Ways to improve your mental health.

Hey readers,

I suffer from anxiety/depression and sometimes it is hard to get on with life when you are sucked into the vicious cycle of self-hatred. 

Sometimes doing the smallest of things to make life nicer for yourself can make a huge difference. Here are some ways that I will discuss in this post that has helped me.

First one is being kind to yourself, easier said than done but sometimes we can be our own worst critic. We beat ourselves up and if anyone in the same situation came to us I bet we wouldn't speak to them the way we speak to ourselves.

 Be kinder and accept that some things are out of control. We are doing the best or doing what we can in that situation.

I have noticed that life particularly as a parent can feel like a wheel that constantly goes around and around, doing the same thing in and out each day without any change. 

Sometimes, change is good and what better way to do it then breaking the monotony up of your day. It could be something simple like going for a walk to a coffee shop, can make a huge difference to your day because it is a change of scenery.

Another way to make you feel better about yourself is by doing some volunteer, as you get the sense that you are valued for your time and services. 

Not to mention the feeling that you as a person are giving something valuable like your time for the better goodwill bring a feel-good factor. It could potentially help build your self-confidence in making you more worthwhile doing something positive and taking action.

A really productive way to help with your mental health is when you can ask for help and don't feel ashamed as no man is an island. I have always found this one different myself as I have been brought to not ask for help but now and again I do ask and you no what it makes a massive difference. 

You also shouldn't feel ashamed but proud of doing something that can make your situation better. Your not weak because of asking but strong for recognising that you need help, no one can do it all by themselves.

Sometimes, we can get caught up in our thoughts and just sit there ruminating on them causing us to be in a worse mood. I find that taking time out for yourself and doing something that you enjoy is really beneficial. 

It doesn't have to be something grand it could be just going for a walk, taking photos or even colouring but it has the benefits of helping you relax and distract yourself away from the negative thoughts.

This is so cliche but I am going to throw it in as I read a lot recently that blogging is really positive for your mental wellbeing.

 Firstly, you have a platform to write your feelings which can bring real cathartic. 

Secondly, your helping others who may be similar situations feel less alone and you never you may make friends.

Cheers for reading X

What does depression look like.

Hey readers,

Below is a picture of myself taken today.

You could say I just look a normal everyday person minus her eyes being shut. You don't think oh my God she looks like she has depression because you know what I do.

People always assume that if you are smiley or cheery then somehow you can not possibly experience depression.

 Well, news flash you can and furthermore, it can strike at any age, background or social mobility status because depression doesn't pick who it wants to cause this nightmare mess inside your brain.

Anyone can experience it, at any time in their life. It can last weeks or years and definitely something that you can not physically measure, much to the disapproval of the government.

My point being is that some days I laugh, I cry, I hate and dread and all the other messy emotions that life has to bring. But also I have this mental battle, some days are OK and I manage. 

Other periods are short spells and then if there is too much stress in my life then can be several months where the black dog doesn't sod off. 

He creeps around like a stalker catching me every time I am venerable or exposed to stresses in life. It sucks and there is nothing I can do but plot on. 

For me, it is a chemical imbalance mixed with stress and managing with my autism. It sucks and yes I smile but please be aware that I can mask like the rest of them.

We need to stop presuming that depression only affects certain people and that it is more grey than black with how it is presenting to the outside world. 

So just be mindful that there may be someone smiling but deep down they are internally dying and hating everything that their life is.

what is your experience of depression? Does this resonate with you? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Preventing burnout

Hey readers,

It is the end of the week, yet again I am pooped, my body is aching and I feel like I can do the bare minimum. I can only come to the conclusion that I am suffering from burnout. 

As an autistic person, I don't have as much energy as a neurotypical person because It takes a lot more energy to deal with the difficulties that I to face throughout the day. 

So, I am have been searching recently on ways to try and help ease the burnout and thought maybe others would like to hear on what has worked for me.

Make sure that during the day I have time out, where I don't have to think but just be. This is not a time where I learn anything or have to remember certain cues, it's a time to allow my brain to switch off and relax.

Being kind to myself - so easy to say but putting it into to practice is hard, especially if you are a perfectionist and give yourself a hard time. Looking at the small positive things that you have done during the day is a reminder that you’re doing ok.

Accepting that I cannot be superhuman and my energy is limited. The major thing that I struggle to do is ask for help or accept that it is ok for another person to do something, it does not mean you are a failure.

Being realistic with what you can achieve and focusing on sectioning out the important stuff and not so important. Learning the art of negotiating and leaving somethings for another time helps me make the day not so overwhelming.

Having a list and writing them in order of importance, plus giving those time frames helps me feel less overwhelmed and feel more comfortable about how my day is going to pan out.

What ways help you in dealing with burnout? Love to hear what you think in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

10 things I can not live without

Hey readers,

Today I am going about the things that I can not live without and help me keep my sh*t together.

1. Paracetamol.

Firstly, paracetamol because I suffer from frequent headaches (thanks mum) and they can be really crippling which is most inconvenient especially looking after children.

2. Heated blanket.

A heated blanket is the best invention ever, especially during the colder periods. Honestly, there is nothing better than getting into a  warm, cosy and snug bed.

3. Music.

Music can make you feel less alone. I mean I don't get lonely in the traditional sense but to feel words and know someone else is also out in the world and feels the way you do can make you feel less isolated. Alternatively, I just love a good beat to wiggle around in the kitchen cooking tea.

4. My blog.

My blog as it has saved me when I went through a depressing period and heartache. It saved my sanity and it really helped me to focus and forget about the other noise in my head.

5. Youtube.

YouTube I love you so much, albeit not as much nowadays (sodding adverts) but sill amazing the stuff you can find and a great way to cure boredom.

6. Lip balm.

Lip balm - particularly during the colder months, my lips get so dry and peel. I find Boots one really good as it also has tinted moisture to it.

7. Tea.

Tea makes my heart go boom, boom, boom. I can literally drink buckets of the stuff and it makes any problem manage with a cup of Rosie Lee in my hand.

8. Books.

Books are my saviour and help me escape. Nothing beats a good thriller to lose yourself in.

9. Pad and book. 

Pad and pen because I have so many ideas swirling in my head that I get so overwhelmed. Therefore,  writing down the ideas on paper helps me think clearer and identify with where I need to go and what I am doing.

10. Phone. 

Phone - I know third world problems but it is a lifesaver and such a useful tool. You can play music, send emails even write blog posts when you bored at the bus stop in the cold. I heart technology and no I am not ashamed about it but celebrate it :)

What items can not live without in your life? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 06/09/2020

Reasons why I love Aldi

Hey readers,

Let me tell you something about me  - I love to shop in Aldi. This post is all about my appreciation for the shop. See below my reasons why.

You can't beat browsing the special buy isle, you never know what you are going find. It is pretty random and it changes frequently so you can be excited about what will be on offer. 

You go into Aldi with the aim of getting one thing and then come out with the random selection of items.

I am not a middle-class blogger, I am on a budget and Aldi prices are reasonable.

 You can actually get fresh fruit and vegetable without fear and can cost less than a tenner.

They have some pretty cool recipes to try out, always handy if you are a rushed parent and need some inspiration.

They have some unusual items such as gin popsicles and deer burger. I Love the fact that Aldi is experimental in the choices of products in their shop.

Aldi supports the Red Tractor label whereby the meet is 100% British therefore supporting local communities.

There isn't a massive selection of choice compared to other supermarkets. However, this does mean that it is less stressful because I am not overwhelmed with choice. 

It is a fairly relaxed shopping experience, apart from the end with packing shopping away. 

(But then again I tend not to go with my children because of this and I like leisurely pace around the store).

You be sure that every single Aldi has the same layout, therefore you know where everything is, meaning less stress shopping if you need to check into different Aldi's. 

There is nothing more frustrating when supermarkets decide to change where they put stuff, nobody got no time for that!

I love the fact that Aldi every fortnight have a thing called super 6 special buys, consisting of fruit and vegetables at a lower price. 

This is a great way to encourage people to buy healthier options.
Aldi now at their tills have healthy items such as fruit, rice cakes and water to not lead you into temptation.

If you shop at Aldi what kind of things do you like about the store? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

why playgrounds are ace.

Hey readers,

If you are a parent you would have experienced taking your child to the playground. I think they are a brilliant resource for everyone to use and here is why.

They get you out of the house and get you away from the four walls or watching too much tv.

Playgrounds are a great way of getting a change of scenery and be surrounded by green. 

Sometimes, just getting away from the same places is a blessing in disguise.

If there is one thing I love more than anything in the world as a parent it is finding fun things to do with my child that are free because let's face it children come with a bloody big price tag, especially when they hit a school.

 So, if I can save some money somewhere then going to the playground is one. Plus it helps with keeping children entertained and stop complaining for a while that they are bored.

Playgrounds are great for exercise, playing chase, walking or even pushing a child on the swing all contributes to keeping you active.

Going to the playground allows you to blow some cobwebs off and get some much needed fresh air. It also provides a mental boost and helps clear your head. 

It really is amazing such a small and simple activity can have a huge impact on making you feel less crap and giving you the change to think more clearly.

Visiting a playground outdoors gives the child the opportunity to get vitamin D from being out in the fresh air and help build strength in their bones.

Playgrounds encourage free play, where the child decides what they want to do, they can even make up their own games or use their imagination on the playground apparatus. 

This next point coincides with the above one in the fact that a  child can test out their communicational skills with socialising with other children at the playground. 

Therefore the possibility of working together to establish what they want to do. There is also the positive effect of finding a person to share the enjoyment of play with someone who has similar interests in what they like to do in the playground.

Therefore I conclude that playgrounds are ACE!

What do you think about playgrounds? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X