Wellness Soulpreneurs and Flower Crowns

Posted in Life of Olive, Perth, Wellness by

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Saturday was toe-tappingly, heart-warmingly, soul-squeezingly awesome.

It was the launch of the Perth Wellness Soulpreneurs meet-ups. Basically, a whole bunch of really inspiring women who are all working and blogging about wellness in Perth decided to get their butts together and watch the magic happen. And happen it did.

This get-together was organised by the effervescent Jacqueline who (along with Annette from Wellness WA) is going to be launching a Perth-based cold-press juice delivery company Pure Glow Cleanse –Hallelujah!

Photo courtesy of Vegan Sparkles

Photo courtesy of Vegan Sparkles

Our morning started with a private class of Vinyasa Yoga which was taught by two very passionate and nurturing Yogini’s Donna and Kate from The Yoga Vine. There were plenty of bend-backs, downward dogs and Donna-asana’s to be had. I felt SO invigorated and I was not the only one to comment afterwards that it had inspired me to get back to the mat. Kate then gently guided us into an extended meditation. It was so lovely (and dare I say a little poignant?) to practice being still in the middle of the bustling city.

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After we had namaste’d it out, Fiona Ferreira from Left of Centre Therapies took the stage. The softly spoken Reiki Healer explained her work and love of crystals with the most touching of speeches followed by a quick Q+A. One thing that really resonated with me was when Fiona explained that we are all born with an empty back pack and through our lives we fill it with all of our good and bad experiences. Healing is taking the bad baggage out. Just lovely.

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By that stage the Cocobella coconut water could not keep us satiated and the pack made our way to The Green House for food, tea and chats. I had food envy over every single person’s plate – even my own! Can that even happen? I say ‘Yay’. Special mention has to be made to the Baharat Cauliflower which will feature heavily in my dreams for the next millennia.

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Then – my favourite part of the day. Actually… favourite bit out of most days ever. We moved to a tiny patch of grass that was surrounded by busy shopping malls and towered over by cold skyscrapers. The super-gorgeous Jacinta from Cintism then led us in a flower crown tutorial. The (by now) 7 of us were like kids. From fits of giggles to excited squee’s and then looooong concentrated silences we all made the most stunning floral headpieces – each piece speaking volumes about the makers personality. I have two hen-nights to organise and I am so excited to have found Jacinta’s workshops for them; flower crowns trump cheesy devil horns a million times over!

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One thing I did notice though was how many people didn’t. Seven girls in the middle of the city with about 15 big bunches of flowers laughing and making crowns and most people had their noses down and were rushing through life. I’m not saying that everyone should have been showering us with attention buuut… flowers are damn pretty and a lot of people didn’t seem to notice. And I can guarantee that a year ago if I had walked past on my way to work or an appointment I wouldn’t have noticed either. It inspired me to make a renewed commitment to being present. Instead of constantly focusing on the destination – whether that is an upcoming event, a personal goal or just an actual physical location – I am going to stop and enjoy the goddamn footpath. Enjoy the process, marvel at what’s happening around you, acknowledge when you stub your toe but try not to swear too much and keep moving forward as slowly or fast as you like.

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An amazing day in every way – I am so excited for next month’s gathering. Here are some happy snaps from the day…

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Want to get to know the inspiring women I shared my day with? Of course you do!

Anna – Lifes Shiny Pretty Things

Annette - Wellness WA // Pure Glow Cleanse

Bex - Vegan Sparkles

Claire – This is Lifeblood

Elizabeth - Life with Elizabeth Rose

Fiona  - Left of Centre Therapies

Jacinta – Cintism

Jacqueline – Pure Glow Cleanse

Jia Ne – Jia Ne Teo

Karen – Conscious Cravings

Kavesha - Wellness WA Contributor

Vanessa – learn.grow.heal

What A Wolfe Taught Me (Best Weekend Ever)

Posted in Life of Olive, Perth, Wellness by

I had a life changing weekend. One of those weekends that had me twitching with energy; had my  hand struggling to keep up with my mind; had me laughing hysterically one second then wiping tears away the next. You see, David Wolfe came to town and me and two of my soul sisters (Claire from This is Lifeblood and Emmy from Greens and Growth) made a pilgrimage to Samudra to hear what he had to say. We were not disappointed.

For those of you that are not familiar with David he is commonly referred to as the Rock Star of Superfoods. He spends his life travelling the world educating people about nutrition; particularly raw foods, mushrooms and superfoods.  He is a ball of energy with a mind that is gobsmackingly full of knowledge. His thirst for longevity is only dwarfed by his hunger for cacao. He has wild hair and wears poncho’s made of peat reeds. He is best friends with Woody Harrelson. He talks fast but pauses long.  His written goal is to achieve immortality.

Needless to say he is one of a kind and one of the most captivating and hilarious speakers I have ever seen.

Instagram @oliveonblonde

Instagram @oliveonblonde

The day started with a 3 hour workshop to create the ultimate healing elixir. I used to think my smoothies were fancy with my bee pollen and my maca – but no! Davids had exotic berries, medicinal mushrooms, ancient black algae’s and it all culminated in the 2001: A Space Odyseey music and then the chicken dance. I tried to put a video up but alas, will just have to post it on my Facebook page instead.

Me and my darling Emmy... a little bit excited!

Me and my darling Emmy… a little bit excited!

We then moved through to a lecture (where my mind was blown) which was followed by a Raw Cacao Dance Party; a rave with a cacao ceremony, no alcohol (just superfood cocktails), chanting and dancing until a very reasonable 12am. My blog-babes and I could not stop laughing at how different our Saturday nights had become!

For those curious THIS is what a Raw Cacao Dance Party looks like…

The Cacao Ceremony... chanting included

The Cacao Ceremony… chanting included

Pregnant belly dancers... fibre optic hula-hoops... tunic wearing men... you name it they had it.

Pregnant belly dancers… fibre optic hula-hoops… tunic wearing men… you name it they had it.

My darling Claire shaking her tail feather!

My darling Claire shaking her tail feather!

As I took literally 19 pages of notes I could not tell you everything that needs to be told.

So I have summarised the most poignant things I learnt from his amazing mind. 

Walk with me…

LITTLE BIT EXCITED.

LITTLE BIT EXCITED.

Ask, Look, Find

He told the most hilarious story about being stuck on a long flight with a hankering for organic orange juice. He decided he would search the plane just in case. As he walked past the attendants booth he saw through a gap in the curtain an orange juice sitting on the counter. He poked his head in and asked; “That wouldn’t happen to be organic orange juice would it?”. The flight attendant – apparently a raw food enthusiast – said “David Wolfe! Dude… check THIS out!” before slamming a 2 litre jug of organic kale juice on the counter!

If he had been sitting next to me and suggested that he was going to go looking for something as obscure as fresh organic juice I would have told him not to bother. Dont be silly. Wrong.

Be silly! Have a curious mind. Throw out preconceptions. Ignore boundaries.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

Alcohol is a wolf in sheep’s clothing

David was unequivocal about this… actually he was kind of outraged. He spoke about the ridiculousness that alcohol drinkers look down on other drug takers and that society considers it in a different class. Alcohol is a drug like no other, and a very dangerous one at that.

But he understood that it is part of a lot of people’s lives and suggested that if you choose to drink that you at least add superfoods to it; add some goji berries to your wine, some chaga mushrooms in your vodka or hops extract in your beer. “At least get your medicine while you drink!”

Ultimately though he feels his superfood drinks are an upgraded technology as you get the high with no hangover. I have to admit after the Raw Cacao Dance Party… he may be onto something.

Leaders are readers.

Word.

Medicinal mushrooms are a non-negotiable

“Mushrooms are an ally to life. All life.” Basically, mushrooms are the most powerful healing foods and can be consumed by anyone… even a newborn. Next week I will go into depth about these mushrooms (reishi, chaga, shiitake, cordyceps etc) and how to incorporate them into your diet.

Turn. Off. The. TV.

A while ago I wrote this post about getting rid of the TV. Slowly however it has crept back into my life. I wholeheartedly blame Offspring (or more to the point… Patrick Reid). And even though I swore I would only watch the idiot box for that glorious hour on a Wednesday evening… sneakily it has snuck back in. So when he said;

“The news does not serve you. It is trying to create your reality. That is a reality of death, violence, crappy politicians. It convinces you of your reality. Where are the reporters now? I don’t see any here in this room where we are all having a great time! That’s because it doesn’t sell”

Roger, roger Universe. Message received.

Always keep moving

If you get too comfortable with life… you check out.

If you ride too close to the edge of life… you check out.

Move every day. Don’t move it – you lose it.

If it doesn’t make you feel good you need to get rid of it

Thoughts, relationships, food, whatever… it if doesn’t feel good get it the hell away from you.

Marshmallows are REAL man!

No amazing revelation here… I just found this totally gorgeous! The original marshmallow (free of artificial sweeteners and colours) are actually found in every ecosystem. Note to self next time I am camping and want to play chubby bunnies!!! The mallow (a root) is pulled up and boiled until it is soft and spongy. It is then dipped in honey and consumed as a sweet!

In the words of David himself… that’s the bomb dot com!

Pessimism and skepticism can destroy the world’s most beautiful moment.

Enough said.

Earthing is vital to health

Get your shoes off… let you feet directly touch the earth. This sounds very hippie indeed but by connecting your body to the Earths subtle electrical field you allow it to naturally discharge stress, pain and inflammation. Sarah Wilson wrote a fab article on it here if you want to learn more. I have always been very resistant to wearing shoes – earning the nickname of The Hobbit among family – and I never had a good reason. I am thinking maybe I instinctively knew it was the right thing for my body. Well… that’s how I am going to argue it now anyway.

Salt water is the most powerful cleanser

Your body will also crave hot salt water when it needs it. Feeling sick? You crave broth aka hot salty water. Sore muscles? Soak in a bath full of hot salty water. Cleanse a wound? With hot salty water. You get the picture. Listen to your body, it knows what to do.

Today is the best day ever.

Every day is! Wake up and say that to yourself every day. Make it the first thing you say to whoever shares your bed, home or life. The future is rushing at us – lets enjoy every second.

With a whole bunch of gorgeous women from the blogosphere and IIN family.

With a whole bunch of gorgeous women from the blogosphere and IIN family.

Have you seen someone speak who completely shifted your paradigm? Or has that come through a book? Would love to hear in the comments!

How To Fall Right

Posted in Life of Olive, Wellness by

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This week I fell off the horse. And it was a huge horse. You see, for the first time I had hit my wellness stride; my skin was glowy, my eyes clear and my weight was starting to get back to some sort of pre-baby normality. I felt motivated and happy and hadn’t felt the choke of a panic attack in a long while. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this good. Then… THUD.

I moved to a new home, did renovations on the old one, started my studies with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and experienced our first month as a single income family. All this with a nearly-mobile six month old and two disgruntled dogs. I lived off crap quick ‘food’, let my exercise and self-love routine slip and got overtired and overstressed.

Within two weeks I felt that all my hard work – my life-changing life changes – had been undone.

So while I was wallowing in my melancholy I stumbled upon an old photo of my 11 year old self sitting atop my gorgeous dappled grey pony, Trigger. I looked confident and in control – which confused the hell out of me because Trigger (as the name suggests) was a damn psychopath that had tried to end me many times that year.

I wondered how it was that I looked so comfortable when I was riding a certifiable maniac. How was younger me so calm?

It all happened after my first fall. We were having a peaceful stroll when Trigger decided it was time for me to go and madly bucked until I sailed through the air and hit the ground. My confidence evaporated. I couldn’t understand how I had fallen when I had been getting so much better at riding? It completely rattled me. I was determined that it never happen again and said to my instructor….

“Can you please teach me how to ride so that I never fall off my horse again?”

Then she hit me with it…

“Em… you are going to fall off. You are a rider. You can’t ride and expect not to fall”.

THUD.

She continued; not realising the butterfly wings she was flapping and the future epiphany she was constructing.

“…the point isn’t that you fall. Everyone falls. All you need to know is how to fall”.

THUD. Of course I am going to fall off! How did I expect to be trying new or perfecting old without the occasional slip? That’s why I was calm! When something is a certainty it stops becoming a big deal when it eventually happens. When did I forget that?

Life is our ride. Our horses are our actions, skills and dreams. We are going to fall… we just need to fall right.

So here’s all I know about falling off a horse…

Kick your feet out of the stirrups

The horse has started bucking. You knew it was coming just by the way the horse was walking. Now it’s kicking madly and you are just holding on for dear life!

This was where I could see all my habits going out the window… I was eating badly, staying up late, drinking wine every night. I knew it was all wrong but I was just too scared to let go of the reins.

It is time to recognise what is happening and release yourself from the behaviour. It may seem scary to let go – knowing the hard work that is about to come – but once your feet are out of those stirrups you are free. And you won’t get dragged along for the rest of the rollercoaster.

Relax into the fall

You’re in the air now and you have that beautiful, terrifying weightlessness of uncertainty.

For me this was where I surveyed the damage. Accepted all those mistakes I had made. Yep… I ate a box of Kraft Deluxe Macaroni Cheese. It comes with a tin of cheese in it. Just let that sink in for a second – a tin of cheese.

See the positive in your ‘perceived mistakes’. For some reason you needed to fall… there was a lesson in there. For me it ended up making me feel like I made headway on my wellness mission because I did not enjoy one bite of the mac cheese! It was too salty and it stuck to the roof of my mouth. I purged after it which I haven’t done in a long while. I felt awful.

So even though I started off feeling like an awful person for eating this once I relaxed into it I realised that it was the sign that I have changed. I am getting stronger and healthier every day.

Accept that you are off the horse. You have stopped those bad actions. Stop beating yourself up. Relax into the fall. Let yourself hit the ground.

Curl up like a hedgehog

You’ve hit the ground. Now you better curl up so you reduce the chance of getting hurt by the second wave (be they horses legs or self doubt).

Now that you have freed yourself of the destructive behaviour and accepted what happened you need to figure out why to stop it knocking you straight back down again.

For me it was understanding that my to do list was overwhelming me and my new house was so disorganised that I just couldn’t keep my head above water. I called on the support around me so that I could dedicate myself entirely to organising my house. Once it was clear so was my mind.

Self reflect… do need a bit of break? Do you need to realign your intentions? Have your intentions changed? Do you need to reset your goals? Were you just self-sabotaging? If so, why?

Once I understood Trigger I could preempt when he was about to start bucking and why.

Understand your trigger.

Dust yourself off and get back on

My instructor told me that if I didn’t get straight back on then the horse has won. Horses are smart and they will remember exactly what to do to get you off and keep you off.

You’ve had a temporary slip-up: that is all.  Don’t let it become a habit just because you got a bit of a fright.

The longer you wait before you start exercising/saying affirmations/ loving yourself/whatever it is, the harder and scarier it will become to climb back on.

You got this!

xxx

Have you fallen off your horse lately? What’s your fave tip for falling right or getting back on? Would love to hear from you in the comments…

Choc Macanana Smoothie

Posted in Food, Wellness by


choc manana

Liquid Cleanse. Two words that on their own are completely acceptable, even pleasant, but put those hands together and you have yourself a world of hurt. And it is only day one! Well actually I am being a bit dramatic. In general I find cleanses liberating, detoxifying, lightening and (funnily enough) cleansing! But of course they can be difficult and need a fair chunk of determination to get through. It is more of a psychological challenge than physical; because you know you can’t eat anything the mind plays tricks on you and tells you that you’re hungrier than you are. (Which is exactly the reason diets don’t work).Either way… by 3:30pm of Day #1 I felt faint, nauseous and panicky. I really felt I needed something hearty to keep my energy levels up enough to play with my 5 month old and pack our entire life into boxes. Enter the Choc Macanana Smoothie.

Also – for fun – whisper Choc Macanana in a deep tribal voice; doesn’t that sound like some mystical island legend? Can’t you imagine being around a campfire on the beach and Choc Macanana appearing with a fern headdress? Look, in my solids deprived brain I found that hilarious and have now been giggling for about 5 minutes. C’mon Em, pull yourself together!!! Anyway…

Mount_Wannnahockaloogie

A Little Word About Maca…

I will go into a lengthier post about Maca Powder later on but I just wanted to say that this is the one Superfood that I have felt instant and dramatic effects from. Maca comes in powder form and is made from a turnip-esque root vegetable of South America. The list of health benefits of Maca is too huge to list but the most common praise I had heard was it’s ability to balance hormones, give your energy levels a boost (your libido as well!) as well as giving you the most amazing glowing skin.

I had held off until a few weeks ago as I had heard from some that it can negatively affect anxiety levels – and considering mine were just starting to normalise I didn’t want to risk another surge. But in the end the pros outweighed the cons and I gave it a go. Even on the first day I took it I felt noticeably better which I have never experienced with a product before. Now after two weeks of 1 teaspoon a day I feel like a different person. My husband has commented on how much more positive I am, more patient. I have had a lot of comments on my skin. And – surprisingly – my anxiety management has improved again. I have since learned that Maca is renowned for it’s depression-busting skills too.

The point of this spiel is to recommend that you invest in some Maca if you have any of the ailments I mentioned. I use this product from Loving Earth and they deliver all over Australia. But hopefully you can find it in most good healthfood stores.

Prep time – 5 minutes; Serves 1

Ingredients

1 x banana

1 cup non-dairy milk (I used my homemade Cashew Milk using this recipe)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon maca powder

1 teaspoon raw cacao powder

Pinch of cinnamon

2 x dates

Method

Throw all ingredients in the blender.

Blend until smooth.

If you want to get fancy sprinkle on some cacao nibs.

What is your can’t-live-without ingredient and why?

Would love to hear in the comments…

Will You Pause For A Cause This May?

Posted in Wellness by

It’s well known that meditation is a powerful tool that can completely change your life… but imagine if your practice could change someone else’s? That’s the hook for Mindful in May – and I must admit that the bait is lookin’ pretty tasty.

mindful

What Is It?

An awesome group of Aussie’s created this amazing campaign which is part challenge, part online course, part fundraiser, 100% good juju. I’ll let the MIM team take the stage here;

Mindful in May is for both beginners and more experienced meditators, aimed at bringing the benefits of meditation to you whilst improving the lives of others. The funds raised during Mindful in May will be given to Charity Water, an innovative, not for profit organisation that builds clean water wells for those in need.

So basically you donate $10 minimum to receive a comprehensive online meditation course and it all goes towards helping to bring people in Rwanda clean water. I’m in.

Why should you do it?

310950_519100228127952_25068777_nMeditation is awesome for you…

Meditation is the only true one-size-fits all lifestyle choice. Not meaning to sound like a ‘meditational’ fundamentalist here, but everyone in the world would benefit from regular meditation practice. I’m not a yogi by any means and have just started committing myself to daily dedicated mindfulness – but my word am I converted! I feel calmer and more grounded and if I don’t meditate I really feel a difference; I am flightier, I don’t sleep as well, I feel my anxiety creeping up again.

And if you don’t believe my humble opinion then rely on the credible evidence proving that regular meditation leads to reduced stress, improved physical and mental wellbing, enhanced immune function, reduced genetic ageing and increased happiness. Sold – to the woman in the pyjamas!

…Clean water is awesome for everyone

I try to keep this blog positive but occasionally the nitty-gritty is called for. Here are some heartbreaking stats to get your mind ticking;

  •  Every 20 seconds one child dies from a disease caused by lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
  •  Over 1 million children are killed every year by diarrhoea through dehydration and malnutrition.
  • 4 million people die every year from water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases.
  • Many women and children in Africa and Asia walk an average of 6km every day to collect clean water.
  • In the past 10 years the number of children killed by diarrhoea exceeded the total number of people lost to armed conflict since World War II.
  • More than 1 in 6 people in the world don’t have access to safe drinking water.
  • In just one day, 200 million work hours are consumed by women collecting water for their families, which is equivalent to building 28 empire state buildings each day

Plus, you get awesome stuff!

If you take the challenge to commit a meager 10 minute a day to meditating you receive the following;

  • Weekly guided audio meditation downloads
  • Daily instruction and guidance through different meditations hurdles
  • Accessible cutting edge scientific research to help motivate your practice
  • Daily inspiration through curated videos, quotes and article links
  • Access to interviews with leading experts in the field
  • Opportunities to partake in community events (although predominantly in australia at this stage)
  • Invitations to host your own Mindful in May events and connect with other like minded people in your community

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Hurry, time is almost up!

If you want to partake in the challenge you need to register here by Saturday 4th May, 10pm (Australian EST).

Or just donate?

If you don’t want to meditate though, or you missed out, feel free to sponsor someone who is taking the challenge. If you want to sponsor me please go through to this page. Or you can pick a totally awesome celebrity to sponsor like comedian Magda Szubanski or nutritionist Lola Berry.

So, will you take the challenge?

10 Simple Self-Love Tips

Posted in Wellness by
Click image for source: Elephant Journal

Click image for source: Elephant Journal

I am a love bug. I have no problems telling the world about all the things I love. Repeatedly. My “About” section is full of love. I tell my family and friends how much I love them daily. I am the annoying one in the car that screams “OHMAGAAAAWD I LOVE THIS SONG”… every single song.

So why is it when I come to myself I get tongue tied? It’s like a first date. My eyes hit the floor. I shift from foot to foot. I get coy.

And a lot of people I know seem to be struck by the same affliction. I have deducted that this is down to two things; either we are embarrassed at the thought of loving ourselves or we truly don’t. Both of those are wrong.

Self-love is not being selfish.

It is about being kind to yourself. Allowing yourself rest. Turning your inner monologue into a cheer squad instead of a lynch mob.  Most importantly, self-love is vital.

So if you aren’t already, it’s time to get on the self love train. Toot toot!

1. Write yourself a letter of advice

I am terrified of flying. So, on a trip to Bali my mum suggested that I write a letter to my imaginary teenage daughter about living a full life. Silly as it sounds, it worked. I wrote rational truth and vicarious dreams and because I technically wasn’t talking to my self-doubting self I gulped it all up. So when I was feeling lost the other day I pictured my 80 year old self writing a letter of advice. It’s a great way to remind yourself that you only live once! (Did I just YOLO?).

2. Practice mindfulness

Meditation can be quite intimidating but it is an unbelievably powerful tool. If you have tried it before and couldn’t quite ‘get it’ then know that you don’t have to master it to feel the benefits. Sarah Wilson (of I Quit Sugar fame) describes it as a “jerky, nervous, chattery [experience] that is far from inspirational”. The more you exercise your stillness muscle the stronger it gets… keep at it. Here are some amazing meditation resources that I use;

  • The Chopra Meditation Center (Yes Deepak!) is a constant source of inspiration not to mention a comprehensive resource. Explore!
  • I love this guided meditation by Melissa Ambrosini
  • Buy some guided meditations either on iTunes or at your local alternative health store. (I can’t recommend this set of 22 Perfect Health Meditations enough – just gorgeous!)

3. Accept compliments

If someone gives you a compliment smile broadly and say Thank You. Hell – agree with it if you want to!

4. Stop pointing out what is wrong

Make a concerted effort to only point out the positives – even if you don’t feel like it. Brainwashed positivity is more contagious than the flu and has an amazing knack for changing your perspective.

5. Take a step towards your dreams (even if it’s a small one!)

You owe yourself your dreams so if you are living a life where you are constantly standing still admiring them you are not going to feel very fulfilled. So, whatever your dream take a step towards it – no matter how small! For example; you dream of being an illustrator? Enter an art competition. You fantasise about living in New York? Stick a photo of Times Square on your computer at work. Want to feel healthier? Join a local wellness Meetup group. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic… just a little love note to the universe telling it that you are ready for what it’s got to throw at you.

6. Take a step away from social media

It is unrealistic to think of life without social media… it’s here. And thank god because otherwise we wouldn’t be chatting now! But sometimes it can be so damn overwhelming. So – starting today – do something to reduce your usage. Make a rule that you do not check it first thing in the morning. Give yourself allocated social media times – once in the morning, midday and afternoon. Never consume more than one media at once (I.e. watching TV while tweeting; cruising instagram while on the phone etc).

7. Random acts of kindness

If you are low on love for yourself logic would have it that you need to keep as much as you can for yourself. Hoard your happy. However, I have found that as low as you feel if you can muster the energy to do something for someone else it magically makes you feel better. This quote really sticks with me – “Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again” (Og Mandino).

8. Dedicated you-time

Allot yourself a specific time once a week where you pamper the fuck out of yourself! Turn off your phone and do exactly what it is that makes you feel fabulous. If that is lighting your expensive candles, pouring a champagne and chillaxing in the bath for 2 hours then go for it!

9. Express yourself

Commit to expressing yourself without judgement. Paint, run, cook, read, dance, go to a nudist beach, sit under a tree alone, sing – do whatever it is that make you feel 100% authentically you. Don’t judge yourself on it (i.e. “I’m not a very good painter”) just let your body and mind move however it feels right.

10. Unleash your inner 12 year old

Go into a room by yourself. Put your favourite song on. Now dramatically mime it. Dance! I have never managed to do this without feeling better afterwards. Laugh at yourself. Don’t take life too seriously.

What about you? Do you have a never-fail self-love pick me up?
Love to hear in the comments.