J E S S M O G G S: life

Showing posts with label life. Show all posts

Hello m'lovelies!

If you've been reading a few of my posts recently, you might have come across this one: Fitness Goals. Basically, I've set myself a few goals to get a little fitter and I can finally say I'm on my way!

That's right. It's happening. I've signed up to do the Merthyr Tydfil Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on March 22nd. Oh God. I can't believe I'm actually doing this.

Let's get one thing straight: I'm no where near fit enough to do this. I know it sounds silly, but this is basically forcing me to get out the door, get running and work for it. I also decided to run for a charity, and my mother helped me choose Cancer Research UK. They have sent me sponsorship forms, created a JustGiving page for me and even sent me a top to run in on the big day!

So basically around 3-4 times a week, I've been running. I started out running half a mile and now I've worked my way up to 2.5miles at a time. I've been using the Nike+ Running App, which has been amazing in helping me track my progress! It's even programmed me a training schedule to start on the 29th of December (gulp), so until then I'm running every week, adding half a mile to a mile a week. So far it hasn't been too bad, there's been some groggy mornings but afterwards I feel fantastic! It's aided me in weight loss (3lbs this week-woo!) since I've also been eating semi-healthy. I've actually quite enjoyed it to be honest, which sounds crazy now that I'm typing it- but it's true!

Signing up for this was a good decision. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to run an actual marathon. Maybe.

I just can't believe I'm finally doing this. I'm really excited to start pushing myself to do the things I actually want to do. I've even started making a list of things I want to do before I'm 21. If that something you're interested in reading then please let me know!

Also, if you want daily updates on what training I''m doing or what I'm eating be sure to follow me on instagram where I usually post progress/training pictures and some healthy food ideas. You could also follow me on Nike+ (Name: Jess Morgan) and don't forget to donate to my JustGiving page!

It's a great cause and Cancer Research UK do some amazing work!

Hope you enjoyed this little fitness update! And wish me luck!

Lots of Love

Moggs

Some recent posts from instagram:

It's a stressful time of year for everyone. Off to university, starting a levels, knuckling down for GCSE's... A lot of people forget to take some time just for themselves (including myself!). I just sort of forget and then I get stressed and then I have a breakdown which is never cool. But I feel now, I am way for relaxed than I have ever been before. If you haven't read my post on stress and anxiety click here as it very much goes hand in hand with this post. I thought I'd share with you a few ways I like to relax o hopefully chill you all out a bit! :)

1. Yoga. In the morning it's great to sort of centre your mind and to really start your day peacefully. However, I love yoga in the evening way more because it's more about relaxation and just letting yourself go. A few times I've honestly felt so relaxed that I've fallen asleep on my mat. Whoops.

2. Face masks. Taking a 10 or 15 minute break out of a busy day just for you and a relaxing face mask can sometimes just really centre you and bring you back to reality. I always feel pampered after a face mask too, so it's win-win really.

3. Candles. There is something soothing about candles burning in the home. No matter what the scent, having candles around can always calm me (especially in the bath!).

4. Tea. Say the stress has become to much. You're a mess and crying and all sorts. For years and years, when I feel like this. I take long deep breathes and make myself a cup of tea. I would never lie to you, I instantly feel much better and much more grounded. It's like my safety net!

5. Music. Everybody loves music. And sometimes we need it to block out the rest of the world, to go into our own little space and think. This is the same with showers and baths too. I love too take some time out and just listen to music that makes me happy.

6. Exercise. It's proven to make you happier and less stressed because of the increase in endorphins released! I know it's not for everyone, but maybe just a little walk with some fresh air could do you good?

7. Sleep. So, so soooo important. Without a good, well rested sleep your body doesn't function correctly. You'll make more mistakes and be more grouchy than normal. Nobody wants that. Stay in bed as long as you can- I recommend it :P

8. Distraction. If you really are stressed and your anxiety is going crazy, distract yourself! Do something you enjoy! Watch YouTube, go out, read a book, make some dinner anything! Just take your mind off things for a bit. You may come back with a new perspective on things.

Let me know of any other great ways you like to relax. And don't think you're being selfish, because you're not- you deserve it :P

Lots of Love

Moggs

Ok. I don't really know how to start this post. I guess I should start with saying that I am no way a health professional nor have I spoken to one about my own personal experiences in this area. I've noticed recently that a lot more people are being open and honest about anxiety and stress, now it just doesn't seem so much of a big deal as what it used to be. Before, I suppose you could say people were more conserved around the topic and felt that maybe it would be better to dismiss it rather than face it. But recently I've seen a lot of tweets, blogs and videos around the subject, very open and helpful videos about personal experiences of anxiety which I think is just fantastic. I know that sounds crazy, but I love hearing people talking about it because it makes me feel a whole load better about it.
I thought I would share my own experience with you for that same reason.
I've always worried and stressed a lot through my whole life, usually over nothing. I can sometimes be in a room where there is nothing wrong at all and then suddenly my stomach starts turning and I suddenly feel very hot and smothered. My chest gets very red and I sometimes even feel like I can't breathe or I feel sick. I've had a few panic attacks, no where near as many as some people and I haven't had one for a while now which I am very grateful for. But what I will say about them is that they really are not nice and they make me feel extremely embarrassed and almost helpless. I haven't been diagnosed with anxiety but I feel that maybe (especially this time last year) I definitely suffered with it.
What I mean by this is that instead of me being worried when I was supposed to be, like before taking a test or before singing in front of a group of people, I literally felt worried over absolutely nothing and I felt like it a lot. Even now when I don't consider myself to suffer with anxiety I still say I worry more than the average person should. I think this is partly due to my obsessive attitude. This is also a trait I've had since a very young age. For example, if I plan to do something at a certain place and at a certain time and then suddenly plans change I do not deal with that well and I find it very difficult for me to change my sense of mind. For example if I arranged with my friend to meet at McDonalds and then 10 minutes before I leave they want to meet me at Subway instead, I just can't really comprehend the change which actually makes me anxious.
I know this sounds ridiculous but when I watched Zoella's video on youtube the other day she described a person with anxiety as the car in the street that their alarm is triggered by a little gust of wind when actually there is nothing to be alarmed about at all. This made so much sense to me and actually made me feel a little relieved. A lot of people I know understand that I tend to stress a lot about things that don't need to be stressed over, but I have really improved especially over the last year.
One thing that has really helped me (I think) has been moving away from home and realising that I am responsible for myself. It was sort of a wake up call in realising that I can't just go back to my house and snuggle up in bed with a cup of tea every time I'm anxious. It's helped me find other ways of dealing with it other than being in my 'comfort zone'. For example, I'll make myself a cup of tea and just have a bit of a breather to reflect on what's going on and to ask myself 'what actually is the problem'. I love taking long showers, they are just so relaxing to me and just really help to de-stress me. I also like to take some 'me-time' and watch youtube videos, blog, read or watch tv or something, even go outside or shopping online, anything to take my mind off being anxious. Something else I've found to be really helpful is being around people I love. Friends that I have made in university, old friends and family are all so wonderful to me. It really helps sometimes to just sit down and just tell them how you feel. Even though I may feel embarrassed I've found that most times I feel way more relieved when I've spoken about it. Tom has helped me so much over the years to deal with me being obsessive and anxious, without him I'd be so much worse. I am so grateful and lucky to have him. He's made me realise that instead of thinking about the worst possible outcome always think of the best possible outcome.

I hope that you liked this post even though it's a bit different and a bit wishy-washy. If you have any questions please comment below and I'll try and answer them for you :)

Lots of Love

Moggs