We have combined the ultimate list of travel quotes to inspire you to get out and explore the world in 2021. Whether you feel stuck in a rut, demotivated or you’re simply bored and have a thirst for change and adventure then look no further!
It’s amazing how reading inspirational quotes can change your whole mood and push you to get started on your travel goals. They help you to feel inspired and encourage you to take action.
So take a scroll through our epic list of travel quotes that will surely encourage your thirst for wanderlust.
#1 ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.’ Saint Augustine
#2 “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.’ Paulo Coelho
#3 ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ Mark Twain
#4 ‘Don’t count the days. Make the days count.’ Muhammed Ali
#5 ‘I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.’ Susan Sontag
#6 ‘It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.’ Ernest Hemingway
#7 ‘Because in the end, you won’t remember the time spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.’ Jack Kerouac
#8 ‘What you have to decide… is how you want your life to be. If your ending was ending tomorrow, would this be how you’d want to have spent it? Listen, the truth is, nothing is guaranteed. So don’t be afraid, be alive.’ Sarah Desson
#9 ‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience, can never go back to its old dimensions.’ Oliver Wendell Holmes
#10 ‘Wherever you go, go with all your heart.’ Confucius
Travel has always been one of our favourite ways to not only explore the world but as a way to detox from our busy lifestyles. While travel is considered a privilege it doesn’t mean you have to be rich to enjoy the benefits a holiday destination can afford you.
We have been fortunate to explore various parts of the world while working full-time. But this wasn’t without forward planning to dip into our travel savings which helped to fund our trips.
Saving doesn’t always come naturally for many of us and it can be struggle to get the cash together for a big trip if you’re not used to being careful with your money. While we don’t suggest you have to be overly frugal we have listed our best tips and tricks to get closer to your travel savings goal!
So get out your pen and pad and jot down our savings hacks which will get you closer to your holiday destination and on the next flight out.
Set up a separate bank account
First thing first! Set yourself up a savings account that is separate from all of your other accounts. It is easy to set up an account online with pretty much any and every bank provider. This way your travel fund is totally separate from your regular money and you’ll be less inclined to dip into your travel pot. Many banks will give you rewards for opening a new account, which can include a monthly bonus or you could receive a gadget for showing loyalty. In addition, we would recommend an account which limits the number of withdrawals you can make throughout the year so you’re not tempted to touch your savings.
Set up automatic transfers
To build up your travel savings faster it would be a good idea to set up a standard order into your new account. Put a set amount from your monthly pay cheque into your new savings account. The easiest way to do this is to have cash automatically transferred from your ‘regular’ checking account each payday. For example, you could set up a £50 standard order (depending on your budget) to set aside for your travel goals. It is also a good idea to boost your savings fund with any extra cash you have leftover – whether daily, weekly or monthly – rather than buy that latte put that extra £5 into your travel account.
Get a money jar
Why not go old school and put your loose change into a money jar. We love doing this. It’s always a surprise to see how much you have accumulated over a few months. We both used to put £5 aside and saved over £150 between us in just a couple of months. Setting up a savings jar is an easy way to put money aside.
Use budgeting apps
A great way to keep your expenses low and see how much extra money you have available to boost your savings is to download a budget app. They allow you to keep track of your spending habits which can you give a clue of where to cut back on your spending. Apps like Mint are perfect to use for this. Mint allows you to keep track of and categorise your expenses, as well as set maximum spending limits for yourself.
Remember that gym membership you started in January but have yet to step inside – cancel it. Or that magazine subscription you probably don’t need, cancel that too.
Now, take a closer a look at areas that you can negotiate a better deal and pay a lower rate. For instance, do you pay a monthly fee for your bank account? Think about switching to another provider and earning a cash bonus of up to £100. Or you can check what upgrades your current provider offers and decide whether you actually need it. For example, if they offer mobile and travel insurance this can be a great asset for when you’re ready to travel. If you’re paying too much shop around and compare prices on comparison websites.
What about your Netflix account? Check out how much you’re paying each month and if you’re paying for premium consider going back to the basic plan which costs about £5.99 per month.
Don’t Give Up
While it may seem like a challenge it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Travel is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer and we should all get a chance to get a discover the world. Whether you’re craving new experiences or challenges by following these easy steps you’ll be on your next flight in no time!
If you are looking for something a bit different to do in London, we would definitely recommend a wine tasting experience. We had an entertaining and tipsy Saturday afternoon spent wine tasting at London’s Wine Cottage. The day was held at The Oval cricket ground which has been the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club since it was opened in 1845.
We kicked our day off with tequila.. yes tequila! If you really want to let your hair down definitely go for it. You have the option to choose if you would like to have a session tequila tasting before the actual wine tasting and we chose to do just that lol.
Now, for the wines. We enjoyed luxury Wine, Champagne & Port, paired with Cheese and Truffles. Each wine complimented the cheeses so well and not forgetting the port and truffles. We drank Port from a chocolate cup which went down very well. The wines and port were finely selected by our wine connoisseurs. The wines are exclusively selected and imported directly from some of the best châteaux and award winning vineyards from around the world.
Our wine tasting experience was not only fun and entertaining. The day was also educational and informative. You will not only be leaving the venue tipsy, but with your new found wine knowledge you will become a wine connoisseur in your own right.
While much of the globe is currently on hold with travel restrictions being imposed following the coronavirus pandemic there has been no better time for us to make some personal finance changes so we can get back to globetrotting!
Are you planning a dream getaway, package holiday, a solo trip or a budget trip and are stuck on ways to save for your epic journey?
In this guide, you’ll find our simple and most effective tips to save for money and embark on your latest travel adventure.
By making small changes today, before you know it you’ll be on your next flight out on a dream holiday.
Before we get started there are a few things you must consider before you begin saving money for travel.
How much are you looking to save and what is your travel budget?
Do you have any outstanding debts?
Are you currently sticking to a budget?
Do you have any ways to make some extra money?
Paying off debt
Paying off any loans or credit cards are one of the first steps you can take to make your travel goals. By freeing yourself of debts gives you more control over your money. While it can be a long journey to be completely debt-free, once you reach that goal it will give you peace of mind.
One option for borrowers is to transfer your credit card debt to a 0% balance transfer credit card where you will not be charged any interest. For example, if you owe £2,000 on your card you’ll only have to pay off the balance only. It’s important to note that some providers charge a fee on balance transfers.
If you have debt on more than one credit card it is worth paying off the most expensive card first. If, for example, you owe £1,000 on a card charging 15% interest and another £1,000 on one charging 30% concentrate on the card charging 30% and pay as much as you can. But make sure you continue to pay the minimum amounts on both credit cards because any missed payments can negatively impact your credit score.
We would also recommend that you set up a direct debit payment for all your credit cards so that you never miss a payment.
Before you begin stashing away cash for your dream destination, it is important to set yourself a savings goal. Think about your budget and how much you will need for the trip and how much money you need to save.
Have a look at your finances by creating a spreadsheet where you can clearly see how much you earn each month and the amount you spend. Or you can download a free monthly budget app onto your phone which can track your spending habits. There are also various online calculators that can help you plan a budget.
Are there any areas where you can cut back spending or subscriptions you can cancel like your current gym membership?
Once you have decided how much you need to save set up a limited access savings account and automate payments into your holiday fund each month. This way you can commit to saving for your dream trip and by using a limited savings account you’ll be less tempted to dip into your travel fund.
Let’s imagine that your budget for your trip is £1,000 and you want to save up for your dream getaway in the next four, six or 12 months. Over the next four months you’ll need to save £250, over six months roughly around £167 and in 12 months £83.
By setting realistic money saving goals you will get closer to reaching your target.
Sell your stuff
It’s amazing the amount of things we accumulate over the years that we no longer use but hold on to for whatever reason. Unless it holds sentimental value to you just get rid of it!
There are numerous websites online where you can sell unwanted clothes, furniture or sports equipment online – pretty much anything! With sites like Ebay to Amazon and Depop there are easy ways to sell your old items and make some extra cash along the way.
If you have creative talents you could even turn your handcrafted unique pieces into cash by selling on Etsy. It’s a great way to turn your hobby into something profitable and have some extra funds to add to your travel account.
Start a side hustle
Being in lockdown has given many of us a lot of time on our hands to start being a bit more creative. Maybe you wanted to start a blog or write a book but there are many different opportunities to earn extra money if you have a full-time job.
Find a side hustle that could be working from home or a second job as an Uber or Amazon driver or you could set up an online business. It doesn’t have to be something that makes you loads of money. Just something to help boost your income.
Do some research and find something which matches your talents or skill set. By doing this it will be easier for you to reach your goals and make some extra money.
Watch your savings grow
It is not an easy task but with determination and discipline you can reach your travel savings goal in no time. Check your account every couple of months to see how you’re doing.
Set yourself small targets and treat yourself as you hit each milestone.
When you reach your goal for this year’s holiday, set a new higher target for next year – maybe you could increase the number of destinations that you visit and more holidays.
Do you have any other tips to help others save for travel. Let us know in the comments!
We celebrated Shelley’s birthday in style at London’s Hakkasan restaurant in Mayfair. We were seated in a dimly lit room, with a soft glow coming from a candle situated on the table.
We have been fans of this restaurant since we first visited Hakkasan in Las Vegas (review coming soon!) so we couldn’t turn down going in our hometown of London.
If you’re a fan of fine dining and have an appetite for Dim Sum then look no further.
So we began our dining experience with a Dim Sum dish, creating a banquet of different tastes and flavours in our mouth. We devoured a classic steamed dumpling variety which consisted of swordfish, king crab and caviar. This was accompanied by soy sauce, chilli sauce and rice vinegar. Of course, our meal wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail or three. We couldn’t get enough of The Hakka!
For our second course, we enjoyed two meat dishes that certainly had our taste buds wanting more. Firstly, was prawns dipped in nut sauce with jasmine rice and aubergines. Second, was the mouth tingling stir-fry black pepper rib-eye with Merlot. Delicious!
We are such fans of Dim Sum that we couldn’t resist another round of the exquisite delicacy. It’s just so good!
They brought us Hakkasan’s signature desert for our final dish which blew our minds literally…
A rice crispy ice cream ball with warm chocolate sauce slathered all over. A deliciously gooey treat that makes you crave for more.
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are more than 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
People with autism may experience differences in social interaction and communication. With restricted interests and may have problems with learning. Their skills might develop unevenly, which often have a lifelong impact. Being autistic is not an illness. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It’s a condition that you’re born with or first appears when you’re very young. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a cure. But some people need support to help them with certain things.
Jack Ivens said “I was first diagnosed when I was two years old in 1989. My mum was concerned that I was showing signs of regression (I had started talking early but then unexpectedly stopped and became fixated with just playing with my toy cars and not interacting with anyone. So, my mum took me to a doctor and after being tested, I was diagnosed.” Jack added “Part of the problem feels like there is a stigma attached still to autism and diagnosis and I feel people are still afraid of going to get themselves assessed for a neurodiverse condition and are suffering in silence because of it, greater, positive visibility with autism is key to demystify the condition and provide a more positive outlook.”
Diagnoses is believed to be on the rise and it is estimated that approximately four times as many boys are being diagnosed than girls. It is thought that for every three children with a diagnosis of autism there are another two children who have the condition but have not been given a formal diagnosis.
Doctor Sarah Lister Brook, Clinical Director at the National Autistic Society said “Every autistic child and adult is different, with their own strengths and varying challenges. It’s a good idea for parents to ensure they understand their child’s individual profile of autism, and that the young person or the adult themselves understands their own profile of autism too. Getting a diagnosis can help parents to access developmental guidance and family support, as well as the right education and the right therapeutic support for their child, if needed. Similarly, for adults a diagnosis can help bring clarity to why certain things have been challenging in their lives and enable them to seek the support and the adjustments they might need to have a more fulfilling life.”
Autism is such a wide-ranging condition meaning everybody with the condition is different. Some autistic people need little or no support and others may need that extra help from a parent or carer every day.
Jack explains “Take heart that there is a sea change, there is more understanding and knowledge about autism and other neurodiverse conditions than there has ever been before. Social media especially is a wonderful outlet for incredible information and autistic voices and there’s a real sense of community on certain platforms that I didn’t have growing up. Moreover, Covid-19 and the positive actions towards social justice over the past twelve years has brought to the forefront across many minorities (be it racial, homophobic, transphobic, ableist and so and so forth) the need to raise ones voice is vital in an effort to be heard. Never be settled with no, keep banging the drum and find a platform that works for you.”
As we are in March, Endometriosis Awareness Month, we thought we should highlight the chronic disease and use this opportunity for all to understand more about the condition. Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, affecting 1 in 10 women in the UK (1.5 million).
Endometriosis, also known as the ‘invisible illness’ is a long-term condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
An estimated 176 million women worldwide suffer a life of pain of the disease and according to Endometriosis UK one in every 10 women live with the long-term health condition. That’s over 1.5 million women, which can also be felt for life. It can affect women of any age, regardless of their race or ethnicity and can have an impact on the quality of life and in some cases take women years to be diagnosed. Endometriosis can not only worsen if it goes untreated, but the condition can also have a huge impact on someone’s career, relationships, and mental health.
Abbie Stapleton said “When I was 14 I experienced my first episode of really excruciating pain, but this was before my period started which then came a year later. Every month I would have a period and be bed bound, unable to walk, fainting and nothing being able to ease my pain. I was sent back and forth to different health care professionals month after month and just being told that nothing was wrong.”
(Photo credit: cheerfullylive)
“My tests would come back clear and I was always dismissed as being the unlucky one with bad periods.” Abbie explains “It wasn’t until my pain became chronic in December 2018 that endometriosis started being investigated and when I did see a gynaecologist I was told I was way too young to ever have severe endometriosis. I then pushed for an MRI which actually came back with having deep severe endometriosis. My pain got worse where I was then put on the surgery list and I went onto have endometriosis excision surgery, after a year of being on the waiting list. I waited ten years to be diagnosed with endometriosis from the onset of my pain, symptoms and just going backwards and forwards to different health care professionals.”
Women living with endometriosis experience severe pain and bleeding. It may also lead to infertility. The most common symptom is pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain), very painful and heavy periods as well as pain during or after sex. The condition may also trigger spotting or bleeding between periods, pain when going to the toilet, bloating, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. GP Dr Hilary Jones said “These symptoms are often put down to just period pains. Women often go for many years without the diagnosis being made. If your periods are very heavy or very painful then it’s always worth thinking about endometriosis as a possible cause. I would encourage women, that if they think it is endometriosis to go and seek help earlier rather than later”.
It is said that more than half of women have to visit a GP more than ten times before being referred to a specialist. Dr Hilary explains that “Most women’s period pain is predictable, manageable and easily treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen. When that doesn’t control the pains that you are getting, when the pain is more widespread goes down the thighs and into your back throughout the pelvis and lower abdomen, when it affects your normal activities and you have to take time off work, then it’s something that needs to be treated. No woman should be putting up with those symptoms and I say if it’s a possibility just go and get it checked out”.
Treatments include painkillers, hormone medicines, contraceptives, and surgery such as laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and hysterectomy. Some women find these treatments ineffective and abandon medical treatment or seek alternative therapies. Nutritionist Lorna Driver-Davies said “There are lots of things you can do to change your diet and lifestyle, to recovery from treatment (surgical) and to get you in a healthier position looking at supporting hormones and the immune system which are the two key areas when managing the condition.” Lorna explains “Endometriosis can really affect the gut – with many women experiencing digestive issues, especially if endometriosis has been found on the intestines. This can lead to issues with nutrient absorption and imbalances of bacteria in the gut can also worsen the condition – so I advise taking a look at gut health if you have endo. Women with endo can have a history of heavy periods. So, every time you bleed you are losing nutrients. That’s why you see low iron and magnesium in women who’ve got endo, and these nutrients play a role in supporting your body and you feeling good.”
(Photo provided by Lorna Driver-Davies)
“It’s a multidisciplinary condition, everyone in health has a role to play including chiropractors and physiotherapists because it creates distortions in the body, for example organs can get twisted round and stuck together. The medical approach works incredibly well if you combine it with looking at diet and lifestyle.” She went on to say “You get a lot of mental health issues with Endometriosis, depression, low mood, anxiety partly that comes from not being listened to, women are still told that it is in their head that they have these painful problems. But also, that the same nutrients that would normally support the brain and mood, are prioritised by the body to manage pain and inflammation”
It is said that endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work and health care costs. Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist Gilly Macdonald said “It’s not something that’s talked about and some symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions. More research is needed. We need to increase awareness of endometriosis amongst health care providers and the wider community. We need to increase education and skills to recognise the condition, improving early diagnosis, treatments and access to specialist services.” Gilly explains “A cure for endometriosis has not yet been identified because the exact cause of endometriosis is still uncertain. It remains a poorly understood condition.”
There’s no better way than feeling healthy and full of energy. At the start of the year we decided to have a month of pure detoxification which involved cutting out fizzy drinks, red meats, alcohol and snacks, including sweet treats and crisps. It wasn’t the easiest thing to take on in January, but we are happy to say that we stuck to it and feeling great!
If you are thinking of getting healthier this year, or need more of an insight into doing so, take a look at a few tips below.
Drinking more water: Water does so much more than quench your thirst. It regulates your body temperature, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and detoxifies your body by removing waste products. Water transports waste products, removing them through urination, breathing, or sweating. So staying properly hydrated is important for detoxification. It is said that the daily water intake for most adults is about 2 to 2.5 litres which is around 8 glasses. You may need more or less depending on your diet or your activity level. To make water that little bit more tastier, we add a slice of lemon and mint!
(Photo credit: Mariah-Hewines)
Focus on sleep: Getting quality sleep each night supports your body’s health. Sleeping allows your brain to recharge itself. Not getting enough sleep can lead to stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It is said that we should regularly sleep 7 to 9 hours per night to help gain and maintain good health. If you have difficulties staying or falling asleep at night, try to relax before bed by taking a hot bath, reading a book or stick to a sleep schedule and limit using your phone before bed.
(Photo credit: Toa-Heftiba)
Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods: Even thought this can be so difficult at times, but you can keep your body’s detoxification system healthy by consuming less junk food. You can limit junk food by just leaving it on the shop shelf. Not having it in your kitchen takes away the temptation altogether, and replacing junk food with healthier choices like fruits and vegetables is also a healthy way to reduce consumption.
(Photo credit: Vinicius-Amnx-Amano)
Gut health: Gut health is so important for keeping your detoxification system healthy. Prebiotics is a type of fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Eating foods rich in prebiotics can keep your immune and detoxification systems healthy. Good food sources of prebiotics include tomatoes, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, and oats.
If you want to improve your health It is said that weight training is a way to achieve this. It involves using one or more muscle groups. Weight training is also known as strength training, resistance training, and muscular training. The definition of strength training is any physical movement in which you use your body weight such as, lifting weights, dumbbells, resistance bands or circuit training. This builds muscle mass, strength and endurance.
Makes you stronger: Strength training helps you become stronger. It helps improve performance in sports that require speed, power, and strength. Gaining strength allows you to perform everyday tasks much easier, such as carrying heavy shopping bags or running / walking up a flight of stairs.
Makes your bones stronger: Weight-bearing exercises put temporary stress on your bones, sending a message to bone-building cells to take action and rebuild bones stronger. Having strong bones reduces your risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and falls, especially as you age. The great news is, you can reap the bone-strengthening benefits of strength training at any age.
Improves your mood: It is said that regular weight training may boost your mood and improve your mental health such as reduce anxiety. The great thing about exercise is that it releases endorphins, which can put you in a great and positive mood.
(Photo credit: Delaney-Van)
Can help you appear leaner: When building more muscle and losing fat, you will appear leaner. Losing body fat and building stronger and larger muscles will achieve more muscle definition, creating a stronger and leaner appearance.
(Photo credit: Alexandra Tran)
Boosts your self-esteem: Strength training can add a boost to your self-confidence. It helps you overcome challenges, work towards a goal, and appreciate your body’s strength. It can increase your self-efficacy, the belief that you’re able to succeed at or perform a task which can improve your confidence.
Noblemen are a London-based hip-hop band that formed in 2009. The band consists of seven members: Chuks (emcee), Carl (keyboardist), Manish (guitar), Kieron (keyboardist), Taona (bass), Nicky (drums) and Nathan (emcee/drums). The young men are not just band members but are also long-term friends, who hail from North London. Their music is about what they are experiencing in their lives, whether that being the good or the hardships, as well as what’s happening in the world today. Find out more from founder and keyboardist Carl below!
You are part of the band Noblemen – explain the band’s music?
“Our music is a reflection of how we feel in that precise moment, we don’t do one type of thing, we do whatever feels natural and that way we are always being true to ourselves.”
Noblemen write and produce their own music. As a band of seven members, how do your ideas come together?
“As there’s seven of us we’re never short of an idea. I think there is two ways in which we tackle music. There’s one way where you will go home and have a melody in your head and then you will present it to the band. It’s trial by fire. If people in the band like it, they will add their bits to it and it grows, if they don’t like it we will just scrap it and I’ll kind of push for it even more until they do like it!”
There are seven members – Explain how you came together?
“When I decided to make the band there was no specific number in my head, every time we met up and someone new came along and it made sense musically, they stayed. As a result you are not relying on backing tracks, you are just literally in the moment. I was never super conscious of making it small, but bigger makes for fuller music and richer ideas. If stars aligned and I could have my ideal line up, what would I like to see on stage… that would be loads of instruments behind Chuks rapping.”
Were you friends beforehand?
“Yes. That’s what I think has kept us going this amount of time. It’s a blessing but it’s also a curse because when you are friends you are very open with each other and certain decisions take longer. But we were all friends beforehand, myself and Nathan are brothers, Taona, Manish and I went to the same school, Kieron has been a friend of ours for years, Taona and I met Chuks at church and Kieron met Nicky in the live music scene. I don’t think we would have lasted this long if we didn’t have that solid friendship.”
You play the keyboard. When did you discover your love for the instrument?
“My love for music has been with me since a toddler. I used to take pots and pans out of the cupboard and pretend they were drums. My love for the piano began when I was seven, my dad asked me what instrument I would like to learn and from there, I studied classical piano to the age of 14, so that was always my basis.”
Your debut album ‘Chordstricken’ will be released later this year, how was the process?
“Chordstricken is something we have been working on for the past five years. It is our first take of doing an album that we wanted, as well as having a theme going through it and it’s a bit more driven. It took us a little longer, but we got there in the end. It’s our take on what society looks like today from our point of view.”
How would you describe the album?
“Just trying to look at the social status of how people live in Britain. It’s got a very heavy London feel, because that’s where we are from and it’s just our take on how society sees young ethnic men. The trials and tribulations and the stuff we deal with on a daily basis.”
If you could duet with any artist in the world who would it be and why?
“Every band member would have said someone different, but for me it will be Kate Bush because her voice and her ideas were so freeing and out there and I would like to see what she would do on a song with us.”
What’s next for Noblemen?
“We will definitely get another album out there.”
Where do you see Noblemen five years from now?
“Doing more shows, sticking together and keeping that love for creating more music and a sound where people can tell it’s Noblemen.”
There are many things we need to tackle daily. Emails, meetings, errands, making meals. The list is endless. Clearing your mind is a great way to reinvigorate yourself and complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Anxiety usually rises when we’re weighed down with worries, thoughts and upcoming projects. And to be completely honest life itself can be full of many challenges. Making time for yourself and your mind should be the number one go too. If your mind is not a 100% how can you be your best self.
It’s ok to say no: There are always things happening constantly in our day to day lives. Catching up with friends, family and work commitments. As the days go by it is easy to get caught up, and when you eventually stop you realise half of the year has gone by already. In life we have to prioritise and make decisions and you can’t always say yes. It’s ok to put your needs first and it’s ok to say no, especially if you are feeling rundown and overwhelmed. Saying no will reduce your stress, leave your mind clearer and leave you with valuable time for yourself. You can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Take a break: Stepping away from phones, computer screens and what you’re currently working on will help you find space for whatever types of rest you need throughout the day. Plus, it will enhance your attention when you return to it. Take a deep breath when you can, do a short guided meditation, go out into the fresh air for a walk or run, read a chapter from your book, listen to music or take a nap. These are great ways to get things off your mind and improve memory.
(Photo credit: Jessica-Lewis)
Make a to-do list: Writing down what you need to accomplish in a day and even in life will help you stay organised and on track. Doing this lets you empty your thoughts on paper, freeing up space in your mind. By writing things down, that thought will no longer pop into your head every few days or hours.
(Photo credit: priscilla-du-preez)
Vocalise how you feel: We all need a little extra help from time to time. Even If you need to speak to someone other than friends and family, seek medical advice from a doctor or a therapist. Be honest about what you’re experiencing — to yourself, and others, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed say so. Acknowledging and vocalising how you’re feeling will keep your mind at ease.
If you love art and fancy experiencing art a little different then Frameless is the place for you. Situated a short walk from Marble Arch, Frameless is London’s first permanent digital immersive arts experience. And you won’t be just looking at paintings, you’ll be inside them with its incredible displays of animated masterpieces. Each one with its own theme, showing the work in exciting ways.
All the artworks have been brought to life using state-of-the-art digital techniques designed to complement the specific art techniques and artworks on display. It’s like you have entered another world whilst interacting with both the artworks and the music.
Frameless features masterpieces from some of the world’s greatest artists. Including the likes of Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dali, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
Saunas and steam rooms are not for everyone, but this is one thing we look forward to most after a workout. It is a great way to relax and recharge. Steam rooms and saunas are similar, both are heated rooms and used for relaxation and to help relieve symptoms of certain medical conditions. There are differences between the two, steam rooms offer moist heat, while a sauna provides dry heat from a wood or electric stove. We researched more into the benefits, and here are some of the reasons you need to steam and sauna your way to better health.
Post-workout relaxation: Muscles need to be relaxed and stretched after they are exercised in order to promote healthy recovery. This process is expedited by muscle relaxation, which occurs in response to a hot environment. Saunas and steam rooms also relieves joint and muscular tension. The heat soothes, warms and relaxes your muscles. Which is why this is so important to do after sport. It is said that it helps with joint pain as well as arthritis, migraines, and headaches.
(Photo credit: HUUM)
Removes toxins and clears the skin: We found out that sitting in a sauna and steam for just 20 minutes can get rid of an entire day’s sweat and all of the toxins! Steam clears the skin of impurities. It improves circulation in the whole body, which gives you a healthy glow and will make your skin look and feel amazing.
Reduces stress: The heat causes the body to release endorphins that reduce the feeling of stress in the body. After you will feel rested and rejuvenated.
(Photo credit: Lukas Kubica)
Helps with weight loss and a healthy blood flow: The heat of steam and saunas get you sweating which can help even shed a few extra pounds of water weight. Capillaries dilate when exposed to the heat of a sauna or steam room, so blood flows freely and easily through the whole body, transporting oxygen everywhere you need it and leaving you feeling refreshed.
Opens the sinuses: Wet heat opens and thins mucous membranes in your body, sinuses, throat and lungs. Loosening mucous can be felt after entering a sauna as your breathing feels clearer. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic congestion or sinus infections.
Pilates is a form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. It helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being. Similar to Yoga, Pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility. This form of exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany, who believed that physical and mental health were closely connected.
Although there are similarities between yoga and Pilates as they both focus on the mind-body connection, yoga tends to focus more on spiritual well being. It is a more relaxing form of exercise whereas Pilates is more physical and focuses on toning and strengthening.
Photo credit: Ginny Rose Stewart
Practicing Pilates on a regular basis provides plenty of well-rounded benefits. The great thing is that Pilates can be enjoyed by anyone and at any age. If you’re a beginner you can start with the more easier exercises and then once you’ve mastered those, you can work on the advanced moves. Always check with your health professional if you haven’t exercised for a while, are older or pregnant, or have health problems.
Good posture – Pilates will teach you to gain and maintain good posture. The exercises require that your body is always in alignment. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from lower back pain.
Clears the mind and improves your mood – Pilates focuses on providing balance between your mind and body, it gives you an overall sense of well-being. Pilates can improve your mood as physical activity causes endorphins to be released and causes a positive feeling in the body. Some scientists believe that being active can enhance wellbeing as it brings about a sense of better self-confidence and self-control.
Muscle Tone – The exercises involve the use of muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. After the initial soreness, you’ll find that your muscles will be much more toned.
Flat abdominal muscles – As Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles, you’ll find that one of the benefits of Pilates is that it will result in a flat stomach.
Flexibility – As we age we tend to lose the flexibility we had when we were younger. Pilates is said to restore your flexibility. After a while you’ll be amazed at how much more flexible your body has become.
Improves your balance – Through the mind-body connection, you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs. Pilates not only improves your physical balance through correct posture but will also restore your mind-body balance.
Reduces stress – When doing the exercises, you’ll be in the moment and won’t be able to think about all those responsibilities that weigh you down on a day to day basis. You’ll be more focused on your breathing and on the moves that you are making with your body. This is one of the best ways to relieve stress.
If you are a food lover then you have to experience the delicacies Brat has to offer. Based in London’s Shoreditch, the vibe of the restaurant was so relaxed and there’s always something extra special when the chefs cook the meals in an open kitchen. It shows professionalism and excellence as well as allowing diners to admire the chefs expertise.
We started with a variety of different small plates, each and every one was excellent, and couldn’t tell you our favourite dish as they were all so tasty.
The small plate portions were just right and consisted of Maldon Oyster with Cucumber & Seaweed, Grilled Bread, Grilled Padron Peppers, Spider Crab Toast, Scarlet Prawns, Green Salad followed by the Beef Rib and Smoked Potatoes. We were so stuffed and actually asked for a doggy bag! The food was too good to just throw away and would have regretted that in the morning. We shared dessert which was the Caramel Cream and was delicious.
Instead of us typing away, we’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.
Shelley&Michelle 