New normal; how I’m coping during all the uncertainty

Hey lovelies,

How are you all keeping? I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted anything on here, but I think it’s about time I got back to sharing life with all of you. As I’m sat here writing this blogpost, I just can’t believe we are already half way through the year of 2021.

Like… how is there only 6 months of the year to go?!?

I repeat, HOW?!?

With the pandemic still lurking about, life for so many of us, may still feel very repetitive and filled with endless uncertainties. However, with every passing day, it’s important to remember that YOU have the ability to regain power over YOUR life.

Over the last few months, I personally have gone through a whirlwind of emotions – I’ve experienced so many highs and just as many lows, but by reminding myself that better days lie ahead, I found the strength to carry on, and continue to do so, even on the hard days.

At this present moment I am lucky enough to be living life in the beautiful island of Cyprus. In March, I somehow managed to land the job of my dreams, during a pandemic, over seas and in the sun! How lucky is that?, and it’s all because I stopped allowing current situations I found myself in, to limit me.

So, to those of you feeling powerless over the direction and course of your life – today I encourage you, to acknowledge the real and ever present uncertainties you are faced with. Then begin to focus on the things you can control, while allowing for and accepting that uncertainty is a natural and inevitable part of each and everyone of our lives, with or without the pandemic. The truth is, in order to take control over your life, we need to learn to better tolerate, and even embrace the inevitable uncertainties that come our way.

By doing so, some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives will unfold because “when nothing is certain everything seems possible”.

Love, Nyasha x

Lockdown, yet again…

Hi lovelies,

I hope you’re all keeping well, despite some of us being back under lockdown.

Yes, you read that right, lockdown número dos, for the unlucky residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly.

Regardless of the circumstances, let’s try not to lose hope.

We’ve all been through a lockdown before, and despite how hard it was. We got through it!

So in everything that we do, and as we go about our day to day business, let’s continue to support one another through this strange season.

It’s important we don’t lose hope of a better tomorrow, because of the current circumstances we may face. In times like this, I think it’s important to tell ourselves, to …

“Stop being afraid of what can go wrong and start being positive about what can go right”

In due time things will get better, but till then let’s all continue to make a conscious effort to do our part to minimize the risk.

Love, Nyasha x

July Favourites

Hi lovelies,

Hope you’re keeping well? Today I’m back with yet another blog post, to showcase all the bits I’ve been loving recently. So let’s get into it!

Skincare

The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 

The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution has quickly become one of my favourite skincare products. My skin looks and feels, so good after exfoliating with it. However, if you’re skin is even slightly sensitive (like mine), it might just sting a little when you first use it – but trust me it’s worth it. I now understand why it is always out of stock online!

Yes To - Grapefruit Single Use Bubbling Paper Mask

Another skincare product I loved this month was the Yes To Grapefruit, Bubbling Paper Mask. This product made my skin feel amazing and brought an influx of fun to my skincare routine.

Haircare

Truth being told, when it comes down to haircare – I can be quite lazy. However this month I promised myself that I would try to do better.

If you follow my Instagram, @niiash_a, you know I’ve been loving wigs lately. Maintaining my natural hair is very important while I switch from wig to wig. I’ve been loving the Cantu Argan Oil, Repair Cream to keep my hair well moisturised under the wig caps.

I have also been loving Melt Effect’s, Premium Glue Remover. This product has been SAVING my edges whenever I uninstall my wigs and I love the fact that a little goes such a long way. Did I mention that this product is from a Black Owned Business, in Ireland?!?

What I’ve been listening to

Road trips, worship sessions, dance parties, you name it! There’s a song for every occasion in this months playlist.

What I’ve been watching

Now that lockdown is easing, YouTube content is getting adventurous again – and I just love it! Here are some of my favourite videos from last month – I would also really appreciate if someone could recommend some shows they’ve been loving on Netflix cause clearly I am wasting my subscription.

I hope you have enjoyed yet another blog filled with my monthly favourites. Please let me know if you purchase/watch/listen to anything I have mentioned.

Love, Nyasha x

How to minimise the stress you’re feeling concerning Covid-19

Hi lovelies,

I hope you and your loved ones are all keeping well during these unprecedented times, and doing your part to minimise the spread of coronavirus by wearing your masks, washing your hands and avoiding overly crowded areas.

Today I wanted to share a few tips on how to minimise the stress you may be feeling regarding Covid-19, and the mere thought of a second wave.

The times we are currently living in, have proven to be extremely overwhelming to each and everyone of us – not only as individuals but also as a society. It’s very important that we continue to look after our health, both physically and mentally. Here is a few ways to do so;

1. Limit your consumption of news – especially if it’s not from a credible source

I’m sure I’m not the only one, whose overall news consumption skyrocketed at the start of the pandemic. We were all craving to stay informed in order to control all the uncertainy. However, like most of you, I quickly learnt that this obsession led to fatigue and/or anxiety.

Whether we are progressing or regressing, I think it’s important for us to come to terms with how much news is too much for our mental health. It’s important that we stay informed, but it’s equally important that we learn to accept what is beyond our control. We need to remain focused on the factors that we can control.

2. Do your part

Although the pandemic has restricted the extent to which we live our lives, we all still have a part to play in order to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

By making a conscious effort to follow the regulations and guidelines advised, we can all continue to take better care of ourselves both physically and mentally whilst still enjoying the things we love.

3. Do not depend on your own understanding

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”

Proverbs 3:5

During these unprecedented times, its so easy for our minds to run wild and imagine all the worst case scenarios.

One thing that significantly helped me and continues to help me during this season, is remembering that God is in control.

I know some of you reading this may not be believers, but my encouragement for each of us is taken from a quote that says,

“There is HOPE, even when your brain tells you there isn’t”

John Green

Have faith that things will work out.

Love, Nyasha x

June Favourites

Hi lovelies,

I know I haven’t been posting much lately, but I’m back! – and hopefully more consistently with a blog post every week. This week I would love to share some of my June favourites with each of you.

So here we gooooo!

SKINCARE

If you follow me on my personal Instagram @niiash_a, you know I’ve been investing in skincare products throughout quarantine. Here are a few products I’ve been loving throughout the month of June;

CLOTHING

I purchased this Sage Shacket from Missguided, and it has quickly became a staple piece in my wardrobe.

It’s such a versatile item of clothing because I can wear it with almost everything and anything!

WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO

Here are a few of my music favourites of the month.

Clearly some of these have been influenced by Tik Tok …

WHAT I’VE BEEN WATCHING

Netflix and Disney+ are great and all – but quality Youtube content is top tier… I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s been binging youtube during quarantine.

These are a few of my favourite videos from the month of June;

I really hope you enjoyed this blog filled with monthly favourites. Please let me know if you watch/listen/purchase any of the videos, music and products I have mentioned.

See you all super soon!

Love, Nyasha x

What’s for you, won’t pass you by

Hi lovelies,

How are you all keeping?

I know it’s been some time since I’ve uploaded a blog post, but I felt that I needed to take a little time, to focus on me.

Having finished college, I have had to make a lot more ‘adult’ decisions concerning the course of my life. The transition from college into the big bad adult world, isn’t half as fun, as I once imagined. Instead, it has been filled with confusion, states of worry and anxiety.

More often than not, I find myself questioning whether I’m heading in the right direction or whether I should be doing a lot more, in order to keep up with the pace. These feelings come from an innate desire to control every aspect of my life and everything in my future.

If you’re anything like me, you need to remind yourself, that the need to control, can sometimes stem from a state of fear. Fear of missing out, fear of failure and fear of being left behind. These fears do nothing but hold us back from experiencing all that life has to offer. They keep us from achieving our goals and living our lives to the fullest.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over, instead of craving control over what you don’t”

Steve Maraboli

If you relate to feeling worried, confused or anxious concerning the path your life is taking, these words are for you.

Everything will work out. The sky is your limit and the only thing that can hold you back is your mindset – so remain positive concerning your situation.

I know it may seem like your world is crashing, but soon every piece will perfectly align itself.

What’s for you, won’t pass you by.

Continue to ride the waves. I’m sure you’ll find your true direction in due time.

Love, Nyasha x

Racial issues are not a thing of the past.

Hi lovelies,

How are you all keeping? I just want to start today’s blogpost, by saying a massive thank you to each and everyone of you, for all the support in my previous post. I am so happy to be back writing, and I look forward to creating much more exciting content, during these summer months.

However, in the mean time, I write today’s blogpost with a very heavy heart.

I’m sure by now you have all heard about the death of George Floyd. The black man who was murdered in Minneapolis on the 25th of May, 2020. Floyd was knelt on, and pinned to the ground by law enforcement, to the point that he was no longer able to breathe. This case is one of many, that captures the ever present reality of police brutality and racism in modern society. It seems like lately, these cases are becoming a lot more frequent, and as a black person this causes me a lot of grief.

In the last few days, I have found myself questioning whether my life, and the lives of those that look like me, matter at all, in today’s society. It has been 155 years since the end of the American Civil War, yet race still divides us not only in the United States, but also across the globe. More often than not, we are still faced with prejudices, inequalities, injustices, and racial discrimination, despite the good fight, activists such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcom X, fought in the past.

So why does it seem like very little has changed? Why does it feel like we are regressing rather than progressing? What happened to treating everyone with dignity, respect and equality?

Where is the love for one another?

I for one, would love to know the answers to these questions – but for now, it’s important that we stand as one, to remind ourselves, and others, that;

#BLACKLIVESMATTER,

we matter,

you matter,

and I matter.

Despite the message that may be flooding your timeline at present, please remember that you are of value. The colour of your skin is not a threat – it is not a weapon that that needs to be contained, restrained, oppressed and destroyed.

Black is beautiful, has, and forever will be.

Always remember that.

Love, Nyasha x

Dear Class of 2020

Hey lovelies,

I know it’s been some time since I’ve written a blog, but now that I am finally done my degree, I hope to be posting much more content.

Today’s blogpost goes out to the Class of 2020 – the final year college students and those in their 6th year of secondary school.

This one is for us.

Who would have known, that we would be finishing our final months of education in the midst of a pandemic. COVID-19, has stripped us of one of the most cherished moments of our youth. We were supposed to have finished the final few months of eduction, alongside our peers, but instead this journey ended over emails, zoom calls and online classes.

It was not supposed to be this way.

If you’re anything like me, you have experienced a whirlwind of emotions, in the last few weeks. The virus forced us to quickly adapt to the new normal, and accept changes that have taken away from our educational experience. This adaption has created feelings of uncertainty concerning our futures and has brought about increased levels of anxiety and stress.

However, I would like to encourage each of us with the following words.

I know times are unprecedented, but do not lose hope. We may not know what lies ahead of us but let’s endeavour to persevere. The world is still our oyster and what’s meant for us, won’t pass us by.

Despite the circumstance, you still have so much potential and a purpose to fulfil. Times are tough right now, but don’t let the dark clouds erase your hopes and visions.

“Remember, this too shall pass.”

Love, Nyasha x

How to motivate yourself during the academic year

Hi lovelies,

How are you all keeping?

It honestly feels like I haven’t checked in with all of you, in months!

I’m currently just trying to survive the final four months of my degree, therefore, I have very limited time for writing. However, today I wanted to share three simple ways to motivate yourself during the academic year.

  1. Talk to your friends

Friendships are an integral part of the college experience.

The friends you make in college play a major role in most, if not all, of the college memories you’ll cherish for life.

Although they are great to party with, never forget how relatable they are.

You are all in this academic journey together, therefore, they know more than anyone else, how demotivating, the whole learning process may sometimes be.

College is like a never ending rollercoaster.

There are many highs, but with them, comes just as much lows.

Assignment deadlines are nothing but demotivating – once you finish a task, there’s always another one lingering around the corner. The cycle just never seems to end!

This cycle, often leaves students feeling drained, physically and emotionally, and, as a consequence, doubtful thoughts begin to blossom.

College friends are crucial in times where you may feel this way.

By talking to one another you will soon feel reassured, not alone, hopeful and comforted.

2. Focus on the bigger picture

College is full of endless hurdles, that can sometimes leave you questioning, if you are wasting your time or not. In the process of attaining your degree, you often lose focus of your goals, and although this is very natural, do not allow yourself to lose all hope.

Instead, focus on the bigger picture.

Remind yourself of why you applied to college.

Remind yourself, of the many achievements you wish to accomplish, and never stop striving for what you want! – no matter how hard it may seem at times.

College is a stepping stone to all your future career goals. So give it your best shot!

3. Celebrate little achievements

As mentioned above, college assignments and deadlines are seemingly never-ending.

Therefore, make sure to celebrate yourself, once you’ve completed one.

You deserve to celebrate all the hard work, tears, energy and dedication that you’ve spent whilst completing each task.

By celebrating your achievements, you give yourself, the necessary shot of motivation needed to get to the end.

Staying motivated in college, is imperative to your success.

If you’re anything like me, and sometimes have trouble motivating yourself, try applying these tips to help you stay driven, as you approach graduation.

This college year is almost over, and summer 2020 will soon be in reach, so get yourself motivated, and FAST!

“You don’t want to look back and know you could’ve done better”.

Love, Nyasha x

New Year, New Decade.

Hi lovelies,

Happy New Year! 2019 has come and gone, and a new decade has finally arrived. The last year has been truly amazing! I grew as an individual, learnt valuable life lessons and learnt to appreciate the ugly that sometimes comes with the good in life. In today’s blog post I wanted to share three tips on how to slay the coming year!

If you are anything like the rest of the population, the new year often comes with the pressure to change up your life in order to be the best possible version of you.

However, this facade can sometimes be so detrimental to our wellbeing, as it often adds unnecessary pressure to succeed.

The use of social media often adds to this, as our feeds slowly become filled with endless #goals, gym updates and healthy eating posts – and although these can all be a source of encouragement to the rest of us – dwelling on posts like this on a day to day basis can sometimes do more harm than good.

But just before we allow the January blues to get to us, I wanted to share a few ways to make this year your very own!

*Remember it’s never too late*

1. Reflect

You only have one life, so make the most out of it!

Every year is a fresh start, a whole new chapter to rewrite YOUR destiny, YOUR hopes and YOUR dreams.

Not the dreams of the people you follow on Instagram, or the people that surround you on a daily basis.

But your own!

So take some time to reflect on the last year.

Reflect on mistakes, downfalls and shortcomings , and make a plan to ensure that you come out stronger this year.

Identify your weaknesses, establish ground rules and stop undermining your worth!

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try”

2. Write down YOUR goals

The process of writing down your goals allows you to refocus your attention on what really matters.

There’s just something about being able, to see your goals, all written in one place, that is so motivating.

By writing down your aspirations, you create a physical reminder of what you hope to achieve – something that you can always look at when you feel demotivated.

So make some time, grab a notebook and start writing down your heart desires!

As Steve Maraboli once said, “If you have a goal. Write it down. If you do not write it down, you do not have a goal – you have a wish.”

3. Only make time for things that bring you joy

I think we can all agree that life is so much better when you spend time doing the things that you enjoy.

So this year I challenge everyone reading this, to make as much time for things that put a smile on our faces.

You would be surprised, at how much your life could change by simply taking time out of your mundane day to day tasks, to find ways to incorporate the things and people you love.

When we spend time doing the things we love, we become happier, healthier and more successful, because our lives are driven by passion and not by the endless demands of life.

January 2020, and the months that follow, are all brand new opportunities, for all of us, to create the life of our dreams!

Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back!

Start doing you, for you!

Love, Nyasha x