How to get over being run down;

Hello Lovelies!

You know when you get that feeling that you're just not 100% yourself? You're covered in zits, your body aches, you've got the worst blocked nose in history, and you just need to sleep it off and recuperate.

If you're a regular reader then you know I've started work and it's been a bit of a shock to the system. I'm really suffering with my feet and knees right now so here's how I'm trying to make myself better!

1.) Rest. Sleep makes me feel like a new woman especially when I'm waking up as early as I do! Get into bed, read a chapter of your new book/your favourite Netflix show (try Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)  and settle down for the night. Try a decaffeinated warm drink to help you drift off to the land of nod.

2.) Relax. Have a bubble bath or a long shower to scrub off the day. Use body scrubs and moisturiser that smell amazing and you'll feel clean as a whistle and you day will get even better! I recommend the 'I Love Strawberries & Cream' Shower smoothie which you can buy here.

3.) Respect. Listen to your body, if it's hurting there's a chance that there's a problem. My knee recently has come under a lot of stress and I'm going to visit the doctor's about it to get a second opinion. But make sure your body is happy so it can do whatever you set your mind to.

There's the three R's on how to help yourself get back up when you're run down. Hope this helps and if you have any more tips, don't hesitate to let me know!

Thanks for reading!


Jx

photo courtesy of advancecosmetic.com

How to stay healthy at University;

Hello Lovelies! 

Since I seem to be a fountain of knowledge about university lately, I decided to give out some tips on how to be happy and healthy, both mentally and physically, at university. 

1.) Drink water. I am a terrible advocate for hydration, but according to scientists having at least 2 litres of water a day can improve your health drastically. I know at uni everyone seems to be 'sloshed on the voddy', but hydration is key to having a positive impact on your studies. Drinking a big glass of water in the morning speeds up your metabolism and gets your juices flowing so you can take on the day!

2.) Exercise. "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't shoot their husbands."

Wise words from the queen, Elle Woods in legally blonde. Exercise, be it in a gym, at a class, or even just in your room, can improve both your mental and physical health, because it boosts your mood, makes you sweat and you can even make some friends as you achieve any fitness goals you have marked up! 

3.) Don't drink too much booze. Yes. Alcohol can be all well and good but knowing your limit should be essential especially at uni. It can ruin your liver and if it starts affecting your study then you need a serious talk with yourself. You're at uni to learn, not get pissed every night of the week.

4.) Don't eat all the Dominoes. You know what I'm talking about, uni goers...2 for Tuesday's, buy one get one free...I am guilty of buying two pizzas because it's cheaper...(I'm ashamed). 

Save your pennies and have fast food as a treat rather than a staple in your diet, you'll thank me later!

5.) Buy fruit and veggies. I am a veggie fiend so this is no problem for me. Fruit and vegetables will give you vitamins and minerals that you don't get from fast food. Making healthy lunches and dinners will keep your weight down and your mood up.

6.) Socialising. Now this is great for mental health. Make a habit of seeing your friends to ensure your mind stays social and stimulated, especially if you have papers due in. Studying is important but you'll go nuts and get pretty lonely if you sit in your room all day.

7.) Join a society. If you play a sport, like watching anime or even want to pole dance, universities have so many societies to join. These create friendships and hopefully enjoyment throughout your uni life. I'll let you know which ones I have joined when I go back in second year...( I was a huge social recluse).

8.) Get enough sleep. Beauty sleep is essential to focus in lectures. I have fallen asleep in class before and not only is it embarrassing and slightly rude, you miss out on essential information. So get your z's and you'll do better in every aspect of your uni life.

9.) Safe sex. Right, let's get down to it. At uni, people get drunk, get stupid, get laid. Now if you're gonna do that, protect yourself! Everyone, always carry and wear condoms and if the guy won't wear one or the girl says she doesn't need them cuz she's "on the pill", then you should leave them to have sex with themselves. Pills and implants DO NOT protect you from STI's and if you're burning downstairs then don't be stupid and get yourself checked out before getting down to business.

10.) Down time. Read a book, watch Netflix, have a bubble bath. Let your body relax after all that exercise, partying, drinking and whatever you've been doing. Having some alone time can help you recuperate and be ready for the rest of the week.

Now, there's my tips for keeping yourself in tip top shape at university. I personally need to follow these, (I eat a lot of dominos) and hopefully I will stay mentally positive and physically fit all year long!

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

People can be mean;

Hello Lovelies!

Today I thought I'd address a more serious topic with you all.

In my nineteen years on this planet I have come to realise that people can be cruel, horrible, jealous, selfish and just downright awful sometimes.

I have experienced this sort of behaviour in my life multiple times and thankfully I have overcome it. Sadly, there are some people who never recover and this is for them, I guess.

In life, there is always going to be someone who wants you to hurt. Be it an ex, a family member, a friend, even someone on the street could make you feel inferior to them just because they can. As children, we pick out flaws in each other, that we didn't know existed until someone else pointed them out.

For me, this was the fact that I was a redhead, or a 'ginger' as I got labelled at the age of twelve. This mutated gene which affects thousands of the human population was suddenly an insult and I began feeling very bad about myself.

This insecurity continued subconsciously through my teens, I remember being embarrassed of my red hair and continuously dying my hair a dull brown, dark red, purple, anything but ginger.

But then one day I realised that my hair was unique and that colour was what made me feel special. I embraced my insecurity and began letting my colour show and now I even dye my hair a more vibrant red to enhance the beautiful colour I've began to love.

The message behind that anecdote is that people are mean, yes, but you can rise above and become stronger than them. You decide your own destiny, your own story is only written once and you don't want to be worrying that each chapter 'could have been better' than the last. Keep your head up and make yourself into the best person you could be.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

How to avoid uni stress;

Hello Lovelies!

I've been thinking a lot lately about stress and how so many young adults experience it, particularly those who chose to study at university. it's a horrible time when exams are around the corner and assignments are due in, it really takes it out of you.

So, I decided to make a list of a few tips on how I avoid stress!

Here we go;

1.) Talk to someone

Don't take the stress alone. Your friends, family, significant other and your teachers are all there to help you feel better about your exams and to be honest, they've all probably felt the pressure of assignments and exams before. I like to work on plans with my other classmates, just so we understand structures and what we're actually doing. (Don't worry, we always pull through!)

2.) Relax!

I know I know, easier said than done isn't it? Even though you're studying and revising you still need to have some time out for yours truly. Crank up the some tunes, run yourself a bath and just don't think for a while. If you're a bit too macho for the tub, go out for an hour or two and socialise! It's good for your brain to process other things rather than exam question after exam question.

NB: just don't get drunk in the afternoon, you won't resurface until the next day, take it from personal experience - stick to coffee.

3.) Plan

This is a new thing for me, I am not a planner. I am a 'it'll be fine, just write' kinda girl. Until recently, when I looked at my boyfriend's work for his Master's.

He planned the bejesus out of his assignment, with references and quotes and it made it look 1000 times easier.

So I decided to write plans for my next two assignments and god it's helping! I've got a place to write down all my scrambled up thoughts, quotes and references without wanting to bang my head against the table. Seriously, plan it to avoid panic.

4.) You can do it!

Repeat this in your head until you believe it. Self doubt is the worst thing for university students and only you can make yourself feel like you can do it. You're going to hit some bumps in the road I'm sure but if you believe in yourself you can do whatever you want and achieve all your goals!

There's some of my ways to avoid university stress, now I'm going to continue with my assignment (ugh) in the most non-stressful way...

Hope this helps!

See you soon!


Jx