Insomnia 101

A lot of you know that I suffer with insomnia and recently it has flared up worse than ever. Although finally being able to sleep at around 5am is a new experience, its not one that I tend to enjoy. If something is bothering me then I'm not one to sit there and suffer, if there is something that I can do to help myself (especially if it's as important to me as sleep is...I love me some sleep) then I will give it a try. I've been doing some research lately for some things that I can do to make it better and after a quick Q&A on Twitter, you all told me that you wanted me to share what I found.

Natural beauty: Tarte Cosmetics

I'm a huge fan of everything natural so when I had the opportunity to get my hands on some Tarte Cosmetics, I just couldn't say no. I have never really been a big makeup wearer so this was a big jump for me (especially because its somewhat pricey). Not only is this makeup great for nature and the environment but its super easy to apply and it just glides on. After a few months of using, I am still in love with them all!

From the beginning

It seems pretty crazy when I think of the 150 posts that I have written since I started my blogging journey. Every now and then I take a stroll down memory lane and sit and read through some of our oldest posts. I've done similar posts for our 3 year anniversary and to commemorate the 100th post every published on Empty Journal. Since then I have written more favourites and I wanted to share them all with you

Whatever I write on my blog more often than not can give a truthful representation of what is going on in my life right now and how it is I'm feeling. Lately I've been filling my posts with different forms of self love because that's what I have needed to surround myself with. It's a great form of mindfulness therapy and CBT. Added to that, its a great thing to be able to look back on and give myself a little therapy session when the need strikes. If I've been feeling low in body confidence or struggling with my ED then I can read my 8 tips for a positive body image

My workout playlist

So as you all know, Iv'e been trying to get my fitness back on track. If you've read the last few blog posts I've written then you will know all about the struggle that people in ED recovery sometimes have to deal with. For a lot of people, when they exercise they enjoy the peace and quiet. Others prefer working out to chat shows or other TV shows. For me, I'm one of the many that love working out to music. I remember doing circuits in P.E. at school or running round the tennis courts and whenever a song I liked came on we would all cheer and dance round the place (which got us to move faster so the teachers loved it!)

8 Tips for a positive body image

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you—running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc. Your body is the vehicle that has brought you towards every person that you care about. Without your body, you literally wouldn't be able to do anything.
2. Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself—things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. what are your favourite things about your personality? do you love how caring you are? how artistic you are?  Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about yourself.
   

A-Z of Recovery: Eating Healthy

One of the big things about recovery from many mental illnesses is the way we treat our bodies and our mind. For some people, nothing makes them feel more free than being out and about. Having a complete distraction from life when you’re working out can be super important because you have to give your complete attention to the task at hand. It also releases endorphins, which are powerful chemicals in your brain that are energizing and make you feel good. That’s why exercise is often used as a way to help combat mental Health issues such as Depression or Anxiety.

#Bossgirl playlist

Music is a universal force that can be used for so much. Sometimes we all just need a little extra push to help our mood. I'm a huge fan of people feeling empowered and strong. Everyone knows about the whole "boss girl" thing that's floating round and naturally I'm ecstatic that it even exists. Add this to the fact that I really enjoy organising things (and making a playlist is basically just organising music, for me) and you've got yourself a winner!

When I sorted through these songs, I've found ones that make me think about my inner strength, some that make me think I'm a sassy woman with all my shiz together but overall all of these songs make me feel just that little bit more confident.

The child within

Remember that saying, where people ask you if you'd treat a little kid the same way that you're treating yourself...and then reminding you that you were once a little kid and you're still someone's child. I've never been more enlightened by something than I was when I was first told this, it's so true, I love the purity of children and how they can find joy in the simplest of things. Then I thought back to my childhood. I think there's a little healing that needs to happen here.

Everyone has those photos of themselves from the past, many find them cute or embarrassing. I cry when I see them, I question just why I every treated that little girl so badly. 

you see that little girl below? She was very happy, she never knew just what she would have to go through in life. There is so much in life that we do not know, no-one can predict whether good or bad things are going to happen. at the beginning of any life, there is an infinite possibility of things that can happen. That's the beauty of what happens, you can make whatever you want of your life.

Journal: July edition

So July is over, and it's that time again. this year is going so fast, I feel like so much has changed. I've finished my first year of University, I have made some big emotional changes in my life and I've been trying really hard with regulating these emotions. Some days it goes well, others it doesn't. but that okay, that's part of life. Nothing is guaranteed and nothing is completely black and white.

I'm really feeling like these monthly reflection posts are actually making a difference for me. It's great that I can look back and know what was going on in my life like 3 months ago. It also means that I can see how much my mindset is changing. I've had a rough few months lately but I've really been giving it my all and I'm starting to see a bit of a difference.