5 things I would tell my past Self

If you had a time machine, what would you tell your past Self? These are my 5 keys of wisdom that I would tell my past Self.

1) Failure is the key to success, enjoy failing because if you don't - you won't learn. The most important thing: Don't ever give up!

2) Worrying does not help - it often increases stress and prevents you from being Present. Trust and Allow things to unfold as it is.

3) One door closes, another opens. Job hopping just affirms that you need to stay true to yourself, your vision of your own dream. After years of living in denial that I would be happy supporting other people's dreams and expectations - I let go and followed my dreams.

4) Honor your Truth. As hard as it may be, tell the truth even though your voice shakes.

5) Surround yourself with people who inspire, encourage and believe in you. It is important to be around people who motivate you to be the best you can be.

Winter walk

Whenever I think of going out during winter in Melbourne, I equip myself with a thick scarf, beanie and jacket. Winter is no excuse to avoid exercise. Whenever people think of the word 'exercise', some cringe as there is some negative association - sweat, breathlessness and sometimes physical pain.

I used to be one of them. But then my perception changed when I realized that like what most people didn't see was the immense benefits we get from a simple walk, a breath of fresh air, being mindful of the surroundings and the time spent in nature reduces stress levels.

The hardest part to get outside is actually the mind. The Mind plays such a huge part in discouraging physical activity. It conjures up all kinds of reasons and excuses for you to not exercise. My tip: Before your Mind gets to you, get your physical body out the door without thinking. That just frees out the "But...& Erm" of exercise.

Happy Monday :)

3 steps in reducing Pre-menstrual syndrome

Most women experience an increase in mood swings, depression, anxiety and sugar cravings before their period.

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) can be categorized into 5 groups:

PMS (A) - Anxiety: nervous tension, irritable, angry outbursts, crying

PMS (D) - Depression: sadness, depression, insomnia, social withdrawal

PMS (C) - Craving: Craving sweets and refined carbs (e.g. white bread), irritability, headaches

PMS (H) - Hyperhydration: Water retention, swelling breasts, oedema, feeling bloated

PMS (P) - Pain: Breast pain, aches in the abdomen and lower back

3 steps in preventing PMS:

- Eat better: This is the most important step. Avoid sugar (choc, lollies, ice cream) and refined carbohydrates (white pasta, white bread) as they are inflammatory. Inflammation contributes to increases prostaglandins that contribute to pain. Also avoid alcohol (depletes B vitamins necessary for preventing depression/anxiety), processed meats, caffeine.

Increase the intake of a wide variety of green vegetables (brocooli, bok choy, cabbage) and fruits (blueberries, apples, pears, etc). Include good fats as they are required for healthy hormonal function - that can include avocado, cold pressed flaxseed oil.

- Stress less: Stress can increase the inflammatory markers that drive pain and disrupt the nervous system. Calming herbs that work on the nervous system can settle the nervous system. However I highly recommend incorporating lifestyle changes such as meditation or yoga as a long-lasting solution to maintaining a calm nervous system.

- Move your bowels regularly: The gut is the seat of your health. By increasing the amount of high fibre foods  (fruit, veggies) in your diet, it helps in getting rid of toxins that are often reabsorbed.