LIFE UPDATE: REMEMBERING TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF

Anyone who knows me understands that I have a very busy schedule and am always on the go. Whether I'm going to acting rehearsals, a pole fitness lesson, work, the gym or spending the afternoon writing, I'm always doing something. Unfortunately, over the last few months I've been stretching myself way to thin and experiencing high stress levels, that resulted in me having a mini breakdown at work! Yes, how embarrassing... Just to top it all off, last week I collapsed and was taken to A&E. The doctors couldn't advise what caused it but my friends and family have come to the conclusion that I'm trying to do too much. Perhaps, I mean maybe they could have a point that I do need to slow down and take a breather. For someone who's used to going 100 miles per hour, it's difficult to imagine taking your foot of the pedal and slowing down.

I'm currently training to become a pole instructor, working as an amateur actor, blogging on this little space, gyming it at least 4 times a week (well I try too), along side maintaining a full time job. When I write it all down it does sound like a lot doesn't it? I never realised how much I manage on a weekly basis. This could be the reason why I've been ill but I've been trying to deal with the stressful days as they come.

I'm finding myself being pulled from pillar to post trying to achieve everything. When you want to achieve so many things, how are you meant to fit it all in? Am I supposed to let one hobby or ambition die so another can flourish? That doesn't seem like an option for me. It's difficult to decide what part of my life has to take a back seat because I've worked so hard and made a lot of scarifies to get to this point where I have opportunities to choose from. Although, when it comes down to my health, I can't deny that I need to make some kind of a change.

I'm not ready to let go of one of my hobbies just yet, I think the best thing I can do is ease off and make sure I have more relaxation time. Try to avoid packing my "days off" with back to back meetings and events. When I say I'm going to chill out, actually do just that! By making small changes to my schedule it will help reduce my stress levels and I'll have time to let my mind and body relax and recover.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

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TIPS TO TACKLE BAD DAYS

No matter what you do, bad days are bound to happen. Even the happiest person will have one of those days where everything goes wrong, you feel upset for no reason, annoyed at yourself or others about nothing. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has felt like this, I still have the occasional day where I think it isn't worth getting out of bed. When bad days occur, you can either dwell in self pity or turn the day into something positive.

Everyone has different ways to think positively and tackle bad days, not everything will be helpful but I've listed a few suggestions that you can try to turn that frown upside down...

1. Don't stay indoor all day, go out and get some fresh air.

2. Pamper yourself by having a long hot bath, painting your nails, using a face mask or any kind of pampering you love.

3. Read something inspirational, whether that be a favourite book, quotes or blogs.

4. Don't be afraid to write your feelings down and get some frustration out.

5. Spend some time with a positive person, I have a friend who is so positive and she will always make you see the silver lining in any situation. Although she thinks that everything can be solved with healthy food...

6. Call up a friend and have a heart to heart, when something is wrong with me I speak to my best friend, she's always there to listen and cheer me up.

7. Retail therapy is always a winner, buy a nice new top or maybe a new phone case.

8. Switch off from the technology and have some "me" time.

9. Listen to positive and uplifting music.

10. Watch your favourite movie or chain watch a series on Netflix.

11. Do something creative like drawing, sewing, blogging, baking or one of your hobbies. Personally, I would read some scripts for acting or do some blogging.

12. Get out of bed, have a shower and get dressed. You'll feel so much better and refreshed.

13. Plan or do something fun, have you wanted to start a new project well now its time to start. Perhaps you were thinking about booking a getaway?

14. Do some exercise, fitness has been proven to release positive endorphins.

15. Eat something extra special, whether you want junk food or a sweet treat.

16. Have a pyjama day, if I ever do this I have a shower and get into a new pair of PJs, is this strange?

Do you have any tips for trackling bad days?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx