5 easy ways to stick to your fitness regime in winter

Winter is finally upon us. Unfortunately, what this means is that for most of us working out takes back burner while keeping warm and toasty gets more priority (meaning less workout)

Juggling work, family and a whole lot of other activities usually means staying fit could be challenging. Fitness fanatics may be able to brave the weather to get in their usual workout but for some people it could be a real struggle. I know it is for me, winter is not yet in full force and I am about to give up.

So how do you keep fit during the cold hard months in the thick of winter, here are some ideas that will make working out less of a drag

Choose workout times that work best for your body

m-plt-611611-unsplash — **Pick the best time to workout**

Naturally some people tend to be morning persons when it comes to working out while others prefer evenings. Even though I am a morning person, I tend to prefer working out in the evening.

Both have its pros and cons, you may have to try out morning and evening workout to choose what is best for you. For example, morning workout before work can make you more energized during the day.

Evening workout may help you de-stress from the day’s work. Others even fit in a workout during lunch. Try all and see which fits into your schedule and works well for you.

Get bright workout gear

Wearing bright outfits will no doubt motivate you and cheer you up in those bleak winter days when all you want to do is lay under the duvet.

I recently bought a colourful gym bag and it makes all the difference in my mood when braving the cold to work out. You may not need to go all out on bright outfits, usually a piece of your workout wear does the trick.

Photo by Maria Fernanda Gonzalez on Unsplash

Eat healthy

While this may be a no brainer, it can be challenging in the winter months when all the body craves is warm food. Look for in-season winter fruits and vegetables. For those days you may have pie cravings, chicken soup, vegetable soups of some variety will help with those warm cravings and your body will thank you come summer time.

Photo by Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

Get a workout friend

Kudos for making it to the gym during the winter. Why not make it even better by getting a gym buddy will motivate you while working out. The days you do not feel any motivation at all, having someone who is motivated and can even pick you up to the gym goes a long way to getting you fit (I know I need a friend like this in my life)

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Go to a gym close to you

Not a fan of working out during the winter? Getting a gym close to you could be a big motivation. Driving in the winter can be a hassle that is why attending a gym close to you which cuts down your traffic time can be highly motivating. Close by gyms may not be the fanciest but for the winter months it gets the job done.

Photo by Meghan Holmes on Unsplash

Revamp your workout song

Still listening to your workout music from two years ago? Try out new workout songs that will inspire and motivate you to get moving. Apple has a good mix of work out songs assuming you are an iPhone user. Other ways are to do a mix tape of old and new songs you love and can work out to.

rawpixel-769308-unsplash — Dance to your favourite tunes

What are some other ways you motivate yourself?

All photos from Unsplash

Introverts and how you can find your voice

This was me for a very long time and still a little bit me even as I have grown older. I remember as a child I always kept to myself and even as an adult I still have the phobia of speaking in public (still working on this). I am introvert who gradually found her voice.

It wasn’t so long ago that being an introvert became all the rage thanks to geek shows and other introverts who were willing to make their voices heard (I see you!). Introverts have come a long way and are more understood than ever before. Having said that, there is a new generation that ought to be told they are okay to be who they are. The conversation needs to keep going. For me, I still need reminding and that is part of the reason I started a blog.

I have noticed that introverts (whatever type variations) for the most part seem to be highly creative people who try to express themselves and can also be easily misunderstood. In my experience also, I see that it’s the loudest girl/boy who gets the most attention. We all know that one colleague who talks louder than everyone and is given the best projects as a reward.

I have written some ways that introverts can find their voice and be creative without giving up on who you are

Be yourself

It’s easy to want to be like others. The internet is full of bits of advice to get out more, do this to be more likable, fake it until you make it. I personally found that after a while you get burnt out from trying so hard and get even more discouraged. What I have found that help is to take baby steps towards the direction you need to go while still being your most authentic self. Remember there isn’t one like you in the world so don’t be hard so on yourself. Recognize that however small progress you are making is a step in the right direction

Look for avenues to express your creativity

Knowing who you are and what you stand for is one of the best things that could happen to anyone. One of the best ways to do this is by doing a ton of things that you like, especially at that initial stage where you are trying to figure out what you love and what your passions may be. Try a ton of activities even those outside of your comfort zone. You may be surprise to discover you are passionate about something you least expected to be.

david-pisnoy-660309-unsplash — You can be anything you decide to be. Express yourself

Realize that it may take time to find that one thing you are meant to do

Being the GOAT version of yourself can and does take time. The average person takes years to discover what they want to become in life or what their passions are. Even when you try a ton of things in figuring out your passion, it may still take a while before you feel comfortable in your life’s path. But keep at it and I can bet you everyone who keeps asking, finds. This takes us to the last point below.

Constantly ask yourself what it is you like and do not be afraid to change down the road

I am an introvert by nature and my default reaction is to hang out by myself (this is my default reaction to any invitation to go out lol). Check out this link on how what helped me How to get more out of life Over the years I have worked hard to really know what I wanted. I know I enjoy thinking challenging thoughts and trying to figure the meaning of life, finding ways to simplify my life and follow my passion for managing projects. I was constantly asking myself what I wanted and what my passion was. One day I had an idea for this blog and so far, I am enjoying it. So, keep at it guys, never give up in finding your inner creativity, those who seek must surely find.

What works for you guys?

Photo credit: Unsplash

Take the hassle out of journaling

I have tried a couple of things to enjoy a more work-life balance (I am a Libra, we are all about balancing the scales). Journaling is one of them, I cover the basics of journaling for beginners, mediums used and how to make the most of it.

The Secret book had come out some years before and I was hooked on stories on how people had transformed their lives by following the processes outlined in the book one of which is writing down your thoughts aka journaling about your life and what you want it to be. What started as a fun way of learning more about myself turned into so much pressure it seemed like a second job.

I still journal but do so with a better mindset. I have come to enjoy it and see it as a lifelong skill.

Some reasons why people may journal

Pleasure

Most people journal for the pleasure they get out of it. The clearness and peace it brings from putting your thoughts down on paper can have a calming effect on the mind. Being alone in a quiet place and having a journal or a book you love is what works for a lot of people. It can be used to write desires, get stuff off the mind or to keep a diary of the events of the day.

Relieve Stress

Journaling can be a huge stress reliever. It is said that the mind thinks up to 6000 thoughts a day. That is why you could go to work, sit down all day working and get back home exhausted (thinking out loud here). This is because the brain is constantly processing information. For some people, they find out that when their thoughts are transferred on paper they think clearly which in turn may reduce the stress they may be under.

Want something to happen (in the future)

After the launch of The Secret which talks about the Law of Attraction the popularity of journaling increased. I have personally witnessed friends who continue to use this method to achieve what they desire. I have nothing against it. It worked for me a couple of times.

This may even be the most popular reason people take to journaling. The combination of positive feelings and the assurance that what you desire may happen in the future is what makes this reason for journaling popular

Different ways you can journal

Books

By far the most popular way of journaling, books or scraps of paper are easily accessible to people and in my opinion seems to work best. There are so many variations of journals sold in stores to suit every need.

I recommend browsing and picking one that suits your personality. When researching for this article there seem to be a consensus of getting a journal you love as it will motivate you to write frequently.

Laptop

Using a laptop is also a preferred way of journaling and serves its purpose. Some people are more comfortable typing than writing in books. The goal here is to love what you do so it does not become a chore. Get a laptop that is easy to use and portable when traveling to help you journal while on the go. You could use office word or some installed app. Both work well.

Phone

Not a popular way to journal but works nonetheless. Most people use some sort of app in the phone to journal. One reason you may like this method is the ease with which you can journal without breaking a sweat. You can journal practically anywhere if you have a phone.

How to approach journaling without turning it into an epic battle

Take the target off your mind

journaling is a journey, a beautiful one just like meditation. When approached this way it is more enjoyable. Setting a target to journal could put pressure on you. I know it did for me.

Journaling should be done whenever you feel the need to and not trying to meet a quota number of journals per month. In not trying to meet an imaginary target you begin to enjoy the benefit of journaling such as a calm mind and clarity of thought.

Maintain an open mind

There is no set rule on what you need to journal, no time limit. You reap the reward of journaling when your thoughts flow uninhibited. Do not restrict yourself. You could journal about your favorite dish, your hobby, what happened during the day as a starting point. Whatever suits your fancy works best for you.

Don’t limit yourself

The beauty of journaling is that it can be done from anywhere using any medium. People have turned their journals into books of some sorts. The possibilities are endless with what you can do with your journal. Only take action and start.

Do what works for you

I remember when I started journaling I went on YouTube to watch some videos on what people were doing out there and saw how they were achieving so much just by journaling.

When I started journaling and didn’t see immediate and lasting results like others I felt frustrated. With time I realised no two people are the same and we may have different reasons for journaling.

Now I use my journal as a reminder of the good things I have going for me and journal at my own pace.

If you are curious about journaling I encourage you to try it out. It may turn out to be a lifelong habit you will be happy to have.

Photo by fotografierende on Unsplash

Photo by STIL on Unsplash

How to get more out of life

You can get out of your comfort zone easily and live the exciting life you have always dreamed for yourself by saying one word. That word is ‘YES’.

I remember watching the movie Yes Man, where Jim Carrey plays the character of Carl Allen who always said no to doing stuff with friends after his divorce from his wife. As the movie progresses Carl goes on a seminar where he is called out by the speaker who makes him promise to say yes to any invitation, request that comes his way. What follows is a series of hilarious consequences that is both inspiring and scary.

I probably watched this movie up to ten times at various points in my life because it resonated with me then and somehow still does. A lot of people fall within the category whose first reaction to an invitation is to look for reasons not to attend (I use to make up a part of this number).

I read an article about Shonda Rhimes (creator of Grey’s Anatomy). She wrote a book titled ‘Year of Yes’. How she went through a period of saying yes for a whole year and had amazing changes happen in her life. I can tell you the same thing happened to me after following the yes principle (from watching Yes Man) and it can for you also. I made new friends, went on trips, saw new places and learned new skills.

Getting out of your comfort zone and saying yes more often to invitations could easily be one of the life-changing things that you could incorporate easily into your life. You can make small big life changes by saying yes more often to hanging out with friends, going on a road trip, visiting family, taking that impromptu weekend trip.

Want to change your life? Make it more exciting? Try saying yes for a week or two weeks to things you would normally not say yes to. After, evaluate the results and see if you would like to continue, I can bet you definitely would.

3 cool ways to enjoy MONDAYS

There are sometimes I could literally weep the night before Monday and this wasn’t because I hated my job, far from it. There is just something about Mondays that signals the end of fun, rest and brings on the idea that life is just a ton of things to do. I have a friend who use to dread Mondays on a Saturday evening. Lol. I felt her pain because she had a long commute to work and a very busy schedule (she works from home now)

On the other hand, I am a bit lucky. I tend not to think about work until Sunday evening and when I do it almost always spoils my night until recently. I use the following tips to make my Mondays easier. Here is what I have found that helps.

As much as possible do not have a ton of to-do-list on Sunday evening

I see a lot of people try to cram in to-do-list on a Sunday evenings in preparation for Monday morning. Pack lunch, iron a week’s worth of work outfit, catch up on work mail and so on. This can send the body into a state of stress making you super aware of why you hate Mondays. I think this is because time that should be spent on relaxing is used for Monday activities.

I recommend completing all work-related and home activities on Sunday afternoon and give yourself some time off to de-stress in the evening. Doing nothing makes your Sunday evening seem longer before Monday rolls around. I find that reading a book helps me relax and my evening seem longer

Leaving work at close of business

This is something I almost always do on Mondays. If you can, make up your mind to close on time and not work extra long hours on Mondays. Having that feeling of closing promptly makes you much happier and even better yet, you get to arrive home on time or hangout with friends.

I also try to be super focused on Mondays to make sure I have no urgent work by close of the day. Arriving home early seems to make Mondays bearable and not extra long

Packing your favourite lunch

Your favourite lunch on a Monday can make the day peachy especially those long winter months when you wish you were home curled up in front of the fire. Your favourite lunch may just be the kick you need to make your Mondays less dreadful and more pleasant. Eating light meals also makes you feel less sluggish and more awake, keeping you focused on tasks that need to get done. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

So there guys, this is what I have found helps me. what works for you?

Drum roll…….Meghan Markle is pregnant

Our favourite Duchess is pregnant!! It’s funny how time flies, just yesterday she was our baby and now she is all grown up and having a baby!! I am talking about the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle incase you were wondering. We were all ohhhing and ahhhing and now she is having a baby!! Though we knew this was going to happen sooner rather than later, it seems to be a royal thing and the natural progression of sorts when two people are in love and have the budget to immediately start a family.

Fans of the Duchess will no doubt be besides themselves with the news that she is expecting her first child with Prince Harry. This will be a first for both. Kensington Palace released the news that the pair will welcome their child in Spring 2019.

The couple is currently on a 16-day trip to Australia, South Pacific and New Zealand. We eagerly await the gender reveal (I know I can’t wait!)

Times to consider giving up alcohol

For the love of alcohol, do not write this article. But you can thank me later. The other day while having a conversation with a friend I realize how much of a cultural movement alcohol has become. It’s so cool to start drinking at a young age and even as an adult who isn’t part of the ‘cool gang’ you are made to feel like an outsider.

So, when does it become too much? When is it time to hang up our alcohol shoes (you know that one shoe that makes the round most times when you go out drinking). Here are some reasons you should consider giving up alcohol (alright, alright cut back on alcohol lol)

Medical Condition

I drink alcohol, not so much then and barely now. This is because I realized drinking makes my ulcer so much worse especially when a bad episode landed me in the emergency room. I figured alcohol wasn’t worth the hassle. If you have a medical condition and find that alcohol makes it much worse considering giving up the booze in favour of a healthy lifestyle. You can start by cutting back and see how better you feel. Moreover, as we grow older you realize that good health is much better than alcohol.

Waking up and not remembering what happened the night before

I had a friend who called me up one day after we had gone out and said he could not remember much of what had happened the night before. Funny thing was, he didn’t seem at all that drunk while we were out with our group of friends.

If this happens to you constantly it just may be time to reconsider your love for alcohol. This may be rare but sometimes some people’s body offer little resistance when it comes to alcohol and they seem to have blank memories from the night before. Best thing will be to give up alcohol or alternatively monitor your intake especially for your safety when you are out and about town.

When your excessive alcohol intake is starting to impact on your family

I once heard a story, about a man who was drunk and on his way to the liquor store. When he got to the liquor store he heard someone counting his steps behind him 35, 36, 37….. When he turned to look, it was his son. Unknowingly, his son had followed him straight to the store and was counting his footstep. The young man realized the impact his lifestyle may have on his son in the future.

As parents this is important, how we show up in life affects our family whether we like it or not. If you feel you may be influencing your child wrongly, now may be time to cut back on your alcohol intake.

4 trending news currently making the rounds

Hey guys, here is a collection of trending topics happening somewhere in the world creating some buzz.

Disappearance of former Saudi Arabia royal insider turned Journalist for the Washington Post, Jamal Khashoggi

I am by so means into politics (well a little) but this current situation really caught my attention. News making the rounds is that Jamal Khashoggi who was a former Saudi insider turned critic of the Kingdom went to the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Istanbul to obtain a visa to marry his Turkish fiancée and has not been seen since then.

Missing Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi with his fiance Hatice Cengiz — Photo of **Jamal Khashoggi** with fiancée Hatice Cengiz

Its been alleged that he was tortured and subsequently murdered in the embassy, and that his Apple watch recorded everything and uploaded to his phone and iCloud. If this is true, what really shocks me is the impunity with which this was done and why it was done. Freedom of speech should not cost a life.

Watch out for more possible repercussions on Saudi Arabia as some sponsors have pulled out from organized events. Investigation is currently underway by the Turkish and Saudi Arabian government to determine what exactly happened to the Jamal Khashoggi.

Wedding of Princess Eugenie to her beau Jack Brooksbank

Princess Eugenie who dated Jack Brooksbank for 8 years said I do to her beau in Windsor Castle in England with guest such as Pixel Geldof, Robbie Williams and other invited members of the public (1200 to be exact) in attendance.

181013182102-02-princess-eugenie-jack-brooksbank-official-wedding-photos-restricted-exlarge-169 — Photo by Alex Bramall/Royal Communications via Getty Images)

Their kiss has been called the best royal kiss, even better than Meghan Markle (whatever that means, lol). Eugenie wore a dress designed by Zac Posen. Check out the lovely couple looking so in happy and in love. Happy married life to them.

Eight climbers die after snowstorm hits their camp in Nepal

Its been reported by South Asian police that eight climbers have died in Nepal’s Mount Gurpa when a snowstorm hit their camp. The group comprised of four guides (Nepali) and five Koreans (Climbers).

The group was embarking on a climb of the Himalayan mountain. Local villagers were able to recover 6 bodies, new details to unfold as authorities know more.

11 bodies of decomposed babies discovered in a ceiling in a funeral home

This is hard to comprehend. Authorities in Detroit Michigan say that they discovered the remains of eleven infants in a ceiling of a closed funeral home. The funeral was being turned into a community centre when the remains were discovered.

The funeral home was shut down by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in April 2018 due to multiple violations observed. This story unfolds.

Love this? Check back on more bite size articles just like

5 ways to add more Zen to your life

Hey guys, thanks for reading. I am not into long post and most times like to skim books to get to the juice of the story. I mean who doesn’t have a ton of stuff to do these days

Recently, I had my emotions all over place. Not from any trauma happening to me, it’s just that sometimes life conspires to make you realize you need to have it worse than everyone.

That is why I made this content, I know there must be a lot of others feeling the same way I do. Want more Zen in your life? After doing some research, here are five ways I have found works for others and myself. You can get out of a funk mood with any of these tips below, you don’t necessarily have to do all.

Meditation

Hold on, hold on. Don’t roll your eyes, I know everyone says this a ton but the reason they do is because it works. Meditation helps calm your mind and make your day go a lot easier. The trick to getting long term benefit is to make it a habit. This is where I always fall off the band wagon (and get on again! lol). If you are stumped on where to start, try this app insightful

Inner Dialog

Watching your inner dialog is something most people don’t tell you about. I am getting better at mine. That constant voice that plays over and over in your mind especially if its negative can totally make your day seem harder. That’s why mediation is key, it can still those voices and help you see things positively. Also, reading self-help books, enjoying nature and meeting up with friends can go a long way in making you feel better overall.

Know What Gets You in the Zone

What gets me in a good mood is when I am at home with a cup of hot chocolate, watching a good movie. Sometimes sleeping does the trick (aha!). What I am saying is this, do more of what make you happy, you only live once. Enjoy it!

Alone Time

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

We live in a world full of chatter, everything clamours for our attention. Sometimes, I don’t turn on my tv for a day after work. I read a book instead or just do nothing. Try it guys. The quietness calms the mind and helps you think clearly. You may even get inspired ideas when you do this because the mind is free to think without so much distraction. If you have kids and can’t do this easily, try doing this some minutes before going to bed.

Spirituality

Notice I didn’t say religion, there is a lot to be said about spirituality in this modern age. Have you seen the tons of books out there? Some research even suggest that spiritual people live a calmer and content life on average than those not spiritually inclined. whatever you believe in, by golly enjoy the journey and get to know yourself more. Get anchored to something and find fulfillment.

What works for you? Let’s hear your thoughts.