In my mid-20s, I kept becoming ill due to lack of self-care and a crappy immune system. I didn’t challenge it at the time, I tried to push through without thinking about it but it was always unconsciously at to the back of my mind causing intrusive and catastrophising thoughts. It caused havoc with my mental health.
 
I don’t have time to deal with this right now. I promise I’ll do it tomorrow. Maybe it will go away if I ignore it…

A Chat About Wellbeing And Self Care

The more I neglected the signs my body was giving me, the worse things got, which flared up a sense of panic. The slightest of pain, aches, lumps, and bumps would trigger an anxiety attacks and it soon became a daily occurrence.

Once I knew what the root cause of my anxiety was, I was able to change my ways to combat it. Challenging yourself to break the cycle can be scary but I felt like if I could untangle my worries, why not try it?
Five years ago, my short-term goals were to:
  • go to CBT for 6 months
  • eat healthy
  • drink less coffee
  • treat myself to nice things without guilt
  • take weekends off from work
  • switch my phone off after hours
  • maybe try exercising (I might even like it!)
  • and generally gain a bit of balance in my life to become a more positive person

Small changes, big results.

But did it work?…

There have been hiccups here and there – some little ones, some big ones – but 5 years on and I’m happy to say that panic attacks have become less and less. I can’t actually remember the last time it happened. Well, not a full-on one, anyway.

It may be down to all the things I learned in CBT in how to be more in remain rational in stressful situations, but I also like to give credit to myself for the small, gradual changes that I’ve made to contribute massively to my well-being and positivity! I see it as a great achievement. I feel triumphant. High five to me!

When Seven Seas contacted me a couple of weeks ago, and kindly offered to let me try their award-winning Perfect7 Woman supplement*, I didn’t want it to be just another review but a reflection on my own health and where I’m at.

How have I progressed? How am I REALLY getting on? Which areas could I improve on? 

The better you look, the better you feel

Keeping things simple here (and to, perhaps, avoid an even longer ramble!), this blogpost will address up 7 key elements highlighted in Seven Seas Perfect7 Woman, the areas that can be  easily incorporated in to your daily routine seamlessly.

Skin & Nails
I know I spend a heck lot of money and time on skincare, treatments, and make-up. But nothing is better for your skin than water, so going back to basics (and again, to keep things simple and stress-free), make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. It makes your skin look great and it keeps your energy levels up. I’ve recently jumped on the bandwagon and have been trying coconut water, birch water, and maple water too.

 

As for nails, I was once told that you’ve got to treat your nails and cuticles like nuggets of precious gems. I’ve noticed they’re becoming less smooth and vertical ridges have started to appear on the surface. This is possibly a vitamin deficiency (in which Seven Seas come to the rescue) but I’ve also been using Jurlique’s Nail & Cuticle Oil (one of my desk essentials!) and Jurlique Rose Hand Cream to nourish my skin and help it to look as good as possible.

Hair

Washing my hair is such a chore. Do you know what’s more of a chore than washing my hair? Applying a hair mask. It’s not really a chore but it just takes such a long time.

Thankfully, I’m quite patient and it does your hair a world of good, so I apply a mask every Sunday without fail. Salon Science Hydrasorb Intensive Masque is a restoring treatment for your scalp as well as hair, it’s very minty and it tingles!

Energy

Sitting at my desk for hours on end can drain my energy quite quickly. I’ve cut down on coffee but to fight fatigue, I try to snack on ‘super foods’ throughout the day such as acai, quinoa, goji berries and nuts boost my energy.

On the odd occasion, I would even add a sprinkle of chia seeds to my drink (including a cuppa!). I used to be subscribed to Graze which is a fun way to snack. It’s expensive so I can’t afford to buy it all the time but when I have extra pennies in my pocket, I’d happily swap a sweetie pick and mix with the Holland & Barrett pick and mix!

Brain

A good diet, exercise, fresh air, and supplements will obviously maintain the development of your brain but we all know that it’s not that easy when it comes to mental health.

I’m an over-thinker, so I’m conscious about wanting to keep busy (distracted) all the time. I’m getting better at spending time by myself (candles, fairy lights, and a good film helps!) but I like to keep distracted after work by going to ballet classes, zumba, meeting up with friends, spending time with family, have relaxing baths (every night!), cook, read more, and go out for walks.

I’ve also recently started voluntary work at the local Oxfam shop 4-8 hours a week. I help manage their social media and website, so that’s really great opportunity for me to focus on doing something for someone else.

Vision

I have very bad eye sight, I’ve pretty much given up on it! (Or should I say, my eyes have given up on me). My mum always told me that goji berries are good for maintaining eyesight… but obviously I never listened to her back then.

As long as my sight doesn’t get any worse, I’m happy. Seven Seas Perfect7 Woman may help my sight stabilise.

Heart

I’m so chuffed that I’ve stepped in to a gym this year. I started in March and have been going ever since. I haven’t got the courage to go by myself yet, but at least I’m going a couple of times a week!

I do an one hour Zumba class, followed by 45 minutes on the treadmill. It feels good to get my heart going. I also don’t mind walking everywhere… as long as it’s not windy or raining…

Hormonal Activity
Touch wood, I’m lucky to say that hormones and my monthly cycle does not give me any bother at all. There has been the odd times when it bugged my skin, and there has been a few times when someone has suffered my mood changes. But I don’t get any troubles otherwise, so it’s not a point that I can really discuss.
However, my mum does always advise me to stay clear of cold and fizzy drinks when it’s that time of month to avoid painful cramping (and she’s right!!). That’s something that has stuck with me!

Beauty Starts On The Inside

Seven Seas Perfect7 Woman is an anti-ageing supplement that provides support, maintain, and regulate what you’re already focusing on: Skin & Nail (zinc) Hair (biotin), Energy (magnesium), Brain (DHA Omega-3 fatty acids), Vision (Vitamin B2), Heart (EPA Omega-3 fatty acids) and Hormonal Activity (Vitamin B6).

To keep you fit and youthful, their unique formula and blend of Natural Source Marine Oil with Omega-3 plus essential multivitamins and minerals to function functions from the inside and support your daily health and well-being activities.

Sponsored Content

This blogpost was written in collaboration with Seven Seas. However, all words, opinions, images, and content are my own.
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6 thoughts on “A Chat About Wellbeing And Self Care

  1. Such a lovely, honest post Sarah and I'm glad you're doing well! I've been trying to improve my wellbeing this year particularly over the last month and my biggest achievement so far is drinking more water and far less coffee! x

    Always, Alice

  2. A fantastically written post, Sarah! I definitely was looking for something like this to read. The seven seas capsules sounds like something I would try, it's great because it covers everything from nails to energy.. which I need more of.

    zaras-bowsandpearls.blogspot.co.uk

  3. I'm so pleased you've managed to control your anxiety a bit more, it's so hard to do so well done! This is a great post, it's so important to take care of yourself – again, not the easiest thing to do but so worth it x

    Josie | Sick Chick Chic

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