Being Productive While Having A Clear Mind

@corinnekutz

If like so many of us you find yourself spending more time scrolling on social media than on your to-do-list or spontaneously cleaning your bedroom instead of tackling that assignment you have looming over you, then these tips could be for you. 

Mediate

Have a deadline tomorrow & you want me to sit & breathe for fifteen minutes? Yes, I do. Your brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised & practicing mindfulness can help with your brains ability to focus. Not only will you find concentrating easier but you will actually work better too! A simple, yet really effective way you be mindful before your working day is to write in a gratitude journal. You then can read over previous prompts you've filled in & reflect on previous feelings of happiness & gratitude. 

Tackle Big Tasks In The AM 

Now this might not be the case for everyone but I find that I'm able to focus better on tasks I do in the morning therefore I maximise my time in the morning by tackling all my bigger tasks for the day. To help keep focus steady throughout the day I try to take regular breaks & avoid multi-tasking & flagging. A planner where you're able to planner out your day hour by hour while having a place to list tasks is always handy to have too! 

Be Anti-Social 

We live in a world of constant distraction & from time to time a girl got to give herself a chance to stay focused on the task at hand. Close down emails, turn off all notifications & sign out of social accounts. There are also apps out there that you can use where it'll easily block you social media for up to eight hours & give you the opportunity to get to work! 

Hydrate & Fuel 

If you want to improve focus it's really important that you're taking regular breaks, having nutritious foods & keep hydrated. I keep a water bottle at my desk & some nuts handy for a quick snack if I feel my focus & productivity beginning to decline. 

A Dreamy Work Place 

Whether you're working from home or not, your environment plays a huge part in your brains ability to focus. Create a place that inspires you, not one that distracts you. Plug into a focus playlist on Spotify, light an energising candle & add flowers & places you help reduce stress but increase productivity. 

What helps you focus & keep a clear mind? 

B x 

Weekly Routine: A Birds Eye View Of My Working Week

@majortomagency

While I feel like my weeks are always changing & I'm constantly doing a bunch of different things, in terms of a schedule here's a birds-eye-view of my working week. 

A Standard Day 

530AM: Alarm 

530-630AM: AM Rituals - Bed, Breakfast, Coffee, Skincare, Makeup, Get Dressed, Pack Bag 

630-650AM: Commute To Work 

7-830AM: Work

830-9AM: Commute Home From Work 

9-930AM: Quick Home Tidy, Coffee, Emails & Check Planner 

930-12PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily* 

12-1230PM: Lunch Break 

1230-215PM: Work Admin/University/Home Admin/Website & Network *Changes Daily*

220-245PM: Commute To Work 

3-6PM: Work 

6-630PM: Commute Home From Work 

630-7PM: Dinner & Tidy Up 

7-8PM: Finish Up At Desk For The Day 

8-845PM: Shower, Skincare & PJs 

845-930PM: PM Rituals - Reading & Journaling 

930-10PM: Fall Asleep 

Monday 

Monday's are my designated days to do everything website related for the week. I try to be ahead of schedule but that isn't always the case. I'll do everything from planning, writing, editing, photos, scheduling & social media during this period of time. 

Tuesday

Tuesday's are more of my catch up days for university. I try not to let things fall through to the following week but if need be, I know I have time during a Tuesday to finish up things from the previous week. I'll also prepare everything I need for lectures & workshops for the week. 

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 

These three days are all pretty university heavy. I'll be participating in lectures & workings, trying to finish up notes, working on readings & assignments. 

This schedule is definitely subject to change due to class changes through semesters at university & my work load at work but for the most part this is what I try to stick to. One thing I'd like to incorporate more into my daily & weekly routine is movement of my body. I know that it's something that's going to make me feel great & have good benefits to my body. For context, I work at a Before/After School & Holiday Programme hence why my work day is split into two periods of time. I'm studying a Bachelors Of Teaching & Learning for Primary aged children which is incredible & I'm loving it. 

B x 

Protecting Your Mental Health When Working From Home

@wearefredi

Over the last 18 months, many of us have found ourselves working in a whole new environment & capacity to what we are use to. While I love working from home, some people will still be struggling. Last month I experienced a couple of weeks where I was really down, unmotivated & overwhelmed with all aspects of life. When home becomes work & work becomes home, it can be extremely difficult to seperate the two. Sometimes it does get a little too much & I wanted to share some of my tips I've picked up over the years I've studied from home for you to consider. Hopefully they'll help improve the quality of your day. 

Keep A Routine 

For me, working at home has become my normal. I finished my final two high school years at home & now I'm studying at University through distance learning. Sometimes it can be really easy to lose track of time or feel the urge to just have an easy day, not get any jobs finished. Sometimes, this is exactly what you need but you also need to develop discipline to avoid potential added stress by not getting things done. Routine is so essential for my mental health & on days I don't keep my routine, I never feel as productive, content or as on top of things as I could be. 

Take Breaks 

Along with keeping a routine, make sure that routine includes breaks throughout the day. Remember, just because you're working from  home doesn't mean you need to be working 24/7! Be just as discipline in allowing yourself downtime as you need to be with getting work done. 

Seek Connection 

If I'm not with people, I'm constantly messaging, emailing & seeking out that connection through other opportunities that are available. 

Eat & Drink 

Set reminders if you need to but when you're taking scheduled breaks make sure you eating & drinking adequate amounts! Nutrition is imperative to concentration, productivity & your mental wellbeing. 

Get Outside

Even if is just in your small backyard, go outside & get some fresh air & sunlight. It'll do wonders for your mood. 

Rest From Screens 

Give yourself a break from screens. Do anything but look at a screen during a designated part of your day. 

B x 

The Problem With Always Wanting More

@benchaccounting

I saw a post a couple of weeks back on Twitter that sparked  the beginning of the thought process for this post. I guess I just wanted to chat about how I feel about living in a culture that is never satisfied & always desires more. Whether it's more money, more clothing, more toys, more followers - the list could go on forever. When thinking a little deeper, a came to the realisation that in many ways, wanting more, defines our entire society. More power, more wealth, more prestige, more reputation. 

But the problem with that lifestyle choice, of desiring more, is when we constantly desire more, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we accumulate or achieve, more always exists. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to have goals but when more is the goal, we never truely achieve it. More is not sustainable & that's the problem with wanting more. Happiness & contentment will always elude us if we are looking for it in the acquisition of more. 

What if it was a common place to see an end to the pursuit of wanting more, would it be a different story? If human beings eventually arrived at a level of more & suddenly become content, we could all strive to reach that magical level of more that we are all desperate to reach. 

After all this, this is the way I see it. We can continue to pursue more. We can believe there is a better life waiting for us if we just acquire more money, more property, more fame. OR, we can reject the false notion that more is needed to discover happiness. We can find contentment in our circumstances & gratitude for the blessings we already possess. The choice is yours. 

I choose to be content with less. What do you choose? 

B x 

Feeling Exhausted & Unmotivated? Me Too!

@conunaese

 

For the past couple of weeks I've been feeling extremely exhausted & unmotivated hence why there were no uploads last week but I think the big question is how do we recover from that? How do we bounce back? It can be difficult. We all have these ambitious goals & hefty to-do list but in between all of it, are we making time to look after ourselves? 

We've all learnt the hard way at least once, that you can't perform & deliver your best work when you're tired & stressed. So if you feel that overwhelming exhaustion creep in, try asking yourself these questions. 

When Was The Last Time You Said No To Something? 

Learning to set yourself boundaries & saying no is crucial. You need to protect yourself by taking on a realistic workload & learning how to say no when you're feeling overwhelmed & overworked. It applies to social commitments & personal goals too. It's not just about saying no but you need to do what you feel is right to protect yourself & your energy. 

Am I Getting Enough Sleep? 

It's not just about the amount of sleep you're getting, but the quality of the sleep too. Make your bedroom a stress-free place & don't bring work into the bedroom. Working from home has meant that my office space is within my bedroom. To ensure work is left behind at my desk, I end my day with writing a list of what I need to do the next working day & then make sure everything is tidy & in place for the next day. 

Who Can I Talk To About This? 

That overwhelming exhausted feeling is never great but sometime talking to someone about it can make you feel a lot better. It feels great to be able to offload feelings & work through your thought processes. Sometimes we just need to see things from another perspective. 

These are always the first three things I ask myself when I can feel that overwhelming exhaustion feeling creeping in. These questions don't always give me the exact answers I want but it does help me work through how I'm feeling & the next steps I need to take so that I don't reach a complete burnout. 

B x 

Top Tips For Working From Home

@andrewneel

Working from home feels perfect until your favourite show flashes on TV & you've lost tracker of time. It's opening your laptop in bed & realising you fell asleep & have a little time left. Working from home is comfortable but how can you stay focused & productive from all the distractions that working from home has? 

I have been working/studying from home on & off for multiple years now so I feel that I very much know what works for me & what doesn't but with that being said, things are changing on a regular basis. Here are my top five tips that I've curated that will help you stay productive & finish all your work. 

Set A Comfortable Workspace 

Yes, it's great to stay in bed & be wrapped up in your blankets all day but in reality, you aren't going to achieve much that way. To have the feeling of wanting to start the task so it can be done, you need to set a comfortable space. Organise a space in your house to be set up as an office. Have an organised desk, comfortable chair & light that doesn't hurt your eyes. Designate the space you've created as an office only for work activities. If you are in this area, you are only to be working therefore the people in your house will also have the proper expectations. They will know that you are working & you shouldn't be distracted. 

Make A Schedule & Set Deadlines 

When working at home, you're on your own. No one will come to check on what you are doing. You are essentially your own boss. You are in control of your own work & this is why some get lost track of their work leading to an unproductive day. If you want to work from the comfort of your own home & still have a productive work day, you should aim to make a schedule & stick to it. Plan a daily schedule & create your short-term & long-term goals. Start with a list of tasks you need to accomplish by the end of the day. Setting a schedule & deadlines provides yourself a decent guideline for what needs to get done. 

Take Schedule Breaks 

While you already have your schedule, it's important you also have break time scheduled. Just because we are working from home doesn't mean we don't deserve breaks. Go for a walk, grab something to eat or have some coffee. Relax your mind so it can then contribute fully to the productive day you want to achieve. Breaks are said to improve your health & well-being & can increase your creativity but also productivity. 

Keep Away From Social Media

Social media can distract you from working. If your work doesn't involve using social media or connecting with people on social media, try keep away from all social media accounts. Rest assure, checking your accounts every time a notification pop up will result in continuous scrolling until you didn't notice that you already ran out of time to do your work. I thing I have found very helpful is to have all notifications turned off or sometimes I'll pop on 'do not disturb' which means I also won't receive any notifications including phone calls & messages which is great for when I'm in meetings. 

Try Working From Somewhere Else

This is one of my favourite things about working from home & that is the ability to work from essentially anywhere. If you're comfortable working at a local coffee shop then go for it! You could also try the library for a quiet place to work. I find that getting out of the house every now & then can help freshen up your mind & help generate new creative ideas. Working somewhere else can also be of benefit if you're finding working from home a struggle. Sometimes I find it's a change of scenery is exactly what I need to get the ball rolling again. 

Working from home isn't always easy & naturally, some days are more productive than others. I think it's about finding what works for you & find ways to work around what doesn't work for you. Working from home is a great experience & it's taught me a lot about myself. 

B x 

5 Ways To Maintain Your Energy Throughout The Day

@talesbyjen

As someone who is always tired & struggles to find energy throughout the day I wanted to share a few ways you can keep your energy levels up that don't require huge amounts of caffeine, you'll be glad to know. Naturally energy waves throughout the day but I find these things help sustain my energy all day. 

Sleep An Optimal Amount Of Time 

If you haven't had enough sleep, you will be much less likely to have energy that will last. Often when we are out of a routine with our sleep, we struggle with routine throughout the day. Having at least 7-9 hours each night should make you feel refreshed & will help tiredness being the cause of lack of energy. 

Watch What You Eat 

Your energy levels are far more dependable on food that you probably realise. Consuming high-energy, sugary food may seem like that best option at the time, but you're more likely to receive a sugar crash & as a result, won't feel energetic for long. Even something as simple as swapping white bread for wholemeal can help & allow you to be filled with energy that will release slower, making it last longer. 

Hydrate The Smart Way 

I recently found out that just like when we are hungry, our energy levels drop when we are in a need of a drink. More often that not, when we are tired we reach straight for the caffeine but the may not always be necessary. When your body is lacking water you experience fatigue & your body struggles to provide you with the energy you need. It's important to stay wise to the benefits of drinking enough water throughout the day & I think there are probably more benefits than we originally realise. 

Boost Serotonin Levels 

You would think working out would zap all energy out of you but it actually does the complete opposite. Regular exercise can positively impact serotonin levels. Regular exercise, as simple as a walk around the block, raises serotonin therefore boosts your mood & overall sense of well-being. It can also help improve your appetite & sleep cycle. 

Gratitude List 

It's been said that grateful people sleep better, who would've thought. Studies show that writing in a gratitude journal helps to improve sleep & overall well-being. Spend just 15 minutes before bed jotting down a few grateful sentiments & you may just sleep better & longer. 

B x 

Are You Afraid To Do Things Alone?

@thoughtcatalog

It's a bit of a food for thought post today & it's a conversation I'm regularly having with those in my life. I'm very much interested in the mentality that much of us hold, a mentality that I once held, that lead me to be afraid to do things & experience life alone. I very much resonate with this post 'Don't Be Afraid To Do Things Alone' written by Mitzi J Hernandez.

"I'm a solo adventurer, I'm a loner. I am the woman you see alone at a coffee shop drinking tea and reading a book. I am the one who takes herself out on dates & sit-downs at restaurants by herself, without shame. I am the woman who attends concerts without feeling awkward about being there alone. I sing my heart out & have a hell of a good time." 

I've been thinking more & more about this recently & the older I've gotten, the more I've realised that doing things alone is simply wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I love being around people, my friends & family but I also love being alone, doing the things that make me happy. I feel there is such a big social stigma that leads us to believe doing things alone makes us a loser, lonely or that we're being anti-social. I just think there's a lot to be learnt through doing things alone. I don't know, read Mitzi post & let me know what you think. Do you do the things that make you happy alone sometimes? 

B x 

Your Weekend Read, Watch & Listen List

@fabiolapeñalba

I think the last time I did one of these posts was a couple of the months back, at the beginning of February. I've been consuming a few more bits & pieces since then & thought it was time for a bit of an update. 

Reading 

Recently I've delved into Rupi Kaur's amazing poetry. I now have all three of her books, Milk & Honey, The Sun & Her Flowers & her newest release Home Body. Rupi is an incredible 21 year old poet, artist and performer. Rupi writes & illustrates her books & she does such a wonderful job. I honestly couldn't recommend her stuff enough! In terms of novels, I've been wanting to read 'The Fifth Letter' by Nicola Moriarty for the longest time. At the time of writing this I'm about to go away for a long weekend so fingers crossed I'll get some time to jump full force into it! 

Watching 

I've been watching a few different things recently. Netflix has an awesome series called 'Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel'. I love watching these kinds of series so this was right up my alley & it was a very interesting watch. I also binge watched Season Four of 13 Reasons Why & if you've seen the last reason you'll understand when I say a cried like a baby in one of the last episodes. On YouTube I've just come across @ravenreads & her content is amazing! You'll love her as much as I do especially if you're into more of the spooky & creepy ghost stories. 

Listening 

I'm still catching up on The Double Cleanses Podcast which is hosted by James & Robert Welsh. James & Robert also have YouTube channels which are filled with heaps of makeup & skincare tips & tricks. Another podcast that was recommended to me recently was The Skinny Confidential: Him & Her hosted by Lauryn Evarts & Michael Bosstick. They have heaps & I mean heaps so awesome content to go through & I'm excited to explore & listen to their podcast a bit more. 

What have you been reading, watching & listening to lately? 

B x

Six Tips For A Healthy Headspace

@brookecagle

Taking steps to maintain your mental health & wellbeing helps you live life in a positive & meaningful way but it also helps you to bounce back when times do get tough. I am always referring back to this wee list of tips when I'm feelings overwhelmed & like life is getting to be a bit much. 

Set Yourself A Small Goal 

Set a goal or task that you want to achieve for the day. It can be something small like making your bed, going for a walk or calling a friend. Try some new hobbies & keep doing the things you love as best you can. 

Learn Skills For A Tough Time 

It might be helpful to learn new coping skills to maintain & improve wellbeing. You could try journaling your thoughts & feelings, practice some breathing exercises, explore mental health apps or website, create a new routine or take a digital detox. 

Create Connections 

When we can't physically connect with friends & loved ones, there are so many other ways to stay connected. Try calling a friend or video chatting with a family member. Online is always a good way to make connections with those you may not be able to physically. 

Eat Well 

Minimise unhealthy snacks & caffeine. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables & drink plenty of water! 

Stay Active

You could try doing an online fitness class, a yoga session or even a challenge of some kind with you friends. It's important to remember something is better than nothing & it all benefits your mental health! 

Get Enough Sleep 

Trying to stick to a sleep routine can be really hard something but if you can, try wake up & go to bed around the same time. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each not & try turning switching off from electronics 30-60 minutes before bed. 

What are some of the steps you take to keeping a healthy headspace? 

B x 

Study Tips I've Found Helpful While Attending University

@stilclassics

I'm currently in the middle of my sixth week back at University for the year & I wanted to share some of my favourite study tips I've accumulated over my serval years so schooling. Not only is studying essential for passing school & University, but later in life you'll find studying is crucial to staying ahead of your career. Whether you're learning a new language, adding new skills under your belt or trying to become trained in First Aid, the way you study is important. I wish I knew back when I was at High School that studying doesn't have to be mad sessions, cramming last minute information until 3AM. These life-saving tips can be applied no matter what level of education you're in & hopefully they'll be just as beneficial to you as they have been to me! 

Read & Re-Write Information You Receive 

Most of us passively read & highlight the information that sits in from of us, right? Meaning that it's not being absorbed into the brain. The best way to start changing this habit would be to re-write the important information into a notebook. But, write it in your own words. If you're able to take a piece of information & put it into your own words, words that you understand, your brain is more likely to remember it! 

Take Notes By Hand 

Always write you notes by hand. Yes, you can type fast but writing connects your thought processes with the information your processing. Writing creates a deeper understanding of the work, which helps it stick in your mind. What I prefer to do, is take notes on my computer because naturally I am much faster at typing & then when I get home, I'll re-write information from the lecture into a notebook. 

Teach Someone What You Know 

I've found a really good way to help retain information is to teach someone else. For example, if you're learning a new language, take five minutes to teach family or friends what you know. If you have an exam coming up, trying teaching someone else the topic. 

Make Time To Test Yourself 

As part of my study schedule, I make time regularly to test myself on my knowledge on certain topics. It's fine if you don't know the answers to particular questions because this shows you where you have gaps & what you need to study to make up for it. 

Mind Maps Of Connecting Information 

If there are gaps in your memory, one thing I've found helpful is to connect information together by using a mind map. I do this on a large piece of paper, using plenty of coloured pens to group pieces of information that related to a single topic. I've found the more visual I make it, the more likely I am to remember the associated concept. 

What are some of your favourite studying tips? 

B x 

Morning Habits For A Super Productive Day

@stilclassics

Really good morning habits can do a great job at setting you up for success! We've all had those days where we 'got out on the wrong side of the bed' & everything seems to go wrong. It seems to last all day & one day things happens after another. But having a good morning routine can make sure you start you day on the right foot & see you up for success. So it's super important to make sure your morning routines healthy habits to make sure your mood & body are prepared for a successful, productive day. These are three things I do in my morning to make sure I have a super productive day. 

Wake Up Early 

We've all been there..wrapped up all cozy in bed & the alarm drags on, you hit snooze & roll over for just '5 more minutes'. Next thing you're leaping out of bed, rushing around getting ready for your day without time to think. 

Waking up earlier gives you more time to prepare for the day. It also gives you time to have some 'you time'. Whatever that is, it's time you're taking to look after yourself. I never use to be much of a morning person but now I love it! And trust me, it feels good. 

Have Gratitude 

Gratitude can be expressed in some many ways. You can show gratitude by say thank-you to someone for something they did, write something down you're thankful for or even create a mental list of things you're grateful for. In the mornings I'll typically do more of a mental list of things I'm grateful for while doing my hair or makeup but in the evenings I'll write down what I'm grateful for when I'm daily journaling. I find doing this every single day helps me to focus of the positives & focus my energy on the good things. 

Incorporating gratitude into a morning routine can boost your mood & put you in a positive, successful mindset, ready to tackle the day. 

Making Note Of The Days Priorities 

Writing down tasks when they come to your mind means your brain doesn't have to remember them all. But only going through a couple of small tasks on your list can make you feel unsuccessful, deflated & unmotivated. A small list with just your days priorities is much easier to tackle & you get the sense of achievement when everything is done. Jotting tasks down in a planner or journal can make it super easy to keep tracker of your to-do lists. 

While to might have a to-do list the length of your arm, like I do, it's important to pick out 2 or 3 tasks which your are going to prioritise & make progress with them first. If these 2 or 3 tasks are the biggest, most challenging tasks, then by completing them first, the rest of your to-do list looks like a walk in the park! 

B x 

Better Luck Next Time - Sam Prendergast

@frankie

Many of you will know by now how much of a fan I am of the 'Frankie' magazine. Frankie is issued every 2 months & brings us some of the most amazing content. For March/April 2021 they're celebrating the release of their 100th issue which is so exciting! While reading through the magazine one article really stood out & resonated with me. 

Better Luck Next Time, written by Sam Prendergast talks about her experience with encountering people who claim to have no regrets. Sam had a really good point when she mentions that regret is basically her go-to mode of living. Whether it's because you left your lunch at home, forgot to pay your phone bill, cut your own hair or forgot to do the washing & now it's raining, these are all small regrets. I don't believe it's about obsessing over all the small regrets because I definitely don't sit down on a Sunday afternoon & worry about the washing that didn't get done on Monday but regret does keep you honest. 

"There is nothing to be learnt from having no regrets. It's like stamping yourself "FINISHED: could not & would not have done things better.'" I know wouldn't be the Bonnie I am today had I not made mistakes, had regrets & had the opportunity to learn & grow from them. It really got me thinking & I wanted to share that because I think there's a lot to be learnt from it. 

If you'd like to pick up your own copy or buy digitally online I'll leave a link here. While reading this article it was really a food for thought moment. It's something I thought was worth sharing because at the end of the day, we're all human & humans make mistakes sometimes. We regret & then we learn & grow because of it. 

Let me know what you think & if you haven't had a chance to pick up Frankie, then I highly recommend you do ASAP! 

B x 

Beside Beauty Products

@socialcut

I'm all too aware that wishing away your time is one of the worst habits you can have, I can't deny that there are days where all I dream about is getting back into bed. There is something so amazing about climbing into fresh sheets after a long day, especially into the cooler months. My evening routine is something that is a really important part of my da, it's something I seriously look forward to. Taking your makeup off can be just as great as taking your bra off after a long day. There are a few products that I reach for every evening that make my night just a touch better. 

I always think there is a fine line between having your bedroom be somewhere that is calm & peaceful. I like my bedroom to be really cosy & inviting, almost like a like a little sanctuary. Things that are a must for me are cosy bedding & comfortable pillows, a good book, peaceful warm lighting, plants & a glass of cold water. 

Sleep Spray/Essential Oils 

A sleep/pillow spray is quite a luxury product, I think we can all agree on that, but it is something that is very nice to have around. Alternatively, essential oils are the next best thing, in my opinion anyway! Lavender, Eucalyptus & Chamomile are some of my favourites to keep my bedside. If I'm not spraying in onto my pillows, I'm popping a few drops into my oil diffuser & it helps create that beautiful calm space. 

Nail Oil & Hand Cream 

Every night without a doubt I apply nail oil & a thick hand cream. Especially as we're coming into the cooler months my hands get horrendously dry but other than that, it's a simple way to pamper yourself. 

Lip Balm 

I feel like this is a non-brainer but I change the lip balm that a keep beside my bed all the time. As of right now I'm reaching for a classic, old favourite - Nivea Original Care Lip Balm. Nivea is always my go to & no matter what, it's what I always end up going back to. 

Body Lotion 

Applying body lotion before bed is another really simple self care ritual & at the moment I'm making my way through my second bottle of the limited edition Lush Yog Nog Body Milk. I always grab multiples of this product when it comes out at Christmas time because it's one of my all time favourite scents. 

What are your favourite products to use in the evening?

B x 

Insightful Journaling Prompts For Reflection

@stilclassics

Journaling allows us to jot down thoughts & ideas & it can be a very powerful tool for self-care. I love journaling because it help clears my thoughts when things are feeling a bit messy. It helps release & make sense of emotions & inspire a positive change. 

If you're new to journaling, here are some prompts that helped me get started this year & have helped me reflect, process & adjust to the New Year. 

1. What goals are you hoping to accomplish in 2021? 

2. What people & activities lift you up? 

3. What expectations or rules no longer serve you & need to let go? 

4. What lessons have you learned from last year that can guide you in the coming year? 

I think the important thing about journaling is to choose prompts that speak to you or try the ones that seem a little more challenging to explore your thoughts & feelings. I find the emotions are high, journaling is always there for you as a way to let them out into the world. It can be really effective, it's free & a consistent why to support our mental health. 

Let me know if you've been journaling as of recently & how you've found it!

B x 

Important Life Lessons To Take Note Of When Attending University

@thoughtcatalog

Back to school season is in fully swing & no matter how old you are, there's always time to go back & learn new things. Whether you're eighteen or eighty, back to school can mean so many different things. It can mean enrolling in a course you've always wanted to do, signing up for University, completing your Masters or just retraining. 

I am currently in my second year of university & in the last year there are some things that have really stood out to me that can be carried throughout life & are great life lessons. 

Study Something You Actually Want To Learn 

There was never any pressure for me to go to university & because of that I really wanted to be sure I was going to study something I actually love & want to learn about rather than being influenced by others around me. I was 21 when I first started university & I don't regret waiting at all! People always say it's important to start university as soon as possible & while I think that's great if you know what you want to study & learn, it's not so helpful if you're unsure. And that's okay! You can do an internship, a year in a different city or a year working & people forget that if you want something, there are more things than your degree that will get you there. Also, don't be afraid to ask existing people who already are in the role you want! It's always helpful & they love to give advice! 

Don't Stress About The Future

I always use to spend a huge amount of time stressing about the future. Not knowing what I wanted to do was a huge part of that. I'd never push myself outside of my comfort zone & even attending university itself was huge for me. In the last year my confidence has only grown by pushing myself outside of my comfort zone but also by taking each day as it happens. I think the most important thing to remember in terms of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is that you don't have to move mountains. Moving small mountains & taking small steps will help you achieve just as much, if not more! I would say to anyone who is unsure about where their degree might take them, what their dream job translates to or doesn't know their place in the world & is worrying & fretting about the future - these are the best years of your life & you should just go out & grab every opportunity no matter how big & 'scary' it might seem! The only fear in life is fear itself, remember that! 

Don't Leave Everything To The Last Minute 

Staying up until the early hours of the morning before having to hand in an assignment only causes a lot of stress & sleepless nights! It can take a bit in the beginning to work out how to plan your workload, set your own deadlines & met them but once you've got it sorted, you're ready to go! I manage to have assignments completed & ready to submit a week before the deadline & I can spend the week leading up to the deadline relaxing rather than staying up until 5AM! 

Take Every Opportunity Available 

Get stuck in straight away & take yourself outside of your comfort zone. Try to dip your toes in lots of different activities & get to know your flatmates & classmates as they're the people you'll be spending the majority of your time with. This year, I know I'm aiming to stress less & enjoy my time more. University gives us a wonderful opportunity to meet & bond with people from all walks of life. It's amazing to  have the opportunity to meet such a variety of people all at one time. 

It's Okay To Struggle Sometimes 

It's okay to struggle sometimes & it's so important to remember that! Don't feel guilty about having fun & enjoying yourself. I think as long as you can say you're really trying your best & giving your studies 100%, then you definitely shouldn't feel guilty for taking some time for yourself. Last year when I wound up in hospital for 10 days & I remember the more I began to feel better, the more guilty I felt because I wasn't able to uphold these high expectations I had set for myself. Everything worked out & looking back that was really a period of time I should've only been focusing on my health rather than everything else as well. 

B x 

Summer Beauty Essentials

@socialcut

At the time of writing this post we're in the midst of the hottest days we've had so far this summer. The blinds are drawn, I'm wearing as little as possible without flashing anyone & have a drink in one hand with as much ice in it as possible! IT'S HOT MAN! And with that being said, it feels like the perfect time to be writing this post about all my favourite summer essentials. I pull out these products every time that it's hot & I need a product I can trust. This is what makes the cut . . .

Face & Body SPFs 

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! Being diligent with your SPF routine is so important, even on those cloudy days! I promise there are SPFs out their that aren't heavy & chalky on the skin, you've just got to search for them! Bondi Sands has some of my favourite sun care products at the moment & this one is great for the face. Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+. It's water resistant, fragrance free, gentle & fast absorbing. I love that I can wear it on its own but it also goes well under make up. 

In the way of body SPF I've been reaching for the Bondi Sands Sunscreen Oil SPF 30. This product is really great either on its own or layered on top of other sun screens, my favourite being the Bondi Sands Body Sunscreen SPF 50. The sunscreen oil is non-greasy & water resistant. It absorbs quickly into the skin, has moisturising properties & has a beautiful summer fragrance. I love spray sunscreens has they are a great way to top up your sunscreen & handy to have chucked in your beach bag. 

Other products that are worth trying is Bondi Sands After Sun collection. They have some really great after sun care products that are great if you've been out in the sun all day & even if you're not burnt, they're great for replenishing the skin with moisture. 

Faxu Tanners

I promised this post isn't sponsored by Bondi Sands, I simply just adore their products so it'll be not surprises what's coming next. My favourite faux tanner is the Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam applied with their application mitt. It's a gorgeous light weight tan enriched with aloe vera that leaves skin glowing & sun-kissed. 

Hair Removal

When it comes to hair removal - you do you boo. I don't do anything special other & simply use a 'Gillette Razor for Women' & shave cream. I've found Gillette to do the best razors but of course, that's just personal opinion & preference. 

Summer Makeup Faves

I'm all about sheer texture when it comes to summer beauty. A light layer & I'm good to go, with of course my SPF on underneath! I'm really enjoying Chichi Cosmetics BB & CC Creams. It leaves skin looking natural with a gorgeous radiant glow. Both products are also SPF 30 which is an added bonus. Another product Im loving is my Mecca Sunlit Skin Bronzing Powder. I cannot get enough of this product, it's so bloody gorgeous on the skin & gives you the glow of a goddess! It's simply stunning! 

B x 

How To Get Yourself Ready For A New School Year

@fabspotato

I might now be 22 years old & attending university but not much has changed over the years. I still love the fresh start feeling from a new school year & the opportunity to clear out all the old from the previous year. At the moment school might be a bit different for some but now is a great chance to sit down, reflect and adapt to the new normal because let's be honest, sometimes we all need a breather. 

Clear Out Your Workspace 

Again this year, I will be working from home & after having to do this last year due to the pandemic, I quickly came to realise that working from home is just what works best for me as my schedule needs to easily flexible. 

Whether you have a dedicated desk & at-home office like I do, or you are marking do on your kitchen table, having a quick clear out of your space - wherever & whatever it is - is the best place to start. For me that means have a good declutter of my office space. I found that going through every single draw is my best bet to really minimise what I have. I seem to collect an endless amounts of pens, diaries & planners - it takes up way too much space & it's just not needed! I'm always surprised the amount of crap I find but it's always the single best step for prepping for the new school year. 

Get Your Ducks In A Row - Digitally 

Like a lot of you I'm sure, I do most of my work on a device whether that's my MacBook, iMac or iPad. Take this opportunity to have a desktop clear out! I always start with choosing a new background - something fresh & minimal. I don't keep any documents on my desktop instead I keep it all in Finder/iCloud. 

Safari is the next place I have a wee clear out of. I will check that I need all my bookmarks & if not, they get removed. Same with shortcuts & my reading list. Your downloads is something else you can have a wee clear out of but I tend to do this on a more regular basis. 

Emails is another space that you can tidy up. I don't know about you but my emails always need a tidying up so I'll go through all current folders & make sure nothing extra needs following up on. 

Next is documents, images & videos. I make sure there is nothing taking up too much storage that can be removed. I always collect way to many unnecessary images & documents - personally & due to the nature of my job & study - so going through these on a regular basis is always a good idea. 

Set Some Goals 

Set aside any personal goals that you set at the beginning of the year & think about some thing you think you might enjoy achieving academically. If setting academic goals feels a bit stressful right right, go back to a basics & set goals that are more based around wellness, fitness, relationships, friendships & hobbies.

New Rituals & Routines 

Having some sense of structure is key to me feeling motivated & on top of things, which ultimately leaves me feelings happy & calm. Rituals & routines like a weekly workout schedule & weekly selfceare moments are a great place to start. Maybe you want to try a new morning routine, adding meal planning into your life - whatever you fancy adding that will bring a calm & collected vibe into your week. 

I cannot wait for the new school year to officially begin! Let me know what you're doing to get yourself ready for the new school year!

B x 

Good Things That Have Happened Lately

@anniespratt

As of right now, I'm trying to appreciate all the little things in life that are making me happy on a daily basis & especially more now than ever. Small pockets of happiness & goodness throughout a busy day can be really refreshing so I thought why not share my small pockets of happiness with you. 

• Discovering new local areas to go for walks, get outside & get some fresh air.

• A cup of coffee & a good book in the sun. 

• Waking up to sunshine & warmth. 

• Taking my days a little slower while also still being productive. 

• Seeing my little Guinea Pig's grow & develop their own little attitudes & personalities. 

• A good AM & PM skincare routine that my skin is thriving on. 

• Daily journaling has been a really simple practice that I've started up again & is something I love doing. 

• Getting organised & buying new supplies for the upcoming school year.

What are some of the little things that are making you happy on a daily basis? 

B x 

Over New Year's Resolutions? Try These Small Goals With Me

@laylabird

I don't know about you but I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. I feel like at this time of the year it's so easy to set unrealistic goals & to set yourself up for failure. Been there, done that. I've been thinking about setting smaller, more realistic goals at the beginning of each year. 

Rather than putting a ton of pressure on yourself to meet a long list of New Year's resolutions that may or may not be attainable, consider setting smaller goals for a healthier New Year. These aren't going to be ground breaking goals & may not seem like much, but I know over time, they'll have a really positive impact in my life. 

Drink Lots Of Water 

The human body can't function without water, so staying hydrated is one of the most essential ways to take care of your health. Dehydration can also make you tired. Look for simple ways to drink more throughout the day & make sure you're adequately replenished before, during & after workouts. 

Eat Lots Of Plants 

I don't mean go vegan, that seems a little intimating however 'eat lots of plants' is a simple goal that can make a huge different. Fresh fruit & vegetables are great for your body & make you feel great as well! 

Content That Makes You Laugh 

From relieving stress & pain to boosting our immune system, laughter is really the best medicine. That's why consuming content, like listening to a funny Podcast, could significantly improve your overall wellness, especially if you make it a regular habit. 

Herbal Teas

Sipping herbal teas is a great way to stay hydrated. Herbal teas can be helpful for everything from managing headaches, soothing anxiety & reducing bloating after a big meal. If you feel dehydrated, feel sleep-deprived or over-caffeinated, drinking more tea is a healthy goal to aim for. 

Gratitude & Journaling

Practicing gratitude & journaling doesn't just feel good, it has lots of benefits for your wellness. There is lots of simple ways to do this & keeping a daily gratitude journal is one popular method. Perhaps adding another task to your daily routine is too overwhelming, consider writing a gratitude letter in 2021. Think of someone in your life who deserves it & write from your heart. 

Call A Long Distance Loved One Once A Month

These days, phone calls are one of the safest ways to stay in touch with our loved ones & it's so good for us. I'm setting this small goal for 2021 because not only is it good for us, it's so great for our loved ones too. 

B x