Good Morning Lovelies, 

Looking after ourselves is something that many of us fail to do. We are a society built on helping others but rarely do we actually stop and do something for ourselves. I am very guilty of this, as I prefer to stay busy by helping others to do what they want to, instead of looking at what I want at that moment. 

This has led to a lot of reflection recently, as I have tried to do more to help my mental health and lifestyle. I want to be a lot better than I am right now and therefore, I have had to add in a few things to achieve it. This includes doing the following five things a whole lot more…

Taking Screen Breaks: Recently, I have been trying to be more in the moment and not so fixated on the screens around me. I have begun to read a little again, though I won’t lie, I am struggling with it. I have also started to do more puzzles and diamond art kits too. Due to my mental health, I really struggle to take moments to just relax and often find being in front of a screen easier, but I know it isn’t completely good for me, so I am having more breaks from it to be a little bit more creative. 

Having My Hair Done: This may come into a point I make later on, however, for me, the once every two months haircut I have done is something that really makes me feel happier. I visit my local Saks salon in town and get the full works. A cut, wash, colour and style, which leaves me feeling completely and utterly better about myself. The process of washing my hair also soothes my soul, as I love the feeling of people running their fingers through it. Honestly, I walk out of my hairdressers feeling a whole lot lighter and it isn’t from all the hair they have cut off. 

Eating What I Want/Can: Suffering from anorexia and AuDHD has left me very fearful of foods. It has also made me frustrated, as I am often stuck in a pattern of eating the same thing again and again, week after week. Something I have come to terms with is that I shouldn't demonise this as much as I do. I enjoy what I eat most of the time and try to mix or add new foods into them, which is hard for me. I don’t think any food should be classified as good or bad. As long as we are happy and enjoying it then that is the main thing and I am proud of myself for finally accepting that I can eat what I want in life. I don’t feel bad if it is the same thing again and again because I am making small steps to change and there isn’t a race to be better. Slow and steady always wins after all.

Pampering Sessions: For a long time, I would not look after myself due to my ill mental health. As I have worked to take little moments to feel better, I have learnt the wonders of a good face cream, a LED face mask and even a nasal wax. Little tweaks are great if they make you feel good and I am finally seeing that. Even if I have to gird my loins when that wax is ripped out!

Wearing A New Outfit: I have become someone who really seeks out comfort when it comes to clothing and that has made me a lot more confident. I don’t want to be in jeans or tight fitting pieces. I have come to love a tracksuit bottom and matching jacket, specifically the fun coloured ones from Adidas. Wearing those three stripes just makes me feel so much better and I am now all for wearing what you want, how you want, as long as you feel good. 

These are all such simple things but they all lead to a really big thing, which is happiness. Wearing a killer Adidas tracksuit, with newly dyed plaits, as I work on a new creative project is exactly what makes me happy! What makes you happy lovelies? Like truly happy! I would love to hear what it is you do to stay on top form, so please do let me know! 

Joey X