I  feel much better both mentally and physically. It doesn’t have to be expensive classes, even doing a 40 minute yoga session from home is incredibly positive, or if those activities aren’t for you simply running or getting active is often a great release for people. The key is finding an activity that allows you to clear your mind, move your body and focus on proper breathing – you’d be amazed how bad many of us are at breathing properly.

WALKING:

Whilst walking has never been a big love of mind, a good hike does wonders for the body and mind. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with great scenic hiking routes, creating a regular time to get out and walk is incredibly powerful. But if you don’t live in the beautiful countryside, by the sea or in great hiking spots, it doesn’t mean walking can’t be done. A simple stroll during your lunch break, walking to work or jumping off the tube a stop early, or just ditching the car can be a great way to add some calm into your everyday – walking is a great tool for calming down and getting into the right ‘mental state’. The important thing is to be aware of what is going on around you, take in nature, breathe, appreciate the little things you observe and generally be present in the moment.

ACUPUNCTURE / MASSAGE:

I am a big investor in both massage and more recently acupuncture. I find massage a really important part of my ‘de-stress’ routine and it does wonders for both my physical tension in my neck and shoulders which happens more when I am stressed, but also it forces me to take a mental break too.  Whenever I can i’ll book a 60 or 90  minute massage (usually once every month or two), but I also schedule bi weekly 30 minute chair massages at work too. More recently I’ve embraced TCM and have acupuncture each week – i’m really finding this process is helping me heal – addressing the levels of cortisol in my body, healing the ‘damp heat’ I have, but also forcing me to take an hour out of my day each week for self care. Both massage and acupuncture can be  expensive, and it’s an investment I am consciously making – but if budget doesn’t allow for this, don’t let it stop you taking an hour out for some self care each week, even a regular time for a bath & face mask can do wonders.

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LONGER PRACTICES

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TIME OUT:

I find ‘getting away’ from everyday routines and stresses a really important part of my wellness. Weekends at home, spa breaks, holidays, city breaks, anything that involves getting away from the day to day stresses of life, an opportunity to engage with something completely different and a chance to be more engaged in the ‘present’. There is nothing more mindful and calming to me, than exploring a new city, embracing the culture, architecture and food. Of course these things can cost a lot of money if you’re travelling afar, but even a trip ‘home’ or to stay with friends can work wonders. For me these are really important and something I aim to schedule for every other month or so throughout the year.

READING / CRAFTS :

Assuming you’re not reading a stressful thriller or horror novel, reading is another great way of having some ‘me time’ and escapism from everyday stresses. Making time to read, investing in books that bring you joy and calm, and indulging in a few hours of reading each week or day even, is another very simple but often incredible effective way of generating some inner peace and tranquility. Both of which are really important when you’re trying to de-stress and manage anxiety.

It doesn’t just have to be reading though, really it’s about finding activities and hobbies that offer you calm and a chance to unwind – art, gardening, cooking, surfing … whatever the activity if it allows you to relax, and not feel stressed, embrace it.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

What it really all comes down to is creating new healthy habits in your life to reduce stress, help you establish time for self care and creating calm, and ultimately establishing positive new routines and rituals that help ease anxiety overall.

The techniques and tools are endless really, but working out what works for you is key – anything that helps you live in the present, be more ‘aware’ of yourself and what is going on around you, and helping you find practices that release stress and help you maintain a calm and positive mental state (rather than adrenaline fueled for example).

Paying more attention to the food you consume and actively fueling yourself with better more wholesome food, ensuring you get a solid night sleep (sleep is so much more important than we realise and it’s become a hugely important part of my daily routine now), getting a coach to help you build self esteem and confidence so those stressful situations become less daunting, or filling your home and garden with plants to grow and care for, taking up a regular art class or simply spending 5 minutes writing down your thoughts of the day – there are so many small and big practices you can embrace to help relieve your stress, calm your mind and relax your body, all of which help gradually ease anxiety, stress and increase your ability to live more mindfully (and ultimately, WELL).

They just require a commitment from you, to practice them regularly, to help achieve an overall state of calm, positivity and strong physical and mental health.

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At it’s most basic mindful practice is as simple as focusing on the present, focusing on your body, paying attention to your breathing, appreciating and being grateful for what you have, finding things that bring you peace and calm (a stroll in the garden, drawing, writing, listening to music), and setting an intention of positivity for your day. It can be done in a few minutes each day, from anywhere at anytime, and the impact will be far greater than the effort involved in finding calm.

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DESIGN YOUR LIFE

The Overwhelming Nature Of Choice & Why Going With The Flow Is Sometimes Better For Mental And Physical Health

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I’ve been reading a lot lately. i’ve always been a fan of a good wellness or philosophical book – in fact, its a weakness of mine. My regular amazon drip of mindful living, beautifully illustrated, self help books is a deeply embedded addiction. It’s less about ‘finding answers’ and more about self exploration and general understanding … and a pathological need to buy things.

Anyway, my latest reads (and still to read book pile) covers everything from The School Of Life: An Emotional Education, The Power Of Now, Miracle Mornings and The Secret, to Yoga: The Mantra For Life, Mindfulness Journals and every book on Zen living ever made.

I love the practices they preach, I love understanding more about human behaviour and psychology, and mostly I love the positive intent towards creating a life of better balance.  The possibility and power to design your life and create a 10/10 design in all areas – health, love, career, wellness etc.

During lockdown i’ve been reading more and more, and as you well know by now, have been thoroughly thriving in the work from home set up – so much so, i’ve been thinking about how to design a life that facilitates the balance we’re getting a taster for now, permanently.

But what I’ve come to realise in the last week or so, is how overwhelming ‘choice’, ‘purpose’ and designing a dream life without limitation can be. It sadly forces you to be dissatisfied with what you have, to focus on ‘more’ and to believe deep down you can have anything you want – which I don’t disagree with (PMA all the way), but, innately throwing everything open to choice and decisions can actually be quite overwhelming. What if it’s the wrong choice, what is the right path? I’m an over-thinker, worrier and stress head by nature and what i’ve realised, is that whilst I love the premise of many of the books I’ve read lately, and I of course would love to maintain some level of flexibility and have more of the things I love in my daily life (yoga, time out, travel etc), ripping up what you have now and have worked so hard to achieve, isn’t always the right answer.

If you’re happy – you don’t need to rethink everything. Instead of paralysing yourself with choice and a million alternative lives you could lead (because if anything is possible, then anything is a go-er), simply think about doing more of the things you already love doing.

Design Your Life, but perhaps with some parameters.

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For me, this means alongside my thriving in my job and career that I truly do love (and wouldn’t want to leave despite the standard working hour restrictions), finding better balance and making time for the other things I love – blogging, reading, yoga, travel, relaxation. Yes maybe one day i’ll own a wellness store (packed with the books, journals, stationary, wellness products & mindful living tools for others to buy) and even have my own coastal retreat for others to use, to spend time unwinding and re-finding their own balance (putting it out there, might help it become a reality); for now simply finding my own utopia (balancing  my career, my health, my happiness, my passions) and sharing my learnings on my blog with you, is absolutely perfection.

Choice and unlimited access can be really quite stressful if you’re not clear on what your ‘purpose is in life’ or perhaps you’re actually happy and don’t need a total 180 or a life purpose to give you joy. From my experience, simply going with the flow has bought me tons of joy and success.

I realise now my ‘Human Design‘ strategy and ‘not self’ themes are undeniably true – for me, waiting to ‘respond’ to opportunity has always been my opportunity driver, not seeking and forcing things to happen, and when i’m not in a good place, and trying to force things I end up over thinking, fixating and causing myself stress. NB: If you haven’t discovered Human Design, it’s another mind blower – combining astrology and chakras, it’s like horoscopes on steroids, but I’ve found it quite reassuring and a good guide for when I do start to overthink of worry (and freakily accurate).

So for anyone else on the ‘design your life’ bandwagon – don’t over think it. Sometimes gratitude, taking time to reflect and focus on some small tweaks to your life is really all you need … and those big things might just flow in time.

 

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THE GREAT ESCAPE

Why A Weekend In The Country Is The Ultimate Way To Clear Your Mind & Re-Focus

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Most weekends I head out of the city, either back home to Winchester or to where Jase grew up near bath, sometimes somewhere further afield for a little staycation. You see, sometimes you have to get out of the thick of it to re-balance and re-focus, and it just so happens that the countryside and the seaside are my ‘happy places’. As soon as I even smell that fresh sea air or find my views filled wth countrside my body just relaxes.

“There’s no wifi in the forest, but I promise you’ll find a better connection”

I shared my tips and journey to living a little more stress free and finding a bit of balance more balance in your life not long ago, but today I wanted to share a few of my more ‘quick fix’ options. For those times when you’re desperate to unwind, need to get yourself back on track or simply relax.

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THREE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO CLEAR YOUR MIND & RE FOCUS

And why the countryside is the best place for it 

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TAKE A WALK 

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Walking is something I’ve learnt to be one of those miracle remedies for pretty much every problem you’re facing, least not stress. Even if you’re stuck in the office and up against it with a deadline the benefit of taking a 10 minute break, to walk, breathe and just stop your brain working so hard, far overweighs the time lost working. Walking is one of the most effective ways of clearing your mind, boosting your creativity and not to mention getting you breathing properly again … and so removing tensions in your body and mind. One of the most helpful things I learnt at a week long creative training course a few years back, was the power of taking a walk to resolve things, either talking in your mind, or with another. The power of walking and talking revivals a therapy session I assure you!

For me there’s no better place to get that sense of clarity and calm than taking a stroll in the countryside, exploring new places or walking along my favourite beaches.

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ENGAGE YOUR TRIBE

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We all have those people we can turn to at any time of day, no matter how long ago it was when we last saw them, and know they will be there for us! These people are your tribe, your cheerleaders, your support network. And it’s in those most stressful times when you need a little clarity that they come into their own. Whether it’s talking it out in person, on the phone or even just on email, these friends are those you can rely on to help you get back on track. I personally have at least 5 people I know I could pick up the phone to at any time of day who could help me clear my mind and re-focus, whether it’s work, emotions, life, whatever the topic I know my tribe is there to support.

And if worse comes to worse and you can’t get a friend on the other end of a line – write it out. To Do lists help clear the mind, focus your efforts and give you some direction!

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SWEAT IT OUT 

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Bloody exercise. The answer to everything right? But truth be told, there’s no denying the impact an hour of pilates and yoga has on my mindfulness and stress levels, and I know so many people who turn to running when they need to shake some shit off.

Exercise is a seriously effective way of clearing your mind, talking through your issues mentally, and finding the endorphins and motivations to re-focus yourself.  Often exercise takes a lot of planning and preparation to fit in to busy schedules, but the benefit of something like yoga is that no matter where you are you can practice it, and not only that but there are so many videos, apps and tutorials to guide your practice that really there’s no excuse not to give it a try!

So whether it’s a preemptively signing up to a few classes each week so you’re making time for yourself, or throwing on your running shoes after a stressful day in the office, adding a little more exercise to your life is really impactful.

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And of course when time allows there’s nothing better than heading home for a weekend, spending time with your loved ones and for me just cuddling up to Ruby my dog! Animals are another one of those secret weapons that instantly dissolve your worries as soon as they snuggle up in your lap! What more excuse do I need to get myself a little pup in London …

I’d love to hear your tactics for clearing your mind and re-focussing? Do you find walking, talking and exercising to be helpful too?

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EVERY DAY POSITIVITY

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It’s another week, and another week of the day to day grind. But recently i’ve been trying to make everyday that little bit better, to try and keep my stress and tensions at bay but also to live a little more mindfully, something that everyone from my colleagues, to my osteopath to my regular massage guy has suggested to me. I get the picture guys. Anyway, mindfulness is all about living in the now, focusing on the present, enjoying the moment, aways, and it takes a little bit of practice everyday to master. One trick I always suggest to anyone who’s feeling a little below average is to start the day by thinking about and acknowledging the 5 things you’re grateful for … from your morning coffee to that grand plan you’ve been working on.

No matter how big or small, its important to appreciate the things that bring you joy and make you happy. Positivity breeds positivity and for me, this is one of the easiest ways to spark a little chain of happiness

Which leads me to today’s post. You may remember earlier this year I opened up a little about my struggles and stresses, and how I planned to start my year afresh. Well that’s exactly what I did. And as we’re now well over two months on, I felt compelled to tell you a little bit about how i’m gradually turning things around, reducing my stress, living a little more well and generally practising mindfulness a little. Now don’t get me wrong, i’ve not mastered it (yes I’m talking about you Mr Migraine from the weekend), but truth be told I do feel like that spring is back in my step, like i’ve gained some more perspective (most situations just need a little rational perspective to shrink the stress they induce).

Often it’s the small things that bring you joy, and adding a few more of these to your life can make all the difference in the world.

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FIVE THINGS BRINGING ME EVERYDAY HAPPINESS

 

YOGA & PILATES

I used to absolutely love doing Pilates a few years back, not only did it transform my body without me realising, but it cleared my mind, chilled me out and provided an incredible break from the daily grind. As my work load got bigger, taking breaks was something I neglected for far too long, but a few weeks ago I decided to sign back up to not just Pilates but Yoga too. And not after work, but during my lunch break. A triple success story, i’m taking breaks, i’m doing exercise and i’m distressing. I’m already starting to look forward to my next sessions which is a great sign.

MORNING COFFEE

I don’t know what it is, but a good coffee in the morning brings me so much joy. Whether it’s the notion of walking through my village to the coffee shop, having a fresh brew to wake me up, or just the few minutes to myself before the day begins. I don’t quite know how or why my morning coffee brings me so much happiness, but it does. It’s a sacred ritual that starts my day with a little positive spark.

MY STYLE SPARK

Getting dressed each day is more of a struggle as a part time fashion blogger than it should be, but I really do find it difficult to pick a look each day and actually look my best. On a working week I often find myself reverting to the same kinda look day in and day out (tiredness & early mornings are to blame), but recently, whether it’s a result of my new Yogalaties (all the love for The OC & Sandy Cohen for coining this term) or general positive mood i’ve been getting my style mojo back a little. The better I dress the better I feel. It’s a fact, so making sure I make a little effort goes a long way to making me feel better each day. And there’s nothing like one of my favourite bags to give me that extra boost of happiness … boy those babies make me happy!!

EVENINGS OFF

When I get busy the first thing to go is my evenings, it’s all to easy to fall into a routine of getting home at 8/9pm everyday, eating dinner, falling asleep and simply spending no real time away from my desk. But since I got back from Hong Kong a few weeks ago now, I’ve made a commitment to leave on time as much as I possibly can. Really, just to prioritise myself more, say no, be pragmatic, take back control. Getting home at 630pm opens up a whole world of possibilities for fun, relaxation, time with friends, movies with Jase, time for an evening pamper (i’ve rediscovered baths and the sanctuary they offer).

PHOTOGRAPHY

I just adore photography, taking pictures, editing pictures, creating stories with them. Its probably my most favourite thing about blogging and one of the things I focus most my energy on. But juggling a career and a side hustle means it’s not often I actually can shoot and enjoy spending time taking photos, making the most of the light & generally appreciating my surroundings. When I travel i’m in my absolute element; unlimited time to take pictures, capture moments, and spend time creating content for my blog. But I wanted to bring a little more of this into my everyday life, not just the odd weekend or when I’m travelling.  So i’ve recently started carrying my Olympus Pen around with me and making the most of my iPhone 7+ … so that when a moment crops up, I can capture it.

I’m also spending more time on my instagram (which Is finally starting to grow a little, hooray), pinning inspiration to my photography boards and planning my upcoming shoots. I really want to take my photography to the next level and spend more time shooting. It’s my passion project if you will …

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And this look sums it all up, a weekend spent back home chilling with my sisters, taking time off from stressing, shooting in the morning sunshine after i’d grabbed a coffee from my favourite coffee shop back in Winchester, and wearing my new suede trousers and Chloe Hudson. It doesn’t have the be grand adventures and big achievements that bring you joy and happiness, you can find happiness in the mundane, the everyday, the little and the small. The key is to open your eyes to these things, acknowledge them, and maximise them.

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Time To Sort Your Shit Out & Start Living A Little More Mindfully.

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After writing this post last week I had so many lovely messages, email and calls from readers, friends, family and fellow bloggers, sharing their love and support and generally just giving me a little virtual hug. It was lovely to have so much kind and genuine support, and it was lovely to hear your words and advice too.

Off the back of my realisation that it was time I sorted my shit out I decided it was time to act. It was time to live more mindfully.

Firstly I picked back up my latest Sarah Knight Book ironically called ‘Sort Your Shit Out’ (my sister knows me well, a Christmas present put to good use already) and secondly, I decided it was time I started to live a little more mindfully. Mental health after all is just as important as our physical health, and mindfulness is one way to help keep that mental health in tact.

Being mindful and well is something I have strived hard to achieve in theory, but not tried hard enough to practice in reality. But in my quest to get my life and health in a stable position, I’ve decided to take the practice of mindfulness a little more seriously, and that means not just buying the book, but reading it and actually acting on it too. It doesn’t have to require big, timely and life altering actions, in fact I’ve realised its often the small, quick and simple things that over time, can have the biggest impact.

And so today I thought i’d share five of the very simple things I’m doing to help me live my life a little more mindfully, and hopefully inspire you a little too.

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mindfulness | ˈmʌɪn(d)f(ʊ)lnəs/ | noun

a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

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FIVE WAYS TO LIVE LIFE MORE MINDFULLY

Have A Hard Cut Off

It’s easy to let work trickle into life, to let life slip away into promises of ‘tomorrow’ and it’s easy to forget to prioritise the things that you should be demanding for your health and happiness when you have work demands that eat all your time and energy. I get it. But truth be told working this way isn’t only unhealthy but its also unproductive in the long run, because burn out (whether its motivation or health) happens.

Learning to work smart is key, and for me that means committing to a hard cut off everyday.  If I don’t I can work until 11pm and be back on emails at 7am. But the more this happens, the more it comes to be expected, and that is really no good for my mindfulness let alone overall wellness. So in order to free time for other things … i’m trying to commit to a hard ‘work’ cut off. You know, leave the office on time, stop checking emails after 7pm, saying No to extra or unnecessary work, and most importantly stop picking up other peoples slack.

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Make More ‘Me Time’

And what this hard cut off means, is that everyday I get a little more ‘me time’.

Me time that I can fill with the things I love, the things that make me feel content and the things that I know help me relax, unwind and feel positive. Reading, blogging, taking a bath, watching a movie, grabbing a coffee, taking pictures, visiting my favourite cafes and restaurants, going to the cinema, listening to music … simple ‘everyday’ things that boost my positivity, give me a feeling of content and overall help me live a more mindful life everyday.

It’s incredible how different you can feel when you just spend 30 minutes doing something you enjoy throughout the day, whether it’s reading a book on your commute rather than checking your phone, listening to music whilst you walk to work, popping to your favourite coffee shop for lunch, and making time to enjoy an evening, even if that evening is simply sat on the couch watching that infamous box set.

Don’t Get So Busy Making A Living, That You Forget To Make A Life.

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Go To Bed On Time

There’s a viscous cycle that it’s too easy to fall into, I for one am only just crawling back out of the terrible habit. Up Early, Work Late, Eat Late, Sleep Late, Up Early, Work Late, Eat Late, Sleep Late … zzz. Makes me exhausted thinking about it and how I’ve been living.

It’s too easy for work to fill your waking hours and sleep to become the only way to relax. So as part of my hard cut off commitment, the plan is to have an actual evening everyday, an evening to relax, enjoy dinner, unwind and have time to myself all the while still managing to get to bed at a much earlier time than normal. The older I get the more I realise how much my body needs 8 hours sleep … so it’s about time I gave it 8 hours.

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Talk About It

I mentioned lots of people got in contact after my post last week, and it reminded me how important it is to talk to people, about anything and everything. It’s amazing how much you lock up inside of you, worries, concerns, stresses and strains, and sometimes simply talking about it can lift a whole load off your shoulders.

And if it isn’t talking about it, writing it. Writing is an incredibly effective therapy (it’s why I own 4,000 note pads), to do lists, bullet journals, 5 things your grateful for everyday, a daily diary or even just drawings, scribble & doodles can have an incredibly positive impact on your life. I always carry a note pad with me to capture ideas, make ‘to do’ lists so things can stop buzzing around my head like flies, and write my goals and ambitions out. Invest in a journal and simply jot down things that come into mind …

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Get More Active 

Being active forces you to breathe, to fight, to be strong. It’s an incredible therapy and one I used to rely on heavily to help me feel well and strong in the past, but one in recent years i’ve neglected due to a lack of time and all the other workaholic excuses I have mustered up. But getting active; walking, running, cycling, going to the gym, truly does wonders for you, your mindfulness and your overall health.

Whilst my new years resolution of getting to the gym more hasn’t happened (what a surprise), what I have tried to do is walk more, get outside, into the air, into nature and just walk, even if it’s from one meeting to the next. In London it often takes the same or less time as a taxi to walk, but does so much more for your mindfulness than back to back traffic.

I find being outside, and walking, taking in your surrounding even if it’s for 10 or 20 minutes, is often all you need to clear your head, regain some perspective and find some inner peace and positivity.

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So there you have it, five very simply ways to help you live more mindfully  and the five things I personally will be doing to help my own everyday mindfulness. I’d love to know how (and if you) practice mindfulness and the things you do in your life to bring that feeling of everyday content and positivity?

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How A Work Hard, Play Hard Mentality Works For Me

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When I tell people I’m going on holiday, often their reaction is ‘again?’, and well yes I suppose I am going on holiday again, I like to go on holiday multiple times a year (as often as my money and annual leave allows in fact). And I know full well that makes me very fortunate. But truth be told, I need to go on holiday frequently, because it’s this break from  high pressure work and this time to revitalise and recouperate that allows me to be able to put all my energy and focus into my career and actually run a full time blog alongside it when i’m not on a break.

If anyone asks me about my work or career, my answer is always this, ‘it’s work hard play hard’. We go through periods of working 16 hour days and weekends in pitch or planning times, but equally at other times we enjoy fantastic perks, jolly’s and travel. And it’s this mentality, or mantra if you will that I believe allows me to achieve the goals I want, without losing my shit all together from stress.

It’s not for everyone mind, but for me exerting 150% in my career (and my blog lets not forget), deserves me a blow out every couple of months or so. And for me that blow out means saving my pennies and booking myself a luxe holiday or break away. Work Hard. Play Hard. Today I thought i’d share some of my tips and advice for mastering the work hard, play hard way of life.

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Here are my three principles to living ‘work hard, play hard’

Commit

If you’re going to live work hard, play hard then you need to commit to it. You need to commit to giving your career and job your all when you’re there (you need to earn that break), but you also need to commit to yourself that light at the end of the tunnel. The most terrible feeling for me, in periods of high stress and business, is not seeing the end in sight. And thats where a little break, a trip, or even a holiday provides an effective light or carrot if you will. But it only works if you commit to both. Respect yourself enough to know you need time out after a really busy period.

Look After Yourself

Work Hard periods are hard work, that’s the point, so it’s really important when you’re not jetting off somewhere for a lovely three day break, that you’re still looking after yourself. Keeping your wellness, mindfulness and health in check, just as much as your work to do list. Yes you might be working all hours, but there’s really no excuse not to get active, drink lots of water, keep your stress in check and generally be ‘well’. It’s super easy to let things slip and let all encompassing stress takeover. Trust me, rewind 12 months and that was me, but that period was the biggest learning curve in my career and ever since then I’ve got a lot more perspective, respect for myself and generally manage to keep stress at bay these days (even in the same, if not more pressured situations). It’s also super easy to take ‘play hard’ literally, and party hard when you’re not working hard; and yes i’ve been there before too, and burning the candle at both ends doesn’t end well for anyone! The point is this, it’s easy to let work takeover entirely, but make sure you still make time to look after yourself (and those around you).

Find Your Happy Place

Now I mentioned holidays, but it doesn’t actually need to be holidays, your ‘play hard’ periods should just be about finding time for yourself and your happy place. For me, I feel super relaxed and content when I travel, and so I like to try and travel as much as possible. But equally a weekend back home with some trips to the coast, a weekend in Tetbury, or just a day to relax at home is just as effective (and obviously far less pennies). So it’s not about spanking all your earnings on 10* spa escapes in the most exotic places; it’s just about committing to and maximising your ‘play hard’ periods of time out.

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Et voila. Experience has taught me that work can be as stressful or as enjoyable as you make it. Turning stressful periods and high pressure times into manageable tasks is absolutely possible, and for me having a light at the end of the tunnel is one way of doing this. Do you ‘work hard, play hard’ did you find these tips helpful at all?