by Mollie Millington | Mar 20, 2018 | happiness
Over the weekend, I found out that today is the International Day of Happiness. Proposed to the UN in 2011 and approved in 2012, the first day actually took place in 2013 on the spring Equinox.
As the Happiness Personal Trainer, my ethos is to encourage people to pursue activities that bring happiness (even I am guilty of this). My coaching can encompass physical activity, nourishing food choices, allocating free time differently, and looking for new inspiration. I believe everyone can experience happiness, but in today’s modern society, we sometimes lose sight of what truly makes us happy. It might be sitting on the beach in the sun, spending time with your kids, volunteering at the animal shelter, fishing while the sun rises, sleeping until noon on Sunday, or having ice cream for dessert.
Here are my top 10 tips on finding happiness:
1. Don’t be afraid to try. If you love Strictly Come Dancing and think dancing could be something that brings you joy, sign up for an introductory lesson. Or if you have stacks of poetry, attend an open mic night. Be being brave, you might experience joy.
2. Phone a friend. Forget about texting and email. Speaking to a live person can make all the difference. Call an old friend from uni, meet your gran for tea, or call on a neighbor for some human contact and enjoyable chat.
3. Seek inspiration. If you aren’t sure what would make you happy, head to the library for a nw book, see a movie at the cinema, head to an art museum, attend a religious service or look for inspirational quotes on Pinterest. A few simple words or a striking painting might change your mood for the day.
4. Don’t worry. Easier said than done, I know, but if you can forget about what other people think of you, it will make a world of difference.
5. Treat yourself. Indulge on massage, new pair of shoes, fancy chocolate bar, or popcorn at the movies. You are worth every cent.
6. Get moving. Exercise is known to boost serotonin. The amount of time you need to exercise to feel the benefits is different for different people. Running, biking, swimming, or walking are good activities to try but you should also choose something you will enjoy. Yoga and pilates might work for you too. Don’t give up if you don’t feel amazing right away (I know it takes me 45 minutes to achieve a runner’s high). Just keep at it!
7. Chase the sun. Light is also something that can trigger serotonin release. So book a weekend getaway to the beach and pack your sunglasses.
8. Declutter. I joke that the state of my living room mirrors my mental state. When I spend an hour putting away laundry, dusting, and finding a few things to donate, I feel like a load has been lifted off of my shoulders. Spending time in the room is much more pleasant when it is a bit neater.
9. Outsource. If there is something hanging over your head, it can feel like it is haunting you. If you need ironing done, inbox sorted, a craft completed or your bike cleaned, it might be worth it to hire someone else to do it so you can move on.
10. Smiles and hugs. Try smiling. Go on, just try. If that doesn’t work, download a comedy podcast, watching your favorite funny film, or ask a colleague for a funny video of their kids. Hugs might also help if you have the opportunity someone.
Use #HAPPYDAY today on social media to share your tips on what makes you happy or leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. 🙂
by thinkmarsh | Mar 20, 2018 | happiness
Over the weekend, I found out that today is the International Day of Happiness. Proposed to the UN in 2011 and approved in 2012, the first day actually took place in 2013 on the spring Equinox.
As the Happiness Personal Trainer, my ethos is to encourage people to pursue activities that bring happiness (even I am guilty of this). My coaching can encompass physical activity, nourishing food choices, allocating free time differently, and looking for new inspiration. I believe everyone can experience happiness, but in today’s modern society, we sometimes lose sight of what truly makes us happy. It might be sitting on the beach in the sun, spending time with your kids, volunteering at the animal shelter, fishing while the sun rises, sleeping until noon on Sunday, or having ice cream for dessert.
Here are my top 10 tips on finding happiness:
1. Don’t be afraid to try. If you love Strictly Come Dancing and think dancing could be something that brings you joy, sign up for an introductory lesson. Or if you have stacks of poetry, attend an open mic night. Be being brave, you might experience joy.
2. Phone a friend. Forget about texting and email. Speaking to a live person can make all the difference. Call an old friend from uni, meet your gran for tea, or call on a neighbor for some human contact and enjoyable chat.
3. Seek inspiration. If you aren’t sure what would make you happy, head to the library for a nw book, see a movie at the cinema, head to an art museum, attend a religious service or look for inspirational quotes on Pinterest. A few simple words or a striking painting might change your mood for the day.
4. Don’t worry. Easier said than done, I know, but if you can forget about what other people think of you, it will make a world of difference.
5. Treat yourself. Indulge on massage, new pair of shoes, fancy chocolate bar, or popcorn at the movies. You are worth every cent.
6. Get moving. Exercise is known to boost serotonin. The amount of time you need to exercise to feel the benefits is different for different people. Running, biking, swimming, or walking are good activities to try but you should also choose something you will enjoy. Yoga and pilates might work for you too. Don’t give up if you don’t feel amazing right away (I know it takes me 45 minutes to achieve a runner’s high). Just keep at it!
7. Chase the sun. Light is also something that can trigger serotonin release. So book a weekend getaway to the beach and pack your sunglasses.
8. Declutter. I joke that the state of my living room mirrors my mental state. When I spend an hour putting away laundry, dusting, and finding a few things to donate, I feel like a load has been lifted off of my shoulders. Spending time in the room is much more pleasant when it is a bit neater.
9. Outsource. If there is something hanging over your head, it can feel like it is haunting you. If you need ironing done, inbox sorted, a craft completed or your bike cleaned, it might be worth it to hire someone else to do it so you can move on.
10. Smiles and hugs. Try smiling. Go on, just try. If that doesn’t work, download a comedy podcast, watching your favorite funny film, or ask a colleague for a funny video of their kids. Hugs might also help if you have the opportunity someone.
Use #HAPPYDAY today on social media to share your tips on what makes you happy or leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. 🙂
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2018 | fitness, happiness, motivation, self-esteem
For a while, I have been in denial that a new year had started. I continued to eat and drink as I did in December, which meant I gained back the weight it took me 12 weeks to lose at the end of 2017. I was also in denial that I would stick to a fitness regime without any big races booked in for 2018. Finally, after a strong blogging game the last few months, I thought I would be cranking out content in January.
And I did nothing about any of it.
Not really nothing. I worried a lot, sat on the couch, drank Jack and Diet Coke after work, and basically carried on worrying about what I was doing to myself.
The fear held me back from making any changes.
As more time passed, the lower my self-esteem plummeted. I was getting heavier, un-fitter, and more insecure about my presence on social media and this blog. Maybe the fact that I lowered my anxiety meds contributed to me feeling frozen in time, unable to take action? Or maybe the jealously/admiration of my fellow fitness bloggers was just getting the best of me (seriously, they do some pretty amazing stuff)? It was a pity party for one and I was the guest of honor.
But then I went to a fitness class at Fitness Space in Wapping, where I saw some of my fitness friends. We did some HIIT, then stretched it out with yoga. Catching up over delicious food from The Fitology Kitchen, I realized that I do indeed have some exciting stuff going on and I just need to create the momentum again.
One of the things that motivates me is my passion for helping others find being active enjoyable and fun. As the Happiness Personal Trainer, I strive to inspire other people with ways to make healthy choices a positive rather than a negative.
Let me tell you, I too struggle with these choices. I have days that I want to stay on the couch eating raw cookie dough and watch Bridezillas with my dog (don’t worry, he doesn’t get any).
But I have come out of the other side now. Yes, it sucks that I took a month off and slipped down the slope a bit. I have made the decision to dust myself off and continue my journey towards health and happiness. It will be tough at first but I need to get ready for some busy months ahead. Being physically strong and more confident will make what I have lined up more enjoyable for all.
What changes am I making now that I have my mojo back?
First, I am unsubscribing to all the junk emails I never open. I have big FOMO with fitness studios and brands but I can’t possibly buy everything I get pictures of, nor can I attend all the classes. I might miss a few cool things, but the fact my inbox won’t explode every time I open it will help me feel less overwhelmed. It might seem like a small thing, but I hope removing these distractions will help me focus on connecting with clients and developing new relationships.
Second, I am donating and E-baying a ton of stuff. My husband and I had a major clear out and reorganised some of our flat which is making him very happy (I tend to have piles of stuff everywhere). It should also help me be organised with a new system and give me more opportunities to hoover and mop (to make my German grandmother proud). Lack of pride in the cleanliness of my home is another knock to my self-esteem. I am nearly 40 and struggle to keep shelves dusted and walls white. Getting a cleaner has been on my list of things to do for a while and I hope to book one soon.
To keep things on track, I am going back to my Kikki.K goal planner to focus on the following big goals:
- Loose 10 pounds (the ones I gained back) by 29 March, when we head to Thailand for two weeks for my brother-in-law’s wedding
- Successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day (come with me!)
- Become a faster and stronger runner by continuing to work with Function360 and doing solo track sessions while my club has temporarily switched nights (gotta keep my BQ goal in sight)
The lesson in of all of this?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a list of resolutions, intentions or goals for 2018 yet.
Don’t worry if you sometimes lose your way.
Life ebbs and flows. In just one day, you can suddenly change direction. Or you can gradually find yourself on a different course after 365 days. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. Do what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to move the goal posts if you discover things aren’t working out as you had planned.
What gets you going again after you fall off the wagon? Do you have tips on finding your mojo? Leave me a comment below so that we can help one another focus on standing back up again rather than drowning in the guilt of experiencing a setback. It can happen to anyone at anytime. And if it happens to you, please come back here for support and inspiration.
by thinkmarsh | Jan 17, 2018 | fitness, happiness, motivation, self-esteem
For a while, I have been in denial that a new year had started. I continued to eat and drink as I did in December, which meant I gained back the weight it took me 12 weeks to lose at the end of 2017. I was also in denial that I would stick to a fitness regime without any big races booked in for 2018. Finally, after a strong blogging game the last few months, I thought I would be cranking out content in January.
And I did nothing about any of it.
Not really nothing. I worried a lot, sat on the couch, drank Jack and Diet Coke after work, and basically carried on worrying about what I was doing to myself.
The fear held me back from making any changes.
As more time passed, the lower my self-esteem plummeted. I was getting heavier, un-fitter, and more insecure about my presence on social media and this blog. Maybe the fact that I lowered my anxiety meds contributed to me feeling frozen in time, unable to take action? Or maybe the jealously/admiration of my fellow fitness bloggers was just getting the best of me (seriously, they do some pretty amazing stuff)? It was a pity party for one and I was the guest of honor.
But then I went to a fitness class at Fitness Space in Wapping, where I saw some of my fitness friends. We did some HIIT, then stretched it out with yoga. Catching up over delicious food from The Fitology Kitchen, I realized that I do indeed have some exciting stuff going on and I just need to create the momentum again.
One of the things that motivates me is my passion for helping others find being active enjoyable and fun. As the Happiness Personal Trainer, I strive to inspire other people with ways to make healthy choices a positive rather than a negative.
Let me tell you, I too struggle with these choices. I have days that I want to stay on the couch eating raw cookie dough and watch Bridezillas with my dog (don’t worry, he doesn’t get any).
But I have come out of the other side now. Yes, it sucks that I took a month off and slipped down the slope a bit. I have made the decision to dust myself off and continue my journey towards health and happiness. It will be tough at first but I need to get ready for some busy months ahead. Being physically strong and more confident will make what I have lined up more enjoyable for all.
What changes am I making now that I have my mojo back?
First, I am unsubscribing to all the junk emails I never open. I have big FOMO with fitness studios and brands but I can’t possibly buy everything I get pictures of, nor can I attend all the classes. I might miss a few cool things, but the fact my inbox won’t explode every time I open it will help me feel less overwhelmed. It might seem like a small thing, but I hope removing these distractions will help me focus on connecting with clients and developing new relationships.
Second, I am donating and E-baying a ton of stuff. My husband and I had a major clear out and reorganised some of our flat which is making him very happy (I tend to have piles of stuff everywhere). It should also help me be organised with a new system and give me more opportunities to hoover and mop (to make my German grandmother proud). Lack of pride in the cleanliness of my home is another knock to my self-esteem. I am nearly 40 and struggle to keep shelves dusted and walls white. Getting a cleaner has been on my list of things to do for a while and I hope to book one soon.
To keep things on track, I am going back to my Kikki.K goal planner to focus on the following big goals:
- Loose 10 pounds (the ones I gained back) by 29 March, when we head to Thailand for two weeks for my brother-in-law’s wedding
- Successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day (come with me!)
- Become a faster and stronger runner by continuing to work with Function360 and doing solo track sessions while my club has temporarily switched nights (gotta keep my BQ goal in sight)
The lesson in of all of this?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a list of resolutions, intentions or goals for 2018 yet.
Don’t worry if you sometimes lose your way.
Life ebbs and flows. In just one day, you can suddenly change direction. Or you can gradually find yourself on a different course after 365 days. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. Do what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to move the goal posts if you discover things aren’t working out as you had planned.
What gets you going again after you fall off the wagon? Do you have tips on finding your mojo? Leave me a comment below so that we can help one another focus on standing back up again rather than drowning in the guilt of experiencing a setback. It can happen to anyone at anytime. And if it happens to you, please come back here for support and inspiration.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 13, 2016 | happiness, health, holistic
Although the songs indicate it is the most wonderful time of the year, I also find it to be completely overwhelming. Last year, I nearly called off Christmas all together when it was days before the 25th December and I hadn’t even sent out my cards yet. This year is no better, as my work is still full-on and I am fundraising for VLM (my goal was to get most of it done before my running training started in January). This time of year, I am also a single mom for Oldland because my husband has an annual 10 day work trip to Morocco.
What’s a person to do? Here are my tips on surviving December:
 |
| Oldland and I on a walk |
- Learn to say no– whether it is another holiday drinks invite, friends looking for a place to stay, invitation to take part in a secret Santa, or a holiday pot luck, put your own needs first for once. Be honest and say you are feeling overwhelmed and can’t help out right now.
- Compromise- offer to meet for drinks at a time and place that suits you, set a limit on how many days guests can stay at your flat, or buy ready made food.
- Spend a day in bed watching movies and eatin junk food– I hereby give you permission to do this. Once in a great while won’t kill you.
- Walk more– if you can’t get to the gym or whatever your usual exercise of choice is, take time to enjoy a walk to slow down a bit and clear your head.
- Sleep– for some reason, this is always the area of our lives we cut back on when we have too much to do. Sleeping more will improve your mood, make you less hungry, and help deuce the stress hormone which increases the likelihood of abdominal fat accumulation.
 |
| Nearly sleepy time |
- Limit drinks– sure you want to get your money’s worth out of the open bar, but is it worth it the next day when you have a throbbing headache and can’t get anything done on your to-do list. This tip has taken me many years to perfect.
- Ask for experiences rather than stuff– less clutter can lead to calming environment. Accumulate memories rather than dust and skip the return lines!
- Hire help– to do housework, pay for the dry cleaner to catch u up on laundry, to assemble your new idea furnature. Your time is valuable. Delegate out a few menial jobs to your partner or to hired help.
- Turn off social media– get over FOMO and live in the moment as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
What other suggestions do you have to avoid over-committing? How do you keep sane in December? Leave a comment below and let me know.
by thinkmarsh | Dec 13, 2016 | happiness, health, holistic
Although the songs indicate it is the most wonderful time of the year, I also find it to be completely overwhelming. Last year, I nearly called off Christmas all together when it was days before the 25th December and I hadn’t even sent out my cards yet. This year is no better, as my work is still full-on and I am fundraising for VLM (my goal was to get most of it done before my running training started in January). This time of year, I am also a single mom for Oldland because my husband has an annual 10 day work trip to Morocco.
What’s a person to do? Here are my tips on surviving December:
|
| Oldland and I on a walk |
- Learn to say no– whether it is another holiday drinks invite, friends looking for a place to stay, invitation to take part in a secret Santa, or a holiday pot luck, put your own needs first for once. Be honest and say you are feeling overwhelmed and can’t help out right now.
- Compromise- offer to meet for drinks at a time and place that suits you, set a limit on how many days guests can stay at your flat, or buy ready made food.
- Spend a day in bed watching movies and eatin junk food– I hereby give you permission to do this. Once in a great while won’t kill you.
- Walk more– if you can’t get to the gym or whatever your usual exercise of choice is, take time to enjoy a walk to slow down a bit and clear your head.
- Sleep– for some reason, this is always the area of our lives we cut back on when we have too much to do. Sleeping more will improve your mood, make you less hungry, and help deuce the stress hormone which increases the likelihood of abdominal fat accumulation.
|
| Nearly sleepy time |
- Limit drinks– sure you want to get your money’s worth out of the open bar, but is it worth it the next day when you have a throbbing headache and can’t get anything done on your to-do list. This tip has taken me many years to perfect.
- Ask for experiences rather than stuff– less clutter can lead to calming environment. Accumulate memories rather than dust and skip the return lines!
- Hire help– to do housework, pay for the dry cleaner to catch u up on laundry, to assemble your new idea furnature. Your time is valuable. Delegate out a few menial jobs to your partner or to hired help.
- Turn off social media– get over FOMO and live in the moment as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
What other suggestions do you have to avoid over-committing? How do you keep sane in December? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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