July has been sunshine filled month and this was reflected in great energy and vibe throughout the country.

My July favourites are:

• Doughnut peaches

• Veggie bullet for spiralling vegetables for salads and stir fries

 

• Stella McCartney handbags since no animal products are used

 

• Rosemary since it’s full anti oxidants, helps to reduce cortisol levels and improve memory

 

• Book: You are the universe by Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos

• Documentary on Netflix called what the health

sending love and blessings xx

 

Time is indeed a precious commodity after all do we know how much time we have left in this lifetime? Yet so much time is wasted daily on mindless tasks which do not benefit ourselves or others. The rise of the  social media era has depleted more of our valuable time. It seems we invest more of our free time prying into others lives instead of investing time and energy into our own.

Most people will grumble about doing a 15 minute work out but we can easily spend 30 minutes or more on smart devices browsing the internet or on social media. Prioritising time for things that make us feel better is an essential daily requirement. Becoming aware of how we utilise our time means we can take back control. Reducing time wastage allows more free time to engage in activities which will boost our energy and happiness.

A lot can be achieved in a working day if you have the correct mindset but our brains tell us we are too tired or we put off things to another time. Even when I feel tired I try to incorporate exercise even if it is just ten minutes since this helps to shake off stress hormones and improve mood. Another daily requirement is time for meditation or some quiet time to allow your brain to close down some of the programs you have been running all day and to reboot and therefore improve its function. Time with friends and loved ones should never be undervalued as it is very important daily so do not put your virtual friends ahead of your real friends and family.

Time is so precious since we do not know how many seconds we have been allocated therefore utilise it with more conscious care and you will be able to fit more into this lifetime than you imagined.

Take care of what you do with the seconds and the minutes and hours will produce a well lived life.

Sending love and blessings x

 

 

With smart devices at our finger tips there has been an exponential rise in photographs taken with the star of the show often being the owner of the device. These selfies are then often shared via social media to try and depict an interesting personality and life.

There seems to a be an online social pressure to be doing something amazing and then share it. Others viewing from the sidelines can often feel that they come up short by having ordinary lives in comparison. The reality is that some of this content is hyped up and fabricated since it will shared online. Nobody really shares a picture of themselves doing normal everyday tasks or the amazing view from your hotel balcony does not show the building site next-door.

So much time and effort is invested on our perceived image to a virtual world of contacts and strangers in order to fill voids in our real lives. This media front of photographs is has a thin veil and often do not reveal the real story behind the images. Clever lighting and angles trying to show ourselves in the best possible light.

Ego’s are boosted or knocked back based on likes and followers. Whole self worth is defined by the numbers of hits or likes. The reality is that if you have some real passion or purpose it is natural that others will want to follow you and gaining followers is a side effect. This is where I see real benefit if others can be helped by what you have to share.

I feel due to this constant online pressure individuals are starting to feel compelled to invest their time and energy into there real self rather than in the selfie. Understanding what actually makes them happy and adds to their own happiness rather than following the masses. Working on real self image and self esteem and therefore taking back inner power and feeling worthy despite what others may be sharing. Appreciating our uniqueness and our own interests and skills sets is the real key to long term happiness try to make ourselves similar to others robs us of our happiness.

Enjoy social media and this virtual world but do not be defined by it find images and sites which empower you rather than making you feel unworthy. Sometimes beautiful scenes and sights are there to be viewed by the naked eye so that we can really drink it in just for ourselves in precious private moments of awe and contemplation. I feel sometimes the beauty of a moment is lost in the panic to try and take a photo.

Sending love and Blessings x

Energy is the only real commodity that is exchanged. Positive uplifting energy radiating from a person cannot be seen visibly or heard but can always be felt. A person who makes us feel good in their company is always welcomed and remembered. 

Sending Love and Blessings x

 

We live in a world that is more globally connected by technology with more friends and contacts made via social media, however our levels of loneliness have increased.

A study carried out in the UK in 2012 found that 20% of the elderly population reported feeling lonely. The studies also show that this has an impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.

The benefits of real social contact and physical touch releases protective hormones such as oxytocin which helps to elevate our immune system. Also being in the company of like minded friends helps to boost mood and reduce blood pressure.

Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects such as –

• Periods of depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• Elevated stress levels and cortisol levels,
• Increase risk of alcohol and drug abuse.
• Linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Neurological effects.

Loneliness has become more common in the USA. When researchers carried out a questionnaire in 1984 participants reported having three close confidants. When the question was asked again in 2004 the most common answer was zero confidants. The rise of the internet and ironically of social media are partially to blame. We seem to have swapped virtual friends for real friendships.

Another study carried out by the University of Pittsburgh revealed that the more time young adults spend on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The more likely they will feel isolated and cut off from society. Real social skills are learnt with real social interaction but these skills are not so well developed, thus resulting in lack of confidence during real world interactions. The reason why people may feel depressed in mood and isolated since exposure to other people’s social media feeds promotes feeling’s of being not good enough and envious. Social media has also been linked to the rise of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

It is possible that people who feel socially isolated turn to social media or it could be the other way around that the increased time spent on social media somehow led to feeling of isolation from the real world.

Researchers believe that it is not the quantity of social interaction that decreases loneliness but it is the quality. Having just three or four close friends is enough to deflect loneliness and reduce the negative health consequences associated with this state of mind.

Forging real life friendship with like minded people is important for our overall wellbeing. Reaching out and engaging with people who show signs of loneliness can substantially benefit that person’s health. Pick up the phone and have verbal conversations rather than just texting since language is more than words. Remember this was what phones were originally designed for, however we seem to do everything but talk on them. When time allows find time to meet up and catch up face to face.

Take time to nuture your friendships, knowing that you have understanding unconditional friends in your corner helps like a protective social blanket.

Sending Love and Blessings x

~ Lumie body clock starter 30.

£59.95 from lumie.com

~ Neal’s yard aromatic foaming bath lavender and geranium

Buy here

~ Homemade Sour dough bread

~ Picking cherry tomatoes from the pots on the patio which taste like real tomatoes

~ Book 15 minute vegan by Katy Beskow

Buy here

~ Protein rich mung Dahl very hearty can be made in large portions and frozen.

~ Feel good film such as A dogs Purpose, we are connected to animals more than we sometimes realise.

sending love and blessing xx

Everything mention is my honest opinion about the products, I am not sponsored for any of the products xx