February Blues?

Everyone has heard of the January Blues. That time of year when the rush is over, the money all spent on extravagant last-minute buys, the festive things are packed away for another year, its cold, dark and there is hardly any sun. Its easy to feel a bit down. But I am noticing that more and more people are still feeling this way when Friday next week is the 1st of February. Now that just will not do at all, not if I have a say! So sit back my dears and listen, er, read.

Those silly new years resolutions. You broke them the 2nd of January and its ok. There is an entire year to get back on track. Hell, I still buy fruit to decorate the fridge and table, not to eat! I gave up the walking and have turned to swimming. Maybe have a look into an alternative hobbie/activity/event that you originally planned to do this year if its not working out for you.

Don't feel down about a tight budget. There are loads of things you can do that needs little or no money at all! For instants, those creative types out there why don't you start a blog? Its fun, free and something nice to keep your mind active. Or why not read? You can join your local library for free and there are lots of resources. If all that is not to your taste and your more of the social variety how about volunteering? You can pick hundreds of things from helping elderly neighbours with shopping to fundraising to helping animals to going to your local community centre to help with sessions for a few hours. You will be surprised by how much you enjoy it, make new friends and have something to feel positive about. You might even find yourself wanting to do it long term.

Give yourself a good spring clean: Out with the old and in with the new as they say. Go on, do a big clean out of your bedroom. Throw out rubbish hidden under the bed, sort through shoes, books and clothes and then either give them to family,charity or even try your hand on Ebay. Alternatively you could ask your friends to do the same thing and then meet up and swap items you would like.

Eat yourself happy people: Yes, you heard me right. Spinach is full of folic acid, magnesium, vitamins A and C. It will improve your mood.  Eggs have protein which means you feel full longer and are more alert. Its bursting with omega-3, zinc, vitamins B, D and B12. That ticks healthy teeth, hair and nails off the list for you. Dark chocolate is a treat and releases mood-lifting endorphins while being lower in fat and sugar then milk chocolate. 3 bars I hear you say?! And then lastly Garlic. I promise it wont keep the Cullens away and it is fantastic to help your mood, energy and blood flow. Mmm, yum!

Make lists: Get some paper, do it in your head, blog it, facebook it or email it. Lists are wonderful and I am a big fan. Take time to think about what you would like to do this year. Write down lists of places you want to visit, even if its just pretend. Spend time with your dreams and have a happy page at the end of it to enjoy re reading. I'm not a big traveller so I like to write lists of all my favourite songs and bands I hope to see one day. Of course they will come to play in my living room, only when I invite them and whenever I want....

Enjoy the people you love: You do not know everything about a person, no matter what you think. Take time to go and see that friend that you only really see when in a group and don't talk much. Go visit your grandparents and ask them about when they were young, its stories they love telling and you wont get to hear them always. Tell your neighbours you'll help paint the gate when their doing it in the summer. Being with people, talking, listening and spending time is the best thing you can do. Its 100% free and makes you feel happy. So why sit online all day or on your own between school/college/work when there are people you love right there?

Remember it takes a whole lot more muscles to frown then it does to smile, so smile and I hope everyone will be a little happier today. 

Some New Years Resolutions

I hope everyone had an exciting and fun new years eve, whatever you got up to! So its now officially 2013 and as with the first day of any new year comes that tiny niggling little voice in the back of your head 'what will you set out to achieve this year?'. 

Theres the typical worry of weight. If its bulking up or slimming down, were all off to throw as much money at gyms as we can possibly afford. After all that Christmas dinner, leftover turkey sambos and the tin of Roses sitting on the couch just asking to be eaten, you feel like your having a food baby. But giving them money doesn't give you a one track ticket to your image of a perfect body, you have to actually go. Thats where it normally gets a bit hazy for me..

Another silent thought roaming everyones minds is that tiny word that causes so much trouble. Love. Its all well and good for some, but for the likes of us Bridget Jones types its a bit of a pain. In 2012 I luckily bagged myself a great guy (it sounds like I got him in Dunnes, 20% off!) and he has yet to run away screaming. It must be the cakes I bake.

And of course the work/study situations. I will do extra time in the office and show I am ready for that promotion/account/position I so desperately want. I am absolutely going to go to all my lectures this term AND hand in essays early, no last minute late night writings for me. 

Now be honest, are you really going to get up at 5 to 6 every morning to curl your hair and do your make up instead of the extra time in bed? Giving up those chocolate biscuits? That yoga mat you bought 2 years ago isn't going to get a look in either - even if you have it casually sitting in the corner of the hall. But if you decide on just one or two things that you could try out or that would really make a difference to your life, why not give it a go?

For example I have no intentions of darkening the doors of a gym. That doesn't in any way say I am healthy, but I know going about it that way will never work. Instead I am going to finish off that chocolate santy I ate the head off of last night and then consider going for a walk at least 4 times a week - ignoring the bus stops along the way. I am going to try and get more involved with my local community centre. Giving back while making new friends and leaning some new skills along the way. Lastly, I am going to to love myself. I know that sounds crazy, but if you don't love yourself how can you love others? No more negative comments or thoughts. No more I say! And this is where 'Let The Introductions Begin' comes in. Blogging daily, or as much as I can this year will help to keep my creative side going, help me to set goals, learn and be part of a new online community.   

So go on, try one thing, just one! Theres no point in setting unachievable goals when you can start small and be proud of what you have done come the end of 2013.