J's Thoughts: A Quick Update

Hey everyone!

I know it has been quite some time since I last posted (almost 1 month), but I honestly needed the time not only to take care of myself, and to catch up on my assignments. Although I've missed blogging, I really needed the time to look after myself, and to spend time with family and friends. I will not be returning to full posts just yet, but I am hoping by next Saturday, I will be back with into blogging, posting reviews and just chatting. I know in my last post I didn't go into detail about what exactly I was going through, but it did help to alleviate some of the negative emotions that had  been weighing down on me.

I keep forgetting that one purpose of this blog is to give myself a safe space to express myself and to express my feelings. it is time I inject more humanity, and reality into my blog, therefore, from here on out, I will be including posts related to psychology (my field of interest), along with regular beauty/makeup posts.

Thank you for being patient with me.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Bye guys.
(^_^)/

J's Thoughts #2: Self-Care (Coping with Stress)

Hello everyone!

Today, I'm slowing it down a little. I've just completed one of the most strenuous and exhausting weeks of my Masters', and I just need to take it easy. I can honestly say I've never felt this exhausted before. I'm used to being physically tired or physically drained, but feeling mentally depleted is kind of new to me, at least depletion to such a high degree.

I'm used to be tired and yawning constantly, but falling asleep on myself, and mentally blanking out in classes and conversation...that's very new.
To be honest, I'm struggling to write this post, because I can't concentrate on what I want to say or the point I want to get across, but I feel so exhausted, I just want to curl up in bed and not leave for another 2 days.

I figured that there may be many persons like myself who need some help with figuring out some good stress-coping (self-care) tips, so I'm just going to put a short-list of things I think are great for coping with stress, and that I'm actually going to be doing this weekend.

Self-Care (Stress-Coping) List

1. Sleep - Sleep is essential for proper mental, emotional and physical functioning.  
2. Exercise - I may not look it, but I love to workout, and exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body. Whether it is yoga, running, swimming or dancing, whatever you like to do to get active, do it!
• P.S remember to remain hydrated
3. Spa Day - Whether you choose to do it at home or go to a spa, spending some time to pamper yourself, is a great way to deal with stress. I personally prefer at home spa days, where I treat myself to a face mask, and/or do my nails, it is just a great way to unwind. Also, add some scented candles and some instrumental music...hello relaxation haven!
4. Indulge in a hobby (Reading and Video Games)  - Hobbies are one of the best ways to reduce stress. It wouldn't be a hobby if you didn't enjoy doing it. Whatever your hobby is, set some time aside and just indulge yourself, it works wonders. Baking is one of my favourite hobbies, so I will be making some time to make some yummy baked goods this weekend.
• Reading - Yes, reading. Novels, comics, graphic novels, anything besides your textbooks or work notes or newspaper. Leisure reading is a great way to unwind.
• Video Games - Yes, video games! You didn't think I would forget about my beloved video games. Hearthstone, Sims 3, I'm coming back for this weekend...(T_T). Seriously, playing video games is one of my favourite ways to cope with stress, just being able to leave reality behind for a few hours, helps me. 
5. Music - Listening to music is always a great, and easy way to decompress and relax. If you love singing, sing your heart out!

*At this point, I've curled up at my desk about 10 in the past hour of writing this post*

As I end this post, I just really want to drive home the importance of de-stressing or relaxing, because it is essential. I know many of us would prefer to just keeping going, but no good comes from burning yourself out.  I am, myself learning how to relax. I'm so used to just pushing myself, that I forget to treat myself human sometimes...

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, take care of yourselves, and I hope to see you here again next Friday.
Bye guys!
(^_^)/

J's Thoughts #1- Chit Chatting about Feeling Down

Hello everyone,

I know for the past month, I've been throwing out product reviews and I even revived my Game Corner Series, which was mega fun for me, however, it's been a while since I just wrote about myself and how I've been doing, so I figured that today I would do that.
I had planned to do a skin care blog post to talk about some new products I've introduced to my routine, but I just have no drive to make that post today.

Today for the first time in approximately a month, I have no drive or excitement to post or write or even to play a video game. I told one of my friends earlier this week that I just feel so exhausted by everything, but today is definitely the worse day of them all. I posted some swatches on my Instagram today, only to delete it an hour later, simply because I didn't feel excited about my post. I'm usually really excited to post my swatches, or pictures of my dogs and random selfies, but today, I just feel meh.

You're probably wondering why I've decided to share this on my blog?

Well the answer is simple, I know I am not the only person who falls into these slums. Also, as a person who is planning on becoming a Psychologist, it's important for me to acknowledge these moods, and negative emotions, and find means to adapt or just simply relax and let them run their course.

I've spent so much of my life hiding behind a fake smile, try not to acknowledge my feelings, that only now I've come to realize, I'm not always going to be happy or optimistic, I'm going to have days, hell even weeks where I just feel run down, sad, and unenthusiastic.

I just need to remind myself, like I am reminding you, better days are coming. Even if it doesn't feel that way, hold on little one because they are. These feelings and moods won't last forever, and you just need to take baby steps to get your groove back.

I know this isn't in the usual nature of my blog, but this is not just my space for sharing my favourite games, makeup and beauty items, but it's also a place for me to place what's on my mind, it is my Mind Palace!

I'll return to my normal postings next week, but for now, I need to rest. I know this post is a bit of a downer but everyone experience lows in their life, I'm just choosing to share my with the world.
Until I see you lovely people again next week, stay safe.
Bye guys (^-^)