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The Best Ways To Relax When You Are Feeling Stressed

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Stress can be a huge problem in today’s society. Many of us can flippantly say that we feel stressed or that we are feeling stressed out at any given time. But whether you just feel flustered, or you are well and truly feeling the pressures of stress, it can often be an unpleasant feeling. There are many causes of feeling stressed out. Some feelings can be related to work, perhaps feeling overworked, overtired, and finding it hard to meet deadlines or upheld your company’s expectations of you. Other situations could include stress at home, perhaps in your marriage or relationship, with your children or with family members. Perhaps your financial situation is causing some stress. Whatever the reason, I think we can all agree that we would like some solid methods to feel more relaxed when are emotions are heightened. 

Another huge factor to stress is the month we have just begun, December. The stress of Christmas and scheduling events or commitments. Who to buy for, having to send those christmas cards, as well as ensuring that you fulfill family commitments, making the big dinner and even the stress of having to enjoy yourself and put a smile on your face. The whole month can be hugely overwhelming for some. So whether your stress is to do with Christmas or everyday occurrences, here are some relaxation options that can considerably reduce those stressed out feelings.   

Image source – pixabay – cco license

Meditation

Meditation is a great way to encourage you to relax more. If you have never done it before, it may feel a little strange at first. However, there are some great tutorials online, and you can even use smartphone apps that have things like guided meditation to help you with your thoughts and what you are thinking. The main focus of meditation is to focus on your breathing, and to allow yourself to empty your mind of cluttered thoughts. This can then help you to refocus and prioritise. 

Taking deep breaths

If you find your stress levels reaching boiling point recognise the symptoms and emotions and take yourself away for the situation for five minutes and just focus on breathing deeply. This can help you to calm your heart rate and just put some focus on the simplest of tasks. Inhale through your nose slowly and exhale through your mouth. While it can slow down your heart rate it can also help to lower your blood pressure. Next time you find yourself at boiling point, try this technique out and see the difference it can make. 

Slowing down

In the heat of the moment and the thick of a situation it can be hard to step away from the situation entirely, so instead try and be more present in your circumstances and slow down. Try and take the time to just focus on one behaviour such as awareness to the scene and the situation you are in. This may even help you to see what you could do differently to get a better result. 

Booking in some rest and relaxation somewhere

Sometimes you need a little help when it comes to the whole rest and relaxation thing. So it may be time to consider taking some time out from the busy schedule you have. You could consider a deep tissue massage as stress can really tighten your muscles and cause you to feel tension in your body physically as well as mentally. Or simply spending a morning or afternoon at the spa could certainly do the trick. If you don’t have the means to pay for something like this, then just consider booking a day’s holiday from work, and spending it indulging a bit of catch up TV or even some online gaming like fruits merge. Switch your phone off, keep the laptop away, and enjoy time in your own company for a while. Even just catching up on some sleep can do you the world of good. 

Laugh yourself silly

Laughing can often be described as the best medicine, and when it comes to stress, laughing could be the ideal solution to get rid of those unwanted feelings and emotions. Laughing can help reduce the hormone that creates that stressed feeling, and help improve your mood and mental well-being. Next time you feel stressed check out funny videos on YouTube, or even just put on your favourite funny film to lighten the mood. 

Create a different atmosphere 

Sometimes it is the general atmosphere we are in that can really heighten our stress levels. So now would be the ideal time to change the atmosphere if you feel that it is having a negative impact on how you feel. Often doing things like lowering the lighting, making yourself comfortable, and even putting on atmospheric mood sounds like nature sounds or ocean sounds can help to relax your mind and help you to calm the situation.  

Become more active by taking a walk or trying yoga

Many would agree that being active like going out for a walk can help to reduce anxious feelings and boost mood, so you can imagine that it can have just as much of a positive effect on stressed feelings as well. Walking and getting out for some fresh air is the simplest way, but also general exercise can also be great. Yoga is a form of exercise that many would associate with trying to reduce stress and anxiety, as there is a level of breathing techniques used within it. Again, there are often guidelines online if you have ever done it before, or heading to a beginners class could be the way forward. 

Be grateful

Finally, gratitude is a great way to help when it comes to reducing stress. It places your thought process more on what is going well and all the good things you have rather than still focusing on more negative aspects, which tend to be what is causing you to feel stressed. Many people make this part of their daily routine as well, such as thinking about things to be grateful for when they wake up and just before they go to bed. 

Let’s hope some of these options help you to reduce stress in your life.

The Best Ways To Relax When You Are Feeling Stressed

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Stress can be a huge problem in today’s society. Many of us can flippantly say that we feel stressed or that we are feeling stressed out at any given time. But whether you just feel flustered, or you are well and truly feeling the pressures of stress, it can often be an unpleasant feeling. There are many causes of feeling stressed out. Some feelings can be related to work, perhaps feeling overworked, overtired, and finding it hard to meet deadlines or upheld your company’s expectations of you. Other situations could include stress at home, perhaps in your marriage or relationship, with your children or with family members. Perhaps your financial situation is causing some stress. Whatever the reason, I think we can all agree that we would like some solid methods to feel more relaxed when are emotions are heightened. 

Another huge factor to stress is the month we have just begun, December. The stress of Christmas and scheduling events or commitments. Who to buy for, having to send those christmas cards, as well as ensuring that you fulfill family commitments, making the big dinner and even the stress of having to enjoy yourself and put a smile on your face. The whole month can be hugely overwhelming for some. So whether your stress is to do with Christmas or everyday occurrences, here are some relaxation options that can considerably reduce those stressed out feelings.   

Image source – pixabay – cco license

Meditation

Meditation is a great way to encourage you to relax more. If you have never done it before, it may feel a little strange at first. However, there are some great tutorials online, and you can even use smartphone apps that have things like guided meditation to help you with your thoughts and what you are thinking. The main focus of meditation is to focus on your breathing, and to allow yourself to empty your mind of cluttered thoughts. This can then help you to refocus and prioritise. 

Taking deep breaths

If you find your stress levels reaching boiling point recognise the symptoms and emotions and take yourself away for the situation for five minutes and just focus on breathing deeply. This can help you to calm your heart rate and just put some focus on the simplest of tasks. Inhale through your nose slowly and exhale through your mouth. While it can slow down your heart rate it can also help to lower your blood pressure. Next time you find yourself at boiling point, try this technique out and see the difference it can make. 

Slowing down

In the heat of the moment and the thick of a situation it can be hard to step away from the situation entirely, so instead try and be more present in your circumstances and slow down. Try and take the time to just focus on one behaviour such as awareness to the scene and the situation you are in. This may even help you to see what you could do differently to get a better result. 

Booking in some rest and relaxation somewhere

Sometimes you need a little help when it comes to the whole rest and relaxation thing. So it may be time to consider taking some time out from the busy schedule you have. You could consider a deep tissue massage as stress can really tighten your muscles and cause you to feel tension in your body physically as well as mentally. Or simply spending a morning or afternoon at the spa could certainly do the trick. If you don’t have the means to pay for something like this, then just consider booking a day’s holiday from work, and spending it indulging a bit of catch up TV or even some online gaming like fruits merge. Switch your phone off, keep the laptop away, and enjoy time in your own company for a while. Even just catching up on some sleep can do you the world of good. 

Laugh yourself silly

Laughing can often be described as the best medicine, and when it comes to stress, laughing could be the ideal solution to get rid of those unwanted feelings and emotions. Laughing can help reduce the hormone that creates that stressed feeling, and help improve your mood and mental well-being. Next time you feel stressed check out funny videos on YouTube, or even just put on your favourite funny film to lighten the mood. 

Create a different atmosphere 

Sometimes it is the general atmosphere we are in that can really heighten our stress levels. So now would be the ideal time to change the atmosphere if you feel that it is having a negative impact on how you feel. Often doing things like lowering the lighting, making yourself comfortable, and even putting on atmospheric mood sounds like nature sounds or ocean sounds can help to relax your mind and help you to calm the situation.  

Become more active by taking a walk or trying yoga

Many would agree that being active like going out for a walk can help to reduce anxious feelings and boost mood, so you can imagine that it can have just as much of a positive effect on stressed feelings as well. Walking and getting out for some fresh air is the simplest way, but also general exercise can also be great. Yoga is a form of exercise that many would associate with trying to reduce stress and anxiety, as there is a level of breathing techniques used within it. Again, there are often guidelines online if you have ever done it before, or heading to a beginners class could be the way forward. 

Be grateful

Finally, gratitude is a great way to help when it comes to reducing stress. It places your thought process more on what is going well and all the good things you have rather than still focusing on more negative aspects, which tend to be what is causing you to feel stressed. Many people make this part of their daily routine as well, such as thinking about things to be grateful for when they wake up and just before they go to bed. 

Let’s hope some of these options help you to reduce stress in your life.

Why Are Campervan Holidays Becoming So Popular?

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Going down the caravan has always been popular. There was nothing like waking up on the first day of your holiday in a static and racing to the nearest beach. The smell of the beachside cafes and the piping hot builders’ tea they served up.

Photo by Manuel Meurisse on Unsplash

In the last fifteen years, people have been switching from a good old static to investing in their own caravans and hybrid campers – but why? 

Freedom

While caravan parks are fabulous, and for many, some of the best childhood memories were made there, the freedom that having your very own caravan or camper brings is incredible. With an increase in countries that allow free camping, there is no end to the amount of places you can go. Not only that, but if you decide that you want to head out that evening, you can -, and you can find campsites or places to stay as you go. 

Adventure 

For those who have a couple of weeks off in one go, you can make a huge adventure out of it – and travel to multiple locations. Stopping where and when you like to take in the scenery and the sights and moving on when you like. With a camper van, you have the ability to sleep almost anywhere (anywhere that is legal), which means for those with an adventurous spirit, you never know where you might end up!

Outdoor Hobbies

In such a tech-heavy society, some of the most popular hobbies have become anything that is offline and outdoors. Long hikes, fishing, star spotting, foraging, and bird watching are all becoming more popular. And perhaps the best thing about those types of hobbies is that they can be done and enjoyed by the whole family. 

With the right setup, you can even take bikes with you on the trip! 

Going on camping adventures allows people who live in the city to really make the most of the great outdoors and truly experience nature for a few days or more. 

Community 

When you are interested in something, it is always nice to be able to find other people who like the same thing. Well, there is a huge, global camping and wild camping community. And while there are some sticklers in every group, the camping community can give you a lot of help when you are new to it. They’ll help you find the best places and the best deals and be able to tell you where there are meet-ups, too.

Festivals 

For those who love going to festivals, trying to pitch a tent in a safe spot or booking a hotel nearby can be a test of wills. But when you have a campervan, you can pretty much go to any festival you like and have somewhere sturdier and safer to sleep – which is even better when you have kids with you. 

Not to mention you have somewhere you can cook some food without having to wait in a long queue! Like the sound of cooking your own food and skipping the rabble? Here are some of the tastiest traits: 10 Delicious Camping Recipes – Munchies and Munchkins.

Where To Find The Best Fish & Chips In The UK

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If you are keen on travelling around the UK, the food might be a major part of why you want to do so. And there is no dish more traditionally British than the staple, fish and chips. However, it has to be said that the quality of fish and chips can vary considerably depending on where in the UK you are. With that in mind, we have compiled this short list of the best places to find fish and chips across the UK. Let’s take a look.

Seahouses, Northumberland

This frequently tops the list of having some of the very best takeaway fish and chips in England, so it’s certainly somewhere that you might want to look to if you are keen on experiencing that. What’s more, you’ll also be able to find some truly beautiful scenery, and the Bamburgh Castle accommodation is some of the best accommodation in the country to stay at too. So all in all, it’s well worth the trip, for the fish and chips and more.

Pic Credit – CCO License

Whitby, Yorkshire

You would certainly want to consider Whitby too if you were after some traditional fish and chips. This again is one of the most famous places to visit for fish and chips, and it is definitely somewhere that you are going to want to check out if you are keen on trying that – as well as being able to have a nice relaxing time in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Top tip: try the world-famous Magpie Cafe, which has been serving up truly phenomenal fish and chips since 1937.

Pic Credit – CCO License

Whitstable, Kent

There is something special about Whitstable, and you would certainly find yourself able to visit it without ever stepping foot in a fish and chip shop, and still have a good time. However, while you are there, you may as well try out the last fish and chip shop in the south to still fry with beef dripping. There is no doubt that this helps to make their fish and chips truly delicious, so check out VC Jones if you are indeed in the area – you won’t regret it.

Brae, Shetland

It would make sense for some of the best fish and chips to be up North in Scotland and beyond, because of the access to the Atlantic and the North Sea, where much of the high quality fish comes from in particular. This results in some truly fresh fish, and that is of course helpful when trying to find a delicious dish. In Brae, you will find the UK’s most northerly fish and chip shop, Frankie’s Fish & Chips, which as well as being something of a tourist highlight, also genuinely offers one of the best fish and chips anywhere in the UK.

Those are some of the top choices if you want to take a fish and chip tour of the country. You won’t go far wrong with any of those.

Which Regions Of Italy Should You Visit

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Whether you’re planning a road trip through the Big Boot, or you’ve visited Italy before, perhaps even multiple times, and absolutely adored it, you might be looking to try and see as much of it as you can in the future. Such a diverse, historically important, and culturally rich country never stops offering something new to enjoy, but here we’re going to look at some of the very best regions and why each of them is worth taking the time to visit.

Photo – CC0 License

Campania

Southern Italy often gets a lot of attention to the detriment of the north and we want to make sure that we don’t make the same mistake. Aside from the fact that Campania’s historical offerings are fantastic, with Pompeii’s ruins and the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Paestum all being available to visit, the region also offers some of the very best in the country’s food, as well. Naples, the home of Neapolitan pizza, has one of the greatest food festivals in the world in the form of their Pizzafest every summer.

Veneto

Sticking with the North, again, this region is most famous for being where you can find the aquatic city of Venice, with its many canals and beautifully walkable streets. Beyond that, Veneto is one of the most romantic regions in the country, with towns like Verona offering a truly picturesque retreat from the modern world. Add to that, the natural beauty found in places like the Dolomite Mountains, not to mention the gorgeous, near-teal waters of Lake Garda, and it’s easy to see why many consider Veneto to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful regions of the country.

Tuscany

If you’re obsessed with the Renaissance and Italy’s cultural exports, then it’s well worth finding houses for rent in Tuscany. In particular, you want to make sure that you’re able to reach both Florence, which has, amongst other things, the single largest collection of Renaissance artworks in the world, and the gorgeous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Don’t miss out on Pisa, either. Aside from the Leaning Tower, its great plaza, the Piazza del Duomo, offers some of the most impressive architecture you’re likely to clasp your eyes on.

Lazio

If it’s not the first destination on your list, then you need to make sure you visit Lazio at least once. Not only is it where you can find Rome, arguably the single greatest capital city on Earth, but there are other hotspots, such as the Civita di Banoregio, also known as the Dying City, a gorgeous old town built upon a slowly crumbling hilltop that lends it a distinct sense of tragic beauty, as well as the beautiful seaside locale of Gaeta. This region is by far the most developed and modern of the country but still has a lot of historical beauty to offer.

We didn’t get to cover nearly all of what each region mentioned has to offer and, beyond that, there are many other regions that perhaps deserve just as much of a mention. Either way, you will definitely find at least one place to start from here.

10 Ways To Customize And Tailor Your Life For Full Individuality

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When it comes to making the most of his life, there are so many things we can do. We must ensure that we reach our potential and don’t waste what we have in front of us. We also have to ensure that we are good people and that we are causing problems for others. It’s very easy to indulge in negative habits, and it’s up to us to remove those in any way we can. One of the best ways to make the most of his life is to really embrace our unique individuality. We are all completely different – even if a lot of us believe we are too similar. 

There are so many different things we can do to customize our lives, and to add personal touches. There are people out there who don’t like those who are unapologetically, and it’s pretty sad. You really can make every aspect of your life unique if you want to. Here are just a few examples of how you can do just that:

Your Living Space

You can easily transform your home into a personalized haven. The best thing about doing this is that there is an array of options and everybody can create a unique space. You can choose a handpicked decor and color schemes that fit your unique style. When you personalize your home, you are disclosing to everybody the true reflection of your personality and what goes on in your mind. Something like this can bring real satisfaction to your life as well as a true identity. 

Customizing Your Wardrobe Expressions

This is a very obvious point to make and one not a lot of people will utilize. When it comes to customizing your life and becoming more unique, one of the best ways to express yourself is through your outfits. A lot of people like to dress like the crowd in order to not stand out, but there are so many ways you can be your own person here. Tailoring your wardrobe to your tastes can allow you to convey your individuality to the world. Your confidence can also be boosted if you get into a regular habit of this. 

Your Own Personal Brand

Due to the freedom of the world we live in, you are free to create your own personal brand at any given time. This might be a case of making yourself stand out in order to get certain contracts but it might simply just be a case of creating a brand in order to start a business. In your professional life, your brand will help you stand above others. Tailoring your resume and changing up your online presence could make such a big difference. A personal brand can open doors to all kinds of opportunities in your life.

The Vehicle You Drive

This idea is a very popular one and something that is very common. You may have seen lots of cars roaming around the roads over the years with all kinds of different customizations. A car is generally accepted as something that you can customize significantly in order to increase value or to gather more respect. There are so many different things you can do to a car – from working on the performance to improving the look, what happens is entirely up to you. You could even do something as simple as check different number plates for sale and see which one fits you perfectly. If you are somebody who drives a lot, you should definitely check out this idea. Upgraded car parts can help enhance the performance of your vehicle and make it stand out on the road. For instance, if you drive a Land Rover, installing a lift kit or upgrading tires could make your off-road capabilities more capable. Vitesse offers various Land Rover parts. Alternatively, switching cars altogether might suit you? Maybe from Honda Civic to Land Rover Discovery with more space and off-road capabilities could create something unique to you and give a sense of fulfillment and pride with every drive.

Travel Adventures That Are Unique To You

It’s only right that you spend your free time traveling around as much as possible. There are many people out there who don’t enjoy the idea of exploring the world, everybody should be considering it. Personalized itineraries and exploring lesson-owned destinations can allow you to really have a unique style of vacation. In doing so, you could create profound and unforgettable moments that perhaps others wouldn’t experience. 

Creativity Regarding The Culinary Side

We all have to eat and it’s only right that we do this in style. For a lot of people, food is just energy that we use in order to live – it doesn’t have to be this way, however. You can experiment in the kitchen and have all kinds of diverse cuisines that suit you. When you express your culinary creativity in this way, every single meal can be exciting. 

Your Fitness And Wellness Routines

One’s health and fitness should be personalized as much as possible. Whether you like it or not, something that suits you may not suit somebody else. Because this is the case, you can personalize and tailor things perfectly to your preferences. You can take part in all kinds of different activities that you prefer, and you can design plenty of different fitness routines. You’ll be happier and more content when you do things on your terms. 

Social Circle And Those Around You

This one can be quite deep when you think about it. You have to make sure that you are surrounding yourself with the right people in life. If your relationships and social interactions are more authentic, you will be happier and live a richer life. Tailor your social circle and craft relationships that enhance your emotional well-being.

Customizing And Personalizing Your Studies

You can even create a tailored experience that stands out in the world of education. Obviously, you are going to choose your studies and subjects that align with your personality and preferences. There are so many different ways you can study and customize your learning. 

Financial Planning

Every single person on this planet has a different financial strategy because their individual situations are unique. You have to tailor and customize your financial plans and goals accordingly. When you do this kind of thing, you are putting yourself in a much better position to be secure and prosperous. There are so many different strategies you can go down – and it’s just the case of choosing something that fits your life and your life only.

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Best Ways To Protect Your Finances As Kids Get Older

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Kids are expensive. They tend to get a bit more expensive as they get older, seeing as they need new clothes every year and start asking for toys and gadgets from the moment they learn to speak! As such, if you want to protect your finances as a parent, whilst your kids are rapidly growing into teens, you’re going to have to be smart about what you teach them. Sure, now’s a good time to give them a weekly allowance, but you should set clear boundaries from the beginning and never break them. To help with that, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

Talk About Money Dangers

Money can be dangerous in general. The more we spend, the more likely we are to go into debt, and the more likely we are to take out loans with unfavourable terms. Impress the importance of avoiding a situation like this as early as you can. 

Talk about how money can be worrying, and even scary, and sometimes people want to take more from you than they really deserve. Most of all, remind them that scammers exist out there, and if they offer something amazing for what seems to be a small price, don’t fall for it! 

Get Them Saving

Kids need to learn how to save early on! This’ll help them carry the habit through to adulthood, which is never a bad thing. Start them small using their allowance; they get little by little every week, but if they want to buy something expensive, you’re not going to cover the difference for them! Or if you do, they don’t get any allowance for a few weeks in order to cover the cost. It might be a hard lesson, but it’s certainly a necessary one. 

Invest in Life Insurance

Life insurance ensures there’s something left at the end of your life, for your kids to make good use of when they really need it. Indeed, life insurance for parents policies carry through on various terms, but mostly they pay out after the death of the person holding the policy. And if you’re concerned about the finances your family will have on an ongoing basis, this is definitely an option to look into. 

Get Other Family Members Involved

If your children’s grandparents want to be involved in their future finances, talk at length about how they can help, and/or take some of the pressure off of your shoulders. After all, it takes a village to raise a kid, and you’re not going to be able to afford every single thing your growing teen wants from life! So ask their relatives if they want to contribute, especially if they’ve hinted at the idea before. Let them know what is really needed, such as a higher education fund, and go from there.

If you want to protect your finances as your kids get older, you have to maintain a pretty fine balance. Use these tips to help navigate troubles.

Places To Visit

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I am feeling more than a little touch of wanderlust at the moment. Life is increasingly stressful and busy and I just want to grab my passport, get myself to the nearest airport and zoom away. I didn’t really enjoy flying until recently, but on my latest flights I have felt more and more at peace with the whole experience, in fact I am really starting to enjoy it. You see you can’t do anything up there in the skies. There is no phone to answer, emails to reply to, no laundry to put away, and you can’t start prepping dinner. It is pretty relaxing if you let yourself enjoy it and those first few minutes in the sky as you creep higher and higher give you some  astounding views.  Arghh when can I go next???

Image credit: Andrew Neel

I want to share some of the countries I would like to or that I am already planning to visit in 2017. Some may not happen but others definitely will and I am pretty excited about that.

1.Ireland

Considering Ireland is fairly close to home; I live in Wales, it may be surprising to some that I have never visited. Well this year I get my wish as I won a competition with Ballymaloe Relish to spend a weekend at the Food & Wine Literary Festival at Ballymaloe House.  There are lots of places in Ireland I would like to visit and after reading the book Coast written by Rachel Allen I would love to spend a few days travelling around the shores.

Image credit: Ian Schneider

2. France

I’ve spent some time in France both in the sunny south and in Paris but I want to see more and I definitely NEED more time in the capital, I want to explore the food scene and maybe even pop up the Eiffel Tower. I want good wine and food I can’t pronounce in a cosy restaurant, I want macarons from Laduree and crepes from street corners.

Image credit: Pedro Kummel

3. Portugal

It’s been quite a few years since I last visited Portugal but it is one of my favourite countries to spend time in. The weather is warm yet not as insanely hot as places like the Canaries so you can stroll and enjoy the sunshine more. The food is really good and budget friendly..and um we already know how much I love the Portuguese custard tarts.

4. Denmark

I visited Denmark for the first time earlier last year, fell in love with it and managed to squeeze in a second visit in December. So far I have only made it to Copenhagen which is such a cool city that I would love to spend more time in. I would like to explore more of the country, some less known areas perhaps and maybe make a trip to Aarhus which has this year won the European City Of Culture award.

Image credit: Julien Widmer

5. Wales

Yes, you may find it strange that I want to visit my own country. But how much of your own country have you seen? I want to spend more time in North Wales which I haven’t done since my teens and I also want to go to Snowdonia National Park at some point.

Image credit: Paul Morris

7. United Arab Emirates

Famous for its incredible stunning islands and theme parks, the reason I want to go is for the restaurants. You can find many top class restaurants with an incredible view too on the Square Meal UAE website I especially love the perfectly instagrammable Beirut Sur Mer.

There are lots of other places I want to see..New Orleans, Vegas, New York..Barbados and Hobbiton in New Zealand for sure.. but maybe I will be pushing it to squeeze in many more.

Where do you want to go this year?

4 Quick Methods Of Overcoming That Morning Ennui

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If it usually takes you thirty minutes or more to wake up properly (and that’s on a good day), then don’t worry, you’re in good company. That said, it’s true that waking up can often be a hard task, especially as we get older. You can have everything going for you, enjoy your life, be grateful for the people in it, and still feel a sense of unease and discomfort waking up in the morning.

You likely know what we’re talking about. Sometimes that tiresome feeling of dejection or frustration that comes in the morning before you really have a chance to assert yourself can inspire us to crawl back in bed and say “no” to whatever is happening that day. Even if you have a fun day planned, this can be the irrational reaction we all have.

So, are there ways around this? After all, greeting the day in a sour mood is never a happy way to welcome the pleasure of being alive for another day, which is, after all, a total privilege to enjoy. In this post, we’ll discuss a few quick methods of overcoming this morning ennui. Implement these methods into your routine, and you’ll be raring to go.

Get Fresh Air Into Your Lungs

We can often feel a little lethargic in the morning because the comfort and warmth of our beds are inviting places. Heading out into a strange, cold and unpredictable world is subconsciously a step down from where you begin the day. So, making a downgrade from where you wake up to where you have to be, in that nature, doesn’t feel so great.

A good way to subvert this is by heading outside, perhaps on your porch, perhaps in your courtyard, or even when letting the dog out, and commit to breathing exercises. Getting fresh air deep into your lungs can help you avoid feeling stuffy and lethargic, and instead breathe deeply and confidently. Breath in, hold it for a little while, then exhale fully. Try to breath “into your stomach” instead of into your chest, because that will help you make use of your full lung capacity. Of course, if you’re a smoker, try to limit or quit this habit.

Fresh air helps you greet the day, but it also opens your mindset and welcomes the world in. This can be as energizing as any cup of coffee. Speaking of that…

Pour A Beautiful Cup Of Morning Coffee

Coffee can seem like a crutch or an indulgence, but if you have a fantastic provider and source the beans well, this doesn’t have to be a cheap and nasty pick-me-up, but a comforting, deeply nourishing way to start your day.

Play a little morning jazz on your speakers, use your sage coffee machine to create a small brew while your omelette is cooking, and be peaceful in the still of the morning. It will help you feel more active and engaged. It can also be nice to read a chapter of a book you’re reading if you have time, or to simply enjoy the peace and quiet before a hectic day begins.

Prepare The Night Before

Of course, sometimes the morning isn’t defined by your upcoming day at all. Sometimes, it’s defined by the night before. If you have your work backpack properly organized, you have your packed lunch sorted for the day ahead, your workwear or casual outfits are waiting for you, and you have a basic itinerary you can follow and not have to just make up as you go along will save you an enormous amount of mental energy over time.

This can benefit you of any age, and waking up to a smoothly progressing day is so much better than anything else.

Try The “James Bond” Shower

The “James Bond” shower is known as a normal shower that you turn to the colder setting before you leave. This gives you a shock of awareness that might not have happened if you felt lethargic from a steamy and hot shower, and it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, because you get used to the chill quite quickly.

Sure, that might not sound so appealing to some, and you’re not wrong or silly for thinking that at all. However, the benefits are worth the initial displeasure of colder temperatures, because it helps you feel immediately alert, focused, attentive, and even interested in your day. In other words, it has all the benefits of your morning coffee without overdoing your caffeine. Moreover – it feels good to avoid all of that lethargy or sleepiness you would have had to battle with otherwise. Much like ripping off a plaster can get things over and done with, the James Bond shower can help you burst into your day like a motivated secret agent.

With this advice, you’re sure to overcome that morning ennui in the best possible sense.

Filed Under: Life ·

How to Nurture Your Mental Well-Being During Pregnancy

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Hormones, changes in the body, swollen limbs, nausea, morning sickness, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, the list can go on and on about what a woman experiences when she’s pregnant. The body is going through so many changes, and there are mental changes, too; your nurturing instincts are high, you’re constantly on your guard, and there’s fear, anger, aggression, depression, happiness, just so many emotions.

In general, pregnancy is amazing, and it’s amazing how one person can handle all of these physical and mental changes during the nine months it’s happening. But with these changes, you need to show some love to yourself. It takes a while to recover from pregnancy and even giving birth, and regardless of which stage you’re on, you’re going to have to focus on your mental well-being. So, here’s what you need to do.

You Need to Put You First

While yes, looking into pregnancy booklets is super important because you need to understand what’s up with your body, what also matters is focusing on yourself and how you feel. Self-care becomes even more crucial during pregnancy. Make time for activities that nurture your mental health, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself. Just do what makes you happy; do things that you can physically do that you know will put a smile on your face. It’s so important to keep all of these things in mind. 

Where’s Your Support System?

Do you have a support system during this difficult time? Everyone needs to have a support system, and it’s so important that you have one as well. You need to lean in on your network, get some advice, and get some help. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you’re going through can be immensely comforting. There are people out there who love and care for you deeply, and you absolutely need to lean on them.

Emotional Challenges Happen

They happen, they absolutely happen, and you absolutely shouldn’t allow these to just bottle up inside you. The last thing you want is pre and post-natal depression. So this is absolutely serious; talk to your healthcare provider, and talk to your therapist as well.

Keep Yourself Educated

A lot of anxiety is going to happen: the health of the baby, the future of the baby, financing the baby, all of this is going to be thought about, right? You can’t control everything, and you can’t focus on everything that the future brings- you just can’t. Knowledge can alleviate stress; that’s a fact, and you’re going to have to keep yourself educated throughout all of this. Changes in the body will happen; read into them to better understand why it’s all happening. 

Seek Professional Help

It was briefly mentioned earlier, but there might be a chance that you may need to seek professional help, not just from a GP but from a mental health professional. There are some that specialise in pregnancies, so this alone could help out a lot. Never hesitate to see a mental health professional; your body and mind are going through literal changes, so talking and getting medication may be the solution for your overall well-being.