Getting Rid of a Toxic Lifestyle

I am on the path to finding the perfect lifestyle for myself. It's something almost everyone goes through, and I'm always saying how at the moment I'm the happiest I've ever been. I feel very at ease in the life I lead, I've got 101 things I want to do and improve, but I've realised just because you want to improve it doesn't mean you can't be grateful for the way you are and the way you live currently. It's one of the most important lessons I've learnt, particularly coming out of that angsty teenage stage, I honestly look back and laugh with horrified-ness at how awful a teenager I could be. And I have absolutely no idea when it happened, but I'm on the other side of all of that now, and I just thought I'd impart some wisdom on you gorgeous lot, and hopefully if you are struggling a bit or aren't feeling particularly optimistic about your lifestyle, these few little changes will give you the boost you need. 


Wake up Early- This is definitely an 'as and when' rule. My sleeping pattern has been all over the shop since I started dictating my own bedtime. I've had points where I wake up at midday and even a phase where I went to sleep at 7am and woke up at 2 (gap year life). But unlike 99.9% of other students, I fell into a routine by being a student, having 9am and 10am lectures five days a week made sure I was up out of bed, and since then I haven't really looked back. I start my current job at 8:30 in the morning which requires a 7am start and despite always hating the sound of my alarm, once I'm up and out of bed, I tend to feel fresher than when I wake up at 11 and stay in a slob state for a solid hour. Give yourself a day a week to recuperate if you feel it's necessary, but otherwise starting the day early is absolutely one way to wake up on the right side of the bed. 

Wholewheat oatmeal blueberry pancakes with banana, strawberries and honey
Eat a great breakfast- Struggling to find the motivation to get up early? Have a great breakfast awaiting you! I am self confessed queen of breakfasts. I went through the whole too-cool-for-breakfast stage when I was growing up, and to be quite honest, it did absolutely nothing for my lifestyle and just meant I was starving hungry by lunchtime. Now, breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. If you're a cereal fiend or are lacking on time, Weetabix and Shreddies are high in iron and keep energy levels up, but if you have a bit of time, I try to indulge a bit. Poached eggs and avocado on wholemeal toast is my absolute favourite, and although I'm trying to drink a cup of green tea in the morning instead of coffee, sometimes the temptation is too strong, and rich Italian coffee is the only way to go.

Find a hobby- I love people who are passionate about something. And people who have a passion tend to be the happier of humans. Creating self-goals, having an interest. Anything from playing an instrument to painting to playing football or going to the gym. If you have something to focus your mind on, it's at least one part of your life you can organise and keep track of yourself. Separating an activity from your work allows you to use it as an outlet and there's nothing better than sitting down to a piano to calm yourself or taking your frustration out on the treadmill.


Have a routine- Not only is this vital if you want to lead a happier, healthier life, but having a routine is a God send when you're feeling stressed. I've written about stress before, and having a plan is always my way forward. At the moment I write a 'To Do' list, every night-before. It's only a skeleton one, and things obviously change, but if I have a few key things I know I want to get done, I can structure my day accordingly. I love spontaneity and living without a plan, but sometimes it's necessary just to function. And both in term time, when I have 139139 essays to hand in and in the current summer holiday state, where I work 6 days a week and only have the one day to sort out my life, having a bit of structure can be crucial. This is also all very good for my love of stationary. There needs to be some kind of us to all of the diaries I purchase at the start of every year!

Working Out- I purposely left this one until last because I know 99% of people reading this will groan. I know this is mentioned by everyone ever, but there's a reason for that, quite simply, working out helps! Whether it's for weight loss, fitness or just to feel good about yourself, working out cannot be underestimated. I go through phases of gym-ing and sometimes I am absolutely passionate whilst other times the idea of the gym makes me want to die. But even if you go for 30 minutes a day, that is 30 minutes more than you would be doing. At the moment I'm a Sports and Activity Instructor at a school, so to say my days are busy is an understatement, most of the time, the gym is the last thing I could possibly want to do ever. But even a work out video or finding a circuit course I enjoy makes me feel good. For the last year or so I've paid a lot more attention to fitness and working out then I ever have before, I used to skip PE at school at every opportunity and I was definitely a 'lose weight and then go to the gym' type of gal. But my mindset has utterly changed, and it's effected how I view so much in my life.


Surround Yourself with Positive People- This one is invaluable. It took me years of bending over backwards for people who wouldn't give me a second look to realise how important this one is. I am all for self loving and valuing yourself on your own worth not by other people, but when those around you bring you down it's almost impossible to not let that effect you. Finding others who make you feel like yourself around them is probably the most important part of detoxifying your life. There's no need to be rude or horrible to the people you have differences with, but by avoiding their negative energy you'll see a huge change in yourself.

Having a life detox is a big step in growing up. Although I think a lot of this happens on your own accord and you start to come to all of the above realisations yourself, there's nothing like a kickstart when you're feeling a bit meh. But the worst feeling is thinking everything is out of your control.

I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine and are having wonderful weekends!

Ciao for Now!
x

4 comments

  1. Loved this post so much!! With summer break a fixed routine goes straight out of the window and we end up in this big lull of complacency and that dreaded 'meh' feeling. I'm gonna bookmark this as it really helped, sometimes we just need to be reminded that there are many ways to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Thanks for writing this Alice, really enjoyed it! Hope you're having a lovely day!!

    -Nabeela xo
    http://nabsticle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Such a great post! It is definitely little things like this which make my days better, I love getting up early and I don't think I would cope without eating breakfast either! It is the best meal of the day :)

    Bethan Likes

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  3. This was a really great read! I LOVE breakfast (avocado and egg on toast is my favorite too!!!) and I've started to do a routine, or at least stay within the one I had while at school! Getting up early and going definitely makes me less stressed and takes away the "There's not enough time to do all the things!!!!" feeling!
    :)
    xx
    Kenzie
    Behindhazeleyes06.blogspot.com

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  4. Loved this post! I always feel great when I get up early (especially when it's naturally) and then taking my time before tucking into a delicious breakfast mmmmmm.

    Kathryn | nimblenote.blogspot.com

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