.png "Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas")
Self-care is an essential aspect of every individual's life. It is about taking the time to invest in oneself and ensuring that one's well-being is a top priority. Nonetheless, the idea of self-care often seems to require spending a lot of money on massages, spa treatments, or a fancy dinner night out. However, practicing self-care does not need to be expensive. There are simple and budget-friendly ways to practice self-care that can improve your mental and emotional well-being. I would like to share with you some of my favourite budget-friendly ways to practice self-care.
Take a walk in nature
Going for a walk in nature can be a great way to connect with the environment and release stress. Walking outside and being surrounded by trees, plants, and fresh air can be invigorating and help one to feel more grounded. Take a stroll in a local park or explore some hiking trails near you. Walking outside in nature can not only improve one's well-being but also help them to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Meditate
One of the most effective ways to practice self-care is through meditation. Meditation is a practice for calming the mind and bringing peace to the present moment. It can be a powerful technique to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. There are several guided meditation apps, such as Headspace or Calm, that you can use to help you practice meditation every day.
.png "Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas")
Take a bubble bath
Taking a relaxing bubble bath is a great way to unwind after a long day. Not only does it help you to relax, but it also provides a little bit of tranquility and peace. Add some soothing music, light candles, and indulge in your bubble bath with minimal distractions.
Enjoy a DIY Spa Day
Instead of splurging on a spa day, create your own DIY spa day at home. Use a facial mask, create your own sugar scrub, and give yourself a soothing pedicure. It is a great way to pamper yourself and give yourself some much-needed self-care.
Journaling
Journaling is an excellent tool for practicing self-care. It is a way to express yourself, reflect on the day, and track your personal growth. Journaling is also an excellent way to set intentions for the day, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, and gain better insight into your life.
.png "Budget Friendly Self Care Ideas")
Practice Yoga
Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. You can access free yoga classes online and practice at home. Yoga can be a great way to centre your mind, relax your body, and alleviate stress.
Create Art
Creating art can be a great way to express yourself and practice self-care. Whether you draw, paint, or do crafts, anything that allows you to unleash your creativity can be relaxing and therapeutic. Art can be a way to connect with your inner self and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Practicing self-care does not have to be lavish or expensive. Self-care is all about taking the time to prioritize yourself, so start by incorporating these affordable and effective ways to help you maintain your emotional and mental well-being.
It is always a joy to find creative ways to indulge in the practice of self-care without having to break the bank.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
.png)
Self-care is an essential aspect of every individual's life. It is about taking the time to invest in oneself and ensuring that one's well-being is a top priority. Nonetheless, the idea of self-care often seems to require spending a lot of money on massages, spa treatments, or a fancy dinner night out. However, practicing self-care does not need to be expensive. There are simple and budget-friendly ways to practice self-care that can improve your mental and emotional well-being. I would like to share with you some of my favourite budget-friendly ways to practice self-care.
Take a walk in nature
Going for a walk in nature can be a great way to connect with the environment and release stress. Walking outside and being surrounded by trees, plants, and fresh air can be invigorating and help one to feel more grounded. Take a stroll in a local park or explore some hiking trails near you. Walking outside in nature can not only improve one's well-being but also help them to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Meditate
One of the most effective ways to practice self-care is through meditation. Meditation is a practice for calming the mind and bringing peace to the present moment. It can be a powerful technique to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. There are several guided meditation apps, such as Headspace or Calm, that you can use to help you practice meditation every day.
Take a bubble bath
Taking a relaxing bubble bath is a great way to unwind after a long day. Not only does it help you to relax, but it also provides a little bit of tranquility and peace. Add some soothing music, light candles, and indulge in your bubble bath with minimal distractions.
Enjoy a DIY Spa Day
Instead of splurging on a spa day, create your own DIY spa day at home. Use a facial mask, create your own sugar scrub, and give yourself a soothing pedicure. It is a great way to pamper yourself and give yourself some much-needed self-care.
Journaling
Journaling is an excellent tool for practicing self-care. It is a way to express yourself, reflect on the day, and track your personal growth. Journaling is also an excellent way to set intentions for the day, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, and gain better insight into your life.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. You can access free yoga classes online and practice at home. Yoga can be a great way to centre your mind, relax your body, and alleviate stress.
Create Art
Creating art can be a great way to express yourself and practice self-care. Whether you draw, paint, or do crafts, anything that allows you to unleash your creativity can be relaxing and therapeutic. Art can be a way to connect with your inner self and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Practicing self-care does not have to be lavish or expensive. Self-care is all about taking the time to prioritize yourself, so start by incorporating these affordable and effective ways to help you maintain your emotional and mental well-being.
It is always a joy to find creative ways to indulge in the practice of self-care without having to break the bank.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in bones, skin and muscles. It accounts for 30% of your body's protein. Providing strength, structure and support to your body.
Although we make collagen naturally, as we age the amount our body produces, reduces. This is why our body can start to wrinkle, our joints ache and our muscles become weaker.
Scientific research has proven that adding collagen to your diet can provide you with anti-ageing benefits and reduce the issues mentioned about.
I was kindly given the opportunity to review So Body Co CollaSlim, meal replacement shakes with collagen protein.
*Just to clarify, I would never recommend or suggest any weight loss products or plans, but we are allowed to try new things, right? Besides, I am keen to feel and look a bit healthier in myself this year, so it's worth a try.
So can CollaSlim from So Body Co reduce signs or ageing, and lose weight? We'll see!
CollaSlim is the first meal replacement shake with added collagen. Providing a full meal to support weight loss and introducing more collagen into your body. Honestly, recently I've been missing out on having breakfast. I find the morning can be one of my most productive times of the day, and because of that, I don't stop to sit down and eat. On the days I don't eat breakfast, I tend to feel a lot more tired and prone to overeating later on in the day - after all, 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day!'.
So I decided to instead have a CollaSlim shake for breakfast, and it worked perfectly for my routine. No need to stop or slow down, but I could still filll myself up without snacking on all the unhealthy foods.
Collaslim come in a range of flavours, Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Bread, Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Coffee - I chose to go with chocolate and salted caramel, flavours I knew I wouldn't have an issue with.
.png "Benefits of collagen - So Body Co CollaSlim review")
On the packets it is recommended to mix a scoop of the powder with almond milk, which honestly sounds delicious! But almond milk isn't something I regularly buy, so I mixed the powder with water instead - and I can confirm they taste great! Like a low calorie milkshake almost.
I gave the shakes a try every morning for 2 weeks, and honestly I did see an improvement with my aches and generally body creaks Haha!
However we were then struck down with a sick bug, so my body was back to feeling completely empty and achey again, but I can tell already that the little morning boost of collagen will make a real difference in the long run.
So I'm determined to start again and give them a proper go this week. In regards to the weight loss, I cannot confirm or deny the effects as I do not weigh myself, I much rather go on how I feel, and after feeling ill, my body feels a little delicate. But like I said, I ready to give these shakes another go and experience the full benefits.
Do you fancy winning a month supply of CollaSlim and giving it a try yourself?
Good luck!
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in bones, skin and muscles. It accounts for 30% of your body's protein. Providing strength, structure and support to your body.
Although we make collagen naturally, as we age the amount our body produces, reduces. This is why our body can start to wrinkle, our joints ache and our muscles become weaker.
Scientific research has proven that adding collagen to your diet can provide you with anti-ageing benefits and reduce the issues mentioned about.
I was kindly given the opportunity to review So Body Co CollaSlim, meal replacement shakes with collagen protein.
*Just to clarify, I would never recommend or suggest any weight loss products or plans, but we are allowed to try new things, right? Besides, I am keen to feel and look a bit healthier in myself this year, so it's worth a try.
So can CollaSlim from So Body Co reduce signs or ageing, and lose weight? We'll see!
CollaSlim is the first meal replacement shake with added collagen. Providing a full meal to support weight loss and introducing more collagen into your body. Honestly, recently I've been missing out on having breakfast. I find the morning can be one of my most productive times of the day, and because of that, I don't stop to sit down and eat. On the days I don't eat breakfast, I tend to feel a lot more tired and prone to overeating later on in the day - after all, 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day!'.
So I decided to instead have a CollaSlim shake for breakfast, and it worked perfectly for my routine. No need to stop or slow down, but I could still filll myself up without snacking on all the unhealthy foods.
Collaslim come in a range of flavours, Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Bread, Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Coffee - I chose to go with chocolate and salted caramel, flavours I knew I wouldn't have an issue with.
On the packets it is recommended to mix a scoop of the powder with almond milk, which honestly sounds delicious! But almond milk isn't something I regularly buy, so I mixed the powder with water instead - and I can confirm they taste great! Like a low calorie milkshake almost.
I gave the shakes a try every morning for 2 weeks, and honestly I did see an improvement with my aches and generally body creaks Haha!
However we were then struck down with a sick bug, so my body was back to feeling completely empty and achey again, but I can tell already that the little morning boost of collagen will make a real difference in the long run.
So I'm determined to start again and give them a proper go this week. In regards to the weight loss, I cannot confirm or deny the effects as I do not weigh myself, I much rather go on how I feel, and after feeling ill, my body feels a little delicate. But like I said, I ready to give these shakes another go and experience the full benefits.
Do you fancy winning a month supply of CollaSlim and giving it a try yourself?
Good luck!
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
In case you haven't seen it plastered all over my social media, the Whimsical Mama Box is here.
Our subscription box is designed to give busy mums a little break - a chance to relax, pamper themselves and even get a few laughs in the process. Every month you'll get a box filled with fun, thoughtful items that will make you feel special. We also include a personal note from us to give you a little extra encouragement and support. We hope you'll give us a try and get a chance to enjoy some guilt-free pampering!
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Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products and services that you may not have known about before. We hope you enjoy this special treat! Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.
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If this sounds like your kind thing, be sure to head to WHIMSICALMAMABOX.com to grab your own box! I cannot wait to see you there!
In the meantime, feel free to head to our Instagram page for regular updates.
If you want to be in with the chance of winning a !!SPA DAY FOR TWO!!, enter the giveaway below.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
In case you haven't seen it plastered all over my social media, the Whimsical Mama Box is here.
Our subscription box is designed to give busy mums a little break - a chance to relax, pamper themselves and even get a few laughs in the process. Every month you'll get a box filled with fun, thoughtful items that will make you feel special. We also include a personal note from us to give you a little extra encouragement and support. We hope you'll give us a try and get a chance to enjoy some guilt-free pampering!
Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products and services that you may not have known about before. We hope you enjoy this special treat! Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.
If this sounds like your kind thing, be sure to head to WHIMSICALMAMABOX.com to grab your own box! I cannot wait to see you there!
In the meantime, feel free to head to our Instagram page for regular updates.
If you want to be in with the chance of winning a !!SPA DAY FOR TWO!!, enter the giveaway below.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee! I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Valentines Day isn't just about romantic love, it's about the love of a friend, the love of a family member, the love of a child and their mother, self love - love is all around.
Self Care and Self Love are so important, we all know it but sometimes it can be hard to put the effort in and take time out just for yourself. Unfortunately when you don't make the time for you, burnout, stress and exhaustion are often a result.
There's no better time to show yourself some love, make some effort to care for yourself than Valentines Day. It's a great excuse to indulge in a little self care, to slow down and enjoy your own company. Do things you enjoy - you deserve it!
So I'm sharing a few ways you can show yourself some love this Valentines Day!
Take the day slowly
Not every day needs to be constant, on the go from the second you open your eyes - particularly if you aren't exactly eased awake by a blaring alarm clock either! Wake up slowly, stretch your body, try some light morning yoga and make your favourite morning drink. You don't always have to rush, take it slow, embrace the easier mornings and appreciate all that you have.Journaling
Valentines Day is a fab time to fill in your journal, or even just write a little note to yourself. If you don't fancy that just take a few minutes and have a think about just how incredible you are.- what is your favourite thing about yourself?
- what is your favourite part of your body?
- what do you enjoy doing on your own?
- what is your biggest dream?
- what is your favourite meal/snack you could whip up, right now?
- what gives you energy?
- what do other people love about you?
- what amazing things have you accomplished in your life so far?
Eat something delicious
Your favourite meal, an amazingly delicious snack, your go-to takeaway or even your favourite chocolate bar. Treat and indulge yourself.Put the effort in
Unless you fancy prancing around in your pyjamas all day (totally acceptable too btw!), why not put a little effort in and make yourself look and feel good. Try a new makeup look, wear that gorgeous dress you put away for a "special occasion", give that hair curler another whirl. Whatever you fancy, just have fun with!Laugh
Laughter is the best thing ever. Laughter decreases stress, increases oxygen intake, releases endorphins and generally just makes you feel amazing! "Laughter is the best medicine" is actually true because it offers you amazing health and wellbeing benefits!So watch a funny movie, spend time with others who get your sense of humour and make you laugh till your stomach aches.
If you only do one of these ideas today, make it this one.
Have a soak
There's nothing better than a good bath to relax your body and soothe your muscles. Have a proper fancy, all out pampering bath if you fancy it. Use your best products that you put away for a special day - every day is a special day! Treat yourself! Fill the tub with bubbles, bring a drink and a snack - a book too maybe? Whatever you like, but I want you to really make this bath a good one!
Do something you enjoy
Make an effort to do something you enjoy today. Everyone enjoys something! Do you have any particular hobbies? Painting? Knitting? Running? Writing? Cleaning? Gardening? Gaming? There's a million different things you could do, and if you aren't sure what you enjoy - why not give a few activities a go and see what takes your fancy, you might discover a whole new hobby you love!Feel love
What makes you feel loved? Does your partner? Your friends? Your parents? Your children? Everyone wants to feel love from another person - so make an effort today to spend time with those who make you feel like you are the most important person to them. Make sure you show them just how important and loved they are too!I hope you have an amazing Valentines Day, make sure you fill up your cup! ♥♥
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Valentines Day isn't just about romantic love, it's about the love of a friend, the love of a family member, the love of a child and their mother, self love - love is all around.
Self Care and Self Love are so important, we all know it but sometimes it can be hard to put the effort in and take time out just for yourself. Unfortunately when you don't make the time for you, burnout, stress and exhaustion are often a result.
There's no better time to show yourself some love, make some effort to care for yourself than Valentines Day. It's a great excuse to indulge in a little self care, to slow down and enjoy your own company. Do things you enjoy - you deserve it!
So I'm sharing a few ways you can show yourself some love this Valentines Day!
Take the day slowly
Not every day needs to be constant, on the go from the second you open your eyes - particularly if you aren't exactly eased awake by a blaring alarm clock either! Wake up slowly, stretch your body, try some light morning yoga and make your favourite morning drink. You don't always have to rush, take it slow, embrace the easier mornings and appreciate all that you have.Journaling
Valentines Day is a fab time to fill in your journal, or even just write a little note to yourself. If you don't fancy that just take a few minutes and have a think about just how incredible you are.- what is your favourite thing about yourself?
- what is your favourite part of your body?
- what do you enjoy doing on your own?
- what is your biggest dream?
- what is your favourite meal/snack you could whip up, right now?
- what gives you energy?
- what do other people love about you?
- what amazing things have you accomplished in your life so far?
Eat something delicious
Your favourite meal, an amazingly delicious snack, your go-to takeaway or even your favourite chocolate bar. Treat and indulge yourself.Put the effort in
Unless you fancy prancing around in your pyjamas all day (totally acceptable too btw!), why not put a little effort in and make yourself look and feel good. Try a new makeup look, wear that gorgeous dress you put away for a "special occasion", give that hair curler another whirl. Whatever you fancy, just have fun with!Laugh
Laughter is the best thing ever. Laughter decreases stress, increases oxygen intake, releases endorphins and generally just makes you feel amazing! "Laughter is the best medicine" is actually true because it offers you amazing health and wellbeing benefits!So watch a funny movie, spend time with others who get your sense of humour and make you laugh till your stomach aches.
If you only do one of these ideas today, make it this one.
Have a soak
There's nothing better than a good bath to relax your body and soothe your muscles. Have a proper fancy, all out pampering bath if you fancy it. Use your best products that you put away for a special day - every day is a special day! Treat yourself! Fill the tub with bubbles, bring a drink and a snack - a book too maybe? Whatever you like, but I want you to really make this bath a good one!Do something you enjoy
Make an effort to do something you enjoy today. Everyone enjoys something! Do you have any particular hobbies? Painting? Knitting? Running? Writing? Cleaning? Gardening? Gaming? There's a million different things you could do, and if you aren't sure what you enjoy - why not give a few activities a go and see what takes your fancy, you might discover a whole new hobby you love!Feel love
What makes you feel loved? Does your partner? Your friends? Your parents? Your children? Everyone wants to feel love from another person - so make an effort today to spend time with those who make you feel like you are the most important person to them. Make sure you show them just how important and loved they are too!I hope you have an amazing Valentines Day, make sure you fill up your cup! ♥♥
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
It might feel like your identity has been forgotten somewhere along the way, that you have lost yourself. But trust me, you're still in there. You just need to reignite that feeling, rediscover the person inside.
.png "7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children")
.png "7 Ways To Help You Feel Like You Again, After Children")
If you loved this post, perhaps you'd like:
or
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
It might feel like your identity has been forgotten somewhere along the way, that you have lost yourself. But trust me, you're still in there. You just need to reignite that feeling, rediscover the person inside.
If you loved this post, perhaps you'd like:
or
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I'd like to think I'm generally a positive person. I try to see the good in everyday, notice the little things that make me happy. I like to try and promote positivity and good vibes, bring others up and brighten their day - but let's be honest here, no one can positive, and happy all the time.
It's mentally and physically impossible to be happy all the time, and those who promote constant positivity are fake, and toxic.
Sure I like to share and read inspirational quotes, share happy moments in my life, compliments others to hopefully brighten their day a bit - but that's not me, all day every day. Every one has days when they feel utterly awful, when nothing can cheer them up and they're really struggling - and shoving positivity or 'good vibes' down their throats is going to do far more harm than good.
What is toxic positivity?
Toxic positivity is pretty much showing that you (or you are encouraging others to be) happy, upbeat and positive all the time. That's just not realistic, not true and not something to aspire to at all.
It's suggesting that people shouldn't have negative emotions, that it's their fault if they can't cheer up or make the best of the situation. People are made to feel a huge range of emotions, from joy, and happiness to anxiousness or hopelessness - all are valid and very real emotions.
Positivity isn't always best, and not always appropriate. Sharing 'good vibes' wont help someone who is struggling and it wont magically make their problems go away. Toxic positivity is dangerous for us all, but especially with those who might struggle with physical or mental illness, or are going through a really hard time at the moment.
Shoving inspirational quotes and pretty much telling them to 'cheer up' is a really bad move. Again, it's basically saying 'No, your feelings aren't valid. You need to lighten up". Often if people are struggling and looking for advice or support, they need real support. They need to be acknowledged and shown their negative feelings are valid, normal and that you are there for them.
The same goes for yourself! It's absolutely possible to project toxic positivity onto yourself. Putting on this fake persona that everything is always good, you have no reason to feel upset or negative. You should be happy, so be happy. Making yourself feel this way, or telling yourself your feelings are stupid or invalid is just as bad as projecting into onto others. Just remember your feelings are always valid, and by hiding away the negative feelings you are making things worse for yourself.
Examples of toxic positivity;
"Cheer up!"
"It's not as bad as it seems"
"Stop being so negative all the time"
"Smile! It's not that bad"
(I absolutely detest this one. I have resting bitch face ok, and often people mistake that for me being miserable or sulking. I don't have to smile because you tell me I should mmkay)
"Just be positive"
"Look on the bright side"
"Be grateful for what you do have"
Just imagine you were in someone else's shoes for a minute. Imagine that person was having a really bad day, or something huge and traumatic has happened in their life. Or perhaps they're really struggling to get out out bed, struggling with awful depression.
Then this awful, smiley, cheery person chimes in, telling them to SMILE, or telling them it's not that bad, it could be worse. Is that helpful? Will that help improve their situation, or make them instantly feel happier because you insisted they should feel that way? Absolutely not.
Being positive without being toxic
As I mentioned above, I like to think I'm a pretty positive, happy person but that by no means means I'm constantly happy. That everything is always perfect in my world and I have absolutely no reason to feel sad, down or disheartened. Everyone feelings those feelings, we all all designed to feel and express a huge variety of emotions - no one is always happy.But still, (I'm going to say it again and again) whatever you feel - your feelings are absolutely real, and 100% valid. You're allowed to feel the way you are feeling and it's normal to feel all sorts of emotions all the time.
I guess the main factor is, be positive while acknowledging and accepting negative feelings too.
.png "Toxic Positivity And How To Avoid It")
Avoiding toxic people
I guess when it comes to removing toxic people from your life, we always think of the people who hurt you, are cruel to you etc - but what about the people's whose lives seem so perfect, they seem so happy all the time, like nothing ever goes wrong in their lives, and you just wish, for one second that you were as happy and positive as they seem to be 24/7. The truth is, they're lying to you.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you can be positive at all! Try not to let little things get you down to much, or at least not for longer than necessary. Remember all the wonderful things you do have in your life, how thankful you are for those things, what an amazing human being you actually are. Try not to worry too much about things that are out of your control, look after yourself always.
The trouble with social media nowadays, particularly if you are someone who uses it a lot, is that from a glance, it's pretty much paradise - well Instagram at least. Perfect homes, perfect families, perfect holidays, smiling faces, lots of money. IT'S A LIE. No one is perfect, no one has it all and no one is happy all the time - but that's the only side you'll see on the internet.
Toxic people come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most toxic people you'll meet are those who make you feel, well, pretty worthless - probably without even trying. I've had to remove a few toxic people from social media because they were making me feel awful about myself! These perfect happy families who have it all, can do it all and have nothing negative to say about their lives at all - makes me feel mediocre at best. We all have our different strengths and weaknesses, we all have a huge range of emotions, it's normal!
And if there are people you follow who make you feel bad about yourself, remove them now.
Delete/mute/block them on social media, remove them from your lives. If they're not making you feel good, they don't deserve to be in your life.
Have you had to deal with Toxic Positivity in your life?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
I'd like to think I'm generally a positive person. I try to see the good in everyday, notice the little things that make me happy. I like to try and promote positivity and good vibes, bring others up and brighten their day - but let's be honest here, no one can positive, and happy all the time.
It's mentally and physically impossible to be happy all the time, and those who promote constant positivity are fake, and toxic.
Sure I like to share and read inspirational quotes, share happy moments in my life, compliments others to hopefully brighten their day a bit - but that's not me, all day every day. Every one has days when they feel utterly awful, when nothing can cheer them up and they're really struggling - and shoving positivity or 'good vibes' down their throats is going to do far more harm than good.
What is toxic positivity?
Toxic positivity is pretty much showing that you (or you are encouraging others to be) happy, upbeat and positive all the time. That's just not realistic, not true and not something to aspire to at all.
It's suggesting that people shouldn't have negative emotions, that it's their fault if they can't cheer up or make the best of the situation. People are made to feel a huge range of emotions, from joy, and happiness to anxiousness or hopelessness - all are valid and very real emotions.
Positivity isn't always best, and not always appropriate. Sharing 'good vibes' wont help someone who is struggling and it wont magically make their problems go away. Toxic positivity is dangerous for us all, but especially with those who might struggle with physical or mental illness, or are going through a really hard time at the moment.
Shoving inspirational quotes and pretty much telling them to 'cheer up' is a really bad move. Again, it's basically saying 'No, your feelings aren't valid. You need to lighten up". Often if people are struggling and looking for advice or support, they need real support. They need to be acknowledged and shown their negative feelings are valid, normal and that you are there for them.
The same goes for yourself! It's absolutely possible to project toxic positivity onto yourself. Putting on this fake persona that everything is always good, you have no reason to feel upset or negative. You should be happy, so be happy. Making yourself feel this way, or telling yourself your feelings are stupid or invalid is just as bad as projecting into onto others. Just remember your feelings are always valid, and by hiding away the negative feelings you are making things worse for yourself.
Examples of toxic positivity;
"Cheer up!"
"It's not as bad as it seems"
"Stop being so negative all the time"
"Smile! It's not that bad"
(I absolutely detest this one. I have resting bitch face ok, and often people mistake that for me being miserable or sulking. I don't have to smile because you tell me I should mmkay)
"Just be positive"
"Look on the bright side"
"Be grateful for what you do have"
Just imagine you were in someone else's shoes for a minute. Imagine that person was having a really bad day, or something huge and traumatic has happened in their life. Or perhaps they're really struggling to get out out bed, struggling with awful depression.
Then this awful, smiley, cheery person chimes in, telling them to SMILE, or telling them it's not that bad, it could be worse. Is that helpful? Will that help improve their situation, or make them instantly feel happier because you insisted they should feel that way? Absolutely not.
Being positive without being toxic
As I mentioned above, I like to think I'm a pretty positive, happy person but that by no means means I'm constantly happy. That everything is always perfect in my world and I have absolutely no reason to feel sad, down or disheartened. Everyone feelings those feelings, we all all designed to feel and express a huge variety of emotions - no one is always happy.But still, (I'm going to say it again and again) whatever you feel - your feelings are absolutely real, and 100% valid. You're allowed to feel the way you are feeling and it's normal to feel all sorts of emotions all the time.
I guess the main factor is, be positive while acknowledging and accepting negative feelings too.
Avoiding toxic people
I guess when it comes to removing toxic people from your life, we always think of the people who hurt you, are cruel to you etc - but what about the people's whose lives seem so perfect, they seem so happy all the time, like nothing ever goes wrong in their lives, and you just wish, for one second that you were as happy and positive as they seem to be 24/7. The truth is, they're lying to you.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you can be positive at all! Try not to let little things get you down to much, or at least not for longer than necessary. Remember all the wonderful things you do have in your life, how thankful you are for those things, what an amazing human being you actually are. Try not to worry too much about things that are out of your control, look after yourself always.
The trouble with social media nowadays, particularly if you are someone who uses it a lot, is that from a glance, it's pretty much paradise - well Instagram at least. Perfect homes, perfect families, perfect holidays, smiling faces, lots of money. IT'S A LIE. No one is perfect, no one has it all and no one is happy all the time - but that's the only side you'll see on the internet.
Toxic people come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most toxic people you'll meet are those who make you feel, well, pretty worthless - probably without even trying. I've had to remove a few toxic people from social media because they were making me feel awful about myself! These perfect happy families who have it all, can do it all and have nothing negative to say about their lives at all - makes me feel mediocre at best. We all have our different strengths and weaknesses, we all have a huge range of emotions, it's normal!
And if there are people you follow who make you feel bad about yourself, remove them now.
Delete/mute/block them on social media, remove them from your lives. If they're not making you feel good, they don't deserve to be in your life.
Have you had to deal with Toxic Positivity in your life?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Did you know music has a wide range of health benefits? Music can improve your mood, decrease pain, depression and anxiety, not to mention encouraging you to release your emotional expression.
Upbeat music helps boost the brain's production of dopamine - a hormone in the body that influences your mood, feelings of reward and motivation!
ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022
So let's face the music and dance! If things aren't currently going your way, or you're feeling a little down in the dumps - you definitely need some mood boosting techniques. The cheapest and easiest cure for a grumpy kinda day - is blasting some feel good, mood booster music!
.png "ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022")
Play them in the shower, play them on a walk alone, play them while you clean or drink your tenth cup of coffee and I guarantee you'll be in a better mood!
CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE PLAYLIST!
Let me know your favourite song on the list!
What's your favourite go-to happy song?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
Did you know music has a wide range of health benefits? Music can improve your mood, decrease pain, depression and anxiety, not to mention encouraging you to release your emotional expression.
Upbeat music helps boost the brain's production of dopamine - a hormone in the body that influences your mood, feelings of reward and motivation!
ULTIMATE HAPPY MOOD BOOSTING PLAYLIST 2022
So let's face the music and dance! If things aren't currently going your way, or you're feeling a little down in the dumps - you definitely need some mood boosting techniques. The cheapest and easiest cure for a grumpy kinda day - is blasting some feel good, mood booster music!
Play them in the shower, play them on a walk alone, play them while you clean or drink your tenth cup of coffee and I guarantee you'll be in a better mood!
CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE PLAYLIST!
Let me know your favourite song on the list!
What's your favourite go-to happy song?
If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffee!
I'd really appreciate it! ☕☕
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