Connect’s The Word

Hey everyone!

It’s been an embarrassing long time since I have blogged and I sincerely apologise for that!

At the start of January each year I like to reflect what the previous year has brought me.
I list everything as an experience, that way if a negative memory/thought comes to mind I automatically see it as an experience I had that I could learn from rather than a horrible memory.

I experienced many things in 2013 that makes me smile such as; love ( My partner and I got a puppy!), trying new foods, going to new cafes and restaurants, meeting new people, learning, reading new books ect..
I have also had experiences that weren’t pleasant at times but I now can smile about these moments and memories because I know I have learnt from the lessons that were thrown at me.

Another exercise I do each year is to think of a word that I’ll use throughout the year to help me keep focus on my goals. This year I have chosen the word “connect”.
The reason I have chosen this word is because I feel as though my mind and body aren’t connected as much as what I would like them to be.

I’m a highly stressed person and if you are anything like me you would know just how important it is to take a minimum on five minutes out of your day to meditate so your mind calms and your breathing can return back to a normal relaxed state.
In 2013 I stopped doing this regularly and my recovery and health suffered because of it. I now know I can’t use the excuse “I’m too busy!” because lets be honest with ourselves, five minutes isn’t really that long.

Meditating is a great way to turn the ego’s power off and gives your inner self a voice.
Your inner voice will give you all the answers you need, you just need to be patient and willing to listen.
(Patience is something I also desperately need to work on, but let’s not get into that one now)

Sometimes I get frustrated (this is where my impatience comes in fine form) when I meditate and my inner self can’t be heard straight away, but I have learnt that the voice becomes stronger and you begin to feel your intuition and your heart telling you what to do with time and patience, and when you feel that feeling, that my friends is what I call connection!

This year the blog will help gives you tools, insight, recipes, self-assurance, self confidence and health tips that will help every wellness warrior continue on their path to an abundance of health and happiness.

Lisa x

Break Free From Stress Generated Urges

The past couple of weeks have been filled with anxiety and stress, which has led me to be more fixated on my weight.
Although I have been stressed about having to put on a little more weight to be healthy, I haven’t given into the urges to fall back into my old habits.

People deal with stress differently; some people drink, eat, smoke, panic, yell, shop or focus their attention on their weight.

Now that I am aware of these triggers I can check back into reality and recognise that what I have been stressed about has nothing to do with my body image and focusing on something else doesn’t necessarily make the original stressful situation go away.

Like me, so many people fall into unhealthy habits to deal with stress without recognising why they feel the urge. We need to be mindful of the urges we feel when the triggers go off.

This is not a time to judge yourself or others over how stress is dealt with. The way you deal with stress may be completely different from anyone in your family or circle of friends. You may not understand why others cope with stress the way they do, or why they give into stress generated urges, but we all have to be mindful that there is always an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Giving support and advising healthier options on how to handle stress will make a big impact to your loved one’s well-being.

When you feel stress related urges ask two honest questions of yourself:
What is the real reason why I am feeling this urge?
Does it serve me?

Most of the time stress generated urges don’t serve us at all. They defer the original stress to a bad habit, which leads you to feel guilt.

Healthy options for dealing with stress are:
Going for a stroll
Exercising
Meditating
Reading an enjoyable book
Listening to calming / positive music
Having a warm bath
Sitting out in the sun
Playing with your pet
Journaling
Calling a positive friend

I find it difficult to jump into meditation because I haven’t had enough practice, so I find the best way to deal with stress is by sitting out in the sun, closing my eyes while focusing on my breathing. The sun increases your serotonin level, which is a mood lifting chemical and by focusing on your breathing it will help bring down your heart rate to fight away the stress.

When I find my breath is calm and even, I start to check in with myself, ask questions and reason with myself over why I am stressed.

Nothing external can make us stressed unless we allow it. The feeling of being stressed is caused internally; it is our choice to create it.

Lisa