I've seen quite a few people on social media (and inspirational posts on Pinterest) practicing being more mindful and living in the moment. I know it's something that we usually tell ourselves that we will be doing more of in the New Year. But it's the kind of mind-set that if practiced enough, can change the way you think and react to different situations. Essentially living each day to your best.

I can be a bit of a Nervous-Nelly. I think a lot about future events I want to happen, but then I realize the time between now and then, which makes me panic. It's like looking up at a tall mountain you're about to climb and being scared if you'll ever make it to the top. All of this is silly, of course. We all know worrying about the past or future just takes away from the happiness we could be having right now. Make plans and goals, but don't get so focused on them that you lose your way before you have even started. 

One day when I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram (one of my favorite hobbies) I came upon a post of this book: The Mindfulness Journal. The girl raved about how wonderful it was and I became intrigued. I saved it to my Book Depository wish-list and once pay-day rolled around I put it straight into my basket. 

Once it had arrived, gorgeous cover and all, I took it on a road trip I was taking with the boyfriend. I don't know about you, but I can never be without a book when I travel! Once I pulled it out of my bag and got reading I began to understand what the concept was all about. 

This Mindfulness Journal is basically your guide to finding peace in a great number of situations (snacking, tiredness, relationships etc.) It explains breathing exercises on each page, as well as little things you can focus on around you to become more mindful, as well as feeling calmer. If you tend to feel anxious, this little book would be a great companion to take with you anywhere. You could simply read some of the inspirational quotes, or take the advice the author gives you while you take a moment for yourself. 

I can't tell you how many stressful situations I have been in that would have been made simpler with this journal. It works to get you into a healthy and calm mind space by being present. You could practice it right now. Look at the scene around you and find three things that make you happy. Notice colors, the way textures feel on your skin, and take time to stretch your body while taking nice deep breaths. Feels pretty good, huh?

This is a technique that I practiced in the car on the way to our destination, and it's something I've been trying to continue every day. I'm not at meditation yet, but being more mindful of staying present can stop those future worries and can help you enjoy those amazing little moments. The other day I was anxious about a shift at work, but I pushed those thoughts out of my mind and just focused on enjoying my day off. It would have been silly to ruin my weekend by worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet, right? 

With the help from this beautiful journal, I am going to continue making mindfulness a habit and train my brain into being a calmer space. I know it sounds slightly cheesy, but focusing on the one day that's ahead of you and living in the moment, can make such a difference to you life. 

Give it a try!

What do you do to be more mindful? 

Steph x.

Wonder Woman Doesn't Worry About Body Perfection, So Why Should I?

Flashback to a few weeks ago:

I was have a great morning listening to new Little Mix songs, reading inspiring blog posts from my long-distance gym buddy Lucy, and generally feeling the self-love. These mornings are bliss. 

I took a brave risk and decided to wear my Nike Pro shorts to the gym, despite feeling insecure about my chubby thighs. A few bicep curls later and I was back to feeling awesome. 

I had a thought come to me when I was about to hop in the shower after I'd finished working out and it was along the lines of: 

"I don't need my body to be perfect. I'm so proud of what it can do and how strong it is. That's all I need to focus on, the rest will come later."  

And it's true! I've been working hard at the gym for over a year now and even though I'm still a fair distance away from my dream bod, how my body's abilities have changed, still amazes me. It's so easy to get caught up in our flaws that we don't stop to appreciate how kick-ass our bodies are. No, I don't have a flat stomach or perfectly toned arms. But can I do a few pull-ups and lift insane weights with just my hips and legs? Hell yeah I can! And it feels amazing. 

Does Wonder Woman punish herself for not having skinny legs? Not at all, she needs them to be strong so she can kick some butt and save the world. If that's good enough for her, that's good enough for me too.





A few weeks have passed since I began this new way of thinking and it's made me a lot happier. Sometimes we rob ourselves of the chance to be proud of ourselves because of the perfect image in our heads. I've found that the best way to be, is to love ourselves they way be are right now. We should be enjoying every step of the journey to a fitter, healthier version of ourselves. My chubby thighs have carried me through miles and miles of running these past few years, and they make squatting heavier weights a lot easier. They make me feel strong, so how could I possibly hate them?

From now on, I will look at my training as a way of making my body stronger, faster, and my mind along with it. If I treat my body right, it will reward me in time. I will get that killer booty and biceps to intimidate boys, but only through years of hard work. And I know it will be worth the wait.

Putting unrealistic pressure on ourselves to be perfect in a short few months won't work. I don't want my training to be about body image any more, that never brought me any joy. Now I'll train for those moments I can lift heavier, go for longer, and keep up with the best. That's my favorite reward for being persistent and never giving up.

Focus on loving your body for it's strength, it's endurance, and it's ability to improve in ways that make you feel unstoppable. Loving your body doesn't just have to be about it's appearance in the mirror. Love it for what it can do and the rest will come. I may only be in my third year of my fitness journey, but so far I've ran two half-marathons, actually managed to do pull-ups, and with my boxing I could produce a knock-out in the ring. And this is just the beginning. Hardly relevant, but you never know when the Avengers need a new member on the team (call me, Cap!) 

I would love to know your thoughts on body perfection and what it means to your fitness. I'd also love to know what exercises make you feel your strongest (for me, it's dead lifts all the way!)

Steph x.


Don't forget to keep up with me on Bloglovin'!

 

My Daily Happiness Journal

I stumbled upon this cute little journal when I was out shopping the other day and the single word "happiness" sparked an idea. Why not write down positive thoughts during my day to day life and look back on it in times where I need a bit of positivity. I know this is hardly an original idea, but for someone who loves to write out my thoughts and lists, it could be something that really helps on those bad days. And you all know how much I love starting a new journal!

I've been carrying it around with me and writing down any little thought that I might want to look back on later. Basically anything that made me smile that day or gave me a warm fuzzy feeling.The journal I got is such a perfect size too, so I can easily slip it into my bag and write something quickly if I need to.

I found that since I started this journal, I began trying to find positive things that I would normally ignore or just brush off. I'm someone who can find a silver lining in almost anything and it's a great mood enhancer when you need it. I love flicking through the pages I have already filled in and seeing what made me happy that day. It also helps in clearing my mind, as all journals are great for, and I know I'm not going to forget anything.

Grab a journal and start writing down happy thoughts that come to you, no matter how small. 

I'm gonna make it a personal goal to fill my journal as fast as I can, and write in it everyday.

 It's so important to take the time to slow down and appreciate the little joys in life, especially when it all gets a bit hectic. Never forget the things that make you smile!

 Ideas for happy thoughts to write down: 

Quotes you find

Something funny that happened

A nice dream you had

Highlights from your day

Compliments 

Good deeds

Relaxing moments

New things you have tried and loved

Goals achieved

Something that made you feel confident

Do something you're scared of and write about your experience

Exciting news

What do you think of this idea? Let me know in the comments!

Steph x.