H.O.P.E.

“Life is worth living, so live another day” – Justin Bieber

Hi lovelies,

Today, I have decided to discuss a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and that is, mental health. The World Health Organisation describe positive mental health as ‘a state of well-being in which an individual realises his/her own potential and can cope with the normal stresses of life, whilst working productively…’ . An individual’s positive mental health may be compromised as a result of long lasting and extreme negative emotions. Research shows that at least one in four adults, will be affected by some form of mental health issue at some point in their lives, as a result of environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these.

My battle with mental health began at the age of 14, when I started feeling alone, powerless and despondent. I remember feeling like the whole world was against me. These emotions began affecting my self esteem and the relationships I had with people. For a long time I battled with these emotions on my own as I struggled to make sense of why I was feeling the way I was. I questioned what I had done to deserve the constant thunder cloud’s that shadowed me. I was slowly spiraling to a point of no return.

I can’t remember if it was necessarily by chance, or if I purposely found Zoe Sugg’s channel around this time. Her videos, specifically the ones where she would speak about dealing with anxiety – acted as the glimmer of hope I had been searching for. I found her openness to discussing her struggles and how she was overcoming them, comforting. I began to realize that I had the power to change the emotions that were clouding me – my optimism was back!

Although I have never really spoken in depth to anyone about my thoughts during this period of my life, I am always more than willing to encourage those who may feel like all hope is lost. We need to remember that ‘happiness is a journey, and not a destination’ – we may go through times that challenge us but there is always hope. We are not defined by our mental illnesses. Although it may not seem like it right now, you have the power to be in control of your life. You can achieve your heart desires.

Take it from someone who thought they would never see their 18th birthday, go to college or even one day be content in themselves… this is not the end. It does get better – maybe not overnight, but with time, hard work and dedication to yourself and your well-being, you will begin to see improvements concerning your mental health.

Just Hold On, Pain Ends.

Love, Nyasha x

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Believe in You

Hi lovelies,

As I was thinking the other day, I came to the realization that I have a terrible habit of talking myself out of progression in various areas of my life. Like many, if not all of you reading this, I desire to live a successful life, however I often find that I’m battling thoughts of failure when faced with opportunities for advancement. I’d almost liken this battle in my head to the ‘angel and devil on your shoulder’ scenario’s, seen in movies and tv shows where an inner conflict occurs for the character, as a result of what’s happening in their subconscious. This battle usually gives way to doubt and usually leaves me questioning my abilities.

These feelings have occurred for me, for as long as I can imagine, but I only recently identified them, as I was FINALLY going to apply for my provisional license. For two years now, I have been procrastinating the process of learning to drive. Although I have always had a longing to get on the road, the thought of failing, not only the driving test but also the theory, constantly consumed me, prohibiting me from taking any action whatsoever. Despite these reoccurring thoughts, and with the encouragement of family and friends, I eventually booked my theory test in May, and passed with ease. Having then passed the theory I began to question why I had doubted myself for so long. I began imagining all the adventures I could have embarked on – which ultimately made me realize how much time I had potentially wasted… for two years I had been allowing the negative thoughts, plagued in my head to stop me from reaching my goal.

By fostering negative thoughts, we prohibit ourselves from reaching our true potential whilst acting as the greatest obstruction to our own success. This thought process then encourages stagnation in one or more areas, and over time, then causes the individual to have a pessimistic outlook on life.

The truth of the matter is, life isn’t always easy. Work hard for what you want, or you’ll be left to settle with what you don’t. So put in the extra effort, study that bit harder, challenge and push yourself that bit more and most importantly believe in yourself. You never really know how much you can accomplish and achieve, until you try.

Begin visualizing your highest self, and start showing up as them.

You will not regret it.

Love, Nyasha x

Summer Favourites 2019

Hi lovelies,

I hope you are all having a fantastic week so far, and that you are all enjoying the lovely weather that we have been graced with. Among other things, summer for me, consists of glowing skin, adventures, memory making and much more. In today’s blog post, I want to share some of my summer favourites which are essential in making my desired summer a reality

1. Self Tanning Body Lotion

Woman of colour.. self tanner… summer favourite?! Yes, yes and yes! The “Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Shimmer Body Lotion” is definitely a prize product that i do not see myself parting away with, any time soon. I use this product in the shade ‘medium to dark skin’. Although it is summer, because of Ireland’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, we mainly experience a temperate maritime climate. This essentially means there is often little to no opportunity for ‘golden hour selfies’. However, this moisturizer gives me such good coverage on days that I want to ditch the makeup and flaunt my natural skin, while giving the illusion that I have been basking away in rays of sunshine for hours. The shimmer particles in the product also act as a highlighter, which is always a plus!

2. Lipgloss

The Essence ‘Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss’ in the shade 01, is definitely a must have for me all year round. The gloss gives a wet-look effect, which I know a lot of people aren’t here for, but I am all for it. The texture of it is very wearable and smooth and leaves your lips feeling moisturized, while giving them that glow.

3. Bags and purses

In the last few months I have really fallen for a chunky bag or shopper as my desired handbag. I just find them much more useful for day to day use, because you can carry absolutely everything in them. However, when I am going on adventures/day trips I hate nothing more than lugging around a bag filled with unnecessary bits. Small shoulder bags, like the one pictured above, are the most efficient when you are on the go, as they allow you to carry the minimal necessary bits without the excess weight.

Unfortunately because of the size of my desired bag, I have to resort to downsizing some of its everyday contents, such as my purse. Being honest, I have never been a fan of smaller purses, I am all about the big ones with plenty of card slots (because i just can’t say no to loyalty cards), however the black polka dot one, which I picked up in Stradivarius (also pictured above), has won me over.

4. Fragrances

The Hollister, ‘Crescent Bay’ Body Mist, has been a summer favourite of mine for the longest time now. I am all about body mists in the spring and summer months as I find that they are a much lighter scent, in comparison to a perfume. Crescent Bay is infused with refreshing and bright notes of watermelon and lychee, which are perfect scents for the summertime.

5. A Planner

Summer can be a very busy period for a lot of us because of various commitments. Making use of a personal planner is ideal, in times when you are trying to schedule social events, holidays and outings, in-between shifts in work. As you can see my ‘Molly & Rex’ one is clearly loved because of the creases all over it. The planner offers amazing monthly and weekly layouts and also has sections for me to write my top priorities for each week and events coming up the next, which helps keep me organized. I would recommend anyone who leads a busy life to get themselves a planner not only for the summer months but for the year.

So yeah… there’s five of the products and things I have been loving, so far, this summer. If you would be interested in seeing more of the products and things I am loving, leave me a comment down below and let me know. I would also love to hear about some of your summer favourites and essentials.

I hope you enjoyed the read.

Love, Nyasha x

5 Ways to Look After Yourself

Hi lovelies,

Before I dive into today’s post, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone near and far for all the support and words of encouragement since uploading my first blog post. I am truly grateful.

Today’s blog post is inspired by a conversation I had with one of my close friends last week, where they opened up about not being in a great place at the moment. This is something that each of us can relate to, at various points of our lives, but because of the many demands of life, often we do not attend to ourselves accordingly. Although we often neglect it, self care is crucial. Self care is defined as the actions one takes to attend to their physical, emotional, relational and spiritual well being. I have decided to share five of my go-to things I do when I am not feeling top-notch, that help me recharge and refocus.

1. Pray and Read the Bible

Praying, reading the bible and/or listening to gospel or worship music are things I find very soothing. Whenever I pray about something that is or has been worrying me I suddenly feel at ease concerning the issue that is consuming me. Reading the word, strengthens me if I am feeling weak and reminds me that God’s plans for me are much greater than I can ever imagine. Here are a few verses that encourage me;

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6

He has made everything beautiful in its time… -Ecclesiastes 3:11

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus -Philippians 4:6-7

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day -Psalm 46:5

She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future -Proverbs 31:25

I am with you always -Matthew 28:20

2. Drink Tea

Maybe it’s the ‘Irishness’ in me, but whenever I am stressed I suddenly crave nothing more than a cup of tea. Unfortunately, when I am anxious, the caffeine in tea sets my brain on overdrive which causes me to then overthink. However, a great alternative which still manages to calm my nerves is peppermint tea.

3. Pamper yourself

When I am feeling under the weather there is nothing I value more than my pamper kit (pictured above), which I store in my bed side locker for easy access. Although the application and use of face masks, eye masks and nail polish can often be time consuming, they leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The aromatic essential oils that are infused in many of these products relax the mind by stimulating your senses.

4. Listen to Music

If you asked me to define music in my own words, I would describe it as a medium that is capable of delivering various emotions to different people. As mentioned previously, gospel/worship music is a personal favorite of mine when I need that extra comfort. However, once I have had my dose of relaxing ‘me’ time, to continue the process of raising my spirits, I usually play my current favourite upbeat jams.

5. Talk to someone

“A problem shared is a problem halved”

A misconception a lot of us have is that, we are suddenly burdens to our loved ones when we share our problems, struggles and/or pain. This however, is not the case. Talking about things that affect you with another person, usually makes the situation seem less daunting and troubling. Just make sure that you are speaking to someone you trust and, that has your best interest at heart, so that you can be reassured that the advice you will get or be given will actually benefit you.

So there you have it, there are the five main things I do when I am not feeling like my best self. We are all wired differently as individuals, so things that work for me might not work for you, but it’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms to overcome lives endless hurdles. If you still haven’t found something that works for you, feel free to try one of mine listed above.

Remember you are never alone.

Love, Nyasha x

Nyasha’s Nook, the blog.

Hi lovelies,

Firstly I want to thank you for clicking onto my first ever blog post. This is a dream that I envisioned many years ago, but because of fear I never actually made it a reality, but today I have decided to let go of my fears.

My name is Nyasha, hence why I have decided to name this blog ‘Nyasha’s Nook’. The word ‘nook’ is used to describe “…a corner for recess, especially one offering seclusion or security”, this is exactly what I want my blog to deliver to my readers.

From a young age, the act of writing provided me with an escape from the hustle and bustle of life and I would like nothing more than for my blog to be a place that my readers can read to unwind. In saying that I hope for my blog to consist of lifestyle, beauty, fashion, food, travel and adventure, and everything else in between.

I am excited to see what this new journey has to offer. To all of who have read to this point, thank you. Hopefully you will come along with me on this journey.

Love, Nyasha x