Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.

Yes, yes I know. Another post about January and how depressing it is. "Tell me something I don't know" I hear you say. January however is an important month to feel happy and healthy, especially when there is a day called Blue Monday.

One way I'll be making January positive is by keeping fit. Now I know some of you might stop reading right now at the mention of exercise, and I promise you I was like this up until the age of 21, but trust me you'll want to keep reading. Exercise doesn't just physically make you feel amazing but it mentally boosts your mood (you've got to love some endorphins). Put it this way you're going to have a banging body with the positivity to match.

If i know the day ahead is going to be stressful, there is nothing better than starting the day with a 45 minute exercise class. Whether it is spinning, yoga or hardcore kettle bells, my mood instantly lifts and I am distracted from my anxious thoughts. Before I even get to work I'm eager to start the day. Yes, I've had to get up an hour or so earlier but I have more energy than ever. Why not buy yourself some colourful gym gear to inspire you! Check out mine below...

Try to commit to your routine and schedule exercise regularly in to your calendar. If it helps try get a friend to join you or mix up the type of exercise you do, that way it won't get repetitive and you'll be more encouraged to do it. It might seem daunting joining the gym in January especially when everyone who already goes always moans "here come the new year new me people", but prove them wrong and show them you're there for the long run, and not just until February. Or if the gym isn't your thing workout from home - you might feel more comfortable here.

Exercise isn't the only way to have a healthy body and mind though, a balanced diet is also important.  I'm as guilty as the next person for eating a cheeky takeaway or snacking throughout the day, especially when I have a Nandos 2 minutes walk away. Oh Nandos, why are you so delicious?! I am not saying you can't have a takeaway but you'll appreciate it more when it's a treat and not a regular occurrence.

Healthy food is still delicious! I know, news to me too but it's true. It doesn't just have to be a salad and soup believe it or not. Buy yourself a cook book and make your meals from scratch, know exactly what ingredients you are putting in. I would recommend investing in Madeline Shaw's Get The Glow, Leon: Fast & Free or The Detox Kitchen Bible. All of these recipe books are full of healthy, nourishing recipes to kick your body back in to shape and give you a positive mindset.

Finally, the one everyone's been dreading, not drinking as much alcohol. I know everyone loves a mid-week glass of wine or the occasion binge on the weekend but not drinking in January has really improved myself mentally (and seriously decreased my sugar intake). I don't know about you but I get 'the fear' (aka beer fear, aka omg what did I say to that person I like?!). It's this kind of anxiety I just don't need that in January. Without alcohol your mind is clear and your purse is heavier. Win win I think. Now I'm not saying I'm never drinking again, because when working in a marketing agency it is inevitable, but I'll definitely be cutting down.

So let's all start the New Year with a healthy body, healthy mind.

24 hours in Lisbon

I'd never been to Lisbon before (or at least my Dad said I had when I was little but I couldn't remember) so obviously I jumped at the chance when I was going to be in Portugal for a short holiday. I only had 24 hours so had to make it count, but Woooooooow it was worth it!

As soon as I got off the plane I was straight into it. The taxi driver listed her favourite places to us and I put in some research too and scheduled our day. I know, I know, it's good to be spontaneous... but not when you have 24 hours. So after lunch we started exploring while of course popping into Bershka on the way. I mean a girl's got needs and a girl needs jeans.

Here's my top things to see or do in Lisbon -

1. Castelo De S. Jorge

Price - 8, 50 € per person
This was a recommendation by the taxi driver and I totally underestimated this landmark. Not only was the Castle itself beautiful but the view of Lisbon was incredible, and best of all you got to enjoy it with a glass of wine from the 'wine with a view' stand. Yes the wine was pricey but I can honestly say it was worth it, the atmosphere was so relaxing. After a cheeky glass of wine you can then go on to explore the castle itself and walk along the top of the building.

2. Praca do Comercio

This beautiful square near the Tagus River is definitely something that needs to be seen with it being one of Lisbon's grandest squares. Many, many years ago everyone arriving in Lisbon by boat used to disembark here, and the Praca do Comercio symbolised the entrance or gate way to Lisbon. Grab a cocktail in one of the squares many restaurants or just relax by the sea front and enjoy the view.

3. Amoreiras 360 View

Price - up to 5€ per person
If you only have a short stay in Lisbon like myself and don't have time to visit every single attraction,  have no fear you can now see it all from the sky! I would have never known about the Amoreiras 360 View if it wasn't for a large billboard outside the airport - but that's advertising for you! It is a little walk out of the city centre and up a hill and at first it seemed quite unusual being at the top of a shopping centre, but when you reach the top it is the most impressive panoramic view. You can witness the whole of Lisbon right before you're very eyes - Lisbon Cathedral, Cristo Rei and so much more. I found the best time to come here was an hour before closing time as we had pretty much the whole of the viewing platform to ourselves.







4. Sala de Corte
Price - up to 40€ per person

After living in London for so long I know that the most amazing restaurants are those that tourists never usually find from wandering the streets. Therefore, researching quirky restaurants helped me discover the little gem Sala de Corte, a steak restaurant in the heart of Lisbon totally devoted to meat, so if you're vegan or vegetarian you might want to sit this one out. When we first arrived I knew instantly it was popular as there was already a queue of people waiting for a table. Though we waited for 40 minutes, we were able to soak up the atmosphere with a drink outside, and boy was the food worth the wait.


Of course this lively city has so much more to offer and explore than just the options I have suggested  but these are definitely my top picks. So go and discover Lisbon for yourself and if you need anywhere affordable, quirky and central to stay try the Passport Hostel... you won't be disappointed!