Taking a Step Back from Blogging
I’ve always believed that taking a break from blogging is important, and it’s something I’ll always stick by. I really like my blog, I can curate it, write about what I want, express my views and rant into the void of the internet.
In a way, it’s a form of therapy. I still live with my parents, and I always dream of decorating my own home, on here I can design my dream home, take a look at my goals and actually have something that looks pretty and that I can call my own for once.
However, at certain points in my life, I need to take a step back and really think about who I am and what I want to achieve. I’ve always struggled with my sense of self, and right now I’m struggling a lot. Last week, I had the sudden urge to delete this blog. A part of me still thinks that I might.
I’ve become very disillusioned with the blogging community, and the way others view it, at the moment. Blogging has become a warped personality contest, something that everyone does to validate themselves online, and I’m seeing it more and more. Young girls are producing this perfect life online for themselves, but do we ever think about how damaging that can be? It’s extremely unfair to ask a young girl to be perfect, but so many bloggers have become this “perfect” blogger, and the cycle just goes on and on. It’s important to know that it’s okay not to be perfect. You don’t have to be rich or own designer products. Blogging started as a way to inspire people, to show your story, to be yourself. It has become a popularity contest and, for the majority, a way to find validation online. It’s okay if you don’t want this for yourself.
For once, I’d love to go back to who I was before I started this blog. I was super into my photography, my poetry, my writing. I think at some point I was really overwhelmed by the gifts I earned from collaborations that I stopped taking notice of my other hobbies. I would come home from my job as a Copywriter and work for hours on my blog. At this point it’s become a chore, and that’s something that I never wanted this site to become. As much as I’m grateful for the opportunities this blog has given me, and it’s given me so many, I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m questioning if this is what I want.
I’m not the perfect blogger, or the perfect person. I’m flawed in many ways. Sometimes, I like to talk about that side of me, a lot of the time I don’t. I’m at a point where I’m unsure on what to do with myself and this blog, but I don’t want to do what I’ve done hundreds of times before, I don’t want to delete profiles and recreate myself. I need to take a step back and revaluate the direction I want this blog to go in.
This is why I’ve decided to give myself some privacy. I’ve removed my Instagram from this blog, and I’ve made a new twitter. My current twitter and the Facebook Page for my blog will still be up and running, and I’ll still be posting blogger opportunities on my Twitter for those who know me for my Blogger Outreach work.
Taking a step back is a way you can check in yourself, make sure you’re okay, and in a way a form of self care. So, if you’re a blogger whose feeling a bit down, like your blog has become a chore, or if you feel like taking a break, please know that it’s okay to do so. If you need any advice, or for someone to just listen, I’m an email/tweet away.
I may still post the odd post here and there. This will be content I have been working on for weeks, or collaboration work I have promised brands. When I’ve officially decided what to do with this blog, and which direction I want to take it in, I’ll write up a similar post to this one.
Xo
Online Dating Tips: How to Steer Clear of Dating Apps and Make Meaningful Relationships
I’ve been out of the dating game for over 2 years now, and so many things have changed. One thing I do know about dating, is that I hate tinder and other dating apps like it. Tinder, it seems, is more about the occasional hookup – no strings attached type of thing. Although that’s okay for some, it definitely isn’t what I’m personally into.
Everyone’s different, and whether your recent searches on Google include “find cougar women near me” or “BDSM Communities Online” (check out Fetlife) then I am completely judgment free. Everyone has a right to their secrets, fetishes and kinks. But when you’re looking for something more meaningful, is it possible in this day and age to find someone you really like, and want to spend the rest of your life with?
When it comes to senior dating online, I know even less. It seems like less and less people are meeting in real life, and for those in the older generation who don’t even know how to use the internet, things can be super difficult. One way you could tackle this is to find senior speed dating events in your area. Alternatively, get yourself out there on social media. Facebook has hints and tips on how to understand the platform, which is perfect for someone who is unsure on how to make a life online for themselves. If you’re even more old fashioned, why not join a local club or community? You may find that windening your pool of acquaintances is the perfect way to meet new people in your area. Here are some of my updated tips, which, widely, I’ve accumulated from my friends!
Get Out There
This can be hard if you suffer from anxiety, but even if you’re out with friends, you might just find someone who really catches your eye. I met my boyfriend when he was working behind a bar and I was extremely drunk. Sometimes, things really do fall into place, you just have to let them. Find Events
Local dating events are more common than you think. Simply google your location followed by “dating”, you’ll find that a lot of dating websites have ads at the top of the page trying to lure you in. If you scroll down, you’ll be able to find local pubs, clubs and other venues that host events like speed dating and other dating events.Many dating events can also be found on Facebook. Use the events tab to see upcoming events in your area – or alternatively, you can search for “dating” in the search bar and see a list of upcoming events you can respond to.
Try Real Online Dating Websites
When I say real, I really mean “sites that aren’t just apps” like tinder and grindr. Plenty of Fish and Match.com are great for meeting new people, and there’s no obligation to meet them. You can simply talk at your own pace online until you eventually both decide that you would like to meet in real life. This is a lot easier if you suffer from social anxiety.Xo
5 Things You Need To Quit To Improve Your Health
Health is one of those things that you have to work at constantly. You can’t fully relax or let yourself go if you truly want to improve your mental and physical health. Admittedly, you’re rarely on your own on this long journey of self-improvement. You’ll find plenty of professional dieting and fitness advice if you need guidance along the way. But there are some aspects of your health that you might accidentally neglect and that could have dramatic consequences. Here are the top 5 bad habits you need to quit before it’s too late!
Smoking
Does it still need saying? Smoking is unhealthy and can significantly affect your skin, your lungs and your overall fitness levels. Smokers, for instance, have troubles taking up sports because they often experience breathing problems. So why do most people continue to smoke? More often than not, smoking is a habit that can calm your nerve and also reduce your appetite. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find slender smokers who worry about putting on weight when they quit.High Heels
On those days when you want to feel especially sexy, you know you’ve got a pair of super high heels to transform any outfit into a femme fatale outfit. High heels are fashionable for a reason; they change the shape of your body as you wear them, they accentuate your lower back, and they make your legs appear longer too. But prolonged wear can also affect your health by causing pressure on your joints and in your back. Did you know that it’s not uncommon for high heels lovers to require a bunion operation? Victoria Beckham is a prime example of this. So, next time you want to don your memory foam sketchers, don't feel too bad about it, yeah?
Social Media
We live in an era of mental health issues, and it’s easy to understand why when you see the negative relationship most people develop with social media. Indeed, social media platforms are known to be correlated to depression, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. The more time you spend comparing yourself to others online, the less time you spend caring for yourself. I'm feeling the pressure of social media at lot at the moment, and it's getting to a point where I'm thinking of taking some downtime, just to focus on myself. Counting Calories
When you decide to develop health-conscious habits, it’s fair to say that you may look for solutions to keep your eating habits under control. While you may not want to go on a diet, eating healthy food and keeping your portions small are essential to a healthy lifestyle. That’s precisely why many people fall into the trap of counting calories. Unfortunately, when you start looking at what you eat in terms of calories and not vitamins, you can miss out on a lot of goodness from your food!Hoarding
Are you the kind of person who sometimes buys a little more than she actually needs? Or maybe you can’t get rid of old stuff you don’t use anymore. You might think that as long as you keep your budget in the green, you’ll be fine. But in reality, clutter at home can affect your mood. Messy homes lead to clogged up minds and unhappy people.Xo
First Impressions: The 3rd Love Drop Bi-Monthly Subscription Box!
I absolutely love Love Drop, it's like a little treat for me and Kyle to open every two months, and I honestly can't get enough of the products inside. The box is £45, but the products inside are usually double that. If you're into kinky new things, then this is the subscription box for you. I've actually reviewed both of my previous Love Drop Boxes if you're interested in reading about them as well!
If you follow my blog, you'll know that I talk openly about sex, sexuality, kinks and more. There's no shame in talking openly about these subjects, so if you would rather not read about sex, please stop reading here.
Inside the April/May Box
The first thing that caught my eye in this month's box was the Bijoux Indiscrets toy! The Twenty One Vibrating Diamond is luxurious, and perfect at every angle. With 7 vibration patterns and 3 intensities, there is a lot of fun to be had with this little toy. The packaging makes it look a lot more expensive that it is, and I can completely get behind that. The RRP for this little vibe is just under £30, but the way it looks and feels really doesn't match the price, I would have guessed that the price of this vibrator would top the scales at around £60.
The second thing I noted was the orgasm enhancer balm. I haven't used this yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it. Along with the balm came scented massages oil (the salted caramel is to die for by the way).
Before this box, I hadn't actually heard of the Bijoux Indiscrets brand before, but I have to say that I'm totally impressed by what I've seen so far. You can find more from the brand over on the Bijoux Indiscrets website.
In the April/May box I also received some amazing smelling bath melts and soap. I could actually smell these before opening my mail, so you can imagine what they're like in the tub!
Along with the melts came this gorgeous gin fudge and some prompt cards for me and my partner to use. You receive these cards in each box, and they're so funny and genius. If you're looking for some inspiration and fun, then Love Drop is the one for you. You can find them on their website, on Twitter and on Instagram. To get £5 off your first box, use MAY15 at the checkout!
Xo
My IBS Truths with Buscopan
When you're living with IBS, a lot of things can be a struggle. Buscopan have very generously sent me a IBS Truths Kit this week, and I'm in love with the contents! Not only do the products helpful towards IBS attacks, but they're super self-care related, and I can definitely get down with that right now.
My IBS Story
My IBS story begins 3 years ago at my brother's wedding. I had the absolute pleasure of contracting what they think is E-Coli at the resort we stayed at (love it). After I recovered, I went home and, along with dealing with a couple of eye diseases (no biggie), I realised that my movements weren't the same. I was struggling with intense stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating after meals. I was a bit worried, so I went to the doctors. I was told that getting an actual IBS diagnosis would be hard, but that she *thinks* I have it.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love and support the NHS, but I have had a nightmare getting the help I need. 3 years on and I'm still struggling for an official diagnosis. When I had my blood taken, I was told I had autoimmune markers in my blood, which indicates a problem with my immune system. This was never chased up, and it's something I'm still fighting for a diagnosis on now. Along with my IBS, I suffer from intense back pain and spasms, chronic fatigue and depression.
Although I've come a long way in those 3 years, my IBS is always constant, and I suppose it always will be. However, it doesn't have to ruin your life. There are ways to maintain the pain, constipation and the bloating.
My IBS Truths
With my IBS, I find that I struggle most with my abdominal cramping above all else. After a meal, I'll always get some cramping in my stomach. It can sometimes have me doubled over in pain to be honest. When it first started happening, I would eating meals with friends in public places, through fear that I would struggle to look composed. I quickly found some ways to improve the cramps over time. If I'm out, I'll try and eat slower, taking in as much water as I can before eating a heavy meal. I still get cramps, but they seem to be less painful.
If I'm home, I'll take some Buscopan IBS Relief tablets. These cost £4.99 for 20 tablets, or £8.99 for 40 at Boots or Superdrug. You can also get them as a prescription on the NHS if your IBS causes chronic cramping and pain. Another way I'll handle the pain is by drinking some green tea and placing a hot water bottle on my lower abdomen. Buscopan has kindly sent a lavender scented microwave pouch (which I used last night) the smell is super calming and stays warm for a long time!
Buscopan has set up a Facebook group for those who struggle with IBS, and you can find it here. You don't have to feel like you're alone in your pain anymore, so lets help each other out with Buscopan.
Physical vs Mental Health
Living with an "invisible" chronic illness, such as IBS, can be a really hard struggle when you're trying to live your best life. Cramping, needing to be near a toilet, and feeling general anxiety towards bloating and your IBS can have a really big effect on your physical life. It's important to stay strong, keep going, and understand that you're not alone. There are people out there who can offer advice (me being one of them!). Make sure you open up a dialogue with loved ones, and ensure they understand what you're going through at the moment. It can be hard going through something like IBS flare-ups alone, but you don't have to.
Xo
UK Travel: Say Hello To Harrogate
When looking at potential UK destinations for a weekend away, North Yorkshire will almost certainly crop up. It’s the biggest county in the country and is home to some truly stunning towns and cities.
While your long weekend away may include a few excursions, Harrogate is most definitely the perfect place to stay.
All UK destinations are a good starting point when travelling with anxiety. Knowing that there are fewer things to worry about and, more importantly, that you could get home without any major hassle is a major bonus.
Harrogate is heralded as a great spa resort, giving you the ultimate chance to relax. The Montpellier Quarter is a particular highlight. But the Turkish baths and other spa resorts dotted around the town are worth noting.
Furthermore, Harrogate B&B offerings provide ample options. So, whether you wish to find a quaint little cottage or a more modern place to stay, finding comfy accommodation is easy.
Seeing manmade structures and attractions is a big part of any trip away. Nonetheless, there’s no topping nature, especially when you find its greatest selling points. Harrogate is a place bursting with stunning gardens. Valley Gardens and Crescent Gardens are among the best.
Geologic formations like the Brimham Rocks are equally stunning while the Yorkshire Dales National Park are just a few miles away.
The Fewston Reservoir and the Pinewoods hiking trail offer further natural beauty. Frankly, if you’re looking to reconnect with nature during your trip, Harrogate is the place to be.
Harrogate is a Victorian town and, unsurprisingly, is the ideal location to embrace a few history lessons. Venues like Ripley Castle, the Mercer Gallery, and Royal Pump Room Museum are all great examples. With a little research, you can find plenty more too.
You don’t have to be religious to enjoy the stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Church. Meanwhile, the various guided seeing tours can help you learn about the history of Harrogate, Yorkshire, and Britain.
The once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad are great. Nevertheless, knowing that you might not get a chance to enjoy them back home can be a little frustrating. Harrogate encourages you to enjoy hiking, cycling, and even wall climbing. Better still, you can take those new hobbies back home.
THE EXPERIENCE
All UK destinations are a good starting point when travelling with anxiety. Knowing that there are fewer things to worry about and, more importantly, that you could get home without any major hassle is a major bonus.
Harrogate is heralded as a great spa resort, giving you the ultimate chance to relax. The Montpellier Quarter is a particular highlight. But the Turkish baths and other spa resorts dotted around the town are worth noting.
Furthermore, Harrogate B&B offerings provide ample options. So, whether you wish to find a quaint little cottage or a more modern place to stay, finding comfy accommodation is easy.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Seeing manmade structures and attractions is a big part of any trip away. Nonetheless, there’s no topping nature, especially when you find its greatest selling points. Harrogate is a place bursting with stunning gardens. Valley Gardens and Crescent Gardens are among the best.
Geologic formations like the Brimham Rocks are equally stunning while the Yorkshire Dales National Park are just a few miles away.
The Fewston Reservoir and the Pinewoods hiking trail offer further natural beauty. Frankly, if you’re looking to reconnect with nature during your trip, Harrogate is the place to be.
A PLACE FOR MINDFULNESSS
Harrogate is a Victorian town and, unsurprisingly, is the ideal location to embrace a few history lessons. Venues like Ripley Castle, the Mercer Gallery, and Royal Pump Room Museum are all great examples. With a little research, you can find plenty more too.
You don’t have to be religious to enjoy the stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Church. Meanwhile, the various guided seeing tours can help you learn about the history of Harrogate, Yorkshire, and Britain.
TRY NEW ACTIVITIES
The once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad are great. Nevertheless, knowing that you might not get a chance to enjoy them back home can be a little frustrating. Harrogate encourages you to enjoy hiking, cycling, and even wall climbing. Better still, you can take those new hobbies back home.
Xo
Simple Ways To Reconnect With Nature
In today’s modern world, many of us are living as part of the rat race. We are trapped in a vicious cycle of going to and from work, sitting at home confronted by a multitude of screens, and living in places that are not conducive to forming a connection with anything approaching nature. We become stressed and depressed because of our surroundings, and in the constant bid to make ourselves happier, we buy more and more things that don’t actually fill the void we feel.
Scientific studies suggest that as human beings, we are wired to be outside. The simple act of reconnecting with nature can make us feel happier, freeing our minds, and giving us that feeling of being truly alive. By finding ways to get back to nature, we can improve our mental wellbeing. But how can we do it? Not many of us are able or willing to go and live in the woods for the rest of our lives, and there may be things in our lives (such as work and family) that are holding us back from truly going wild.
CAMPING
Go on a camping holiday. Unless you intend to go fully off-grid on your camping holiday, there are some equipment essentials you will need to take with you - see more here. When you have everything you need, you then only need to choose a location, whether that’s somewhere near to where you currently live or somewhere further afield. With time away from your usual surroundings, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal, and enjoy the many health benefits that being in the great outdoors can give you. Take time to savour each moment, take part in physical exercise on foot or by bike, use your wilderness survival skills, and relish the opportunity to be apart from the confines of modern civilisation.
WALK MORE
Get out of your car. Many of us miss the world around us because we are sat behind the wheel of our motor vehicles when going to and from work. Consider walking more instead, not only to and from work but spend time walking around your local neighbourhood as well. Despite the concrete, there will be wildlife around you, from birds to cats, and there may also be a park or piece of greenery nearby to break up the urban landscape around you.
PLANT A GARDEN
Bring nature home with you. Above and beyond the odd pot plant or two (or getting yourself a dog), there is more you can do at home. This includes creating an ecosystem in your garden, leaving water and food out to attract wildlife, building a pond, and placing a birdfeeder. If you don’t have the time to go out into nature, then these are simple ways to bring nature home to you.
GO ON WILD ADVENTURES
Visit wild places. A walk to the park is always fun, but there may be other places near you where you can get a chance to reconnect with nature and its wildlife. We are thinking of nature reserves, wildlife parks, local woodlands, and anything else that Google throws up at you. You will get the opportunity to see things you don’t see every day and have the chance to stand and listen to the world a few short miles away from your front door.
So, while you may not have the inclination to move into a place rich in nature permanently, you can still get a piece of this freeing environment in some very simple ways. You will feel better as a result, especially if the grind of modern day living does get you down.
Xo
15 Beginner Vaping Tips
The vaping world can be confusing to beginners as it is vast and varied. Finding the right e-liquids and how to use these liquids, keeping your vape in tip-top condition and incorporating vaping into your daily routine can be difficult without guidance.
VAPING TIPS FOR E-LIQUID
- Only buy your e-juice from a reputable manufacturer. Choosing cheap Chinese e-liquids is not a good idea as you may end up choosing low-quality juice with impurities. It is better to spend more and get a quality e-liquid from a reputable manufacturer to ensure that you get an e-juice that is pure with medical grade nicotine and food grade ingredients.
- You should also look for an e-liquid that is ideal for you. Choosing an e-liquid that suits your needs will make you enjoy your vaping experience. Are you not sure what to buy? If so, try out different flavours by getting an e-juice sample box. You can even select the e-liquids you would like to try out when you build your own sample box from our online store.
- You should also look for an e-liquid that is ideal for you. Choosing an e-liquid that suits your needs will make you enjoy your vaping experience. Are you not sure what to buy? If so, try out different flavours by getting an e-juice sample box. You can even select the e-liquids you would like to try out when you build your own sample box from our online store.
- Avoid using acidic, citrus, essential oil or cinnamon flavoured e-liquids in a plastic tank. This is due to the fact that acidic flavours can fog, weaken, or crack a plastic tank. If you like any of the flavours we just mentioned, buy a Pyrex or glass tank in order to avoid any damage to your tank.
- Steep your bottle of e-liquid if it tastes stale or has no flavour. In case you buy a bottle of e-liquid tasting stale or lacking flavour, steep it for a week or two. Most of the e-liquids acquire a better, richer flavour after sitting in a dark room for a few weeks. You should also shake them from time to time to make the flavours mix well.
- Find out which PG/VG ratios suit your needs. Depending on the kind of vape cloud and flavour you want, you can either choose an e-liquid that is lower or higher in vegetable glycerin or VG in short. High VG e-liquids produce thicker smoke and smoother hits. However, they clog the vape’s atomizer quicker than low VG e-liquids.
VAPING TIPS FOR CARE AN MAINTENANCE
- Check for any e-juice buildups. You can do this by checking your battery connections. Just unscrew the battery and see if there is any e-liquid residue or dirt on the parts where the battery and atomizer come into contact with each other. If you find any grime or build up, wipe it off with a cloth or cotton swab to make your battery and vape work as it should.
- Empty and clean out your e-liquid tank on a regular basis. Emptying and cleaning your e-liquid from time to time will help you prevent any leaking, bad flavour and build up. To clean your tank, disassemble the vape, pour out excess e-liquid and rinse the tank, mouthpiece and atomizer under hot, running water. Do this once a week or more if you vape on a regular basis.
- Change your coils on a regular basis. Many people starting out in the vaping world don’t change their coils on a regular basis and end up not enjoying the vaping experience. How will you know it is time to change your coils? You will notice a buildup on the coils or when your vapour begins to get an unpleasant, burnt flavour.
- Take care of your battery or batteries. Avoid using a damaged battery and also handle your electronic cigarette properly to prevent it from getting scratched or banged. Always unscrew the battery from your e-cigarette or mod before you charge it.
- Avoid terrible tasting, harsh dry hits whenever you change your atomizer head or coil. You can do this by priming cotton or the wicks first. If you have an atomizer head that has internal wicks, drip vegetable glycerin or e-liquid in the holes where you can see the white, cotton material inside. When firing up your vape pen, take some few quick, short drags but don’t inhale. Repeat this process a few times and only stop once the flavour evens out.
EVERYDAY VAPING PRO TIPS
- Always carry an extra set of batteries. These extra set of batteries should be fully charged to enable you to switch them out in case the battery you are using dies. Carrying an extra set of batteries will help you avoid sitting for hours while you wait for your e-cigarette to charge. Keep the extra set of batteries in your home, purse, and at work to have a backup whenever your battery dies.
- Invest in an extra tank or two if you have more than one favourite flavour. It may be a good idea to buy more than one vape tank if you like more than one flavour to avoid flavour ghosting and help you save time. Having an extra tank is convenient as you won’t have to rinse and clean your tank and wicks thoroughly. All you have to do is to switch the tanks.
- Switch to a new flavour from time to time. Switching to a new flavour from time to time will help you avoid vapers’ tongue, a condition which affects most of the e-cigarettes out there. It happens when you vape only one type of e-juice for a long period of time and you cannot taste the flavour anymore.
- Clean up juice leaks. If you vape on a regular basis, have a bandana or a small cloth to clean juice leaks. It is also a good way to wrap up your vape as it protects your electronic cigarette from damage, absorb e-liquid leaks and it is a good way to pack your vape alongside a bottle or two of e-liquid.
This is a collaborative post.
Xo
Simple Ways To Keep Your Mental Health In Peak Condition
Our brains are a fragile organ. While it’s protected physically by our skulls, it’s not protected from the world around us and the way certain situations can make us feel. Without any warning, you can go from feeling on top of the world to wondering why you even bother making an effort. When you’re struggling with mental health, your first port of call should always be to speak to a Doctor, no matter how little you feel the importance is. Mental health can spiral out of control very quickly, so it’s important to keep on top of it.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
One of the first signs that you’re feeling a little mentally unstable is when you begin putting yourself down. It’s very rare to find someone in this world that likes everything about themselves and quite frankly, they’re probably not being completely truthful. Everyone has hang ups on their bodies, faces, and even personalities, but that’s what makes us different. Just because you’re not exactly the same as someone you look up to, it doesn’t make you any less of a person. Be kind to yourself so that you can keep yourself mentally stable. One great way of doing this is to force yourself to find something that you like about yourself each day, which immediately boost confidence and makes you feel happier.
ELIMINATE ANYTHING THAT HARMS YOU
There are many causes of mental health problems, and some of them come from what we are putting into our bodies. Smoking is one of the biggest culprits because of all of the chemicals that you’re inhaling when you have a cigarette. Try to give up smoking, or if you can’t go cold turkey, you could always try vaping which is much better for your health than smoking cigarettes. You can buy shortfill e liquids in the uk online and have them at your door within a matter of days. Consider eliminating anything that’s harmful to you so that you can improve your mental health.
GET MORE SLEEP
One of the biggest reasons for feeling low and out of sorts is through lack of sleep. It’s all too easy to stay up that little bit later to catch up on your favourite TV shows, but it’s seriously harming your mental health. Go to bed a little earlier and give your body and mind the chance to relax and rejuvenate. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try writing down your worries. This is a method that’s been used for years and it’s helped millions of people around the world achieve a natural slumber. Worth a go right?
EXERCISE
We all know that exercise makes the body release endorphins into your brain. And what do endorphins do? They make you feel happy. Exercising as much as possible will give you this feeling more often; making you happier in the long run. Also, keeping fit and trimmed will help any self confidence issues, so you’ll be killing two birds with one stone!
Xo
Red Tape & Emotional Turmoil: Putting A Loved One Into A Nursing Home
It's one of the toughest things anybody has to go through in life. It's tough on them, and it's tough on you. Putting a relative into a nursing home makes you feel a rollercoaster of emotions. Guilt is one of many things you will feel, but when it comes to the time to put a family member into a nursing home, what things do you need to consider?
THE PRACTICALITIES
When choosing a nursing home, you need to consider the overall practicalities. You need to be sure you've picked the right nursing home for them. Sometimes it's not feasible, because there aren't any nursing home beds near to you, so do you want them to go in a home that is a car journey away? If you want to be near to them, but it's got to the point where they need professional care 24/7, it's not just about them being near to you, but it's the quality of the home.
This can be very confusing. You might have discussions with other family members to decide on the best plan of action with regards to their care but are you doing right by what your parents want? This can be incredibly difficult to deal with, but you need to respect your parent's wishes. Yes, they may suffer from a variation of age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, but you still need to respect their wishes. And while other family members might not care as much as you, you need to be prepared for a battle on your hands with regards to what everybody else wants for them.
ARE YOU SERVING YOUR PARENTS' WISHES?
This can be very confusing. You might have discussions with other family members to decide on the best plan of action with regards to their care but are you doing right by what your parents want? This can be incredibly difficult to deal with, but you need to respect your parent's wishes. Yes, they may suffer from a variation of age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, but you still need to respect their wishes. And while other family members might not care as much as you, you need to be prepared for a battle on your hands with regards to what everybody else wants for them.
COPING WITH YOUR EMOTIONS
Life is just too busy now, you will have pressures from all angles, from your work pressures to family life and financial struggles, and this can all work to stress you out considerably. Being able to cope with your emotions is not about repressing them, it's about understanding that you will get anxious from time to time, and if you can find coping methods to help you navigate these tough times, it's going to help you feel so much better. There are so many ways people learn to cope with her emotions. You can try meditation or mindfulness, or you can do something that you feel benefits you as a person. Because there are so many stresses and concerns whirring through your mind, the importance of taking a mental break is something you shouldn't underestimate.
Putting someone you love into professional care comes with a lot of red tape, and emotional turmoil. As a result, it can feel overwhelming, the stress of the guilt you might feel, in conjunction with the other pressures you may feel from every angle can wear you down. So, it's is far better for you to prepare yourself mentally for this, because it's not going to be an easy ride. If you can prepare yourself, and learn to cope with the stresses, but also do right by your parents, it can be a smoother journey than anticipated.
This is a collaborative post.
Xo
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