simple ways to be mindfulness

Hey readers,

You don't have to be deep in mindfulness to appreciate the beauty of mindfulness. You can take little bits of practice and apply them to your everyday life but incorporating mindfulness can really give you peace of mind. 

I suppose the first thing is to understand what mindfulness is. Well, mindfulness is basically in a nutshell it is being in a mental state where you are present and mindful of the moment. But also accepting and acknowledging any feelings or thoughts that the person has. It is a mindfulness mediation where you transport yourself to a place of calm and presence.

Looking at the definition of mindfulness in the oxford dictionary describes mindfulness as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. A mental state is 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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One way of practicing mindfulness is listening to a guided mediation to help them sleep as it allows them to focus on the words and relax.

One of the ways to practice being mindful is incorporating mindfulness activities colouring or anything really that involves concentration can help, as well as being creative can help visitation technique.

Stopping what you doing and focusing on breathing. If you have a trail of thought accept that and focus on a thought or feeling that you may have, or it could be looking at something in detail in the room. This can bring back being aware of your surrounding and slowing down your thoughts. It can help give you time to think a bit more clearer as well.

Another mindfulness practice is to concentrate on the body part that is holding tension and focus on releasing that tension. The best thing to do is to sit somewhere quiet and comfortable where you can focus on scanning your body where you feel tense, then allow that body part to relax and let go of that tension. 

This can give you more knowledge of where you might hold tension and also give you a sense of listening to your body and working with it to help reduce the anxiety.

Overall, the main idea of mindfulness is breathing, being aware, and concentrating on listening to your body, in turn being mindful of what is happening. However, not necessarily responding in any way is just about building a stronger mind to deal with the world around you. It is about change and breaking the habit of being you and changing it to a positive response such as taking a step back, thinking, and being present. 

I myself am not a total convert to mindfulness but I take some practices and adapt them to my life. I have found over the months mindfulness to be beneficial especially when I feel like I am not in control.

I hope this has been enlightening and maybe you want to give it a go. As I said I am no practitioner in it but if you want to look further in detail you can find more information here.

Do you practice mindfulness? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

41 Questions to ask kids after school

 Hey readers,

It can be hard as parents trying to get out how your child's day has been. so here are some open questions that help encourage your child to talk about their day.

1. Tell me about the best part of your day.

2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?

3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?

4. Tell me about what you read in class.

5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?

6. Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?

7. What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?

8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?

9. Who did you sit with at lunch?

10. Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?

11. What did you have for lunch?

12. Whom did you sit with at lunch?

13. Who told a funny joke today? What was it?

14. Who gave the best presentation in your class?

15. Who gave the worst presentation?

16. Which of your teachers was the kindest today?… Happiest?… Grumpiest?

17. What book did you get from the library?

18. Who was a superhero today (who helped someone)?

19. Whom did you make laugh?

20. Whom did you help today?

21. What games did you play at school today?

22. If you could change part of your day today, what would it be? Why?

23. Is there anything that the teacher taught that you don’t understand?

24. How do you feel that you did today? Why?

25. What is one thing your teacher said today that you remember most?

26. If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed someone up, who would you want them to take?

27. If you could create your own school, what would it look like and what would happen there?

28. If your teacher could teach only one subject, which subject would you want that to be?

29. If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?

30. If you got to teach tomorrow, who would you want to be your assistant?

31. If you could change any part of your school what would you change?

32. What was your teacher like?

33. Were you nervous?

34. Who did you play with at lunch?

35. What kind of homework did you get?

 36. What was the hardest rule to follow today?

37. Tell me a story from today.

 38. What happened today that made you keep going (even if it was hard)?

39.  What will you do to solve a problem at school or improve your work What made your teacher happy? What made her mad?

40. If you could switch seats with anyone, who would it be? And why?

41. What nice thing did you say today?

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 04/04/2021

**AD** Reasons why you should give video dating a go.

 Hey readers, 

If your single and ready to mingle then maybe you should think about online dating. It is so popular nowadays as 1 in 3 people go on the internet to find a potential partner. 

I know we have more time indoors and maybe extra time due to being furloughed so maybe a fun way to pass the time is video dating. There is a massive surge during lockdown to connect to new people and have that buzz back of meeting someone new. 

I think one of the main reasons why online dating is becoming a firm favourite in the online dating world is the fact we are used to video calling with popular video apps such as what's app and zoom. We are familiar with this technology and with the ease of being able to operate it makes it a strong contender in the way we date online. 

Another positive aspect of video dating is the fact that because it is online it is much safer as you can bloke someone or end a call if you don't feel safe. 

This is in comparison to meeting someone and it can be quite difficult if you're not enjoying yourself or want to remove yourself from the date but you have the confidence to say that it is not for you. 

Of course when you go on a physical date and meet up with someone you are still putting yourself at risk because you don't know someone. At least if you take your time with video dating you can get a feel and it is safer to report than to be a physical situation where you don't feel as safe. 

Let's face it with video dating is less expensive because your home, you don't have to think about the cost of food or drink. I mean even if you are having a take away together but separate it still be a lot less compared to the physical date because you're paying for the transport element as well. 

The benefit of having a date with someone on zoom is you don't waste time for hours meeting in a bar to then find out there is no connection. Having video dating saves the time of setting up as it is quick to connect on the internet, it is flexible to what suits both of you regarding time. 

Video dating is a more relaxed affair because you're at home in your safe environment which can settle you in the build-up to the date. Hopefully, if you are more relaxed and vice versa you get a more genuine feel for the person. 

Now one area that maybe you want to explore when online dating is narrowing it down to finding someone local to you. Cheshire Dating Site not only offers the opportunity to meet potential partners in Cheshire but also caters the older individual in the over 50s category.

  Cheshire Dating is a fun way to meet new people. It is really easy to set up and no time meet new people in the local area of leisure. Just because you are over 50 doesn't mean your over. You can still have a good time and get the buzz of meeting someone new. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post however all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

**AD** Why you should check out dating in Isle of Man

 Hey readers,

Some people want company but during these difficult times over the past year with the whole situation of the coronavirus, it can be hard. That is why online dating is more popular than ever. 

However even though dating online is a good opportunity to meet others, it can become difficult to find people close by where you live. 

So, if you live in the Isle of Man then you don't want to meet a potential partner in London. That is why it is good to check out dating sites such as Isle of Man Dating which caters specifically for people who want to connect with others who live in the Isle of Man

Research has shown that 1 in 3 people meet online which is why you should consider meeting your next potential partner online. Remember it is ok to go at your own pace and on the Isle of Man dating you can meet someone who meets your requirements. 

You don't have to be straight if you are looking for a same-sex relationship then there are plenty of people out for you on the Isle of Man. 

Plus instead of waiting around for an opportunity to meet someone going online gives you the open doors quicker. Of course, you can test the waters as you might not meet the perfect companion the first time around.

 However, dating can still be fun and have a laugh getting to know someone. The beauty is you have the power to reach out and a person for you. The whole experience can be a learning experience as well and going through the process of dating you can understand what you want in a person if you don't know already. 

The benefit of dating online is you can take your time and get to know someone, there is no rush because well let's face it there is plenty of time to kill currently.  Another additional to online dating is it opens up to meet more people compared to people you might meet in real life. 

You may not know that one of the most popular elements of dating online is video calls through the likes of What's App and Zoom. You can literally have a virtual conversation and connect visually. 

You don't need to just chat you can do things together for fun such as playing an online game. It is a relaxed way to get to know someone and there is not that pressure because it is laid back atmosphere. 

With the Isle of Man Dating site is so easy to step up, you don't have to be tech-savvy to have fun meeting new people. On the website, it is so quick to do, following the step to step instructions. 

On the website, you can also filter criteria that you want in a partner for example whether they smoke? or if they have blue eyes making it so much quicker to narrow down the right person for you. 

The Isle of Man dating site covers a wide range of areas from Newtown, Bride, Patrick and even more Isle of Wight locations, so what are you waiting for people of Isle of Man sign up now!

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed entirely my own. 

**AD** Why senior dating is where it is at.

Hey readers,

Coronavirus has impacted a lot of people from all walks of life. For single and older people it can be tough going and very lonely. There are many older people who hold the assumption that once you reach a certain age you won't be successful with dating. 

Well let me tell you something you can have fun at any age and anyone can date. There are many older single people wanting to date. However, last year in particular it has been tough to get out and meet others that is why dating online is popular than ever. 

One particular site called Guernsey Dating Site not only is free to join but offers the opportunity for the over 50s to meet someone new online. You can meet people who live in the area of Guernsey covering areas such as Alderney and St Martin. 

 It is a trusted site where you can meet like-minded people whether it be divorced people, Christian, lesbians etc. With the search feature, you can narrow it down to likes and qualities that suit you and your desires. 

You also on Guernsey Dating doesn't have to faff with quizzes making it much more relaxed and not have to get stressed out about complicated questions to answer. 

The website is really easy to navigate around, it is clear and simple to understand. You don't even have to use a computer it is accessible on tablets and mobile phones too. 

Remember if you are at all uncomfortable you can say no or you can contact instantly Guernsey Dating who can help deal with any issue that may have arisen. 

The benefit of dating in later life is that there is no pressure to start a family and get married. You can take your time to get to know someone in a relaxed frame of mind. 

Also, you don't have to tie down with someone, if you just what to have company then that is ok as society has a much more open-mindedness compared to decades ago where relationships were viewed completely different. Just remember to have fun and do things on your own terms. 

When you are older you have a more sense of yourself of what you like and don't like. You have the confidence with age and experience, you are more aware of what type of person you connect with and what person really doesn't work well for you. 

One of the key benefits of online dating is that you have the freedom to choose who to connect with. You can take your time and don't have to rush things so then you are more likely to connect with someone who suits your needs, 

One of the growing features of dating sites is video dating especially during the pandemic. Not only doing video dating is new and it feels exciting. 

This is particularly prevalent when we are at home and not doing anything exciting. Video dating is great to get to know someone, have company and do something fun together. 

This could be watching a movie together but separately in your own home whilst enjoying a cocktail together and sharing that experience separately but together online can really lift your spirits. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed entirely my own. 

**AD** How to update your digital branding

Hey readers,

One thing I have learnt over the past year during this pandemic is that people have never used online as much as now when it comes to buying and being influenced over the decisions they make.

 We spend a lot more time indoors including showing what you have been up to and being entertained on social media. The internet is a big part of everyone's lives now and that's why as a brand it is now your time to shine. 

The first port of call is to look at your digital marketing strategy and work on updating your brand so that is inviting to all to connect with. 

So, what does digital marketing mean? 

Digital marketing (also known as online marketing) is where bands work on connecting with potential customers to promote their brand through the internet and other forms of digital communication.

 The kind of things we are talking about is emails, social media and web-based advertising, text and multimedia messages to help promote their brand. 

Why is digital marketing important for your brand?

If you are successful with digital marketing this means can help grow your audience, build a reputation and get sales. Digital marketing is also cost-effective by needed less money to invest compared to other traditional marketing methods. If you get to know your audience this has the impact of creating brand loyalty.

In this post, I am going to talk about why it is important to update your digital marketing. 

1. Target audience. 

It is important to know your target audience to cater to their needs and wants. A way to find your audience is to investigate and find characteristics of the people who engage with your brand. 

You can do this by analysing who is buying your product right now. What product is popular with your audience - this then can provide valuable insight into knowing where to move the brand forward. 

Communication is a valuable tool with brands and using social media is very effective in finding information about your target audience. For example, asking peoples opinions on the brand and product will open understanding of where to move the brand forward.

2. Visual presentation. 

It is important to keep everything updated with your brand. With the website maybe you feel the design is outdated and you could opt for a fresher and more relative design with the logo and web page design.

 Think about the message you want to send out and if that correlates correctly with the brand. You want things short, snappy and to the point to keep people interested. 

You can more than even get some fantastic deals for things such as fonts from companies like fancy fonts site where you can purchase a wide range of fonts for your website. 

I think focusing on the visual element is one of the first things people notice and are quick to make a judgement based on that. That is why it is important to make sure your website is updated so that the brand meets the message that your want to portray to people. 

It is also important to make sure you have the correct font that is readable. Also making sure that your website is easy to navigate on computers. Forbes has highlighted an important consideration with making sure your site should not only be mobile accessible but also easy to load on a computer or tablet.

There is nothing more frustrating when you try to load a page on your phone and it struggles to load, chances are people may give up. 

3. Connecting with customers.

This next point follows on nicely from the last. The best way to get your audience to grow is by listening to what the public has to say and have good communications with your customer.  

By being personal with the public really helps give a positive message about your brand. Now more than ever is an opportunity to connect with people via social media. 

Simple methods work wonder such as starting a discussion - making sure that you talk in a 1-2-1 helps people feel like they are important. That doesn't mean to say you can't have fun like that too is a good feature to incorporate connecting with people. It doesn't have to be about business it could be a silly meme that people can relate to.

 Another way to get people connecting with the brand is to show behind the scenes of how you run your  business. People are naturally inquisitive and it can be really interesting to see how a brand works in order to get to the goal they want to achieve.  

Finally, one last point with updating your digital marketing is to make sure that your brand is on all social media platforms even the newer ones on the block such as TikTok. The more outlets you advertise your brand gives the opportunity of more presence on the internet. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.