Guest Post: Balance Your Emotions with These Healthy Tips

We are living in a time when we are attacked by numerous stressors everywhere we go. Unfortunately, it is something that we have learned to live with and we rarely try to defeat it. How can that be when we know that stress is referred to as the number one silent killer? The fact is is that stress is linked to six out of ten leading causes of death worldwide. 

Stress is a physical response which can result in detrimental consequences on our mind, body, and soul so it's time to start fighting back. Regain your emotional balance and start living a happier and healthier life by following these few easy-to-integrate tips. 

Take a Deep Breath

It might sound silly, but sometimes all it takes is one deep breath. According to the American Institute of Stress, deep breathing is one of the best ways to decompress and balance your emotions. Try to practice it as often as you can – breathe from your stomach for about 20 to 30 minutes at least once a day.

Once there, you can enhance your state of calm with meditation and yoga. Meditation is something you can do wherever you are. If you feel stressed out at work, you can close your eyes and go to a happy place – it’s that simple. Yoga will require more privacy and space, but it is one of the best practices for reaching the height of balanced emotions. 

Food for Mood

When upset we reach out for comfort food, and that is perfectly normal! The notion that food makes us happy has been there since the beginning of time. What do we do wrong then?

Well, we eat all the wrong food – hamburgers and additive-filled ice-creams – which cannot make us happy. It is quite the opposite – they make us unhappy and unhealthy. So, instead of those, try some mood-boosting healthy foods like leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds, eggs, legumes, nuts, tomatoes and fish. 

Healthy Body = Healthy Mind

Have you ever heard that someone is exercising to let go of their stress? Well it's true. Working out triggers a response that helps you let go of negative emotions, stress and anxiety. So make sure you establish a basic fitness routine.

You can go out for a run, get a gym membership or workout at home. If you choose the dynamic and weight exercises, you should get appropriate equipment and bodybuilding apparel that will help with your performance and range of motion.

Be Positive

Think positive and good things will happen to you. Cultivating positive emotions can help you find balance in your life. That, however, does not mean that you should repress the negative ones. When you feel sad or angry, say it out loud and let it go.

It is actually quite easy to develop an optimistic mental outlook. Just find things that make you happy and use them to beat all the pessimistic voices. What you wear, for instance, can actually lift up your spirits more than anything (think bright colours, flattering fabrics, quirky designs). 

Some find their passion in fashion, others in sports, reading or cooking. In the end, appreciate the little things, and above all appreciate yourself. Face the burden of the modern world by utilising these tips and be proud of yourself for succeeding. Reward yourself with a stylish pair of shoes, a delicious and healthy dinner or a simple pat on the back. You deserve it.

Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty, lifestyle and health blogger. She is very passionate about organic beauty products, yoga, healthy lifestyle and personal development. She is regular contributor at Ripped and High Style Life.

Find her on: Twitter  Facebook  Google +

OOTD: Enhance the Hourglass

Top: Primark
Midi Skirt: Apricot at New Look
Structured Handbag: River Island
Gold Bangles: Market in Mumbai
Metallic Block Heels: Carvela 

    

Photo credit: Tola Afolabi 

Fitzjohn Skincare: Balancing Facial Moisturiser Review

Disclaimer: Product sent for review purposes

Whilst I was in Mykonos, soaking up the sun and admiring the muscles on the Greek Gods playing  beach volleyball was indeed my main priority. However, I did have another goal that I set myself and that was to try and experiment with some new skincare products whilst I was there and use that week to find out what really works for my skin and what doesn't. So that's exactly what I did! I started off with the Fitzjohn Balancing Facial Moisturiser...

What drew me in the most about the product initially was the heavy make-up of plant-based ingredients. I'm becoming a bit more mindful about using natural ingredients over chemicals so this was a big bonus for me. With the likes of organic Jojoba and Hemp Seed oils, in addition to antioxidant Pomegranate, Fruit AHAs, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E, this moisturiser is packed with treats that the skin is absolutely hankering for. 

As my skin is slightly oily, I was concerned that the product might be too heavy for me but the owner, Ethel reminded me that I only need to use a tiny amount especially when in a hot climate. I took her advice and to my surprise, my skin absorbed it like a sponge! You really do only need a pea-size amount and it took me a good couple of attempts to get this right as the product spreads about so easily. 

What's more, this also doubled really well as a primer for me. When I would use this I wouldn't need to use any further pre-makeup application products as I found that it layered on the skin perfectly and enabled a really beautiful finish for any foundation that I put on top. 

Retailing at £30.00 it is a bit on the high-end for skincare but I would definitely be able to justify the price as the product will last you a long time. After my first application I could tell that this was a top-notch skincare product made with lots of TLC. 

The lavish gold packaging also compliments the fabulously rich product inside- it'll certainly look stunning on any dressing table! 

I would recommend using this as a night moisturiser so you can let those omega-rich plant oils get to work in your pores and see the results in the morning (perhaps a nice change from staring at the ogre that greets you in your reflection after an incomprehensible night out). 

http://fitzjohnskincare.com

Everything's a Statement: House of Fraser AW16 Press Day

Hey lovelies!

I know I haven't blogged in a bit but forgive me, one needed to get away and take a much-needed break from life and that's exactly what I did... in the beauts island of Mykonos! I'll be posting a couple of lookbooks from there very soon but I wanted to make sure this went up first because I had SUCH a fab time at the House of Fraser press day just before I jetted off.

So here is a snap of me and fellow blogger, Lizzie! True story- I actually couldn't find anything to wear for this event whatsoever. Whatever I tried on just made me look like a hot air balloon so in the end I decided 'hey, I have some Indian picks I haven't rocked yet!' So I went with this elegant kurta top with broacde-esque embroidery and paired it with some simple black treggings. I ended up matching with Lizzie in the end anyway (#twins #bae). 

So the AW16 womenswear collections gave me absolute life... they just screamed 'me'. Glitz, glam, faux fur... what is not to love! The handbags and shoes were to die for. For AW16 the focus really does seem to be on what print your clutch is or whether you have on strappy stilettos or faux fur trainers. Accessories are vital to make your outfits pop and so much of the range at this press day experimented with textures and finishes which was what really made the bags and shoes so much more statement.

The perfect all-rounder faux fur coat- Biba.

It's all about the detail... love the subtle metallics at Biba.

Gorgeous croc-print & splashes of tan at Biba.

Stunning shades of maroon, burgundy & wine. I absolutely adore these Carvela trainers, when I saw them I was just in awe. I'm a sucker for anything that hybridises high-fashion and streetwear. 

Texture is key for AW16 & this structured glossy Therapy bag screams 'texture' with the different panels and embellished shoulder strap.

M&S x New Look: How to Wurk a Utility Dress

Utility dresses are by far one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a woman can have in her wardrobe. With their fit & flare structure they can be worn casually for work or jazzed up for a more refined ensemble.

As a curvier girl I love these styles of dresses for hiding all the lumps and bumps... If you're a little insecure about yourself definitely stock up on a few of these as you can just throw them on, tie them up and leave- not having to tug at the lining or shift your assets around every two minutes (the struggle is real). 

Me personally, I think utility dresses are far from 'boring 40s housewife' as so many new postmodern styles can be seen on the high street. In particular, you'll find a lot of denim ones out with grungy zips and many collections will have removed the concept of the belt altogether and integrated the lace-up neckline trend that we've seen for a good few months now. 

Here's how I rocked my maroon New Look one at the Beauty Unbound Press Launch at Westfield London a couple of weeks back...  (P.S. makeup junkies, definitely go check the pop-up out as it's still running until the end of May!) 

Paired with some M&S perspex midi-heels and a chunky gold River Island watch, just the right amount of modern was added to an otherwise classic look. 

Oh, and lastly just adding in a very impromptu pic underneath a gorgeous tree, taken by the beautiful blogger Lizzie! I'm just glad we made it out of Pinner alive with all the stares we were getting D: 

A Sanctuary of Indulgence: Red Dot Jewels Flagship Store VIP Launch

Premium Asian jewellery line, Red Dot Jewels recently launched its flagship store in the dainty location that is Pinner Village.

As I rocked up to the event I knew I was in the right place after spotting a selection of elite fashion influencers and bloggers strutting through the red carpet into what would become a magical showcase of precious jewels and of course, lots of champagne. 

The store's atmosphere was very tranquil and relaxing... Even with all the glitz and glamour, you'll still feel at ease to explore the pieces in detail. 

What really stood out to me as I walked in were the gorgeous interiors which were in fact designed by award-winning architect, Bart Eyking. Walking through to the back of the store, I was blinded by this absolutely stunning chandelier which really set the tone for the night- opulent and spectacularly refined.

As I started in awe at each display, there were many 'oohs' and 'ahhs' as me and my blogger friend, Lizzie Snapchatted away. You would do the same if you saw all the hand-crafted necklaces and oh-so intricate rings...

To give you an idea of how stunning the pieces actually were, take a look at these two models rocking some Red Dot (P.S. yes they are ravishing themselves, but pay attention to the jewels!)

I found this display stunning and would so wear the golden leaves piece. It's very unique and subtle which I admire, much like a lot of the prêt pieces on offer.

If bolder pieces aren't really your thing, you can also find a lot more traditional looks which would work immaculately well for brides. Take these pieces below for example... the colours are so vibrant and rich, offering that true authentic Indian feel many are yearning for. 

Founder and Creative Director, Shalini Gupta-Patel, said, “The flagship store has been a start to end labour of love and seeing it transform into this end result has been an emotional and truly fulfilling journey. The response from guests this evening has been tremendous and we now look forward to inviting our clients to experience and enjoy this space with us.”

After meeting with the bubbly owner herself, it was clear that Shalini lives and breathes her passion for creating divine jewellery and with her pinpoint vision, an expansive jewellery empire has been born.

For more info, visit http://www.reddotjewels.com/

Follow Red Dot Jewels on Instagram

BollyGoods 2 Exhibition VIP Preview with Gauri Khan

The oh-so opulent Dorchester Ballroom set the scene for this extravagant exhibition celebrating celluloid-inspired fashion, design, art and lifestyle, highlighting the rich creativity beyond the screen magic of the world’s largest film industry- Bollywood. 

The champagne was flowing as journalists & bloggers entered to find a stunning centrepiece filled with divine roses and not to mention the most gorgeous chandelier ever. 

Compared to the couture on display, I felt rather plain in this skater dress but here's a quick step-and-repeat pic anyway...

Superstar Gauri Kahn was the lady of the nigth as she inagurated the exhibition. For those unfamiliar, (where have you been?), she is an Indian film producer; co-founder of film production and distribution company, Red Chillies Entertainments; interior designer; wife of superstar, Shah Rukh Khan; and one of the most stylish women in Bollywood. 

She looked absolutely gorgeous with beautifully highlighted hair & a sleek black jumpsuit with lace details, showing off her svelte figure. 

 Model Aneesa Sharif looked stunning in an Abha Dalmia couture sari...

As I was making the rounds around the room, I couldn't help notice the absolute fleekiness of this gorg lady below... Everything from the multicoloured hair to the sequinned 'bollywood' clutch is so doll-chic. You can check writer/craft expert/presenter, Momtaz Begum-Hossain out at www.momtazbh.co.uk.

Intricacy at it's finest from O'nitaa... Some of the pieces felt so delicate filled with such luscious beadwork that I was scared to touch them! 

Lots of funky bright colours from Aida but this glittery sari really caught my eye... perfect for someone looking to steal the show.

 

Absolutely stunning traditional pieces with contemporary twists from Manish Arora...

Dee Vara Jewels had a gorgeous selection of gemstone jewellery for those of you looking for more unique finds...

Red Dot Jewels had a beautiful selection of high and low-end pieces with their versatile selection capturing the eyes of many others at the event (P.S. look out for my upcoming post as I cover their flagship store launch!)

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