Friday 18 January 2019

9 no spend activity ideas.


Hey readers,

Sometimes, I like the challenge where I go for the weekend without spending a penny and survive at the other end. I do love a good challenge - I know the whole buzz surrounding no spending is popular with the 30-day challenge or even dare to push it to go a whole year. I like the fact you can alter it to suit you, so for me, two days of no spending at all whereas others go 30 days but have a budget on certain items such as food.



Anyhow, I thought I would put together some ideas on how to have fun without spending a penny, so let's crack, shall we?!

1. Board games.

Board games are great if you have to knock them around as they are a fun family activity to do together, kills some time and is free, result.

2. YouTube.

Oh, faithful YouTube you come to us in our of need, so much free stuff from vlogs, music and even films there is plenty you can watch for nothing.

3. Exercise.

You don't need a gym membership to do exercise, oh no there is plenty of ways to join in the fun. There are exercise videos on YouTube, there is a couch to 5k app to encourage you to build up your stamina over the weeks with little goals to practice to run. You can even just put your trainers on and go for a walk.

4. Blog.

person holding chocolate bar near laptop

Come on I can not forget to mention blogging now can I? You can easily set up a blog and there are many free platforms to chose from. you can write about anything when it comes to blogging, the world really is your oyster and it creates a way to unleash your creative side.

5. Library.

The library is a wonderful place and is one of my favourite things to do. There are so many varieties of books you can get on loan to read at home for free. There are classes as well from learning IT to colouring in again free and it gets you at your home.

6. Walk.

Go check out your local park or walk to a different part of town. There are free museums likely where you live you can wander around and explore.

7. Local events.

Most places have a local council that tells you if there are any events locally to where you live. They tend to be free and it is a great way to have some fun when you are on a budget.

8. Clean.

cooking hands handwashing health

If you have spare time to kill then something love to do is have a good old clean whether it is cleaning the shower or the oven it will be worth it at the end when it is all nice and shiny.

9. Lists.

Planning is a great way of constructive using your free time and it could potentially help save you money. A great list to do is a meal planner for the week so you know what you need and you can stay on budget.

What non-spend activities do you enjoy doing?

Cheers for reading X

Thursday 17 January 2019

Why does laughing help with depression.

Hey readers,

I have suffered from depression for a number of years and one of the ways to reduce the pain I guess could call it that would be to turn to humour. I have a dark sense of humour so laughing and relatable situations really do help me.




So, why are the reasons that humour helps depression, well let's get exploring shall we?


First, of when you laugh, it releases the natural feel-good chemicals like dopamine which help your brain feel happy. Whilst the brain is receiving the message that you feel good it has a knock on response to the physiological responses in your body; where you breath slower and your muscles relax making you feel instantly much better at that moment in time. 


When you laugh your whole body relaxes - which releases tension and stress. Not only that but after the release of tension the muscles can feel relaxed for up to 45 minutes apparently. 

boy sitting on bench while holding a book

When you are caught up in laughter you are not focusing on the depression, because you can only deal with one emotion at one time. The more you focus on happy thoughts the better change it is to trick your mind into believing in them feelings. 


When you feel more relaxed through laughter via humour it can help clear your mind and think better. It can help stop worrying and give your mind that much-needed rest. 

long-coated brown animal


Research has found people who watch funny videos are more like to have an increase in cortisol, dopamine and other hormones that are increased and causing pathways (the communication messages to the brain to relax and generally feel good). 

woman holding balloons

What is even better about laughter at the moment there is no negative response and that it is a habit that can enhance your overall well being.

Cheers for reading X 

Wednesday 16 January 2019

The best car journey games for kids.


Hey readers,

As parents, we all know it can be a right pain to entertain children on a long car journey. So, here are some suggestions of games that you can play whilst in the car.



Eye spy with my little eye.

Firstly, I have chosen a classic gamed called eye spy with my little eye and then you have to find something that you can see and say the letter. The other people in the car than have to guess an answer that has the same letter that is asked of.

arizona asphalt automobile automotive

Car bingo.

For this game, you will need bingo sheets and pen. Now on the internet, you can find loads of different car bingo sheets to print off. It is a fun thing to do and try to get all the pictures on your sheet. The first person who shouts bingo wins. It is a good idea to remember to pack them pens mind, haha.

Nursery rhymes/sing-along songs.

A great idea is to purchase a cd with classic nursery rhymes or songs (This is more for the younger child) so that you all can sing along to old-time classes such as Humpty Dumpy or old McDonald had a farm, who doesn't love a good sing song.


action adult blur car

Subject matter.

A brilliant game to help children talk about certain topics is this one where you pick a certain subject and they have a minute or two to talk about that chosen topic. This game is a useful tool to help communication and learn discussion skills. It doesn't matter what the subject is on as long as the speaker is interested and knows what it always helps a great deal.

Quiet.

This one is for any parent who needs some quiet time and that is the game where you can see who is the quietest. The person who stays the quiet the longest wins. It is as simple as that.

black and white black and white depressed depression

Word association.

This game is where you pick a word and the other players have to pick words that are associated with it. The person with the highest answers linked to the word wins.

Shopping game.

This game is fantastic for the old memory. What you have to do is start off with the first person saying, “I went to the shop and I brought…” and the have to choose something being with the letter A. Then the next person has to say the last answer and then pick something begging with B. That continues till all the letters have been chosen.

No - yes game.

This game is taken from the classic game show Take Your Pick. What you have to do is ask questions to a person and that person cannot answer with yes or no then they are out of the game.

Would you rather.

Another super-duper game that goes down well with kids is a question-based game where you ask a person an ultimatum such as… Would you rather lick the bottom of your shoe or eat your boogers? You can make up the questions about anything but if you have young children they love anything to do with pooping or farting goes down a treat.

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday 15 January 2019

The benefits of being in a relationship.

Hey readers,

I have been with my husband for over ten years so have had some experience of what it is like to be in a relationship with someone. So I thought I would focus on the positives today and tell you the benefits of being in a relationship with someone.

The benefits of being in a relationship


One of the biggest things for me is that you have someone to talk to who can understand where you are coming from have someone to talk to you. You know that they are committed and willing to take the good and the bad so you don't have to feel a burden. It is like a commitment you make once your in a relationship because you want the best for that someone and it works the other way as well. Sometimes you are going through bad stuff and they are lifting you up and other times you are being their pillar of strength.

If you are in a long term relationship with a person then one of the most wonderful and liberating things about being in a relationship is that you can be yourself, you can take off the mask. You can be yourself and don't have to put on a front, because you know that they like you just the way you are.  I think there is something special when you are in a relationship where each other can be authentic especially when you go further in committing with one another and decide to live together - during that period you learn a lot about each other.

Having a partner means that you have a cheerleader that has your back and will provide moral support during the good times and bad times. They will pick you up, they pat you on the back and they will provide them with words of encouragement.

I have had periods in my life where I have dated, and though it can be exciting to get to know someone new it can also bring the stress of finding a good person that you want to spend your life reduces stress not having to deal with a new relationship.

With being in a long term relationship that is healthy can help longevity and can help you grown as a person with the nurture and support from a partner.

One of the biggest things I enjoy is having lighthearted moments where my husband makes me laugh, to have someone who can get you and have a similar sense of humour makes it all worth it.

With spending time with someone you can make them special memories that money can't buy you but you can cherish them and put a smile on your face.  Being able to experience something special with some is lovely because you are not alone in the experience and can relive the memories together.

As a person with a disability, it can be frustrating to be in a relationship for both sides but it also means you can learn from each other and help each other get a better quality of life.

Cheers for reading X

Monday 14 January 2019

9 ways to calm your imagination at bedtime

Hey readers,

Do you struggle with settling to go to sleep before bed, your mind is racing with thoughts that won't switch off. Below I have provided some tips to help with a conundrum to get some sleep instead of staying away thinking.

1. Routine.

I know it is the same old story but routine really does help you get into a rhythm with trying your brain to behave in a certain way. Create a time you want to go to bed and do things that help you sleep.

2. Reading.

woman holding book

If you need some downtime and to stop going in circles with your thoughts at night then I suggest giving reading a go. It helps calm the mind, makes you sleepy and you can focus on the story rather than your million and one thoughts that pop into your head.

3. TV.

Try to avoid the really heavy stuff that provokes an emotional reaction such as the news or horror films. You need to unwind before bed and one of the best ways is to watch something light-hearted. I think comedy is a great way to relax.

4. Music.

If TV is not your thing then another way to relax is to listen to music or there are plenty of relaxation videos you can get free on YouTube that you can shut your eyes and follow step by step. Again like reading this allows you to focus on the instructions and create calming thoughts into your head which in turn will provide you with the calmness to settle for bed and sleep.

5. Yoga.

person rolling green gym mat

Alternatively, to the relaxation videos, you can try light yoga to do before bed. Stretches the muscles can help get you to sleep quicker. by working on the muscles and getting them ready to stretch out and relax.

6. Story.

Sometimes, when I struggle to drift off to sleep I create a story in my mind to give me something to think off and it helps a lot. I think about the situation and the feelings. It doesn't have to be fictional sometimes go back to when I was a child and think of the special moments and what it felt like such as the evening sun and playing outside. It involves happy thoughts and really helps get me to sleep.

7. Light.

Having low light when your watching TV say can create a relaxing ambience to get you in that sleepy mood and ready for bed. Having a warm lamp or fairy lights are great accessories to purchase and help in the long term with your sleep.

8. PMR.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique to help you relax your body. You scan through each muscle of the body tensing and released the tension. Being consciously aware of this can help get the body to relax but that is key is to have as little stress physically in order to settle off to sleep.

9. List.

notebook

Having a notebook by the bed is useful because if you have lots of thoughts that are stopping you getting sleep writing them down can clear the mind. It will stop the thoughts circling and can know that it can get dealt with tomorrow as it is written down you won't forget about it.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 13 January 2019

5 winter activities to do with children

Hey readers,

It is winter now and it can be quite tricky to think of things to do with children when it is so cold and wet. So, I have treated you to some activity ideas that my children love and maybe yours might too. 




1. Nature walk.

Children Having Fun And Balancing On Tree In Fall Woodland


Fairly simple idea get the coats and wellies on for a walk in the great outdoors. This is a great opportunity to let little ones explore and they love it as well. Especially if they're like used logs on the floor to climb on. Another great tip is to print out a nature checklist and this keeps them busy searching for things like leaves and squirrels. My kids love ticking off the items of the list and searching for things because it is exciting for home. 


2. Slow motion video. 

Mobile,communication,portraits,people

If you have a feature on your phone that allows you to record videos in  slow-motion option to (or you can simply download an app if not) then a good idea is to record when it
 is raining or snowing or anything like that through your window
 as it makes a great little video and something productive for the kids to do. 

3. Paint snow. 

snow snow and snow


When it is snowing get a bottle and fill it up with water, add a few drops of colouring. Then go outside and paint the snow, such a clever idea and it makes the snow very colourful ***though advise not to eat yellow snow ;)***


4. Cookies. 

Children Helping Make Cookies

Kids love helping and being little mini people that is why cookies are great for getting kids to bake in the kitchen, plus they have some yummy treats after. 

5. Movie Time. 

Family Film Time

Get them throws, grab some popcorn and put a film on. I love to do this when it is great and meh outside and just chill out with cuddles and a film.

What activities do you like to do with your children? 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 13/01/2019


Saturday 12 January 2019

5 ways on how to eat mindfully.

Hey readers, 

I have had issues with my relationship for a long time and I have slowly been working hard to have a better grip on how I respond to food. One way in which I work on is a thing called mindfulness eating. 




What is mindfulness eating? 


In simple terms instead of rushing my food down me, I am consciously aware of my food and taking in all the feelings and sensations I great when I eat which means it makes me feel fuller for longer and I can enjoy eating instead of it being a chore. 

There are many different ways to do mindful eating and I am to explore them below.

1. Stop. 

I think because when I was growing up it was common practice to eat ALL your food of your plate because if you didn't it would be a waste and people seem more frugal when I was younger anyway. Even though I now know this is not a good practice to participate in. It is more important to listen to your body and stop when you feel full rather than just eating for the sake of eating. 

2. Listening. 

One of the techniques I have adapted with mindful eating is listening to your body and eating something when your stomach rumbles or your feeling faint because your blood sugar is low. It is ok to eat when you want, you don't have to eat junk food either it can be something small and satisfy like a piece of fruit or some yoghurt. Also, getting out of the bad habit of eating your emotions - this is something I have struggled with, whether it be good or bad times food is there as a way to deal with the emotions. Now I try other techniques such as going for a walk or buying a book I want when I want to celebrate something I want to achieve, 

3. Eating together. 

I am a binge eater though I am getting better it is working progress. A characteristic of binge eaters is eating alone, secretly and rushing the good down my gob without even thinking about it. Now, I try to eat with people or when I do have a binge do it outside with people - amazing how you don't rush around others. 

4. Diet.

At the end of the day food is fuel and getting the right nutrients is key in giving you that energy to feel better. It is better to eat a variety of food then just food that is comforting and being restricted. Eating meats, vegetables and some protein is all the way forward. 

5. Sit Down. 

I am guilty of rushing about, eating on the go and just doing something else whilst eating. A good habit is to sit down, take your time and focus on just at the moment eating the food, making sure it is chewed enough and enjoying the flavours. It is a lot more enjoyable eating food this way and adapting to a slower pace. You feel better for it after and if you take the time to eat slower you reduce the risks of getting indigestion.

Cheers for reading X 




Wednesday 9 January 2019

4 ways to help Seasonal Affective Disorder

Hey readers,

The days are so gloomy and dark that they can really influence your mood and impact your day. During the winter months, a lot of people experience a seasonal condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder.




What is a Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It is a condition that happens during the dark, cold short days and the long nights during Winter. When you experience not a lot of light it can really suck all your energy out of you. Suffers have also expressed feels of lethargic, low libido and restless sleep.


There is a theory to support Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) when the light goes into the eyes it can react to the hormones in your body which affects your mood. Hence why people feel much more cheerful when the sun comes out to play.
Another theory is that suffers from SAD when experiencing lack of daylight and shorter days will produce higher levels of melatonin which makes them feel lethargic
One in 15 people in the UK is known to suffer from SAD.

Of course, if you are feeling depressed then the first port of call would be to go and speak to your GP to get the right professional support needed to tackling SAD.

Tips to help SAD.

1. SAD lamps.

You probably have seen Sad lamps that specialise in producing a lamp that mimics daylight. 

Apparently having the light that feels like outdoor light has been able to help suffers from SAD feel better.

These light boxes are aimed to help with light therapy were the individual sitting in front of the light for 30 minutes say will help them feel better in their body and mind with having exposure to light during the winter months.

There is a variety of light boxes now on the market and there are even ones that can work with your alarm clock that gradually build light into the room making it much more manageable to get up in the dark winter mornings.

2. Diet.

Food is energy and it is important to have the right food for keeping your energy levels high. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet and opt for fish, fruit and vegetables.

3. Vitamin supplements.

People who suffer from SAD have reported that taking vitamin B12 and vitamin D has also helped with their mood.

4. Outdoors.

winter,sky,village,trees

Sometimes going outdoors even though it is cold can do wonders for your mood.
It is a great way of getting some exercise in and blowing the cobwebs off.
Wrap up warm and see the beauty that nature has to offer. 

Incorporating 30 minutes exercise a day can help produce the feel-good chemicals such as serotonin so it will enhance your mood. Going outdoors will also allow you to get the natural outdoor light as well as an added benefit for exercising outdoors.

What things help you beat the winter blues?

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday 8 January 2019

10 things that make me happy right now.

Hey readers,

January is a funny old month, it can be a bit miserable and a wet month where you skint and a bit fatter. so I thought to cheer myself up I am going to write about currently things that make me happy during the January month.

1. This Christmas I got my favourite presents which is my beloved rainbow and glitter lava lamp which I love dearly. Not only is my lava lamp really pretty but it helps me calm me down when I am having a meltdown because of my autism. I love watching the glitter as it is so calming the way the glitter swirls around.

2. I am so grateful for routine especially after Christmas and new year holiday where everything seems to go out the window and can be a bit much. Routine helps give me that calmness and order that makes me feel safe and less anxious.

3. even though it is cold and bleugh I enjoy winter walks where the frost is twinkling on the floor and you get a cold nose. u like being in the open and helps my mental health a lot. not to mention it burns off kids excessive energy that they have.

4. photograph helps give me focus and allows me to dip into my creative side. I enjoy experimenting and learning through trial and error. photography gets me excited and looking for something fun that captures my eye.

5. during the colder months I love nothing and better then to snuggle in my head with my heated blanket on full blast. especially we. you look out of the window and it is all grey, this is the ultimate cosy for me.

6. I do love a good old book to get lost in. I partial to a psychological thriller because the suspense keeps me going and wanting to read more.

7. I love cups of tea during winter, there is just something lovely about wrapping your hands around a hot brew and breathing in the warmth from the stream.

8. Cuddles from my boys and the fact that they love me even though I am flawed they see the good in me. To have that love unconditional is a gift in its self especially when I am feeling sad I hold on to that love a little bit harder.

9. Hot showers are bliss especially when you have burning red skin. When you go out in the cold and it takes you ages to get warm to then have that shower to warm you all over is bliss. Followed by getting to my warm pyjamas is heavenly for me, it is the small things really.

10. Finally, my last favourite thing I have been enjoying in January is throws and I am really fluffy and soft. I love snuggling down in the evening, the only downfall is that I don't want to anything other than veg out.

What kind of things tickles your pickle in January? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers for reading X
3 Little Buttons

Sunday 6 January 2019

my biggest pet peeves

Hey readers,

This post is going to be a rant about all the little things that niggle me and that wish I could just ban them from happening.

Loud cheers.

chips close colors crisps
My biggest pet peeve ever is when people eat loudly, especially with food like crisps on a bus where I can not escape. Or if I am at the library on a computer writing blog posts and all I can hear is the loudly chomping, it infuriates me beyond belief.

Husband snoring.

When my husband snores so frigging loudly and even if I push him in the back he seems to be unresponsive. It is SO loud and I literally just stare at the ceiling causing my husband under my breathe.

Being late.

I hate being late it sets off my anxiety. I would rather be early and wait then fear of being on the spot and the attention on me. I have social anxiety and it is one of my biggest fears. Ironically my husband is much more laid back then me and happens to 99.9% cutting it fine to get to places.

Slow walkers.

You know them types the people that walk ridiculously slow in front of you and then they have the check to move about when you try to pass them and hurry alone. It is like they have eyes in the pack of their heads or something.

Line cutters.

germany kiosk line lunch

You know the people that think the rules don't apply to them and feel that they can do as they please and skin in the line regardless of anyone else who has taken ages waiting.

Kids talking over you.

Bloody kids talking over you when you are mid-sentence and then they shout so no one knows what is happening or what to do next as you lose your train of thought.

Car indicators.

Why do we have indicators in cars to show others what they are planning to do on the road not only for car drivers but also pedestrians who want to cross the road say? We may as well get rid of them and live in chaos.

Napkins.

When people take a handful of napkins from an eatery and they intend to use only one. What a waste and why did they need to take a handful why not one.

Dog poop.

You are walking somewhere and you spot a dog having a poo and the owner than with no care in the world not bother to clean up after them, absolutely disgusting and no respect for others at all.

Car park spaces.

mercedes benz parked in a row

When people take up to car spaces when they clearly use one but are just selfish and don't think of others.

Loud noise.

When people purposely whack up the volume of the phone and blast their music on public transport and don't bother to even have headphones. They just don't care for the fact that maybe not everyone wants to listen to your rubbish music.

What pet peeves rile you up the wrong way?

Cheers for reading X

my Sunday Photo 06/01/2019


Saturday 5 January 2019

The cheesiest of pick up lines.

Hey readers,

I thought for a laugh I would write a list of the worst pick up lines ever, enjoy!

8 Planets, 1 Universe, 1.735 billion people, and I end up with you.

Call me Shrek because I’m head ogre heels for you.

Do you have 11 protons? Because you’re sodium fine!

“Did you just fart? Because you blow me away!”

It’s handy that I have my library card because I’m totally checking you out.

Do you have a Band-Aid? ‘Cause I scraped my knee falling for you.

please call an ambulance your beauty I'd killing me.

I'm not a photographer, but I can picture me and you together.

If you were a vegetable you'd be a cute-cumber.

Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you, the entire room became beautiful.

Let me tie your shoes, cause I don't want you falling for anyone else.

Are you an omelette? Because you're making me egg-cited!

Did you sit in a pile of sugar? Cause you have a pretty sweet ass.

Do you have a pencil? Cause I want to erase your past and write our future.

Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.

"Do you have an ugly boyfriend? No? Want one?"

You must be a banana because I find you a peeling.

On a scale from 1 to 10, you're a 9 and I'm the 1 you need.

You can call me Nemo because I'm never afraid to touch the butt.

I might as well call you 'Google' because you're everything I've been searching for.
Did the sun just come out or did you just smile at me?

Can I have your picture so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas?

If you stood in front of a mirror and held up 11 roses, you would see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world.

Can I follow you? Cause my mom told me to follow my dreams.

I value my breath so it would be nice if you didn't take it away every time you walked past.

I without you is like a nerd without braces, A shoe without laces, aSentenceWithoutSpaces.

Do you want to play house with me?
You can be the front door, and I'll slam you until sunrise.

Hey girl, feel my sweater. Know what it's made of?
Boyfriend material.

You make me wanna go inside your wine cabinet and pull myself out a stiff one.

I want you to know something but I'm too scared to tell you in person. So I'll just let the first 3 words of this sentence say it for me.

Is your dad a military general? Because when you walked by, my privates snapped to attention.
If you were a triangle you'd be acute one!

Sorry, it took me so long to message, I was at Whole Foods trying to figure out what you like for breakfast.

What's a smart attractive man like myself doing without your phone number?

What is your favourite pick up line?

Cheers for reading X

Friday 4 January 2019

How to help your child do well at school.

Hey readers,

Now that my children are of school age one of the main goals as a parent is to try and help them do well at school. So, what do you do to achieve that, well the suggestions below are opinion and you can take them on board or not bother? I am no expert I just wanted to share my view on this subject matter.

Parents evening.

Going to parents evening is so important for you to build a relationship with your child's teacher. It is an opportunity to understand how your child is performing, how they get on at school and areas where you can help at home to improve your child's learning.

Homework.

Now that your child is at school you will find that homework is sadly something that is now required. The best thing you can do is try to encourage your child to do their homework and follow the requirements.

close up of woman working

Positive attitude.

A way to help build confidence in children especially with helping them grow with their learning is to have a positive attitude to your child about their education. Making sure you praise your child when they have achieved something or done well in their learning.

Mistakes.

Remember it is ok for your child to make mistakes because that is the way that we learn. Sometimes getting something wrong helps we understand the reasons behind the answers.

Study skills.

Encourage your child to study and reinforce why learning is good and the benefits of it in the long term for your child's future.

woman wearing blue jacket sitting on chair near table reading books

Homework routine.

I know as a parent when your child receives lots of different tasks for their homework it can be a daunting prospect of getting your child motivated and getting the homework done. That is why I think when looking at homework breaking it down so that it is achievable and not because added stress with the pressure to get it done all in one go. I think it is important to break down the homework so that the child can do small chunks every day so it is not daunting for your child. Routine is key in achieving a positive environment when it comes to homework.

Relax.

I will be the first to admit it that when my eldest first started to bring homework home I wanted it done the second he got home and I got very stressed out about it when it didn’t go to plan. This was a hostile environment and not good for the whole family to be in. I have learnt however that not rushing to get the homework down is vital. Allowing your child time when they get home from school and the weekend to relax and unwind. It is much better for your child to be calm when under pressure to get the work done. The quality as well when relaxed vs stressed is a huge difference. Ironically you save time as the child will willingly just get on with the homework and not be argumentative.

Sleep.

cat sleeping

Sleep is so important to helping a child learn. Having the energy to listen and learn are key factors in achieving well in school.  Making sure that your child gets enough sleep and having a set time each night that goes to bed will help create a positive routine in a child’s life. Making sure the child is relaxed and doing calm activities before bed such as reading.

Cheers for reading X

Thursday 3 January 2019

10 reasons why sleep is important.

Hey readers,

Sleep is so important to your wellbeing and helps recharge your batteries. I have given more reasons below on why sleep is so important for you.



Helps with concentration and productivity.

woman in brown scoop neck long sleeved blouse painting

When you have a good night sleep you have more productive because you have more energy to do the things you want to do. Likewise, with concentration, you have more patience because you have more energy to focus on the things you want to do. Therefore you can spend more time doing a task and getting it right without making mistakes because you are sleep deprived.

Improves immune function.

With sleep it allows your body to respond to the requests needed instead of trying to manage with the lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system, therefore, more at risk of getting ill if your body is not working accordingly.

Boast memory.

When you have adequate sleep it allows your brain to be able to focus on information rather than trying to keep your body awake due to lack of sleep. It means less time needed to work on remembering the information which in turn means you can hold on to the information into your brain.

Stay alert.

When you have sleep it allows you to stay alert and on top of what you are doing be used again, you have more energy and not trying to fight the tiredness that you have lost due to not getting the right amount of sleep.

Better health.

animal cat face close up feline

With getting sleep allows the body to have the energy to make the body function correctly. An example of this would be heart circulation and getting the blood to follow correctly to the different parts of the body.

Reaction time.

A positive aspect of getting sleep is that you are more awake and can focus on what you are doing. Therefore your reaction time is better because you are not tired and have a quick to respond to the environment.

Weight loss.

For one you are sleep and less time means you don't need more food to compensate for energy. When you are tired and you are more likely to be tempted to go to sugar and high fats because it is faster to get quick energy to manage the tiredness. Consequently means you are using more calories than recommended, therefore, putting on weight.

Reduces stress.

Getting a good nights rest can help you control and regulate your emotions. If you're tired you don't have the time to rationalise which can cause you to get stressed.

Less pain.

It is proven that lack of sleep can cause more pain. If you on the go for long periods tour muscles need to rest however they are still working longer then needed causing pain for the person lacking in sleep.

Decision making.

portrait of beautiful young woman over white background

With having sleep you can have a rest and give your brain time to have a break from thinking and doing physical things with the brain. When you are sleep deprived you can't concentrate and therefore struggle to reason correctly.

Cheers for reading X

Wednesday 2 January 2019

How to motivate yourself in the winter mornings.

Hey readers,

It can be hard to get motivated during the colder months because all you want to do is hibernate especially when it is so dark and cold outside. How do you get motivated during the winter mornings?

Brace yourself.

I know for me I get so overwhelmed with how much I have to do that I then go on to procrastinate because it is easier to hide away than to deal with the endless things I have to do. One way overcoming this is to be ace myself and break down what I have to do.
I focus on what is essential and then do something that I dread. I know that if I can't complete it all I can do it next goal when I have some time. This helps me feel like I am in control and have a plan of action to calm down my thoughts.

Plan.

The night before I go to bed I write down my schedule of things I have to do therefore I am ready and don't have to panic about everything. It is clearly written down and I know what I have to do.

photo of person holding black pen

Set alarm.

I find it better to set my alarm 10 minutes early as I can have quiet time to enjoy my hot drink and it sets me up for the day. Having that extra time means I don't have to rush around and get stressed about time. It makes a huge difference in being calm that it can make your day feel smoother.

photo of person holding alarm clock

Exercise.

I hate the thought of exercising in the morning but once I get a workout done I feel so much better. It really does me good mentally and physically. I feel much more energised and funny enough it helps get more stuff done because of my energy levels being heightened through exercise.

Early night.

Making sure you get plenty of sleep is important. Being conscious of getting to bed early will really beneficial with how productive you are in the morning.

Routines.

Establishing a routine where you go to bed and get up early will soon become second nature if you are consisting of your routine. The more you keep at keeping up with your routine will, in the end, pay off as your body will turn it into a habit and in turn will make it easy for you to continue doing what you are doing.

Breakfast.

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it sets you and provides energy after you have had a long sleep at night. Food is great in providing energy to concentrate on the work that needs to be done.
food coffee breakfast

Goals.

When trying to complete your work that needs to be done in the morning focus first on the task that is most important to you. Getting that job done straightaway means you can relax a bit after and it will a lot easier to do the other tasks once the bigger one has been completed.

What strategies help you kick-start productivity in the morning?

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday 1 January 2019

how to deal with Impostor Syndrome

Hey readers,

Do you feel a fraud by your achievements? that you somehow you are not worthy of the work that you have achieved? Well, this phenomenon is called Impostor syndrome and it is very common indeed. But how do you deal with this? well, let me give you some ways to help deal with imposter syndrome below.

Awareness.

Like everything I guess the starter point would be to acknowledge how you are feeling and that these feelings are a result of Impostor Syndrome. Awareness is a valuable skill in recognising the way you respond to your achievements, so the first step in dealing with Impostor Syndrome.

scenic view of forest during night time

Open.

Being open and upfront about how you feel towards your achievements with others can be valuable because you can connect with other people who feel similar. You can also seek out help and knowledge from others who have experienced Impostor syndrome and how they have overcome the feelings that they once felt.

Accepting.

One way of facing Impostor Syndrome is accepting the achievements you have achieved and appreciate the work that you have put in. Challenge the thoughts even writing down the original thought and replacing it with a positive can help change that faulty thinking pattern.

Focus on yourself.

With Impostor Syndrome comes low confidence in yourself and one of the worst things you can do is compare yourself to others. You need to let go of thinking why you couldn't reach the level of success that so and so has achieved. Acknowledging that your success is good enough, no one is perfect and you worked dame hard to get where you have reached. Let's face it we are all on our own journey.

brown wooden dock over body of water

Feedback.

One of the things that I have noticed through my own experience of Impostor Syndrome is that I downplay any positive praise that I receive. I instantly reply with a negative and the one way to help grow your confidence and kick Impostor Syndrome is to accept praise for what it is. You don't justify it but say thank you. You don't need to deny the feedback, own it, it is yours.

Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a way to train your brain to appreciate the moment and not focus on what you do not have. It is kind of like focusing on the positives as it can be very easy to notice the negatives that have occurred.

Choice.

Remember you have the power to choose what you want to listen to and take it on board. It is only relevant if you put that importance on to it. You can choose to take it or leave it, you are in control of your thoughts.

brown wooden dock over body of water

Encouragement.

Get into the habit of praising yourself - be your own personal supporter, write down the positives. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to feel good about your achievements. It is ok to feel good about the work you have achieved it doesn't make you big headed because at the end of the day you worked hard to achieve your success so why not celebrate it.

Cheers for reading X

Monday 31 December 2018

6 places to find cheap books.

Hey readers,

I love reading and I'm always looking for cheap ways of getting books or buying them. It can be a struggle but there's no need to spend a fortune on buying books if you look in the right places you will find cheap ways of getting your hands on books. Let me tell you some of the places you can try that have been successful for me in finding cheap books below.

1. Local library.

The most obvious place to start for looking for books is the local library, as they have a wide selection of different types of books you can take out on loan and are free. I have taking out loads of books on loan so you have to return them in the past from for my library. It has been so helpful in saving me money going to my library as there is so much choice for instance recipe books, craft books for kids and fiction books to lose myself in.

books on bookshelves

2. Second-hand shops.

As good as the library is for a wide selection of books sometimes the library does not have the title in. That is why it's good to check out the local charity shop to see if there are pre-loved books that you want but you can't find anywhere else. The books from charity shops are cheap and cheerful and normally absolutely fine to read at a low cost. Also after I finished a book that I bought from the charity shop I normally give it to my local library so that someone else can enjoy it and share the love through that way.

3. eBay / Amazon.

Online there are plenty of places that sell cheap books compared to say Waterstones and two of the most popular sites are eBay and Amazon. I'm not sure if you are aware but not only does Amazon sell brand spanking new books they also sell used books, so do check that option out as well because you can get somebody else with that way. Likewise, with eBay, they sell cheaper books especially ones that are a bit rarer at a reasonable cost.

Image result for amazon logo

4. E-reader.

Another option is to download an e-reader app so you don't have to spend loads on an e-reader and you can find cheap eBooks through the e-reader app itself.

5. Comparison sites.

To find the best book deal price check out this brilliant website called Best Book Price which compares the cheapest place to get a book. Some of the types compared are eBay, Amazon WHSmith and various other book internet sites that you can buy books from.
person holding cup of coffee and open book

6. The Works.

The Works is another good shop where you can buy books from, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. They also do regular book deals such as 6 fiction books for £10 or 10 children books for £10. Another great feature is that you can order books online or pick them up in a store. Which I prefer to look in the shop as you can physically touch them and see all the books together to choose from.

Cheers for reading X