Sunday, 18 December 2016

CREATE YOUR OWN HOME SPA EXPERIENCE

Quite a number of people have asked me about this based on some of my Instagram stories so, I thought I’d share with you what I do to indulge in a bit of rest and relaxation! Hope you find this useful… 

My home Spa bath is like a sauna and steam which helps [me] with body aches and pains! It also does wonders for my skin which I just LOVE! Prep the day/night before if you can.
  • Make sure you give your bathroom, especially the tub, a thorough clean.
  • Set aside any calming oils and your favourite scented shower/bath wash.
  • Decide what music you’ll have play in the background [soothing riddims].
  • Lay out your essential body lotions and clothes.
  • Making sure the bathroom windows are shut, run your bath [add the oils, epsom salts, etc].
  • Have a light, healthy snack and be sure to take a bottle of water into the bathroom with you.
  • Once run, put your music on and set your phone to silent [leaving it in another room perhaps].
  • Dim the lights, if possible, or turn them off and lay out mini candles to help you relax.
  • Add to the bath a soothing oil, some bubbles and a bath bomb for extra moisture and dreamy vibes!
  • Ensuring the temperature is right for you, sink in and indulge in steamy, fragrant relaxation!

TIP:
If you struggle [for whatever reason] to quiet your mind, instead of music, read a motivational book whilst the bath is running and continue with it once you’re in the bath. Use a bath pillow for extra comfort!



OTHER WAYS TO EASE YOUR MIND and BODY
Meditate with the aim to pause your thoughts and free your mind; to be completely still and peaceful for 10 – 20 minutes. I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all where meditation is concerned so, how you mediate and for how long is entirely up to you! Drinking some water beforehand helps and you ought to be in comfy clothing, in a relaxing and quiet environment that enables you to switch off. Doing this actually gives me a lot of energy and has me feel super positive afterwards. The challenge with meditating is making sure you do not allow your mind to wander onto things, people, or subjects that are negative, or upsetting.

Try to read a fun or insightful book regularly. I love reading! Even more so if the book makes me laugh, is positive or educational in some way – Oprah’s What I Know For Sure is an excellent read. For me, it works best to take my book to bed with me and read a few chapters before I snooze. Since doing this I either have really amazing dreams, or I don’t dream at all. Either way, insomnia is not such a problem anymore because my head is at peace, if you will, before I go to bed! 

It’s all about feel-good music! As a child, I remember waking up to some country and western, or soul, rhythm and blues, or reggae playing. Best vibes and so much fun. I've continued this into my adulthood. I often, if not always, have music playing which keeps my mood fairly mellow.

There you have it! Simple but, super effective ways to get and keep your mind [and body] right day to day!




Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

Monday, 5 December 2016

BECOMING A MUM

9 months in my tummy, potentially the world of cravings, more aches and pains on top of those I already live with on a daily basis, nausea, possible frequent sickness, weight gain, stretch marks, fatigue, heightened emotions and the rest! See all of that I can handle.... The fact that, although we live in such a beautiful world, there are far too many horrid individuals living among us isn't something I can handle.

Not that I feel a need to justify my decisions but, I am so over being asked if I'm married and have any children, or when I'll settle down and start a family, followed by looks of utter disgust and disappointment when I reply with, "I have no intention of having a family of my own, thanks". Since when did it become compulsory? I've no interest in doing such things. In all honesty, the idea of getting married is absolutely fine although it would need to be incredibly low-key and inexpensive! 

Having kids of my own? Not so much. No way! I was aged 14 when I had a realisation that I do not want children of my own. 

Life provides no guarantee that you, or your loved ones, will always be safe and well. We can never know for sure if, when, or how we can protect those we love from experiencing awful things in their lives so, I've chosen not to place that burden or worry on myself any further by having children. The world is filled with far too much darkness for me to bring another human being into it who will, as a result of that darkness, have to go through way too many murky times. In addition to that, I just do not ever get that broody feeling when I'm around babies. I'm the one who will "coo", maybe hold them for a while and then smile real wide as I hand them back.

My mind is and has been made up for many, many years and while I frigging adore children so much, the role of auntie, occasional babysitter, youth worker etc., are more than enough for me. I get to contribute towards the positive and productive growth of our young people without becoming too emotionally involved or attached, and minus any long-term commitment to them that will profoundly impact my life indefinitely!

I think it is so wrong to try and make a woman [or man for that matter] feel as though they exist only for the purpose of reproduction and/or to imply that women above a certain age who are without a husband and children have less of a place in society, or within a 'social' circle. My position in this world has nothing to do with whether or not I have, or will have, a baby and everything to do with what I choose to contribute towards the greater good of the world.


Although I am really pleased for those who make the choice to do so, I do not want to bring babies into this world nor do I want the responsibility of raising children and that's that! The End.




Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.