Self Help Guide: How to get out of a rut

# Go outdoors

I think the sun and nature is the best pick-me-up. Physically stepping out of the house or the office signals a change in sensations and can bring the mind away for a bit. For me, it works best when I stop listening to music and listen to everything around me. Being plugged into my earphones blocks everything out and I stay in the miserable state. People watching or just observing everything as it passes shift my attention away from myself, giving me a break from yourself.

# Make a to-do list

It’s very overwhelming to have your mind racing at 150km/h, with so many things you want to do, but at the same time feeling lost because you don't know where to start. Write everything down (whether it’s a very small errand or a light bulb moment for a new project), this gives your mind some clarity when it’s something tangible – a list. You can organise those points in order of priority, and complete them one by one. It’s very satisfying and fulfilling to cross off a task on a list and it also provides visible progress, so you know how far you are until completion.

Tip on list making: break each point up into smaller chunks so the task won’t seem as daunting.

Easy Tips to Healthy Living

I have been travelling A LOT previously and, let's be honest, no one wants to deprive themselves from fatty foods and workout every single day on holiday, there simply is NO TIME for that (I'd rather lie on the beach). So these tips are for those that want to stay healthy...BUT still wanna live a life.

If you are like me and want to at least maintain a certain amount of weight over the holidays for a big day (it was my graduation day straight after travelling) OR if you just don't wanna throw all your hard work down the dump, here are some ACTUALLY EFFECTIVE tips (and easy as hell). To be frank, I wasn't really trying to lose weight (I knew it would be impossible) during my family trip. I just kept the thought of stay healthy at the back of my mind.  To my surprise, after the 11 day family trip, I ACTUALLY DROPPED SOME POUNDS (or a considerably less bloated graduate portrait)...or at least i felt slimmer.

I was quite shocked because I really didn't do much and I swear it really wasn't that hard. I didn't deprive myself (massive ingestion of sugary foods...check!) or worked my arse off pumping irons every day (didn't even bring my trainers). The thing is, though, you'll need quite a bit of self-control and discipline (maybe just half a tablespoon more than usual?). 

So, without further chatter, here are my EASY-PEASY tips to health living: 

It's summer, Beaches!! || All about Working Out

Working out is a crucial part of getting fit. Although it only contributes 20% of losing weight (the other 80% being diet), exercise is SO important for general health. It speeds up the metabolism, builds muscle which, in turn, burns more fat, and sweating would actually release toxins that cannot be excreted through urine (or number 2). The list of benefits goes on...
I have learnt and done quite a variety of exercises and developed a routine or ways that I found were more efficient and enjoyable at getting in shape. So I thought I would share them with you. :)

It's summer, Beaches!! || Getting fit for the sun, sea and sand.

It is officially SUMMER!!! Well actually, summer began a while ago and my holiday had actually started two months ago, but I have not been living on a schedule for a while (felt kind of lost I guess), hence explaining the messy posts. Well, let me get things right, I have finally gone back into a schedule and will hopefully share more with y'all. :)

Anyhow, every summer I sort of get into a cycle of wanting to get in shape for summer, trying really hard, and then failing and giving up. Luckily for the FIRST TIME in my life, last summer it was successful! I was invited to a boat party and knowing that I had to wear a bikini, I was determined to get in shape. I was pretty happy with the results after 2 months' hard work, and was confident to get into a bikini.

I must say, I was impressed at my determination back then, but things went down-hill once Autumn hit. I guess it was the change of lifestyle that made me put on the pounds. Believe it or not, I gained almost 8 pounds as Christmas struck!!! (Scary right?) I had been struggling to shed those pounds off since then, they always say 'It's easy to gain but extremely difficult to lose'. I didn't really realise the change, until the weather got warmer again. I realised I had gained some muffintops, beer belly, flabby arms and also felt fatigue and groggy all the time. I knew there was something wrong with my lifestyle.

It was at that point where I realised that I missed the times I would feel energised, strong and grounded after exercising. So I tried to get back on the bandwagon of exercising. I had a gym membership at university, so decided to run on the treadmill every other day to get fit. It did help a bit but the takeaway, late-night dinners and junk food slowed down the process.

So, now that I have more time to myself. I have decided to go on a fitness journey until the end of August. I know there is only 3 weeks left of the month, but I thought I would start making changes for August and see how things are. My goal is to tone up my body, build muscle, get into better shape and hopefully lose some weight. I must emphasise that weight lose is not the most important goal and I believe body shape and definition is what's important. I decided to share this on the blog, so that all of you will monitor me in this journey. I will give updates on my progress and share some of the tips that I found useful.

If you are interested to go on the fitness journey with me or have any tips you would like to share, please leave a comment down below. I would love to hear from you. :)

WISH ME LUCK!!
Hope you are well.

Love,         

Vivien