Stress in everyday life.

After publishing the previous post tonight I glansed through the posts' content and realized what a busy couple of days I've had this last week. Studying, traveling, working, spending time with friends and all those "need-to-do-things" are all a part of my everyday life. I am used to having a busy schedule ever week, managing several projects at the same time and previously it hasn't bothered me, on the contrary I've  actually loved it. I know how crazy this must sound. 

Still, it has reached a point where the stress have taken a tight grip of my everyday life. Even though the signs have been there I have chosen to ignore them and continued with my routines, trying to fill every day in my calendar with an appointment of some sort. This lifestyle has not been very healthy for my body, mind and soul and even though my boyfriend, family and friends have mentioned it several times I've chosen to ignore all the signs. Last night an inner chaos exploded inside of me and suddenly I was panicking over my paper and all the other social "to-do's" that were blinking as a constant reminder on the screen of my iPhone. I don't understand how other people do it? This addiction we have to our phones, not being able to put them away and the fact how they have taken over our everyday life? I find it hard to remember what life was like before I had a cellphone.

Anyway, I've had enough. I've decided that I can't go on like this. I have to stop misjudging my priorities and stop having this feeling of anxiety every time I feel like I'm missing out from some social activity that my friends are doing through text messages but also social media such as Facebook. I realize that I have had difficulties in creating a good balance between my studies, work and my social life. Unfortunately it has effected my closest relationships where I've had "mini-vulcano-outbreaks" way to often if you ask them (!)... Well, that's my opinion anyway.

This is why I have for example decided to cut down the amount of work these last upcoming weekends that I have left in Örebro before I leave for my practice in Stockholm. I have also decided to put away my phone after 9 PM every evening with start tomorrow night in order to go to bed earlier. I will also try to have a non-disturbing mode on during the day when I'm busy studying, otherwise you keep checking your phone every 5 minutes or every time you see that someone has texted you which makes it very hard to focus on whatever thing you are doing at the moment. 

Hopefully these actions will help me in my way to stress less and to find a better balance in life. Now that I am feeling better I will also try to head out for my morning powerwalks/afternoon runs simply to be able to spend some time outdoors and get some fresh air every day. I have other ideas that I would like to share with you but it's time for bed now and I really need to get some sleep! Sweet dreams

What do you appreciate most in life?

I listened to Alicia Keys new song "We are here" earlier today and I must say that the lyrics stroke me at the heart. The song consists of such powerful phrases that affects people who are struggling all over the world and it made me think of my life at the moment and how much I have to be grateful for. I feel blessed to have a family where all members are still alive. I am so happy for the life that my parents have given me and that I have shared so many good memories with them and with my two younger brothers. There are days when I find myself smiling over how life used to be while living under my parent's roof. To be able to have my brothers in the next room and being able to hang out a lot more than we do these days. There are days when I truly miss my two best friends. 

I also feel so blessed to have found the man of my dreams. V and I had been dating for a short period many years ago and continued as very good friends for many years before we decided to get together. Actually, it was not until I decided to move to Örebro at the beginning of my studies that he realized this. I still think its funny considering the fact that I spent so many years in Stockholm while he was living there too. Anyway I can't describe how crazy I am about him, my man, my love, my everything. I simply cannot see a future without him by my side. I often wonder if he agrees with me and if he can see a similar future with me? I still haven't figured it out. Only time will tell. Still, I must say that I have never loved anyone as much as I love Him. 

Some people say that friends come and go and I agree with the saying. I have met so many different people during my younger years at school but also at University not to mention at different workplaces. As I have become older I have realized what true friendship really stands for and how one can identify a close friend from a regular friend. Previously I tried to have many friends, 10-12 people that I met at school every day or at different activities after school. Today I try to have a smaller group friends, people that I can truly rely upon, who understands me and accepts me just the way I am. No more fuzz, no more trying to be someone that I am not. It's not necessary when you hang out with your best friends. And at times when I haven't seen some of them for a while it always feels like we pick up just where we left it. I feel so happy to have such good friends in my life.

The list could go on forever with things that I appreciate in my life. Still I will mention one last thing. My health. A couple of weeks ago I saw a documentary about young teenagers that had some physical difficulties and simply couldn't move their arms or legs in the way they wish they could. To be able to run, exercise, live a healthy life may be something that most people take for granted these days. I used to eat rather unhealthy and had a long period where I hardly did any exercise. My mind and body were not feeling well and I was depressed. Daily exercise helps me cope and focus throughout every day. Most of us are stressed at some point during the day and I am trying so hard to change my routines at the moment in order to live a less stressful life. Small changes in your daily routines can make a huge difference in your well being during the day. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to change my life to the better and will continue exercise to maintain a healthy balance. 

Rise & Shine.

Good morning dear readers, I hope you all slept well? :) I sure didn't, for some reason I woke up several times and couldn't fall asleep again when I woke up at 6 AM. Thanks to a 45 min power walk, a delicious protein boosted smoothie and a boiled egg I now feel so much better!

Reloaded, full of energy and ready to start a new week! It's going to be a very stressful week since I have a big exam coming up on the 18th of January.. Wish me luck folks! Well guess it's time for a shower! Later skaters

Hang Up.

Unfortunately I couldn't head out on a power walk this morning as I'd planned yesterday. Hopefully this heavy rain will be gone by tonight! Anyway I just wanted to tell you guys about a new "hang up" I've had these last two weeks. A healthy snack or light breakfast consisting of cottage cheese and fresh strawberries. Add chopped chocolate pieces and you have a dessert as well! :)

C-vitamins.

Picture: We heart it

Did you know that if you eat half a grape fruit in the morning it covers all the C-vitamin intake for one day? I'll be eating a lot of grape fruit this summer, that's for sure ;)

Back on Track.

Monday afternoon is already here and I'm so happy to say that I'm back on track with my daily exercise. Now that my cold seems to have left the body I've decided to put up a new routine that will stretch out the upcoming two weeks with start last Friday. 

Summer is just around the corner and considering that I'll be spending 11 wonderful days in south east of France in a small town called Antibes with V and his parents the last week in August/early September I absolutely want to get really fit until then ;) I'm looking forward to a healthy summer with lots of long power walks and fresh food and less alcohol. 

I've started with two power walks every day now, one in the morning before breakfast and the second before dinner in the evening. I try to walk at minimum 45 min at a higher tempo and believe me it really does feel in the legs, but and stomach not to mention the back as well. Previously I've had some difficulties with my knees so I've discovered that these power walks is effective and it doesn't hurt me as the jogging does. 

More info and updates will surely be posted now and then. For starters I'm happy to say that when I stepped on to the scale in my bathroom this morning it showed -600 gram since I started Friday evening. If I continue like this I will have lost the few extra kilos that I've gained since I moved to Örebro. So I'm keeping up the good work! Who's with me? ;)

Today's Power Walk.

Picture: Private - Taken by me with my iPhone

Finally my cough has disappeared! I celebrated it by heading outdoors for a long power walk yesterday evening and twice today (!). I took this beautiful picture during the morning walk. No doubt summer is finally here with all its blossom and green trees everywhere. Two more weeks and I've finished this term! 

I've been hanging out with M today, studying so I'm all finished up in the head and body. Looking forward to a nice long sleep.. But don't worry, you'll be hearing more from me tomorrow! ;) Sweet dreams.

Cravings.

Picture: We heart it

Update: Today is my fifth day without any carbs where I've only eaten proteins all three meals of the day. It's been both easy and hard depending on which day it's been. In total I'm feeling good and felt positive right through it. However today I have a mayor craving for one of my absolute favourite fruits in the world, papaya. It's been ages since I ate it!

I'm thinking about rewarding myself with a piece next week when this hard week is over! It's both sweet and very healthy. I love it when you add a fresh slice of lime to it as well, delicious! Let's just hope the grocery store nearby have it on Monday, if not I'll have to look around ;)

Kick Ass Start.

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to eat healthier and work out on a daily basis. I feel so proud over myself to say that I've had three good days of one hour long power walks indoors on our run machine but also outdoors. I have also resisted all forms of carbs and only eaten protein this week, mainly eggs, chicken and salmon (my favourite!).

Truth be told, yesterday was not a good day I felt awful and had no energy at all. Still, I'm feeling so much better today, loaded with lots of positive energy! Four more days to go, next week I've planned to eat slow carbs and like I said in my New Year's Resolutions allow myself sweets one day every week. I know my body & teeth (!) will thank me later ;)

I've always wanted a slim yet trimmed body so I'm doing this for myself. For this year is all focus on me, myself and I. There is nothing more important than to have a good balance deep within and I must confess that by the end of 2011 my body and inner systems were completely out of balance.

Being healthy is a new goal and priority, still I have a big gene that loves and always will love pastries and other delicious deserts but like I said - not everyday but once every week! Are you with me? Let's all have a Kick Ass Start! :)

A moment in Harmony.

In the darkest hour one can find me surrounded by candle lights, day dreaming, thinking and typing down thoughts and what ever crosses my mind. Recent events compete with previous memories that sometimes are left far behind.

For I believe that the heart & soul need time for reflection in order to cope with everyday challenges, dilemmas and other issues. If one decides to ignore the troubled thoughts that may occur during the day it will become too hard to handle after a while and therefore instead demand one too many tissues.

Do not forget to breath, not just one quick breath but at least three deep ones in order to feel the balance deep within. It will be noticeable for others in the way you act towards others, no more mood swings and not to mention in your face expressions and skin.

Make some quality time for yourself, to dream, think or whatever thing that makes you relax. If I could, I know I would send this message to all of you who have a fax. Sleep tight & dream with the angels that are watching over you and your beloved ones.

The Sport of Indoor Rock Climbing.

Pictures: Private taken by L & R - Collage made by me (Click to enlarge!)

Yesterday my friend L and his sister R persuaded me to go indoor rock climbing with them. I've never tried out the sport before but it was so much fun! :)

After trying out two different walls I headed for the highest wall.. 20 metres and guess what? I made it all the way up to the top! I even had a few fans (three younger boys that started screaming my name when they heard L & R cheer on me) :)

Truly it was the perfect challenge for myself and I must say in a modest way that I'm proud over my achievement and that I managed to take on the last wall considering it was my first time. Believe me when I say that it wasn't the last one..

Thank you L & R for letting me climb with you and for the fun morning! The adrenaline lasted all day ;) Try it out if you haven't done so, I'm sure you'll love it!

Blueberries on a Tuesday.

Picture: Private - taken with my iPhone

I've got a thing for berries apparently since I've been eating Kellogg's Corn Flakes and blueberries/strawberries almost every day for breakfast these last couple of weeks. It tastes so good! Previously I've always been eating sandwiches but I've tried to try new things such as scrambled eggs, porridge and other healthier cereals.

Anyway, time to get ready for class. Today's going to be a long day but hopefully a good one. I wish you all a terrific Tuesday! Later skaters! ;)

Berry Breakfast.

Picture: Private - taken with my iPhone

Morning Monday! I hope you all slept well :) Despite the dull weather outdoors I'm all smiles today, perhaps it's because of today's delicious breakfast - a bowl of cornflakes topped by big blueberries & fresh strawberries. I'm lovin' it!

Anyway it's a new week and I'm looking forward to the upcoming activities starting today. Babysit, exercise, hang out with friends, study & work well I guess that is pretty much how my week is going to be. I have to make a few calls now before I'll be off to the gym. Have a great day!

Skiing in the Sun.

Picture: Collage made by me (picture to the left Ingo's Joggblog & picture to the right my own)

I had the best afternoon with my father and younger brother earlier today. The three of us decided to head out to the local golf club to try our new cross-country skies.

It was an intensive work out I must say but we had lots of fun though. The sun kept shining on us all day and I believe one could see a few new freckles on my nose tip! This type of work out is something I will definitely be doing again very soon!

My body is completely exhausted since I also went babysitting in the afternoon and the two little boys had me run after them as we played :) A good night's sleep would do me well. I hope you've had a terrific Thursday too!

Bambi & Breakfast.

Picture: Collage made by me, pictures taken with my iPhone

Earlier this morning when I was heading up to make myself breakfast I happened to catch Bambi outside our house. He says "hi!" by the way ;) Today's breakfast was this delicious smoothie which took me about 4 minutes to prepare. Very easy and a perfect meal to go if you're in a hurry. This is what you need,

♥ 1 dl yoghurt (which is about half an american cup)
♥ 1 dl frozen raspberries
♥ 1 dl frozen black currant
♥ 1 orange

Peel the orange to get rid off the shell and put it along with the other ingredients in a mixer. Presh the button for about 1-2 minutes and make sure that they have all been mixed and soon you will have a smooth drink ready to serve! See, I told you it was easy ;)

P.S. It is also a good alternative for a healthy "drink" in the afternoon. D.S.

Legs in Focus.

Picture: Jak & Jil Blog

Today I am officially back in business, in other words I had my first work out at the gym after the Holidays. It went surprisingly well and let's just say that later this spring/summer my legs will be in focus ;) Still, I believe one needs good genes and a lot of intense work out to even dream of walking on a pair of legs such as the ones in the picture above. But it is still good "thinspiration" if you ask me. I will get somewhere near it, just wait and see!

After 50 minutes of jogging (total distance 6 km) I still felt how the energy was pumping inside my veins and so I headed for the weight machines. In total I spent about 1,5 hours and it felt so good afterwards since I also managed to stretch out every big muscle group properly. My aim is to follow this programme three to four times per week. This type of exercises combined with a healthier diet I am hoping to both feel and see some results within a few weeks! Beach 2011, here I come :)

Mouthwatering Meal.

I must admit I'm still working on my cooking skills, meanwhile I feel lucky to have two brothers who are excellent chefs and sometimes I ask myself whether if they were not literally born in the kitchen? Anyway E & I made this amazing dish today which consisted of a few chicken fillets, spicy yellow curry, cream, some onion and last but not least sweet crispy apple wedges.

Along with some warm rice & salad it tasted marvellous! Truly, all the flavours cooking together and the bright colours made it both look and taste just like a mouthwatering meal should do ;) E is great when it comes to improvising, I'd never dare that.. Perhaps not now but someday I hope I'll feel more confident of doing so.

Besides, not only did it taste heavenly it can also be seen as a rather healthy dish. If one might be trying to loose some weight then my advice would be to skip the rice and instead of using cream one can always use water or use a cream with low fat. I'll see if I can write down the recipe and post it here if someone is interested in trying it!

Workaholic.

Somehow time always manage to slip through my fingers, like the sand in a hourglass. I don't know how but my calendar always seems to become so full. Daily projects such as classes, study time, work sometimes in the afternoon which leads to late dinners where I don't come home until 9 PM. I don't even want to mention the weekends for they are the worst.

They mostly consist of work during the entire day and if I'm lucky to have some energy left I might either go out with friends or stay in and spend some quality time with my family. It's awful. I realized it today when my youngest brother asked me what my plans are for the weekend and I answered him work. So sad.

So much precious time is literally flying by and it felt like I just wake up from a long and intensive sleep when I heard my brother say, "I feel so sorry for you, it's not healthy you know?". He always speaks his mind and he can be brutally honest about almost everything but for that I love him, no matter how heartbreaking his comment might be I know he wants what's best for me by looking after me ♥

Suddenly it's clear to me now, I've become a workaholic. Maybe it's time to take a break from a few things and start to think about what I think is important and most important above all start listening to my body that literally aches almost every now and then during the day and not in a good way. My health comes first. Unfortunately I've been ignoring it for too long but now it's time to make a change!

Born to be a runner.

After an one hour run and a healthy breakfast I'm ready to start today and this new week! I honestly feel that I have to make this a morning routine and stick with it. People often say that like a million times but I will try my very best.

Many fun things are happening this week for example, I have a new project that will begin at today's class, also at work we are expecting very important guests coming from the headquarters in Spain and since I'm free from work this weekend I'm planning on doing something with the girls ♥ It's been to long now. Anyway it's time for a shower, I wish you all a great start of the new week!

Symptoms of Stress.

It felt as if I was close to have a nervous breakdown today at work. I felt fine all morning and I came to work in a happy mood. While I was working in the afternoon I started to feel dizzy and my knees suddenly felt weak.

According to my colleagues my face looked pale white and I surely felt poorly too. Could it have something to do with the cold I had last week? Or perhaps it's just symptoms of stress. I think my body votes for the second alternative.

Today's lesson was all about listening to what my body had to say. It said stop for worse things could have happened if I'd ignored it, that's for sure. Scary thought though, I need to improve my health's balance. Wake up and remember to take care of yourselves. Hopefully I'll be able to rest properly tonight.