There are quite a few simple measures for revitalising your workplace mood – and the knock-on effects can include better productivity, which will clearly go down well with the boss.

Mentally, stay in the here and now

Do you find yourself often merely “going through the motions” at work, not really paying close attention to the task at hand? This can too easily happen if you don’t love your job – and, perhaps, have an eye on soon “moving on” to take up that coveted “dream job”.

However, that job won’t just appear out of nowhere, mindbodygreen.com emphasises. It’s through producing your best work right here, right now that you can realise magical results.

Seek to learn new ways of improving your work

Are you currently falling short? Heed Inc.‘s revelation that thriving workers “look for opportunities to learn new things and acquire new skills, and access information to help them get better at what they do.” By following suit, you could bring into effect a “self-perpetuating” growth journey.

For this reason, you should welcome feedback when you receive it, whether from the boss or fellow employees. Taking account of feedback can help prevent distractions from your organisational goals.

Are you an employer? Lead by example

Every successful business has its own Winston Churchill, a leader who can inspire their recruits not merely to work towards success, but even work their way out of corporate quicksand, so to say.

There is certainly solid evidence of how beneficial such leadership can prove to a business. One recent study looking at various industries found that leaders high in self-reported thriving were, by their employees, deemed 17% more effective than leaders comparatively lacking in this measure.

Strike a good work-life balance

How is your personal life going? Whether you are currently on cloud nine because of a new, super-exciting romance, your favourite TV show is back on the box, you are getting better at surfing, or some other reason, those high levels of happiness could push you towards workplace success, too.

Research has confirmed that people who fare well in their personal lives appear to accumulate “resources” that they can pour into their work activities – a real win-win-win situation!

Do you smoke? Consider switching to vaping

I’ll resist launching into a lecture about how that cigarette habit could be wrecking your health. However, keep in mind that, as the Daily Mail reports, e-cigarettes are much safer than tobacco, according to experts. Furthermore, there isn’t a strict legal ban on e-cigarette use in offices.

While employers can still ban vaping in workplaces at their discretion, you could stock up on products like Innokin Proton Plex Kit if your own office is vape-friendly.

The post The Daily Grind: 5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Health And Thrive At Work appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

There’ll be autumn weddings too, not to mention birthday bashes, Halloween and bonfire get-togethers, and dare we mention the festive party season? No? Okay, too soon. However, there’s no harm in thinking about all the fun stuff you’ll have coming up, and preparing a little beforehand so that you can feel your best in every single Instagram shot (alright then, most of them).

The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for those who want to look and feel their very best for each event they have on their upcoming calendar, and even for the ones they haven’t RSVP’d to yet.

Makeup and nails

When it comes to doing your own makeup for an occasion or party, make sure you have several practice runs in the evenings, or the weekend before the event. You might need to brush up on your eyelash application or get that contouring technique perfected, so it’s worth remembering that practice makes perfect!

Take a look on YouTube and Pinterest for some inspiration and tutorials on formal makeup looks, and test out what’s going to suit your skin tone, hair, and outfit choice. You’ll want to turn up to the wedding venue or rooftop bar feeling your very best, and if you’re not feeling your face; you won’t be able to get into the swing of things with confidence.

Try and work out how long the makeup will take you to do beforehand, and give yourself some extra time, in case you need to correct anything or fix a smudge (it’s bound to happen).

For some tips on achieving a flawless makeup look, you can always head towards a friendly face at a cosmetics counter in-store. It’s also the ideal excuse to splurge on that CC cream or liquid lipstick you’ve had your eyes on. You can ensure the condition of your nails by using a cuticle oil on a regular basis before you come to paint them or visit someone for a manicure.

When it comes to your nail polish choice; your options really come down to a neutral, nude shade, or a pop of colour, that will stand out on your fingernails and toes. Classic berry tones and reds suit every skin tone, and will go with a huge variety of colours, ensuring your nails wouldn’t clash with your clothing; but, instead, would complement it.

If you’re unsure and wary of looking too busy; pick a taupe or a pale pink shade, which will definitely go with your outfit, whatever the colour. Or, use your nails as a canvas to have some fun; nail art and mirroring techniques can be beautiful, but, if you’re not trained, these are best left to the professionals, so book yourself in the week beforehand.

Hair and skin

Whatever your hair type might be; you want it looking the best it can on your big night out, day of dancing, or whatever celebration it is that you’re heading towards (even if that is the fact it’s a Friday, and the weekend is here). On the run up to the event, make sure you take some time to indulge in a hair mask or two, so you know your hair is as strong and conditioned as possible.

It’s important to nourish your hair before any styling, straightening, or curling, as most of these techniques require the use of direct heat to your hair, along with products and sprays that you’re not used to. Figure out if you’re going to use a professional stylist at a hair salon, or if you’re confident enough to execute the hairstyle of your choice yourself.

If you’re going with the salon option, make sure you’re booked in as soon as you’ve RSVP’d to the invite. Give yourself enough time to get dressed and apply your make up after the stylist (whether it’s you, or somebody else) has worked their magic. If you choose to get your hair done in the morning, ensure your style is locked in with enough spray, and it will see you through until you get in the Uber to go home.

It’s always a treat to pamper your skin, but in the days leading up to the event; make sure you moisturise each day after your bath or shower. If you plan to apply a fake tanning product, it’s key that your skin is hydrated, particularly around your knees, elbows, and heels. Fake tan a couple of evenings before; so it looks as natural as possible, and there’s time to fix any potential mistakes.

If you don’t feel the need to change the shade of your skin in any way, ensure it’s looking as bright, soft and glowing as possible. Applying specialist foot cream to your feet and toes, and popping some cotton socks on them, before bed each night will ensure they are soft and open-toe-shoes ready. The morning of the event is a great time to use a body scrub, to get rid of any dry areas of skin, and pop your body cream, butter, or souffle of choice on from head to toe.

Glad rags

Just because you’re heading out to a formal event or an invite-only bash, doesn’t mean you have to feel completely uncomfortable, or unlike yourself. You can rock an outfit that fits both the occasion and your personal style; so bear that in mind when you head onto ASOS to do your shopping. Thinking about the best colour palette for your hair and skin tone is a wise place to start; you might think you’ve found the outfit of your dreams, only to find the colour makes you look washed out and unwell. Order a few things; that’s the beauty of free returns! Feeling your best self will ensure that you’ll have a great time, no matter what the occasion.

The post Feeling Fresh: Wedding Season Might Be Dying Down, But Party Season Is Just Starting appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Don’t be afraid to use shapewear

If you are well-toned and have good posture, virtually anything you wear will look good on you. It will hang properly and fit. Exercise is a good way to improve your muscle tone. But, sometimes life gets in the way and it becomes too hard to find the time to work out enough. When that happens, things tend to sag a bit and your favourite clothes stop looking good on you.

Of course, what you need to do is to get back to exercising regularly. However, getting back in shape will usually take a few weeks. In the meantime, shapewear can sort things out for you. Provided you buy the right type, it will gently smooth out the bumps and give you a little extra support.

As you can see here good-quality shapewear is no longer horrendously expensive or old-fashioned. As more men and women use it, so prices are dropping and they’re becoming more fashionable.

Invest in good skincare and clothes

Clothes that are made from high-quality fabrics tend to hang better and last far longer. When you go shopping bear this in mind and take the time to check how well made each garment is.

Having glowing skin really makes a difference. If you have good skin you always look a lot better. Getting your skin into good condition and keeping it that way is not too difficult, once you know which products to use. I tell you about them here and give you some tips which will help you to improve the condition of your skin fast.

Prioritise mindfulness and beauty sleep

Stress plays havoc with the way you look. So, avoid situations that you find stressful as much as possible.

Every day take the time to relax completely, at least twice. Go for a walk; spend 10 minutes practicing mindfulness or read a book. It does not matter how you do it, as long as it relieves the tension.

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night will help you to look and feel much better. So, make getting enough of it a priority. If you do miss out on a couple of hours, always try to catch up. The best way to do this is to go to bed a bit earlier until you have made up for your sleep deficit.

Learn some quick beauty fixes

If you wear makeup, there are lots of fast and simple ways to brighten up your look. For example, did you know that lining the inner rim of your upper lids with a dark brown liner can make you look more awake? Well, apparently it does. You can read more about this tip and more, by clicking this link.

The post Simple Ways To Ensure You Look Your Best No Matter What appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Whether you’re experiencing the devastating effects of anxiety or stress or stuck in an existential crisis, a little bit of happiness every day could lift your state of mind and offer you a different perspective on your current situation. And the good thing is you don’t have to look too far for happiness; it lies a lot closer than you think. Whenever things get on top of me, these are some of the things I do or think about to boost my happiness quotient.

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Unfortunately, it’s all too easy these days to walk through life feeling dissatisfied and not realizing the real value of our experiences. At some point or another, all of us become a little bit ungrateful; not intentionally, it’s only sometimes we forget how much we do have. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a sure-fire way to experience a mood boost, and it’s something that anybody can do at any moment.

The next time you feel like life is getting on top of you, stop, take a deep breath and think of three things that you currently have in your life for which you feel grateful. It doesn’t have to be riches or material things, sometimes it’s only about gratitude for the running water that comes out of your taps or the smile you get from the shopkeeper down the road!

Smile So Much That Your Eyes Crease

Every day, we are bombarded with perfected faces — smiles that never quite reach the eyes and ‘Blue Steel’ stares continuously pour out of online and offline media. A real smile, though, something that has been called by happiness researchers (what an excellent job!) the Duchenne Smile, packs a mighty punch.

When we smile and laugh so much that our face crinkles up, all sorts of stress hormone-combating endorphins are released. We also get the benefit of a relaxed nervous and cardiovascular system because to laugh, we have to breathe out. Try it right now. Make the biggest smile you can, and the next time something bothers you only let out a big laugh!

Realize the importance of sleep

Sleep is important for various aspects of brain function. This includes cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. All of these are negatively affected by sleep deprivation. A study on medical interns provides a good example. Interns on a traditional schedule with extended work hours of more than 24 hours made 36% more serious medical errors than interns on a schedule that allowed more sleep.

Mental health issues, such as depression, are strongly linked to poor sleep quality and sleeping disorders. It has been estimated that 90% of people with depression complain about sleep quality. Those with sleeping disorders like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea also report significantly higher rates of depression than those without. Finding the right bed and having a good nights kip is essential for your happiness.

Find Your Flow

‘Flow’ is one of those new self-development buzzwords, but far from being a fascinating marketing ploy, it is something worthy of attention. When you’re carrying out an activity that you enjoy, especially if it’s one that challenges you and asks you to use and increase your skills, you become engaged. And to become engaged means that you enter this state of flow or become present. Some people enter the flow so much that they lose their sense of time and even themselves.

States of flow are in everything from hobbies to vocations, look at Maria Konnikova. This successful author, psychologist, and journalist unexpectedly found her flow when researching the discipline of poker for her latest book: ‘The Biggest Bluff’. She fell in love with the game so much that she’s now competing as a professional and even acts as an ambassador for a prestigious global poker platform.

Random acts of Kindness

In her book, ‘The How of Happiness’, notable professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, talks about the real power of practicing acts of kindness. Random, authentic acts of kindness carried out from the heart boost the mood of the giver, the recipient and can even improve the mood of people who witness the act.

Whenever you can do something to be kind to someone, it can be as simple as holding open a door for someone or offering up your seat on the bus or train to someone for the hell of it, do it. Plus, if you throw in a Duchenne Smile, you’ll get a double boost of happy-making endorphins!

Be Content with Good Enough

This one resonates with me a great deal, and I’m sure it will do the same with you, too. Instead of always striving for perfection, overachieving, and overworking the simplest of activities (yes, you, competitive gym-goers I’m looking at you!), we do have to learn to be content with things that are ‘good enough’.

If you’re a striver like me, then, of course, you’ll keep striving, but instead of beating yourself up for failing to live up to your ridiculously high standards of perfection, learn to do the best that you can do in every moment. In time, you’ll realize that your version of good enough is perfect!

The nature of life is that it will have its high and low points; there’s nothing that any of us can do about that. However, I hope these tips will help you the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed. And remember, happiness is something that we all do deserve.

The post 6 Simple Steps To Achieving Everyday Happiness appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

The silver lining is that we’re growing and when we come out the other side of all this hard work, it’s going to be worth every bloody minute. I’ll stop being so aloof and explain more in an upcoming blog post once the dust has settled a little bit. For now though it’s all about lavender oil diffusers and mindfulness. So I’ve decided to put together a post on 20 things I’ve been grateful for over the last couple of months.

1. Being invited to talk at Business Marketing Summit 2018, Milan, Italy

2. The opportunity to surf a couple times a week

3. Waking up in the van with a view of the sea on our doorstep 

4. Driving around Cornwall with the roof of my Mazda MX5 convertible down

5. Getting my engagement ring back from the jewellers and it now fits!

6. Enjoy a successful business trip to London to meet a client

7. Booking my hen do in Marrakech in February with 13 of my favourite ladies

8. Making awesome videos with our new GoPro camera

9. Weekends away in our van with my fiancée and our Jack Russell, Alfie

10. Seth finishing my sleeve tattoo and my thigh piece, ready for the summer!

11. Waking up sober every day for the entirety of spring

12. Spending the weekend with my family, celebrating my nan’s 80th

13. Eating Korean food in London with my fiancée, my brother and his girlfriend

14. Full body massages, mocktails and lunch at Merchants Manor hotel

15. Officially beginning our 1 year count down before our wedding in April 2019!

16. Bringing my giant cheese plant back to life again, no leaf casualties

17. Successfully learning to read, write and speak the Arabic alphabet ياي

18. Watching my friends tie the knot at a beautiful outdoor tipi wedding

19. Collecting my wedding dress from storage at the bridal showroom

20. Booking a holiday to Petra, Jordan in December with my best friend

What are you grateful for?

The post 20 Things I’ve Been Grateful For – Spring 2018 appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

The push to get people to constantly buy products is everywhere. From billboards to commercials and digital ads, we’re exposed to ads every day that are trying to convince us to part with our cash. If you somehow manage to ignore those (maybe you live under a rock?), you wouldn’t have missed your friends and family unknowingly doing the exact same thing on social media. Every time someone posts about how excited they are to get the new phone or laptop, it creates a sense of peer pressure that might leave you feeling like you need to buy that too. I’m so involved in social media and digital marketing, it’s only natural I’ve become mindful of the negative effect this type of advertising has had on society. It’s important to remember we need balance. 

SO many people are choosing to live with less. Living with less can be better for the environment and it can be better for your mental and spiritual health to cleanse what you own (these are just two of the reasons I’m beginning to think this way). So here it is, my little contribution to #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek with some tips to help you transition to a minimalist lifestyle making baby steps without feeling like you’re missing out!

Focus on What You Gain

The first way to being living with less is to clean out what you have now. Throwing lots of stuff away can be discouraging, so use your cleaning time to focus on what you’re going to gain once you have less clutter. It could be a spiritual benefit to have less drama from all the unnecessary junk going on in your life. Think about what your motivations are to start a new lifestyle and put your mind towards what you’re going to gain once you get there.

Use What You Have

Living with less doesn’t mean you have to throw everything out and start from scratch. You can use what you have to find joy without needing to have everything. An easy way to do this is be grateful for what you have. Really try to think of a time where you wanted to be where you’re at now, and be thankful for what you’ve accomplished. It will help you feel more at peace with settling for a life that has less in it than before.

  4 Things About Managing Anxiety I Wish I Knew Years Ago

Go Full On DIY

Buying less might mean that you make your own stuff more often, so try to learn as much as you can about how you can replace what you buy the most. Cleaning supplies are a good place to start, and you can make pretty much all of them with your own supplies. Vinegar can be diluted in hot water to replace window cleaners, and baking soda naturally deodorises smelly mineral buildups in sinks and toilets. Think laterally.

Think About How You’re Helping the Earth

So much about the production process that occurs every day in large factories hurts the earth in one way or another. They pollute soil and groundwater, and create air pollution that kills nearly 200,000 people each year. If more people live with less, less products will have to be created, slowing down production and the amount of pollution that’s created. Don’t even get me started on how much plastic is in the sea…

There are tiny pieces of plastic in the seafood you’re eating. — @ZooeyDeschanel pic.twitter.com/ZZjw0nRqek

— ATTN: (@attn) December 10, 2017

Create New Things

When you go out and buy things, there’s a bit of thrill that you’re adding something new to your life. That need for newness is hard to get rid of if it’s what fuels your buying habits, so try creating new things once you’ve limited what you have. Making something new like art or even putting a jigsaw puzzle together will make you feel more at peace without having to go swipe your card or hand over money for stuff that will only give you happiness for a few minutes.

Consider the Value of Everything

Let’s say you narrow down what you have in your life to just a few things. In your living room you have your sofa, some pillows and a blanket, a TV, your laptop and maybe a tablet. Have you stopped to consider the value of what you have? Even if you only have a TV or a phone, you have technology in your hands that can give you unlimited hours of entertainment and education. There’s value in everything you own, even if it’s not much.

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Make New Friends

It’s hard to do anything alone, especially a makeover on your lifestyle. If you’re giving away or throwing out a majority of what you have, it will be a mental uphill battle to keep it going once you’re in a room that feels empty. Make friends who want to live less too so you can have people to talk to and a supportive community around you. They’ll make all the difference if you ever start to question yourself or wonder where to go from here.

Become Inspired

You may not know anyone else trying to live with less, and that’s okay! You can always look to history for inspiration to keep you going. Socrates was a famous philosopher who lived with hardly any possessions. He chose instead to put all his energy into teaching others, which is why he’s still remembered and taught about today. SO inspiring Buying things won’t be what matters in the end. What will matter is how much good you put into the world and how you’ll be remembered.

People say that money doesn’t buy happiness, but the consumer-driven society that exists today pushes that message in every other way. Advertisements are constantly showing people who seem happier after buying their particular product, and it’s easy to fall into the mindset that they’re right. The truth is that you don’t need to have a lot of stuff in your life to be happy.

Happiness comes from your mindset. You can control that by taking control of what influences your life. Having less stuff will help you clear your mind and focus on what matters. You’ll be helping the earth, creating more and getting happiness out of what you have. You’ll end up saving more money, too. Living with less is worth it even if it’s only for a short time, so try it out for yourself and see just how much happiness you can find when you declutter your life.

The post 8 Tips To Be Happier With Less #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.