Top Tips for a Positive Head Space

Be positive. Think positive. And most of all, smile because you can!

Don't be bogged down by work and stress. If you are, or generally feeling a bit low, here's some advice on how to turn your frown upside down :)

At the moment, I am stressed myself, hence why I haven’t been able to write for my blog as much as I would like to because I have sooo much work on at university, with 400 page novels to be read in one week alongside my dissertation and essays (it's all very hectic, which I know is probably the same for you guys too). In all honesty, I am finding it quite hard having to juggle a degree, with my job, applying for graduate jobs and writing my blog. So I have thought about what helps me when dealing with stress and how I overcome it. For anyone who is in a similar position to me with a lot going on,  below are 10 tips that will hopefully help you keep on track to attaining a positive head space = healthy mind set and beat the level of stress or workload you might currently be battling!

1. Routine. (I love to get up early(ish), have my breakfast whilst watching a bit of morning TV, hope to go to the gym at some point, do lots of work, and get settled down in the evening with an early night sleep) - (Also, see my other blog about routines for more info and detail Life Routines)

2. HAVE A BREAK. (Don't forget, it's important to take time off, and it can actually help improve the quality of your work, writing and ideas)

3. Eat healthily, but do treat yourself every now and again. (I try to eat as healthy as I can by making myself a nice fruity smoothie, but sometimes, I am always tempted by a bit of choccie and some milk every now and again, eat the things you enjoy that will satisfy you, whilst keeping a balanced diet)

4. Go to the gym, release your endorphins & feel good about yourself. (If my head feels jam-packed, heavy and just overloaded, either take a nap, or go to the gym. I guarantee that most of the time you will feel so much better once you have been to the gym because it boosts your energy and leaves you feeling extra good about yourself and ready to conquer the day. Even if you don't have a gym membership, you could go for a good walk, jog or run to get some fresh air to clear your head and lift your spirits. TIP: I always feel best when I go to the gym in the morning, before I do anything!)

5. Listen to your favourite music. (Download Spotify and make a few playlists: one for the gym to get you pumped, one for concentrating, and one to get ready to before you go out - don't forget there are deals - 3 months premium for 99p & there are student deals too!!)

6. Treat yourself to something that will motivate you i.e. could be a really nice pen and diary or a good set of headphones etc. (I loooovveee stationery, so for me, buying myself a new, fancy pen would be a treat. But if that's not it for you, find something that you can treat yourself to that will motivate you to work or do something you want to accomplish)

7. Detox yourself from your phone. (It scares me when I think about how much time I wasteon my phone everyday. It is arguable that I'm not wastingmy time because you could say, sitting on Instagram is a hobby, but equally, it could be a habit?! It always feels great, and I feel so much more productive when I put my phone in my draw so I can just crack on with work and not have to think about the social world around me)

8. Get up to date with your day-to-day jobs. (One thing that irritates me the most is when my bedroom is messy and the clothes from my morning decisions are on my bed, or the washing up from dinner hasn't been done. Rather than let those things niggle at you, don't leave them until bed-time, because you'll either end up putting your clothes on your chair or leaving the washing up until the next day. So, instead, get these jobs done when you can, or when you are thinking about the desire to have them done)

9. Pamper yourself: Steam your face, take a mud-mask, paint your nails, freshen up, pluck your eyebrows. (This is something that makes me feel sooooo good! Getting my eyebrows back on 'fleek' always makes me feel better. Get a good soak in a bubbly bath, with some candles burning to relax you. Give your face and body a good pamper session will never go a miss! Remember to make time for yourself)

10. Don't keep all of your worries or negative thoughts in. Talk to people if you're feeling negative, or write it down in a journal. (Don't keep all of your negative thoughts and worries inside because they will just build up and up into a much bigger situation, something that it never had to be. By speaking to your close friends or family (someone you trust), or simply writing it in a journal/diary, will help you release the negative energies)

These are only a few tips and tricks that help me think positively, so I hope they work for you too. You can also read my other blog on stress and might help you reflect on this emotion a bit differently. Any of your own tips and advice on coping with large amounts of work, or stress, please let me know.

Smile because you're worth it.

Kristina x