5 lessons to take into the new year

 Well hello to you my reader chums! 2021 has certainly had its challenges but also, there were many achievements and wonderful moments I'd love to relive over and over. Most importantly though, it has been a year of learning, healing, and lessons, many of which I want to take into the new year.

Whether you're feeling anxious or excited for the new year, here are 5 lessons to take into 2022.

5 lessons to take into the new year

Your body is the least interesting thing about you

I have written post after post about diet culture, body image, and body confidence as it's a journey I'm still on, learning more and more each day, accepting myself and my body. The diet industry is one that I fight with every day, wanting to stop how they promote and advertise the way we eat. Food is fuel, it's essential, and we deserve to enjoy it without feeling guilty. I could talk about this topic all day long and how we can do our bit to change our attitude around food - in a positive way for ourselves.

This food attitude leads me onto the mindset of our body and learning to love, and accept it. Your body is the least interesting thing about you. It doesn't matter what shape or size you are, it's not the thing people are going to remember about you when we're gone. We're all so fixated on how we look, we often forget to enjoy a dessert without feeling guilty, not wearing an outfit as we don't look perfect, or being present at the moment as we're so obsessed with what others think of us. It's the societal norms that enforce the idea of being skinny and perfect as we live in a fatphobic society but that's not what life is about. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin, you owe it to yourself. As soon as I accepted that my body was the least interesting thing about me, I could learn to love the other parts of myself and focus on the things that bring me joy. It's a thought I want to implement into the new year more than anything.

Change your thoughts and you'll change your world

This quote has got me through 2021 and something I will bring into the new year and forevermore. For me, it's really been a year of healing, learning, and mindset changes. Once you switch your mind to think in a more positive way, your whole world can change. The phrase 'mind over matter' is a very true statement as your thoughts can control everything you do in your life and how you feel. You can manifest the life you want through journalling and positive energy and that's something I've been practicing throughout the year - and it has really helped me work towards the things I want in life.

Negative thoughts and feeling low are normal, especially if you have a mental illness, however, it's how you deal with those thoughts and pick yourself back up is what really matters. And, this is something I've been learning to do more this year, changing my thoughts, to give me more of a positive outlook overall. This positive energy has really helped me in more ways than one and allowed me to enjoy life a lot more.

Choosing yourself should be your no1 priority

You need to not only be the love of your own life but the priority in your life. People come and go, jobs come and go, relationships change but the one thing that always remains is you. This is why you need to learn to put yourself first. Being selfish is seen as such a bad thing, but it's not if you're selfish for the right reasons. For example cutting out a toxic friendship, quitting a job that's right for you, saying no to an event to stopping communication with someone. Life is far too short to be endlessly selfless and go along with the crowd when it doesn't make you happy.

2022 is the year to choose you and put your needs and happiness first. You deserve to feel good in every decision you make and it's this attitude that means you can be your true self, live the life you set out, and improve the friendship and relationships around you. When you're choosing yourself, it'll help you choose the right people to surround yourself with and better everything in your path. It's all a mindset after all. And, this has to be one of my favourite lessons I've learnt.

Friendship is about quality, not quantity

I'm incredibly lucky to have loyal, trustworthy, and incredible friends, friends who have stuck with me through everything and always want the best for me. It's something I'm very grateful for every single day and everybody deserves this level of true friendship. But something, I've learnt this year is how it's more important to have a few good friends than lots of mediocre ones. It's something I've always preached anyway but this year especially, I've cut many friendships off which aren't bringing me joy and the small number of friends I do have are the ones who offer the ultimate level of joy, that they fill the gap of having lots of friends.

Healing isn't linear

2021 has been a year of healing, more than I expected it to be. I've learnt a lot about my past trauma and what I've been through, and how I'm able to heal from it. It hasn't been easy and I've certainly learnt how much healing isn't linear as I've experienced highs and lows. Days where I've been on top of the world, and other days where the trauma hits so bad and I've ended up taking a few steps back, But, that's all to do with the healing process and I'm excited to see how another 12 months of focusing on my healing journey turns out to me, to better myself.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other lessons have you learnt?

Thank you for reading <3

Reminders to hear before the start of the new year

 Well hello to you my reader chums! 2021 has flown by, I'm not even sure where the year went? It certainly has been a very up and down year for many of us but we've made it and the new year is nearly here. When a new year arrives, there always seems to be a huge pressure to reinvent yourself, set 10000 goals, get fit, be healthy and really change your whole life. However, that doesn't need to be done. it's all a societal construct. 

Reminders to hear for the new year

If you're anxious about a new year or feeling the pressure to set goals, here are some reminders to keep you smiling.

You've achieved so much already

You've made it through another year, you're here, learning, growing, and thriving. You've achieved so much already in your life and you're doing so well. Wherever you may be in this moment, appreciate how far you've come and what you've achieved, and remind yourself at this moment if you're feeling anxiety.

Your happiness is the most important thing

This is a self-explanatory reminder but one that needs reaffirming time and time again. Your happiness needs to be the number one priority in whatever you do in life, from your goals, relationships, career to everyday moments. When the new year approaches, that's what you need to focus on, you don't need to focus on the big pressures and big goals but the things that are going to make you happy in the now and in the future.

You have your whole life to achieve big goals

We often forget that even though life goes by quickly, it also paces slowly and you have so much time to achieve the big things in life. You don't need to do everything in your twenties; you can find love in your sixties, have kids in your forties, buy a house whenever and reinvent yourself when you retire. Life doesn't stop the day you turn 30 and if that's the age you turn next year, don't focus on that, focus on the things you can aim towards and the feeling you're experiencing as you work towards them.

Age is really a number

This brings me onto age. Age is just a number; there isn't a timeline to when you should achieve things but a societal pressure to do so. We're taught that everything needs to be done in our twenties, otherwise we're a failure, but that can be further from the truth. Your twenties are a time where you're just starting to learn about yourself, you shouldn't be trying to achieve everything on your life goal list, you should be enjoying yourself and starting to figure things out. As the new year calls in, focus on this, focus on the fact that your age isn't important and it's about doing what brings you joy.

You are worthy

You are good enough. You are worthy. These affirmations need to be reinforced every day of your life, but especially in a time where comparison is high in the air and everybody is making these huge remarks about what they want to achieve. You are worthy because you are wonderful you and you deserve wonderful things to happen to you.

You don't need to compare yourself to others

Comparison is the killer of all joy. Whatever other people are doing in their lives, shouldn't compare to yours. We all measure success differently, we all want to achieve different things and we've all gone through different struggles. You need to focus on yourself, your goals, and what you want to achieve in the new year. There's no point comparing it to someone else's goals if they're bigger and better, or you think they're bigger and better. Your goals, what you want to achieve, and who you are are just as valid and important.

You don't need to change your whole life 

Don't be pulled under the pressure of thinking you need to reinvent yourself with the new year. Choose what you want to do and focus on that. If you have no goals, that's completely fine, it's not necessary to be inspiring or make a statement with what you want to do or prove it to everyone.

A new year doesn't need to be a new life

You don't need to change everything just because we're heading into a new year. Your life right now is incredible as you want it to be, a change in date doesn't have to change that if you don't want to change. Do what's right for you. And, if you do actually want to reinvent yourself and go on a new journey, then roll with that. A new year is your chance to do exactly what you want to do, whether that's change, continue life how it is or go with the flow. The main thing is that you're happy, healthy, and doing you.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other reminders do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Top 5 tips on how to deal with social anxiety

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Living with social anxiety hasn't been easy and with age, it's something I've learnt to deal with and improve over time. I'm a lot more comfortable in social situations now, and I think that's a mix of self-confidence and learning how to deal with social anxiety as a whole.

Top 5 tips on how to deal with social anxiety

Whether you suffer from social anxiety or are have recently been diagnosed, here are the top 5 tips on how to deal with social anxiety.

Realising and understanding your triggers

With any form of anxiety, there is always something that triggers you off to feel anxious. As they say, anxiety isn't the cause, it's the symptom and that's why it's so important to realise what is triggering you, to help deal with your anxiety.

The best way to do this is that every time you feel anxious socially, note down when you started feeling anxious and the things that made you anxious. Then, you'll be able to tally up the things which are causing your anxiety and figure out ways to tackle this, and what you're able to do in those situations to make you feel better.

Gradually ease yourself into social situations

You're not going to be socially confident overnight, like with anything, dealing with social anxiety can take time. The first step with anything social is doing what you're comfortable with, whether that means only hanging out with your best friend or your mum. Then, from there, slowly give yourself the push. This could mean adding more people to the group to hang out with, saying yes to a big event, making that phone call, or speaking up in a meeting.

If you set yourself little goals regarding your social anxiety, gradually you'll build up the confidence to do things and be okay with socialising, and feel more comfortable with your anxiety and how to deal with it.

Plan as much as you can beforehand

Anxiety is all about staying in control and that's why planning and staying organised is one of the best things that can help you deal with anxiety. Obviously, when it comes to social anxiety, it's a lot harder to control what can happen and what the social situation will be like. However, there are things you may be able to plan beforehand which can help you stay in some level of control and potentially, not trigger off your anxiety.

For example, if you're planning to go out with friends, whether it's drinks or a meal, try and go somewhere that is familiar to you or a place that you've been to before. This way, you'll have the safety of something familiar and happy to you, that can help ease how you're feeling. You can plan an outfit that you're vibing in, bring someone along that'll make you feel comfortable or simply, read the menu before you head to the restaurant. Little things like this can put your mind at somewhat ease before you head out on your social venture.

Always have a code P plan

My friends and I came up with the 'code P' idea years ago where basically if we're on a bad date, we can text each other 'code P' and they will ring us to get us out of there asap. However, the same kind of principle can be applied here. With anxiety, it's always good to have a 'get out' plan for any type of anxiety as that way, you will feel safe. And with anxiety, it's so important to have that safe element.

With your social anxiety and the plans or things you're doing which will trigger you, you need to put things in place that'll be a 'code P' plan for you. This could be having someone to call to get yourself out of there, having a code word with your friends to know you're not comfortable, or simply driving to the venue so you always have a mode of transport to get home.

Praise yourself for your accomplishments

It's important to praise yourself with anything in life, especially when it comes to anxiety. Anxiety is hard to live with, it's a constant voice that questions everything you do, and that's why you need to be your own cheerleader for the little things. Smashed that phone call? Amazing. Didn't get panicky at a social gathering with friends? Well done. Went on a spontaneous date? You're incredible. All these things, you need to praise yourself, the same you would your best friend.

By praising yourself, it'll give you more confidence to push yourself with your social anxiety. And, over time, you'll then find yourself in situations you never thought you would be in. I used to be absolutely terrified of talking to new people, making phone calls, or ordering in restaurants. Now, these things come a lot more naturally to me as over time, I've built the confidence to do all of those things so they're not a big problem the way they once were. 

Time, praise, confidence, and determination will help you deal with your social anxiety. It's a long road but once you take the chance to try, you'll get better and better and I'm so proud of you for doing it. Anxiety is up and down and some days are harder than others, but always look back on the journey you've made and you'll realise how far you'd come.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

How to care for yourself in a depressive episode

 Well hello to you my chums! Depression is a horrible illness and something that isn't easy to live with. Those living with it or recently diagnosed will understand the weight of it, carrying it around and knowing that depressive episodes could happen at any time, depending on your triggers.

If you struggle with depression and need some advice on looking after yourself in a depressive episode, here are my tips.

How to care for yourself in a depressive episode

Praise yourself for the little things

When a depressive episode hits, getting out of bed can seem like an impossible task, that's why it's so important to talk positively to yourself. Celebrate the little things you're able to do, whether that's getting dressed, having a shower, or getting out of the house. The small boosts can really help push your mindset in the right direction.

Write a to-do list

This takes me onto my next point, writing a to-do list. A list may help you feel productive when all you want to do is not do anything. Your to-do list doesn't need to be extra or over the top, it could be a list of simple tasks to do in the day to keep you motivated and have something to focus on. This could give you the push you need to get on with something, and a way to care for yourself.

Put on real clothes

Cosy pyjamas and loungewear are all we want to sit in when we're unwell, however, putting on proper clothes can give you a sense of purpose for your day. Real clothes don't need to mean business attire, they could just be a pair of dungarees. It's about putting on an outfit that you feel like yourself in to make you feel some sense of okay in what you look like.

Distract your mind with something you enjoy

Being with your thoughts is the worst thing you can do in a depressive episode as it means they can spiral and get worst. This is why I'd advise you to distract yourself with something you enjoy that doesn't take too much concentration. For instance, it could be listening to a podcast, watching a film, reading a book, or colouring in. There are many things you could do but I always think, if it's something that brings you joy, it'll be the best choice. 

Try to get out and about if you can

Getting out of the fresh air is so important for your mental and physical health that when you're in a depressive episode, it can really be something that can help you in some way. If you're able to, try and get out of your house. It can be just to get some fresh air in your lungs or go outside for some exercise, whatever you're feeling up to. Fresh air and walking will do you the world of good.

Talk to someone

Living with depression is hard and can feel like the biggest weight on your shoulders so sometimes, it's helpful to share that weight. This is why when you're in one of those episodes, it's important to speak to someone, so you can release some of that weight. Talking to someone doesn't necessarily mean you want that person to help you, it's just a great way to release and have a listening ear.

Remind yourself of how far you've come

You are good enough, you are worthy and you've come so far. When you're in a depressive episode, as hard as it can be, it's important to try and remember your progress. Look back at the times you've overcome this obstacle and know you can do it again. Keep trying to remind yourself of that. Write that affirmation down and read it every morning and when you need the reminder.

Keep a journal to learn your triggers

Depressive episodes always have their triggers and it's important to be aware of yours so you know when you're going into another one. Being self-aware is one way to do this and that's why daily journalling your emotions can help you pinpoint your thoughts, feelings and therefore, help find your triggers.

Remember depression is an illness

Depression is an illness and I think a lot of us who suffer from that often forget it and shame ourselves for asking for help and saying we're feeling unwell as there is so much stigma around it. When you're in an episode, you need to remember this and look after yourself in the same way you do with the flu or a bug, like resting and eating well, the care is just as important.

Practise self-care

Self-care is incredibly important for your mental health in general, but even more, emphasis is on mental illness like depression. It's important to take the time to eat well, hydrate yourself, work out and do all the self-care steps in your day.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Book review: The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The Beekeeper of Aleppo has been raved about for a while and it's one of those books that tugged at all the emotions, and I adored it for so many different reasons. If you're looking for a new read that'll educate you and bring a tear to your eye, here's my full review of  The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

Book review: The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

This post contains affiliate links.

Plotline

The book follows the story of Nuri a beekeeper and his wife, Afra, an artist. They both live in the Syrian city of Aleppo until the unthinkable happens and they have no option but to flee to safety. However, after Afra experiences something so terrible she goes blind, they must embark on a scary journey through Turkey and Greece towards an uncertain future in the UK.

As the couple travels through a broken world, they must face their own demons and an unspeakable loss as well as the dangers the world has in front of them, and many people in the same position as them. But, the hardest thing they both really have to face is connecting and finding each other once more after everything they've been through.

Characters and relationships

Characters always make a novel and this book is no different, and the biggest reason why I enjoyed it so much as I really connected with Nuri and Afra on a deeper level as I was reading. Nuri was a thoughtful, proud, and loving man and I could feel that by every word when he was telling the story and you just knew how much he loved his wife, his family, and his home, and how it took everything to walk away. It took courage, heartbreak, and a big knock on his mental health. What I enjoyed reading most about Nuri's character was the honest thought process of his mind and experiences, and how the loss of his son was shown through a harrowing take on the things he thought he was experiencing. It was heartbreaking to read but his strength was the most admirable thing to get him and his wife to safety.

Afra I also adored, she was a free spirit, loving wife, and doting mum and you could tell that from the off, that when she lost her son it was the end of her world, just like for Nuri. The pain she experienced isn't something I could ever imagine and that pain was written so beautifully in an honest way, a way the reader could relate to and understand. Their bond as a couple was everything as even when they were falling away from each other because of the trauma they faced, they still knew how much they loved each other and were hoping for the day that they'd come back together again.

The many refugees Nuri and Afra met along the way added layers to the story as I learnt about their experiences and how it adds the both Nuri and Afra, and really how big the unthinkable issue of fleeing your country is. The connections they made along the way made both characters stronger in how they were feeling and gave them the hope they needed.

Overall thoughts

Overall, I loved every part of this novel. It was one of those books that not only made me feel every emotion but really opened my mind and educated me on the world issues and how prominent it is that people are still fleeing countries because of war, there are many women that go through awful abuse and suffering, many children who are homeless and men who are trying to do anything to keep their families together. It's inhumane and awful and books like these are important in bringing the awareness to light. 

I loved how this book was split up from the past to present tense. It goes from Nuri and Afra in the UK back to their journey of getting there and how the two parts of the story intertwined, are cleverly written in a descriptive and honest account. This book also includes awareness around PTSD, child loss, sexual assault, and more which as hard as they are to read, help make readers realise the realism behind the novel and the reality of what is happening in the world. I loved learning the characters' journey and seeing above anything, their strength prevail through - and how the hope of Nuri's cousin Mustafa gave him every ounce of courage he needed to meet him in safety in the UK.

Ending

My heart broke at the ending, it left me feeling full of emotion and hope. Hope always wins against fear and this whole story showed the power of courage, determination, strength, and what you have to do to get by in desperation - and the ending pulls that together. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone, it's incredible in every way.

You can buy your copy here.

I hope you enjoyed this review! What are you reading at the minute?

Thank you for reading <3

How to take care of yourself over the Christmas period

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Tis' the season; the time of festivities, fun, family, and friends. The Christmas period is an exciting time of social events, hearty food, and being appreciative of what we have. However, the fun season comes with pressures, stresses, and hard times too, life doesn't stop just because people are celebrating - and people struggle even more so in a time that's meant to be so happy. And of course, not everybody celebrates Christmas so it's important to take that into consideration too.

How to take care of yourself over the Christmas period

It's important to be mindful of everyone around you always, especially in the festive season - and care for yourself too. If you need some advice on how to take care of yourself or some tips, here are the best ways to look after yourself over the Christmas period.

This post contains affiliate links but all thoughts are my own.

Make the time for you

Alone time is the most important thing all year round but especially during a season that holds so much societal pressure. With lots of social events and a busy time to see people, it can be hard to have the time to sit with your thoughts or have that much-needed alone time, but not doing that, can really burn you out. Try and set some time aside each week to make that time for you. It can be an hour or so to watch your favourite show, read a book, or just sit there with your thoughts to reflect.

Get organised

Organisation is key to Christmas. I'm a bit of an organisational nerd and love to plan out all of my presents in advance so I have the time to shop around and find the best presents for each person. Etsy is my go-to place for presents as I love trying to support small businesses. As I plan and keep things organised, it helps me feel a lot less stressed about preparation, as I physically have in front of me what I need to buy and where to get it. Plus, there's always something so satisfying ticking off a list like that.

Practice your self-care routine

Self-care is more than bubble baths and face masks (even though it means that too), and it means caring for all areas of health. It means ensuring you eat intuitively, keep hydrated, get enough sleep, exercise, and set boundaries to care for your mental health and wellbeing. Christmas is a busy time and it's the most important season to learn to say no, set your boundaries, and practice what feels right for you and your mind.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself

This is easier said than done, but as a season that expects so much out of you, try not to expect too much of yourself. Taking the pressure off yourself can be hard, especially when we look at social media and see what everyone else is doing. However, the best way to do this is to remind yourself that you're doing your best to bob along with the festivities. 

Manage your expectations

This leads me onto managing your expectations. To take the pressure off yourself, lower your expectations on what is to happen in terms of festivities and what you bring to the table. By lowering your expectations, you have nothing to expect so anything that happens is a bonus if that makes sense. You can always make even better memories and come up with present ideas if you take away the standard you set for yourself.

Get outside as much as possible

With shorter days, getting out in daylight is harder than in the summer and springtime. However, in a time full of busy plans and colder weather, it's important to have that fresh air in your day. Whether it's the first ten minutes when you get up or in your lunch hour, try and get that snippet of fresh air to refresh your senses.

Reassure yourself it's okay if you're not happy

Just because the season is a time for complete joy, it doesn't mean you need to be happy all the time. Mental illnesses and poor mental health still occur at this time, you can still be triggered, experience bad anxiety or depressive episodes and that's okay. Don't shame yourself if you're feeling unwell or not happy. It's okay to feel all that you're feeling. 

Enjoy all the food

The festive season is all about food and also that means it's a time where there is a big pressure to eat. For most people, that's a fun prospect, however for those who deal with eating disorders or disordered eating, it can be a hard time, and it's important to take care of your mental health first and foremost. For those who don't deal with that, try and spend the season enjoying every bite, and not get influenced by diet culture.

Practice gratitude

Christmas is a time to be grateful, to appreciate everything we have and for those around us. It's a time to enjoy every good part of life and fully embrace it. I always feel extra lucky at Christmas for having a good family, good friends, food on the table, and a warm house, and focusing on those thoughts always helps my mind feel a lot better.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Everything you need to know before visiting Bologna, Italy

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Italy is where I feel at home and Bologna is now up there as one of my favourite Italian cities ever. Bologna isn't like the usual tourist hotspots, it has that true authenticity to it and that's why I fell in love with it so much. It's an underrated city for sure.

If you're thinking about planning a trip to Bologna or heading there soon, here is everything you need to know before visiting Bologna.

Everything you need to know before visiting Bologna, Italy

Learn some Italian 

Bologna isn't like Rome, Venice, or the many other touristy cities in the sense that it's not packed with tourists and sightseeing tours, it's visited more by other Italians or you'll pass locals on the streets as you roam. Because of this, it's important to be aware that not everyone you come across will speak good English and sometimes no English at all. This is why I'd recommend, trying to learn a couple of handy phrases to keep you in the loop and able to communicate whilst in Bologna.

Walk everywhere by foot (if you can)

Bologna is a small enough city that you can reach most places on foot and walk to wherever you want to go. It's a gorgeous city simply to roam and always find something unique or historic to look at - and you can appreciate that the more you spend your time walking around the city. I'd say to give yourself at least a day to roam like a local as you'll find gems you didn't even know were there when you're busy focusing on getting to specific places.

You can't really eat any bad food

Bologna is the capital of good Italian food and many people flock here to be in authentic Italian food heaven, and I was the same. Unlike other touristy Italian cities, food in Bologna is created with pride and with traditional values in mind, so pretty much wherever you choose to eat, you can guarantee that food was prepared homemade and fresh. Bologna is home to many cured meats, ragu, and tortellini so I'd highly recommend eating those dishes whilst you're there.

Coperto charge

In most places you dine across Bologna, you'll be required to pay a Coperto charge which is basically just a service charge and will be a couple of euros. This is why I'd say to always eat the bread or snacks they give you for free to get your money's worth.

It's not a great destination for vegetarians or vegans

Bologna is renowned for its food scene and the majority of that food has a high meat percentage, with many of their specialties surrounding meat. For instance, their most famous dishes are tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo (broth), and lasagna al Forno, plus Mortadella has a raving name for itself too. If you are vegetarian or vegan, be wary that options may be available but a lot more limited than in other cities. In the student quarter, you're most likely to find more restaurants to cater to your needs/preferences. 

Bologna can get cold and foggy

When we picture Italy, we imagine continuous hot days but that's not the case all year round. In Bologna, as it's located in northern Italy and near the mountains, when autumn is fully underway, be prepared for cold and foggy days, the same as we get in the UK.

Bikes are very popular in Bologna

I didn't realise this until I got there and saw many locals riding around on their bicycles or mooching on foot. This is because it's forbidden to use cars in the main centre of the city between 7am and 8pm - make sure you're wary of this if you're looking to drive there.

Bologna is a prime destination for domestic travel

I could rave about the Italian train system all day as it's inexpensive and very accessible to get around the country. Bologna is a great base to head to other major cities including Verona, Venice, Rome, Florence, and many more. For instance, Verona and Venice are around a 90-minute journey and you can get to Florence in just 40 mins.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Caring for your anxious mind: my top tips

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Consider yourself an overthinker or living with anxiety? I feel you and I hear you. It's one of the hardest things living with an anxious mind as your thoughts are constantly going round and round, growing and evolving, and it's hard to stop them. 

If you're living with an anxious mind and you're struggling with it, here are my tips on how to care for an anxious mind.

Caring for your anxious mind: my top tips

Affirmations are key

I adore affirmations, they're my favourite thing. We're all our own worst critics, we hate on ourselves for the littlest of things and are the first to point the bad things out. And, if you've got an anxious mind, these negative thoughts can develop into something a lot worse. This is where affirmations come in and can work wonders. Affirmations aren't something that work overnight, they're a practice that you implement every day as part of a routine, like your skincare in the morning. Practice a list of them every day and have some random ones dotted around too for when you need the extra boost.

Take time away from technology

Being on your phone is the worst thing when you have an anxious mind as it's a pool for comparison of others and can feed your negative thoughts, and make you feel worst. Caring for an anxious mind means taking breaks away from your phone as I can assure you, being away from constant notifications and perfect pictures will do you wonders - and allow you to connect more with the present.

Journal as much as you can

Writing your thoughts out is a great way to release the weight off your shoulders and remove them from your mind, by physically getting them onto paper. Get into the habit of journalling regularly as it can be a great way to clear your mind in the morning when you wake up or the last thing at night when thoughts are lingering on your mind. Journalling is a way to get your thoughts down including every single thing you're thinking that you don't want to say out loud.

Set a sleeping schedule

When I have a regular sleeping pattern, it always helps keep my anxiety at bay as it's so important to maintain good wellbeing. Sleeping is different for everyone to feel well-rested; I only need 7-8 hours, if I get any more or less, I'll feel overly tired so that's the prime amount for me to feel on top of my game. The best way to get into a sleeping schedule is to set an alarm for the same time every day and ensure you have downtime before bed to fall asleep at a similar time every night.

Practice healthy habits

Healthy habits are more than a good diet. It means exercising regularly, drinking water, getting your daily dose of fresh air, practicing self-love, caring for your mental health, and working on bettering your relationships. Healthy habits can mean an abundance of things, but the main premise is to ensure you're looking after yourself in every way possible.

Write letters to yourself 

Feeling low and having anxious thoughts is a breeding ground for a negative mindset. This is why I love the idea of writing yourself letters. These letters could be anything from a little motivational pep talk to reminding yourself of your achievements. Store them somewhere and when you're feeling anxious, pull them out and give them a read.

Remind yourself of your successes

This brings me to this point. You have come so far and you've achieved so much and you deserve to recognise that. It's time to remind yourself of that: write a list with all the top things you've achieved and are proud of yourself for.

Reassure yourself that it's just a thought, it's not real

This piece of advice has done me wonders when my mind is going around and around. Whatever you're thinking right now, it's just a thought, it's not real and it's not happening. Our thoughts are our imagination, they're often worries that aren't real and it's important to focus on that.

Remind yourself that it's not going to matter in the long run

If it won't matter in five years' time, don't spend longer than five minutes thinking about it; this is one piece of advice that has really stuck with me. Try not to waste energy or thoughts on things and people that don't matter or won't matter in years to come.

Do the things that bring you joy

Lastly, one of the best ways to look after your anxious mind is to do things that bring you joy. When you experience the feeling of joy, it can distract your mind from pressing worries and thoughts.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3