How To Get Motivated

Since I started this blog I have always been open about my struggle with depression & anxiety. I'm sure anyone who struggles with mental illness too is aware that one of the common signs of depression is losing all motivation to do anything at all.

I am fully aware of how hard it is to get your motivation back once it's gone and although I try my best to live a positive, motivated & happy life I can't pretend that I don't struggle when it comes to motivating myself. 

However, for a few months I have been trying out different things to help motivate myself and I really want to share with you what I found helped me most in case it helps you in any way at all.

Lets get started,

1. Music

Music has been a huge part of my journey when it comes to motivating myself. The first thing I do in the morning is pop in my earphones and play music that I know will make me want to get out of bed and put me in a great mood! When you start the day right it really has a knock on effect for the rest of the day. 

I've also found this REALLY useful when it comes to motivating myself to exercise!

(Image not mine - credit linked)

2. Wake Up Early

Now for this to really work you will need to go to bed early too because if you wake up tired your most likely to fall back asleep during the day rather than getting things done!

I've found that watching the sunrise in the morning really gives me so much inspiration and puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day. Having some time alone allows you to gather your thoughts and plan out your day without distractions. Not to mention that waking up early means you have more time to get whatever you need done without stressing for time!

3.Write A To Do List

I cannot even explain how much this has helped me. I tend to do this on days when i'm not in work so that I keep myself on the go. 

I will even put simple things on there like 'get a shower', 'have breakfast', etc. Because although they are pretty normal everyday things it's so important to praise yourself for even the smallest achievements. Don't ever feel like you're not doing enough, baby steps are EVERYTHING.

4. Motivation Talks

Most days I try to listen to a motivational talk on YouTube. I've really found that after watching them I feel like nothing can stop me. So many times they have helped me get out of a rut when I've found myself feeling unhappy and unmotivated. It's true that anything is possible and you just have to believe in yourself!!

I hope this helps some of you and I will definantly be revisiting this topic when I discover more things along my journey.

Love, peace & happiness to you all,

Katie. xx

How To Handle Stress

I realise that stress can be such a huge part of our lives at some point and if i'm completely honest this idea was sparked because recently I've been feeling super stressed for a number of reasons that aren't really that important!

Now, don't get me wrong if this is an on going thing or it is really effecting your everyday life you may want to speak to your GP. These things definantly can't change whatever it is that's bothering you but they are just some helpful tips to release stress instead of keeping it all inside & I'm hoping that it can truly help some of you.

So, lets get started.

1. Exercise

I know that when you're feeling down, stressed & over whelmed the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercising but if you give it a try you may find it really helpful. Exercise has been known to have a huge positive effect on mental illness' along with improving sleep and releasing endorphins which are chemicals within the brain that give you a 'feel good' feeling that can really lift your spirits. Not to mention that exercising keeps your brain occupied and will stop you from thinking about whatever is causing you stress. WIN!

2. Meditation

I tend to talk about meditation a lot when it comes to improving mental health & stress. This is because it truly does help. Meditating allows you to be in the moment and have a couple of minutes (or hours!) to yourself where you can gather your thoughts and get in touch with your true emotions. It also brings clarity to a lot of situations and can bring you peace & calmness when everything around you seems hectic and over whelming.

3. Talk

I'm really lucky to be surrounded by people who are always willing to listen when I need advice or just a good old rant! Not only does talking to someone allow you to release your thoughts but it also allows the person you're talking to to provide advice and support. Sometimes we can be so deep in our own thoughts that getting another persons advice can be great so we can look at situations from other perspectives. 

However, if you're reading this and worrying that you don't have anyone to turn to the best advice I can give is to write all your thoughts down. I done this a few weeks ago when I was feeling over whelmed and I can't explain how much of a relief it was just to get the thoughts out of my head! 

4. Breathe

I know this sounds ridiculous but sometimes when a person or situation is causing us stress it is so easy to build up so many emotions that you can actually feel the ball of anxiety in your chest / stomach, etc. Breathing deeply can really allow us to release all the tension we feel inside from stress and help us to relax our muscles and reduce that ball of anxiety you may be feeling.

5. Make Yourself Happy

I know that 9/10 people reading this will be feeling stress caused by other people. Remember that ultimately you are in control of what you allow to bother you. You are in no way obliged to stay around anyone or anything that is bringing you down. 

Make sure you take time to do all the things that bring you happiness and take control of your own emotions and don't allow others to be the reason you aren't living life to the fullest. It'll be the best thing you've ever done - trust me!

Wishing you all the love, happiness and peace.

Katie Ellen. xx