Making The Best Of A Bad Situation.

Credit: My Mind Porm

We’ve all been there. Having a bad time at work? Missing someone that you won’t see for a while? Going through a difficult breakup? When you’re feeling low and the weeks ahead look bleak,  it can feel like there’s nothing to be happy about. We get ready to trudge through the up and coming days, determined to rush and get it all over and done with, but with a change of perspective it’s possible to power through and, dare I say it, even enjoy the rough patch approaching. So, without further ado, here are five tips to help you do what needs to be done:

Focus – the most important thing to remember is that all things must pass. Life might seem bad at the moment, but in a few weeks, even months, whatever it is will be over. Time cannot stand still and so inevitably, things will get better.

Angles – think about what it is that’s getting you down. Is it possible to alter your perspective? Look at the next month of your life as a challenge. If you can get through this, you can do anything! Assert your strength by summoning your own positivity.

Excitement – Nothing fun approaching? Create your own fun! Make plans with friends and organise a party or night out. Filling up your social calendar is an excellent way to, not only pass the time, but also to enjoy it. On the other hand, you don’t need to be a social butterfly to find something to look forward to. Read one of the books you’ve been meaning to get into for months, or crack on with that Netflix series everyone is talking about. Even the promise of feasting on a favourite meal can be the small glimmer of light that we need to get through those more difficult days.

Enjoy –  When we’re stuck in life it’s important to savour rare moments of happiness. The activities are intended as a distraction, but they are also moments that are passing you by. Don’t spend your time dwelling on the bad things. It’s not enough to simply make plans, you have to actually enjoy them. Whatever you’re doing, do it properly. If you’re out with friends, don’t sit in the background, engage in conversation – after all, time flies when you’re having fun.

Action – sometimes it isn’t just a rough patch, it’s a rough year, or even longer. If times have been testing it’s best to assess the situation and deal with it. Ongoing stress and misery can lead to poor health and a host of other emotional problems and that usually means it’s time to make a change. You need to do whatever it takes to make the sun come out again and that means putting yourself first.

Accepting that the future isn’t bright can feel like admitting defeat, but it’s actually a great time to test yourself. By taking a difficult week/month and turning it into a more enjoyable one we allow ourselves to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and better yet, realise that maybe we’re not in such a rush to reach that glow after all.

Words by Erin Voysey

To Love Beauty Is To See Light.

How Being Mindful Can Change Your Everyday.

Credit: WELL Talks/Youtube.

Isn’t Yoga Just Stretching?

Credit: Play Mile High

Many people attending yoga classes today do so for the physical benefits. Often the additional effects of calming the mind and tuning the inner processes of the body are an added bonus. This differs greatly from how yoga students in Eastern cultures practice yoga; as a way of life not just an hourly class for three times a week. The popularity and growth of yoga in the UK has moved along at a rapid pace with new studios and styles of classes appearing. There’s something for everyone’s tastes and personal preferences from sweating it all out in a hot power class to soothing and unwinding in a gentle restorative class.

Stretching or calisthenics may look similar to yoga on the surface but delving deeper below the initial impressions and appearances there is a great difference. Calisthenics are an aerobic workout of stretches and movements, such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only one’s body weight for resistance, designed to challenge the cardiovascular system and burn energy to build strength and flexibility. Routines are often used as a warm up before any sporting activity. The movements are performed in a rhythmical way, often to music, with a smooth transition between each move. They are designed to get the body warmed up and the heart rate increased ready for intense, high energy sport or exercise.

Whilst yoga increases muscular strength and flexibility the practice doesn’t stop with the physical effects. Yoga (meaning to join together or union) aims to integrate the body, mind and spirit using physical postures, the breath and the mind. Yoga goes beyond purely burning calories and toning the body. Yoga is a philosophy, a spiritual path and moral and ethical framework. Yoga is an examination of the self or soul. The philosophy behind yoga explains human existence in terms of energy – physical energy in the body from cellular processes, mental energy that is sensory, emotional and intelligence and spiritual energy or prana that is distributed throughout the body and connects the physical to the mental and mental to the spiritual.

The practice of yoga allows the body to fine tune its performance and for the physiological systems to function correctly. Yoga postures (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama) allow the body to open up in certain ways, sending blood, energy and other fluids are sent to the muscles and organs. Asana and pranayama are the foundations of yoga that link the body to the mind and the soul. They work together to provide a basis for providing the body what it needs perform at its best. Both of these practices are seen as a foundation to prepare the body and mind for meditation and moving closer to connecting with the soul and your true self.

A regular yoga practice has many health benefits for both body and mind such as reduced blood pressure, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduced body fat, improved cognitive function, better mood regulation and emotional stability, increased flexibility and a better ability to manage chronic pain. These benefits pave the way for good health, improved emotional wellbeing and that sense of wanting to delve in to something a little deeper. That spiritual, soulful side of yoga that has a way of working its way in to your practice and daily activities. As one of the most influential yoga teachers, BKS Iyengar once stated ” Yoga is a light that once lit, will never dim.”

Words by Jacqueline Coleman

East Cleveland Woman Celebrates 108th Birthday And Shares Her Life Philosophy.

Credit: Fox 8 News Cleveland/Youtube.

We Are Always Getting Ready To Live But Never Living.

Adorable Little Girl Sings Part Of Your World.

Credit: Claire Ryann/Youtube.

How To Incorporate Yoga Into Your Daily Life.

Credit: Yoga Basics.

Yoga can change your life.  It has been around for thousands of years, but only now have we discovered the benefits of practising yoga on a regular basis. We often use the excuse that we are ‘too busy’ to find the time for yoga in our daily lives but yoga is so much more than just asana (practising yoga positions and postures).

One of the common misconceptions about yoga is that in order to ‘do’ yoga, you have to go to an hour and a half long class at a studio. But that’s far from the truth. There are so many ways you can incorporate yoga into your daily life, whether it be living in the moment, focusing on your breath or stretching on your lunch break at work, make time for yoga and you will soon see the amazing benefits that everyone has been talking about.

Here are a few ways you can make yoga a part of your life every day:

Practice Mindfulness

If there is one main thing yoga teaches you, it is to live in the present moment. Every moment you spend on the mat, you are learning to be more patient, compassionate, dedicated and kind. To take those lessons you learn and incorporate them into your daily life, you need to learn to be mindful. It isn’t as difficult as it sounds, honest. Learn to step back and appreciate the smallest moments of your life, become aware of how your mind works, be concious of all of your actions in different situations and work towards being the best version of yourself.

Breathe

Most of us don’t pay attention to our breathing pattern. Having a shallow breath can cause anxiety and stress and trigger other physical sensations in the body and many of us are unconsciously breathing this way. Find time in the day to try a few full, deep and mindful breaths. Start by breathing in through your nose, making sure you breathe from your diaphragm, not your chest. Count to four, hold for seven and breathe out slowly for eight. Being in tune with your breath is essential for yoga practice. Pranayama is a type of yogic breath awareness and regulation exercise designed to help control one’s vital energy. Notice how calm and centred you feel after just a few mindful breaths.

Go Outside

Spending more time outside will allow you to connect with everything around you. The word ‘yoga’ means union. Nature will teach you everything you need to know about learning to let go and appreciate what is around you. In modern life, it can be difficult to disconnect and truly be. If you feel you have lost the deep connection between you and the earth, step outside, breathe and observe everything around you. You can do some yoga outside if you find the perfect spot, or you can do yoga inside and have the curtains open so the sun can shine in.

Practice Five-Minute Meditation Every Day

The word ‘meditation’ can often fill people with dread, they will say that they ‘can’t meditate.’ It’s hard to still the mind and it takes a lot of practice. Start by spending five minutes each day in silence. You don’t have sit in any unusual pose, you don’t even have to close your eyes. Just focus on your breath and try to silence your mind for five minutes each day, preferably in the morning. Once you feel comfortable doing five minutes each day, slowly increase it and let all of your troubles melt around you.

Stretch It Out

The great thing about stretching is you can do it anywhere! Don’t think that the yoga mat is the only place you can practice. Try stretching on your lunch break at work, do a few twists in your office chair. Start the morning off by doing a quick full body stretch before you get in the shower. By doing a simple back arch, you can stretch tired muscles and eliminate physical and mental fatigue.

 

 

Spring Horoscopes 2016.

Written In The Stars

What does spring have in store for you?

We all hope that we will have a better future, will our financial situation be better? Will we find our true love? Will it be the year that we get our dream job? Zest For Life has predictions for each zodiac sign for the next few months as winter ends and spring begins.

As we move from winter to spring, you will go through a variety of changes in different aspects of your life Aries. In February, everything will develop in the best possible way, especially in terms of business and career. The first twenty days of February will be a great time to experiment with something new and by the end of the month, everything will fall into place. The stars also recommend that you recall what passion is Aries. Don’t suppress your emotions, feel what you want to feel, open up your heart, if you succeed with this in February, you will find out what happiness can feel like. If you don’t, fate will give you another chance to find love later on in the year. You will definitely experience some positive vibes in March, especially with your finances. When we reach April, you will put career aspirations to one side and focus on your relationships. Show love to everyone you care about and possibly search for a new love or friendship to add to your life. Expect a lot of changes good and bad in your life over the next few months, embrace them, remember that Arians love to be first.

You will come across a number of tricky situations in February Taurus, if you deal with these problems alone, the balance in your life will eventually be restored, however, if you drag other people down with you, these situations could do more harm than good. Despite the strong negative vibes coming your way, you will experience some great memories during the month of February with those you are closest to. Whether it’s a significant other or a friend, hold them close and be thankful for them. This year will also be the perfect time to resolve underlying issues in your relationships and move forward. It’s important for you to focus on the present during February, wait until March begins to start making plans for the future. People will see you differently this year, in the first few months of 2016, you will be more confident and you will learn to be happy with yourself, flaws and all. March will be the month of money, your top priority will be to secure your finances, to prepare for the next phase of your life.

The beginning of the year might not be the most dynamic and positive time for you Gemini, but don’t lose hope! Things will get better as spring begins. In February, make sure you find some time to yourself, focus on you, your inner world and your deepest feelings. You know there are unsolved problems in your life at the moment, all you have to do is think things through for a while and you will know what to do when we reach the second week of March. You are searching for intellectual stimulation at the moment, it has been a long time, when this desire is filled you will be the happiest person on the planet. March will be the month that everything changes, career opportunities, money and love will all be positive during this time. Spring will be the season of success for you Gemini, take your time and enjoy the new direction that your life is going in. March is the time to not only stretch your mind but your social life, make plans with your close friends and family members.

The first few months of 2016 will be the perfect time to achieve all of your goals. You need to learn to harmonize your emotions and doubt, believe in your own abilities and you will succeed. February will be an especially exciting time, there will be no time to relax in front of the TV if you want to make things happen. March will be a positive month, changes might happen out of your control, don’t look to see the problem, the universe has a way of telling you what you need and when. Put away your fears and start seeing life from a whole new perspective. You no longer want to be a caterpillar in 2016 Cancer, you have an inner desire to have freedom, you will turn into a beautiful butterfly when the time is right. A career change could be on the horizon, apply for positions that have a great interest to you. As spring approaches, you will have a sudden wanderlust to go to new places and meet new people, February would be the perfect time to plan a trip.

A person from your past will make an appearance in February, possibly March. The problem is Leo, this person is afraid to tell you how he or she really feels, be patient with them. You will have the opportunity to make your decision, depending on the situation. You might choose to try again and see where this new relationship takes you, spring is a chance to try something new. If you decide to pass on the relationship, spend lots of quiet time by yourself and figure out exactly what you want. Your positive energy will increase as you become more passionate about what you are doing. February is a month that you need to focus on your health, start exercising more and choose healthier foods options, you will soon feel better. March will be the month that you need to pay close attention to your finances Leo, you often make decisions quickly with money, think twice and ask yourself if you really need it or you just want it.

Read More

Excerpt from the first issue of Zest For Life Magazine. Click Read More to view the full article…

We Can Never Obtain Peace In The Outer World Until We Make Peace With Ourselves.

Spend Money On Experiences Not Things.

Credit: High On Life/Youtube.

Post Pals: Letters Of Love.

Credit: Post Pals.

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to be more charitable. I know this is something I should always be thinking about, but I have decided this year to make more of a conscious effort to send more positive vibes out into the universe and try to do little things to make people happy and to really make a difference.

A charity that I heard about whilst at University, that I have made numerous cards for over the years and which I think is a really great cause, is Post Pals. Post Pals is a UK charity that helps children aged 3 – 17 who are extremely ill and in need of support, and also helps the siblings of these children who also struggle with their brother or sister being unwell.

Credit: Post Pals.

If you visit the website (www.postpals.co.uk) you can see all the children that the charity help, and there is a page which features those that are especially ill and are currently in hospital and need extra support. As the name suggests, volunteers send post to whichever of the children they wish to. You can write a letter, make a card, write a poem or a story, or send little gifts. The website contains guidelines for writing post if you are unsure of what to say, and there is information on what the children like such as their favourite colour or cartoons so it is easy to make something that will be special and personal to them.

This charity is so nice because it is so easy to help make the day of a child’s life just a little better. If you like arts and crafts (even if you’re not amazing at art, it really doesn’t matter, anything you send will be appreciated!) then this is something that will be perfect to contribute to. For example, I spent a fun afternoon in December watching films and making Christmas cards for those children that were in hospital and going through an especially tough time.

Credit: Post Pals.

It’s so easy to do something special like this, and being creative is such a fun activity that just making a card for a child definitely benefits both of you. The father of one of the girls I made a Christmas card for got in touch in the New Year and informed me that she was out of hospital and doing well, and it made me so happy to hear that she was doing better.

You can also donate to the charity to help fund things like days out for the families, but posting a little something special is more than enough to make a difference and make a child smile!

Words by Ally McLaren

February Editor’s Note.

Dear followers,

Happy Valentine’s Day. The day that lovers celebrate their relationships by buying expensive gifts, flowers and chocolates and spend some quality time together. The original idea of Valentine’s Day is a special one but these days, it feels like an over-commercialised holiday, a money-making scheme, the chance for couples to annoy single people with their ‘lovey dovey’ selfies on social media and boast about the fancy presents they have received.

When me and my partner were younger, we did what society ‘expected’ us to do, we bought each other cards, he bought me a bunch of flowers and some chocolates and we planned something special to do together. Now I see the bigger picture. I realised that I didn’t need one day of the year to show the world how much I love my partner and I actually found it more special to receive flowers or chocolates on a day that was not assigned as a necessity by society. We celebrate our anniversary instead, which is two weeks after Valentine’s Day. It makes more sense to celebrate the day we found each other.

I encourage you to think about this day as any other. Don’t wait for February 14th to tell someone that you like them or take your partner for a romantic dinner. Don’t wait for this day to let your partner know how much you appreciate them. Break the rules! Why not spend the day with your family or friends? Meet up with a friend that you don’t see often, get your family members together and arrange a day out. Valentine’s Day is not only for couples.

There are so many ways we can love a person. Show the people you love that you don’t take them for granted. Show them that you will always be there. Be kind, be thoughtful and be loyal. Support them and listen when they need you the most. Plan a future together and enjoy every moment together. Presents shouldn’t represent how you feel about each other. Time will always be more precious than anything you can buy.

I think we can all agree that life would not be the same without love. Love brings happiness to our lives. The amazing thing about love is science cannot explain it. There is no logic explanation for the way we find another human being and love them unconditionally. Love is a mystery. Love is magic. Love is Everything. Celebrate love not only today but every single day of your life.

 

Live For Today

Editor

Love Is Composed Of A Single Soul Inhabiting Two Bodies.

Men Pull Baby From Burning Car Before It Explodes.

Credit: Human Kind/Youtube.

Self-Love On Valentine’s Day.

Credit: Collective Evolution

The idea behind Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love, is actually really nice. Yet it seems like in modern day society it has just turned into a day for couples to throw their love in everybody’s faces all over social media, for brands and companies to sell specialised gifts, and for people who are single to feel especially bad about themselves. It really shouldn’t be that way, because couples who love each other should tell each other all the time and Valentine’s Day shouldn’t even be such a big deal. But it is hard not to feel lonely when all you have thrust upon you is other people professing their love for one another and talking about romantic getaways, and it doesn’t help when you’re binge-watching TV and all the adverts are about buying something special for the Valentine that you do not have.

This year I am just hanging out with my friends and ordering a pizza (coincidentally the most romantic thing I’ve ever done on Valentine’s Day was attempt to make a pizza in the shape of a heart which ended up looking more like a blob, because I truly associate pizza and love). Because if Valentine’s Day is all about showing your love for someone, why can’t that someone be your friends or family or (most importantly) yourself?

If you’re super in love with your friends and hang out with them all the time and they’re basically like your significant other then why not spend Valentine’s Day with them? You can still literally ‘Netflix and chill’ the night away, order your favourite food, drink wine and talk about how much you love each other. If you’re really dedicated to the Friend-Valentine’s idea you could even get each other cards and little gifts, or buy a bunch of heart shaped chocolates and devour them together. You can even go out to a restaurant and have dinner, or plan another fun date activity – you can have just as much fun and maybe even more doing these things in a friendship group!

A day to express all kinds of love is also a wonderful time to show yourself some love. Instead of wishing that you had somebody to buy you something special, why not think of what you’d want to receive from someone else and buy it for yourself? It might not be exactly the same but having something that you want is always going to make you happy. You can make your favourite food, buy a yummy dessert, watch your favourite film and have a pamper day and treat yourself to all your favourite things. This is also the time to throw some compliments at yourself and remind yourself that you’re a fabulous person and that not having a significant other does not define your self-worth and won’t seem like such a big deal once this day is over. Remind yourself of all the things that are actually amazing about your life and that you are grateful for, because having a significant other isn’t the only thing that’s going to fulfil your life. Love comes in lots of forms, so not having a partner does not mean you are unloved – your friends, family and yourself all love you loads and that’s just as important!

If you know it’s going to make you feel bad, maybe avoid all social media for that day – I know it’s hard to resists the temptation and switch it off, but it’s good to avoid anything that will make you feel negative about yourself.  Instead make sure you use up all that social media stalking on a different day.

Words by Ally Mclaren

8 Reasons To Travel

Travelling is a great way to view the world and to open our eyes to new adventures. So why not plan some new adventures for 2016? Here are eight reasons why you should travel the world this year.

PERSPECTIVE

The small issues we have in our day-to-day lives are often forgotten about when we travel to a different location. You can visit various towns, cities and countries, depending on how far you would like to travel. A good trip will help you to gain perspective on how others live and a better understanding for different atmospheres and cultures. You may be pleasantly surprised about how different you feel.

SOCIALISE

We often feel like we are bound to everything around us, from our jobs to money and society. In reality we are tying ourselves down to things that may change tomorrow. Travelling opens our eyes to new possibilities and makes us more vulnerable to new things. Allow yourself to socialise with the locals and get to know your environment. Travelling allows us to create stories, which means you will have more to talk about when you return home.

COUPLE TRAVELLING VS SOLO TRAVELLING

If you’re fortunate to have another half, travelling is a great way of bonding by unravelling new destinations and committing yourselves to new adventures. If you’re travelling solo, you will learn how resourceful you are and you will discover how you can navigate around unfamiliar territory. Which can boost your mood and self-esteem.

KNOWLEDGE

Travelling can strengthen your brain by experiencing new things. Each place has a history and a story behind it, so make sure you try to learn something new on your travels Whether you’re staying in your own country or going abroad, there are a lot of things you may not get to experience anywhere else. Make sure you try new foods and go on new adventures.

TRAVEL WHILST YOU CAN

Many of us get put off travelling by the belief that we can do it whenever we want. However, life has a habit of getting in the way and sometimes we don’t have the time to travel. So try not to leave it all until retirement – travel now. You should experience the world while you’re growing as a person, instead of leaving it until later on in your life.

Read More

Excerpt from the first issue of Zest For Life Magazine. Click Read More to view the full article…

Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice From Students With Learning Difficulties.

Credit: Brain Highways/Youtube.

Happy Pancake Day!

Credit: Nutrition Warehouse.

It’s that time of year again, where we pile up our plates with multiple pancakes. How do you like yours? Flat with lots of yummy and gooey toppings spread all over? Sprinkled with flavoursome goods and rolled up to be deliciously devoured?

With the current trends for healthy eating, pancakes have become a popular option. Lots of different and tasty variations to choose from. Before we delve into the options, let us just remember for a minute what Pancake Day is all about.

There is a lot more to Pancake Day than seeing how high you can flip your pancake without dropping it. The official name for the day is Shrove Tuesday and it is the last day before Lent. It’s a Christian tradition to focus on what we need to change, a day of reflection, to confess our sins. I quite like the idea that a day has been reserved specifically to assess the areas of our lives that can be improved and we can seek possibilities for growth.

The more traditional approach to Shrove Tuesday is the indulgence of rich and fatty foods. As part of the fasting and other religious obligations of Lent, these are things that are given up for the forty-day period. So it became, that all these types of foods were used up from the pantry. Eggs, sugar and flour being the main culprits. I guess it’s the same as eating the last of the mince pies after Christmas before starting your nine-day detox!

Here are two delicious ways you can have your pancakes:

The Traditional.

• 110g plain flour
• 2 eggs
• 200ml Semi skimmed milk
• 75ml water
• Pinch of salt

Sift the flour into a separate bowl. In a jug, measure out the milk and top up with the water. Add the pinch of salt. Crack the egg into the jug with the milk mixture.

Slowly whisk up the mixture, adding a bit of flour at a time until all is combined to a thick consistency. Cover the jug with some cling film and leave it to stand for 30 minutes.

Come back to the mixture and whisk it through again. Heat the pan with a tsp of coconut oil. Pour the mixture in to the pan, just enough to coat the bottom. It is a case of using your own judgement with this.

Leave for a couple of minutes before turning over or flipping them. Everyone has their own preference to the way
they like their pancakes. If it is your first attempt, a lot of trial and error is involved, but really good fun.

Buttered Up Version.

• 140g wholemeal spelt flour
• 1tsp gluten-free baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 egg
• 225ml butter milk

Sift the spelt flour, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a bowl. Add the egg and the buttermilk, mixing together the ingredients with an electric mixer to form a batter.

Gentle heat a non-stick frying pan, melting a little coconut oil or butter. Drop heaped tablespoons of mixture into the pan, leaving enough space in between. Allow to cook for a few minutes before turning each pancake over.

These are a lot smaller but still amazing with your favourite toppings. With so many to choose from, here are a few ideas for you to try:

• The popular sprinkle of sugar and lemon.
• A drizzle of honey and ice cream.
• Fresh berries and Greek yoghurt.
• Warm cherries and ice cream.
• Chopped bananas and fromage frais.
• Melted dark organic chocolate with sliced strawberries.

There is no limit to the variations that you can have, don’t forget to indulge and enjoy every last mouthful.

Why not share your favourite pancake creation in the comments boxes below? The Zest For Life team would love to hear your recipes.

Happy Pancake Day!

Words by Diane Eliza Maccabe

Believe In Yourself, And The Rest Will Fall Into Place.