Two Thousand & Eighteen Me!

This new year, I truly reflected on my 2017-self, considering where I was last semester, which made me realise that I wasn't 100% myself. I had settled into a routine of eating a lot of chocolate (I mean whole chocolate bars every day) and just generally eating a bit unhealthily, and not going to the gym, not socialising as much as normal and spending a lot of my time in my flat. I think it is normal to go on a bit of a rollercoaster in life, but you have to recognise the dips in order to race to the highs...

Times have changed now that I have recognised my dip, and for that, I am in a much stronger head space. I realise that I was completely blinded by how I was truly feeling last semester, and because my lifestyle was so busy with university work, with the desire to see my friends, my 'busyness' completely distracted me from changing anything in my routine i.e. adding the gym into my lifestyle, or doing more things for me.

Something I have learnt over the Christmas holidays is that doing things for myself is really important for my mental head space. Doing things like going to the gym, eating a bit more healthier, cutting out the chocolate habits, doing some meditation and actually addressing how I feel has helped me come to terms with the next step. Tip: By plucking up the energy to do something for yourself can help change the way you feel.

I would say that by nature I am an optimistic person, always wanting to be happy, despite sometimes worrying and being a bit emotional. That's why when I am down, I don't think I am necessarily aware of it, until my energy feels like it has been drained. But, addressing the issues and figuring out what I need to change about myself or parts of my lifestyle has truly helped to make me happy!

So here are a few tips and things I have done in the first couple of weeks of my final semester at uni...

Meditation

I have never tried group meditation before and I was a bit skeptical about it. Honestly, I didn't know whether I would giggle or feel uncomfortable because I was unsure whether I was 'spiritual' enough. BUT, revelation!! Now that I have been, I could not recommend it more. It's great for when you are stressed or just think way too much about something (I am guilty of this). Meditation helps exercise the mind, and changes your focus, for example, concentrating on parts of your body instead of your mind. This is a good strategy to turn to if you are struggling with something, or when your brain just won't switch off. This reminds me to always try new things, even when it is out of your comfort zone, like group meditation was at first.

Gym/ Fitness

Putting the gym back into my routine has certainly helped free up my mind, and allowed me to focus on myself (getting fit, and back to the size I want to be). I made sure to take a photo of myself at the start of this final semester to compare my body with once I have finished university (note: I'm not doing rigorous training/ diet plan).

I really need to remember to not forget the feeling after a good workout because I just LOVE it (this might resonate with you too)! Getting sweaty and pushing myself to my limits is something I enjoy, even when I feel like I can't breathe. I have recently tried yoga as well, it's a bit more relaxing and zen (linked to meditation). I know many people like yoga, and so do I. But, because I treat it like a gym class, and that it is a physical form of exercise and meditation put together, I don't necessarily feel overly satisfied after. For me, exercise is when I reach my limit in terms of stamina, strength or sweatiness. This is something I enjoy due to the release of tensions, or strain from stress or worries. Obviously, this is just an opinion of mine, and I certainly know yoga can push your body to your limits, particularly in terms of flexibility and strength (I struggled holding those squat positions). Another gym class I have really taken to this semester is spin (Keiser cycle)... If you want to push yourself to your limits, and sweat enough to make a pool on the floor beneath you, then try this!!! I train about 2x a week, sometimes 3, and I feel so much better for it. What I enjoy about these sessions are that they are good body fat burners, and it allows me to try and keep up with the trainer (I am definitely not there yet, and still struggling to keep up with both the gears and RPM, but my aim is match the trainer!).

On a side note, aerial yoga in Bali was something else (see below), highly recommended...

If this was a class at my gym, I would certainly be going to that more often (it's so fun)!

Self-reflection

On reflection, taking the time to think about where you are at, in terms of feelings and what you are doing with your days, can really re-center your focus and drive. Are you happy with your routine? Are there things you would want to change about how you deal/ react to things? Are you happy with how you are feeling on a regular basis? Really take time to think about your answers and if your answers are yes, then you're doing great. But if they are no, take a moment to re-consider, and think about the things in life you want to accomplish that will make you happy. Maybe start by writing a list for the year, or the month that you want to do or achieve.

And most of all, have a good laugh to get your spirits up!!!

Love Kristina x