A Letter To My Childhood Self...

Dear Younger Me,

Often I look back and wonder if I knew what I know now back when I was in my childhood years, would things have been different? Would I not have worried as much? More than likely. There are so many things I want to tell you, where to start...

Even the smallest of things, like don't worry about the colour of your hair. Yes it shines the light of a thousand suns and occasionally you may be called albino but honestly those idiots who call you that are actually just jealous. Your hair colour is literally one in a million, people pay so much money to even get their hair that colour in the hairdressers and you have it effortlessly. You'll realise that when you are asked numerous times 'Is that your real hair colour?!'. Do you not remember that time you got your Mum and Dad free drinks in a pub just for the colour of your hair? I can't even believe I wanted to dye my hair black...what was I thinking? This hair gets people free alcohol!

When you were younger you dreamed about being a dolphin trainer or at least working with dolphins.  Turns out your actual job was very different - marketing. Sometimes I look back and think damn I wish I had worked with animals or why didn't I do biology in my A-Levels!? Don't be too sad though you've entered an amazing, thriving industry which is only going to get better. Guess I'll just have to replace the animal craving with a million pets.

Don't stress about meeting the one and being married with kids by 20. I know all those Disney films saw the respective princess find their partner at 17 but reality just isn't like that. As my mum would say you've got to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, and I did just that. Some times it takes a bit longer to find someone who's your partner and your best friend. You'll know when you find them and you'll never be happier.

I wish I could tell you to be more confident. Believe it or not people aren't judging you, they want to hear from you. There is no need to be shy and hide behind your parents at every chance you get.

Enjoy every second you have with your friends and family. Your parents or sibling might seem like the enemy when you're growing up but really they are your best friends. You can count on them to never let you down. With friends, yes you may lose some who you thought would be there forever throughout your life but don't regret being friends with them. They help shape you as a person and have amazing experiences. Believe it or not you are going to meet some of your best friends when you're older out of school and even out of university at times.

And finally, last but not least, I know you hated the 12 minute run in school and it was the worst thing ever, but girl you can run for even longer than that now. You actually will learn to love exercise and be constantly at the gym most mornings. I know, hard to believe right.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, live in the moment, opinions and people change but that's okay. You'll always have a light guiding you home.

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.

How To Flee Those January Blues

Christmas is over, it's the final day of December and we all know what is coming next... January. And what accompanies January? You got it - the January Blues. I know 2017 isn't over yet, but really we are all already dreading that cold depressing month where nothing interesting happens and we all return to the monotony of work and the stresses that come with it... But have no fear, January doesn't have to be this depressing!

1. Plan a holiday
It's not too late! The Xmas/January sales have just begun and this is the best time of year to get a holiday deal, hence why I have just booked tickets to the Philippines (ahhhh!). Anyway, give yourself something to look forward to and escape to the sun. Nothing makes you feel better than discovering another culture and exploring new places.

2. Go on a staycation
If you can't leave the country why not go for a weekend away. It may be slightly colder than Spain but sometimes a change of scenery is all you need. Find a cosy cottage to book in to or a swanky apartment in the fast paced city, just escape reality.

3. Plan a night in or out with the girls/guys
So maybe you don't have the money to go away for a whole weekend/week you can still enjoy yourself where you are. Plan an evening with your friends, go out for cocktails, go to a jazz night or even just plan your own 'come dine with me' night in. It's important to give yourself something to look forward to and just being with your friends can instantly lift your spirits.

4. Learn a new skill
"New Year, New Me"... It sounds like a cliché, but give yourself an aim in January and challenge yourself physically or mentally by investing time into a new skill. Every year I always think of the new things I want to learn - guitar, sewing, a new language - the list could go on. My aim in 2018 is to keep up my blogging and attempt to play the ukulele. In 2017 it was to learn to cook new meals each week. Expand your skills and spend time doing something new, different, and rewarding.

5. Feel fit and healthy
Tight waistband? Feeling like a mince pie after all those large Christmas meals? An instant pick me up is a health fix. Set yourself a goal and do a certain amount of exercise per week or maybe just get some fresh air and go for a walk, match that with eating clean and you'll be feeling better about January in no time. Make sure you carry it on past January... don't want to slip back in to that lull.

How are you going to flee those January blues? Let me know in the comments below...