Journeys Are My Diary

Celebrating one’s body, especially when plus size, can be a transformative act of self-love and empowerment. However, embracing your curves with style is not just about wearing fashionable clothing; it is a powerful statement that challenges societal norms, promotes body positivity, and encourages others to do the same. Are you interested in learning why you should be celebrating being plus size with style and how it can foster confidence, self-acceptance, and a positive impact on the world? Keep reading. 

Empowerment Through Self-Expression

Fashion is a language of self-expression, and your style is a reflection of your personality, interests, and tastes. By embracing your plus size figure with style, you are boldly asserting your uniqueness and breaking free from the confines of societal norms. It is an act of empowerment where you embrace your identity and confidently communicate who you are to the world. Your style becomes a powerful tool to challenge stereotypes and showcase that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Challenging Beauty Standards

The celebration of plus size with style is a revolutionary step in challenging unrealistic beauty standards. Society has long perpetuated an image of beauty that often excludes diverse body types. By celebrating your curves and embracing fashion that makes you feel beautiful, you are expanding the definition of beauty and paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting world. Your confidence and self-love challenge the status quo and inspire others to break free from the confines of beauty norms.

Encouraging Fashion Inclusivity

As more individuals embrace their curves and demand fashionable clothing options, the fashion industry responds by creating size-inclusive collections and designs. Plus size designers like froxx.co.uk are now available to help women feel beautiful in what they wear, offering dresses to tops and jerseys to trousers and jackets. 

By celebrating your plus size figure with style, you are contributing to a movement that demands representation and equality in the fashion world. Fashion is for everyone, and embracing style with confidence reinforces this belief.

Fostering Body Positivity

Body positivity is a movement that encourages individuals to embrace and love their bodies, regardless of shape or size. Celebrating being plus size with style aligns perfectly with this movement. It is about recognizing that your body is unique, beautiful, and worthy of celebration. When you exude confidence in your style, you promote body positivity and inspire others to do the same. Your journey of self-acceptance becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration for others who may be struggling with body image issues.

Building Self-Confidence

Confidence is a powerful asset that radiates from within. Embracing your plus size figure with style can significantly boost your self-confidence. Feeling good about yourself and your appearance positively impacts other areas of your life, such as work, relationships, and personal growth. As you experiment with different styles and find what makes you feel most comfortable and beautiful, you’ll realize that your self-worth is not determined by societal standards but by your own perception of yourself.

Inspiring Others

Your journey of celebrating being plus size with style is about personal growth and inspiring others to embrace their bodies and celebrate their uniqueness. When others witness your self-assurance and pride in your appearance, they are encouraged to break free from self-doubt and embrace their own beauty. Your celebration becomes a catalyst for positive change in the way people perceive and appreciate their bodies.

 

Anxiety has become an all too familiar companion for many people working through life’s trials and tribulations. While various treatments exist, one ancient practice stands out for its holistic approach: acupuncture. Beyond the needles and points, acupuncture offers a pathway from stress to serenity, tapping into the body’s natural ability to find balance and alleviate anxiety.

The Science Behind Acupuncture’s Effects

The intricate effects that acupuncture experts study are grounded in science. When needles are strategically inserted into specific acupoints, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses. These responses include the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Additionally, acupuncture can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), contributing to a calmer mental state. This combination of biochemical reactions can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Balancing Energy for Emotional Wellness

In the framework of traditional Chinese medicine, emotions are closely tied to the balance of Qi, the body’s vital energy. When Qi flows smoothly, emotions remain balanced. Anxiety, however, signifies a disruption in this flow. Bristol acupuncture specialists target specific acupoints to regulate the flow of Qi, addressing the emotional aspects of anxiety such as excessive worry, restlessness, and fear.

A Personalised Approach to Treatment

Acupuncture doesn’t employ a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person’s experience of anxiety is unique, influenced by factors ranging from genetics to lifestyle. Acupuncturists conduct thorough assessments to understand the root causes of an individual’s anxiety. By tailoring treatment plans to address these specific causes, specialists in acupuncture in Bristol can maximise its effectiveness in promoting long-term relief.

Complementary to Conventional Treatments

For those undergoing therapy or taking medication, such as cbd pills – biocbd+, acupuncture offers a complementary layer of support. This combination can lead to enhanced outcomes, as the physiological and psychological benefits of acupuncture synergise with other treatments. By weaving together the ancient wisdom of acupuncture with modern therapeutic approaches, individuals can create a well-rounded strategy for managing anxiety.

The Relaxation Response and Mind-Body Connection

The therapeutic benefits of acupuncture extend beyond the physical insertion of needles. The serene treatment environment, combined with the practitioner’s focused attention, can trigger a deep relaxation response. This is a state of deep rest that counteracts the stress response, leading to reduced anxiety levels. This mind-body connection reinforces the practice’s holistic nature.

Cultivating Resilience and Self-Care

Acupuncture empowers individuals to actively participate in their healing journey. Beyond the treatment sessions, patients often learn mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. These tools cultivate resilience, providing practical ways to manage stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Through acupuncture, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their own well-being and the power they possess to foster mental and emotional balance.

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, finding effective ways to manage anxiety is essential. Acupuncture offers a centuries-old path from stress to serenity, leveraging its profound impact on the body’s energy systems, brain chemistry, and holistic well-being. By considering acupuncture as a complementary approach to anxiety reduction, individuals can pave the way for a more serene and balanced life.

Living with hypothyroidism can present unique challenges, but with the right strategies and lifestyle choices, you can effectively manage your condition and lead a healthy, fulfilling life. In this post, we’ll explore some valuable tips and practices that can help you navigate the complexities of hypothyroidism and optimise your wellbeing. From diet and exercise to stress management and medication adherence, let’s dive into practical ways to take control of your health.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Before we dive into the management tips, let’s briefly recap what hypothyroidism is. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, resulting in a slower metabolism. This can lead to a range of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and mood changes. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your thyroid levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed. 

Medication Adherence

If you have been prescribed medication for hypothyroidism, consistently taking it is crucial. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually in the form of synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, helps restore hormone levels in your body. Remember to take your medication at the same time every day, as directed by your healthcare professional. If you have concerns or experience side effects, consult your doctor before making any adjustments. 

Balanced Diet

When it comes to natural treatments for hypothyroidism, a well-rounded and balanced diet is one of the best approaches. While there are no specific dietary requirements for hypothyroidism, some people may benefit from avoiding goitrogenic foods like soy, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, and certain fruits in excess. These foods may interfere with thyroid function in some cases. Focus on eating a variety of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of selenium, iodine, and zinc-rich foods may also help support thyroid health.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is another natural treatment for hypothyroidism. Engaging in regular activity can boost your metabolism, improve your energy levels, and promote your overall wellbeing. Aim for a combination of cardio exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, alongside strength training exercises like resistance training or weightlifting to maintain muscle mass and support a healthy weight. However, listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid pushing yourself too far, as this may contribute to fatigue. 

Stress Management

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your thyroid function and overall health. Finding effective ways to manage stress is crucial in maintaining balance. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that bring you joy. Prioritise self-care and establish boundaries to protect your physical and emotional wellbeing. Seeking support from loved ones or a professional can be beneficial when it comes to navigating the emotional challenges of living with hypothyroidism. 

Adequate Sleep

Getting enough restorative sleep is vital for managing hypothyroidism. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit exposure to electronic devices before bed. 

Living with hypothyroidism requires proactive management and self-care. By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare providers, you can optimise your thyroid function and lead a healthy, vibrant life.

There are many stressful things in life, but few can compare to the stress of divorce. Divorce can bring about a whole variety of emotions including anger, guilt, sadness, loneliness, relief, a sense of loss, and more. It can often feel like a rollercoaster, especially in the early days as you come to terms with the end of the marriage and a new path in front of you. 

So how exactly do people do it? How do you pick up the pieces and start life over after a divorce? Here we’ll take a look at different steps and tips that can help you move forward after ending your marriage.

Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions

When it comes to divorce, no emotion is “wrong”. Everything you feel is normal and okay, and it’s best to address those emotions and let them out. For many people, it can almost feel like a mourning period, as you mourn the life you thought you were creating with your partner. This is a good time to lean on close friends and family, but if that’s not enough you may want to consider speaking to a therapist.

Use an Experienced Solicitor

If you’re currently trying to go through your divorce without the aid of a solicitor, it’s time to think again. Many law firms have experience with divorce, thereby taking the stress off your shoulders. Solicitors in Cheltenham are familiar with the laws and can guide you through the process.

How do you find reputable law firms that are up to the task? You can ask for recommendations from friends and family, and read reviews online. Look specifically for law firms in Cheltenham that list divorce as one of their areas of experience. You can also book a consultation with Cheltenham solicitors so you can get a sense of whether you connect. 

Divorce solicitors are even more important if you aren’t going through an amicable divorce. The solicitor in Cheltenham that you hire can communicate with your ex-spouse’s solicitor, thereby leaving you out of things. Solicitors will fight for you and ensure your divorce settlement is fair and as stress-free as possible.

Try New Entertainment and Activities

Working your way through the various emotions, leaning on friends and family, and even speaking to a therapist are all important tips but you also need to have fun. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with your surroundings and get to know what your area has to offer in terms of entertainment and activities.

Picture yourself as a tourist in your city, and go into things with fresh eyes. You’ll be having fun, trying new things and potentially meeting new people.

Don’t Put Pressure on Yourself to Bounce Back

These tips can help you to pick up the pieces and move on after divorce, but remind yourself there is no timeline or schedule you need to follow. There is no need to put pressure on yourself to bounce back, it will happen when it’s meant to and until then, celebrate the good days and make all new memories.

Soft furnishings are a must for making your home cosy and warm, as well as being a wonderful way to express your style and personality. Cushions and throws are popular choices for giving a room a fresh look, but vintage rugs are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Updating a space by adding a rug, whether on a hard floor or on top of carpet couldn’t be easier!

Make a Statement

A rug can transform a room but choosing one that’s the right size for your floor space is important. You want it to fit in with your space and not get lost. Large vintage rugs are a wonderful choice for covering wood floorings and stamping a statement in your room if you live in a Victorian home, but alternative modern choices can be equally as effective in a newbuild apartment. Choose a style that works with your home and furniture, and you can create a cohesive aestheticthat will be the envy of all your friends.

Insulation

With heating costs rising, bare wood and laminate floors are uneconomical, and as people tighten their purse strings, a rug could be a great solution for adding insulation. Use a vintage rug from a company such as That Rebel House on parquet or wooden floors to stay in keeping with the look. Laminate floors can be a great base for thick ply rugs and sheepskin-style throws. By covering the floors, you will find your room retains heat more effectively, which is particularly important in the winter months.

Easy to Change

Laying a carpet is a commitment which can lead to you making safer choices because of a fear that fashions in home décor will change. A rug can be a wonderful way to try outdifferent colours, and it’s less expensive and inconvenientthan laying a carpet. Choose traditional faded vintage rugs UK, runners for hallways or natural woven fabrics, and know that, if you change your mind, it is an easy switch. Rugs can also be moved between rooms if needed.

Simple Cleaning

Carpets can be tricky to clean, especially in hidden corners or high use areas. Spot cleaning a rug is often a simpler job and because a rug is more easily replaced than a carpet, it feels like a less stressful option. And of course, hiding carpet stains with a rug is a great cheat!

Wipe Your Feet!

Protect flooring throughout your home by adding rugs and doormats near entrances and exits. Adding a rug will remind people to either wipe their feet or remove their shoes instead of traipsing mud through your home. A cheap runner can be a practical solution in homes with children or dogs (or adults!) who don’t get the message!

Whatever your budget, adding or changing a rug can give your space a whole new vibe. A practical and pretty rug is a welcome addition to any house or flat and will create a cosy setting where you’ll want to spend your time.

Feeling good about yourself is essential for overall well-being and happiness. It’s a reflection of self-confidence, self-acceptance, and a positive mindset. While it’s normal to have ups and downs in life, there are several strategies you can incorporate into your life to boost your self-esteem and cultivate a positive self-image. So, if you want to do what you can to feel better about yourself, then here are some great ideas for you to consider.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is vital for nurturing a healthy relationship with yourself, and fortunately there are plenty of ways for you to practice self-care. You can start by making time for activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Additionally, you should engage in activities you enjoy, such as taking relaxing baths, practicing yoga or meditation, reading a book, or going for a walk in nature. You could even take some time to get little rewards for yourself from shops you love, such as Chapter 79, in order to help boost your mood and recognise your achievements.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Speaking of which, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, is a brilliant strategy to ensure you recognise your own worth.

By reflecting on your achievements, from completing a project, or reaching a personal goal, to overcoming a challenging day at work, you can help to see the value of your efforts each and every day. 

What’s more, celebrating your wins reinforces a positive mindset and boosts your self-confidence, reminding you of your capabilities and resilience and ensuring that you continue to see your worth and value over time.

Set Realistic Goals

Another great way to help you feel good about yourself comes down to the way you engage with your goals. You willinvariably find that if you’re bad at setting reasonable, realistic goals, then you’ll often feel a sense of dissatisfaction with yourself. After all, you are consistently ‘failing’ to reach your goals. However, in this situation it would be the goals that are truly failing, not you.

As a result, setting realistic goals can work to provide a sense of purpose and direction, while also ensuring that you’re able to reach those goals and feel the sense of accomplishment that reaching those goals brings.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Finally, another great way to help feel good about yourself is to challenge yourself and your safe spaces. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can force yourself to engage with and overcome things that you never would have otherwise encountered, which is exactly why this is a powerful way to boost self-confidence and discover your own capabilities.

Some great ways to step out of your comfort zone are to take on new experiences, learn new skills, or try something you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time or courage to pursue. Each step outside your comfort zone will help to develop and expand your self-belief and remind you of your growth potential.

Tapping therapy, also known as EFT (emotional freedom technique) is a holistic treatment for both physical and emotional pains. By tapping certain points of your body known as meridian points, you can relieve yourself of negative emotions such as anxiety and stress. This is a simple technique that is easy to learn but holds a myriad of benefits, so keep reading to get the lowdown on tapping therapy.

What is Tapping Therapy?

Tapping therapy is an alternative treatment that can be used to relieve both emotional distress as well as physical or chronic pain. It can also be called EFT or tapping. Using this technique, it is believed that you can rebalance your energy. Pain and negative emotions such as anxiety or stress are often caused by a disruption in energy. 

For instance, when we are low in energy, we are more likely to catch the flu or become stressed with a situation. Using tapping therapy, you can learn to treat your anxiety symptoms and come back to the present moment.

How Does it Work?

Just like acupuncture, tapping focuses on your meridian points, which is a concept formed in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These points are the areas through which your energy flows, and when pressure is applied through tapping, you can restore a natural balance to your energy levels. 

Remember, tapping therapy works best when you stick to it and believe in what you are doing. It can give instant results in calming your anxiety or stress, but it can take time to overcome these emotions completely, if at all. Tapping therapy is simply a gateway to a better way of dealing with these emotions calmly, rather than allowing them to control us or shape our day. 

Where Should I Tap?

To tap effectively, you must first focus on the fear or issue you want to address through tapping. This will be your main focuspoint throughout the therapy. You will then rate your emotions or pain on a scale of 0 to 10 (which you will come back to afterwards to see if it has improved). You will use affirmations during the therapy to help focus and calm your mind. The main tapping areas include:

• the eyebrow
• side of the eye
• under the eye
• under the nose
• the chin
• the collarbone
• the armpit
• the top of the head

You usually tap in this order, but this depends on your teacher. 

There are lots of video resources online that can introduce you to tapping correctly, but it is best to seek advice from a trained tapping UK therapist such as Tapping Therapy London. An EFT coach can help with most issues and teach you how to use EFT for anxiety and/or stress relief. 

Tapping has been found to be effective in several studies, but the best way to test the effectiveness of this holistic therapy is to try it yourself. Whilst it can feel strange at first, this is a great alternative to meditation if you struggle to sit still.

Parenting teenagers is a fun experience and quite the adventure. Whether your teen is a saint with wings or rather more challenging, there are always bonding moments to be found that will nurture that all-important attachment. The things you do at this age, just like any other developmental stage, will shape how they perceive and form their own relationships as adults. So, what should you be teaching your teenage son? Here are a few suggestions. 

How to Shave

There will come a day in every teen man’s life where they look at their face and don’t recognise the person staring back at them. Facial hair is a natural occurrence, and as a parent you have to help show your teen how to maintain and look after their own personal grooming agenda. Try find a reliable first shaving kit for teenager skin, and go through the process together as many times as they need to feel comfortable with it. 

To Get to Know Themselves

It is often the easy route for a parent to set the course for their teenager. Finding the balance between giving impartial guidance and steering them on a path that doesn’t suit just because it looks right on paper is hard. Every parent faces different challenges in this respect. Ultimately, where your teen ends up, and how they decide to spend their studying and career building years should be led by their desires and drives.Teach and encourage them to explore every passion regardless of how trivial it may seem. Show them that they can be empowered by their individuality and take a step back to allow them to find their own path while being around if they need the odd suggestion. 

Pro-social Interactions

Teenagers are often the scapegoats for anti-social behaviour. As a caregiver, you do have a responsibility to approach this lesson in innovative ways to get the message across. Pro-social behaviour can be exampled and implemented in so many ways from encouraging them to volunteer in local communities to helping them set boundaries in their peer relationships. Everything counts in this area and one big lesson you could move with is all about the importance of consent.

To Embrace What Can’t Be Controlled

People like to feel in control, regardless of their age. It is what causes tantrums in toddlers and lashing out in teenagers as well as anger outburst and depression in adults. Yet, it is unrealistic to expect to be able to control everything. Things happen in life that are characteristically unpredictable and there is no way to deal with that aside from having a reserve of resilience ready to go when it’s needed. Teach your son to handle things that come their way by modelling it, engaging with difficult conversations and demonstrating forward movement.

How to Handle Their Finances

Finally, every parent should teach their teen son about financial management. This will be a valuable lesson they can carry with them for the rest of their adult lives. Make sure you cover important topics like credit and debt.

Teaching your teenage son is a fun role you get to play as a parent. There is always a lesson, after all!

Acne can be a problem at any age. Over 20% of the over 40s report some type of acne problem which just goes to show that it can strike whenever and wherever. While it is most common in teens, adult skin breakouts are a real problem that can cause blows to self esteem and discomfort wherever they occur. So, if you are struggling with acne as a grown up, what can you do? Read on for some answers.

Figure Out Your Skin Type

If you don’t know what type of skin you have, you won’t be able to respond appropriately. Whether you take an online quiz or you go and get a consultation, learning about how your skin responds to things and what your face actually does will be really helpful to find answers throughout this process. You might have an excess of oil, for instance, that is causing blocked pores and repeated bouts of acne. Dryness is also a big problem, especially when your facial areas become irritated or sore. There are loads of ways to figure out your skin type, so don’t delay this part of the journey otherwise anything you do next won’t count.

Seek Professional Guidance

The great thing about being an adult is that you have disposable income. Disposable income means you can indulge in treatments that may be inaccessible at a younger age. A salon, for instance, will have a range of treatments tailored toward helping your skin heal and flourish. Specialist facilities like karmaholywood.co.uk have bespoke treatment agendas with highly trained professionals that can set you off on a better path and enable you to take charge of your skincare routine.

Think About Diet

What you eat affects everything. If you have seen an increase in breakouts, it might be time to look at your diet. Sugary foods and drinks exacerbate skin concerns, as does fast food and not enough water. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily meals and snacks will ensure that you get that balance your body needs to ensure your skin has vitamins and nurture. Food and proper hydration can dictate everything from redness to dryness.

Investigate Your Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations are often the culprit when it comes to poor skin conditions. Often these are associated with mood swings like irritability, food cravings, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms alongside new spots and soreness, it might be worth investigating these challenges with your doctor.

Medication

A conversation with a care practitioner may lead to thoughts about medication. Acne sometimes responds to certain antibiotics or creams which target the spots themselves. When regular skincare is just not cutting it, this is the next logical step to explore. It works for some people just to get them back on track and enable a fresh start to get going.

Adult acne is obviously something that needs resolution. You have to find what works for your particular skin type and it is always useful to get a little professional insight to help you find the answers in the most efficient way. It might be a long process of habit changing, but there are always ways to move forward.

It is rarely spoken about, but women can experience hair loss,too. While it is much more common to see men with receding hairlines or bald patches, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the potential to affect everyone. Here is a brief list of the main reasons a woman may notice thinning or patchiness in her hair.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes that need to take place in the body in order to grow the baby. The postpartum stage is often when some women notice a loss of hair. This usually only occurs for approximately four months after birth, although this depends on many other factors, such as overall health and environment.

Menopause

When a woman begins menopause, another drastic adjustment to hormones takes place in the body. Certain hormone levels decrease significantly, causing a wide range of physical changes. One of these is often hair thinning and hair loss.Over time, the rate of menopausal hair loss tends to slow. Pregnancy and menopause are such significant periods of hormonal change that they can both impact a woman’s hair growth.

Stress

As a response to sudden stress or ongoing anxiety, the body reacts in a variety of ways. One of these is sometimes the loss of hair. The chemicals induced by stress cause hair follicles to resort to the resting stage of the growth cycle, meaning that the hair falls out and new growth doesn’t replace it. Fortunately for women experiencing this problem (and men, too), establishments such as Harley Street Hair Clinic offer hair loss treatments that can restore fullness to the head. For some people, hair loss due to stress may only be temporary, but others may not be so lucky. In these cases, there are treatments available to help.

Thyroid Issues

Problems with the thyroid gland can also cause unwanted hair loss. Rather than patches of thinning or a receding hairline, this type of hair loss occurs all over the scalp. While it can be distressing at the time, it is usually temporary. Once the underlying cause of the thyroid disorder is addressed, hair isusually expected to grow back.

Traction Alopecia

Pulling your hair into tight, slicked-back styles can lead to what’s known as traction alopecia. The strain each hair has totake can cause the strands to break or the roots to fall out. Frequently styling your hair in tight ways can cause damage to your scalp, which is never good for the health of your hair. Try to find styles you like that don’t put your scalp under as much stress.

Genetics

Hair loss can also be a result of genetics. If family members have also experienced hair loss, it is more likely that you will as well. There is nothing you can do to change your family history, but treatments such as hair transplants can be effective at undoing the visible signs.

Hair loss is still something of a taboo subject for many women, but by understanding the many causes and possible treatments, it doesn’t need to stay that way.