My Favourite ways to stay Healthy

Hey everyone! Apologies for not posting as often. I've been a bit more preoccupied with school and everything taking a toll on my life. Honestly speaking though I wasn't motivated to blog at all. I felt like fewer people were reading my posts. Anyway I took a break and I'm here with a post on my top 5 ways to stay healthy body, soul and mind. This is to celebrate Michelle Obama's 5th year anniversary of her "Let's move campaign". Use the hastag #GimmeFive to share your favourite ways to stay healthy. 

1. Meditate whether it's reading my Bible or journaling my thoughts. I feel like an aura of peace and joy just entering into my heart and feeding my soul mentally. No matter how many times you workout or eat clean if your mind isn't in the right place then that may hinder every aspect of your life negatively.
2. Positive people The people you spend most of your time with is crucial regarding your wellbeing. A quote that I love is "Some people are like clouds when they disappear it's a brighter day". Be friends with people you want to be more like. My parents say "Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are". You really do become the person you associate yourself with. 
3. Eating whole, natural foods I love experimenting with vegan meals although I'm a carnivore I don't eat pork. Eating plant based foods make me feel more energetic and content. If you want to feel alive why eat dead things? Follow me on Instagram to see my daily meals @jennoshealth. 
4. Intense workout sessions I secretly love the feeling of D.O.M.S "Delayed Onset of Muscle Sorness" It gives me a feeling of accomplishment that no material thing can satisfy. I love pushing myself to my limits if that involves doing pushups in a pool of my sweat then so be it. 
5. Having a passion I find it so important to be passionate about something in life no matter how minor it may seem to you. That is what springs me up out of bed each morning. It gives my life purpose and meaning. It reassures me that I'm contributing to society by sharing my passion. "Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and do it because what the world needs are people who have come alive"

#GimmeFive things you do to stay healthy? 

How to Have The Happiest New Year + DIY

Hey guys, hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, joy and peace! 

I'm at the back left!

So this time last year I came across a DIY project that is super simple yet effective. It's a happiness jar. In a previous post I discussed The secret to happiness. It's appreciation for what you got, whether it's a little or a lot. 

You will need:

1. A jar/container.
2. Scrap pieces of paper. 

So this year I challenge you to write down who/what made you happy and how they did it and place it in the jar. You can take it out at the end of the month/year or whenever you feel sad. It will re-direct your mind to positive times thus lifting your mood. I guarantee you! 

It looks like empty scrap pieces of paper but there are stuff written on it!

A lot of the times we focus on the outward appearance of people and things. The truth is if things aren't right on the inside it will affect the life you ought to live. This is where it all begins, by showing gratitude. Last year my goal was to be happy. I accomplished that goal and this year has been an amazing. My faith had a lot to do with it too. If you show gratitude in your attitude your life won't remain the same, I promise you! 

Have nothing to be grateful for? Of course you do, your internet connection, otherwise you won't be reading this now!

In order to reap the full benefits of this experiment you will need to be consistent. I wish all my readers a Happy New Year in advance. It would make my day if you could please like my new Facebook Page. You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram. 

How was your 2014? Do you practice gratitude? Will you be trying this out?

"If you wait for the right conditions, you won't accomplish anything"

How I Shine Strong

So Pantene (the hair product company) have a viral ad campaign called "Sorry Not Sorry". It's geared toward women who apologise unnecessarily. It encourages women to #ShineStrong from the inside out.

Finish this sentence, "Strong is..." 

Not second-guessing yourself and putting yourself out there.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
Probably starting a boot-camp all by myself not knowing the clients at all.

What do you do to unwind?

Work-out or clean, which isn't normal I know. 

What's one thing you've always wanted to learn?

To swim, I always seem to be the tallest in the shallow end.

How does your bff #shinestrong?

He just puts himself out there shamelessly. 

What natural talent would you want to be gifted with?

Singing without putting Beyoncé to shame. 

What is your idea of happiness?

Doing what I love with the people I love, sharing the love. 

What is your motto?

The doubters said man cannot fly, the doers said maybe but we'll try and finally soared in the morning glow as the non-believers watched from below. -Bruce Lee

What is your ultimate #shinestrong hairstyle?

Wearing my hair out in it's natural state. 

Finish the sentence, "I love good hair days because..."

It's easier to feel confident when you look good.

Share your best tip for strong, healthy hair.

What you eat shows on the outside. Hair, skin, nails the whole shibang.

Finish this sentence, "I #shinestrong when I..."

Am able to inspire others to shine even stronger. 

I tag everyone! 

"Constant apologising takes away your credibility and confidence because you spend so much time feeling bad." -Angula Mutanda

Try it Out Thursday #2

If you've got no clue what I'm talking about check out my last post. 

1. The daily workout challenge actually worked! I went on a 4-day retreat and still managed to work out every day. I did find that this challenge was the only exercise I got most days. Next time I'll definitely add in 20 minute workouts. Unfortunately I didn't pick out any rest days so I was working out for 14 days straight. YIPEE 
2. The post workout scrub was great. It got rid of the excess bacteria on my face leaving it super soft! Next time I'll add Vitamin E oil or glycerin (preservative) to make the scrub last longer. Store it in the fridge, stir and use a spoon to scoop because putting your fingers back in isn't very hygienic. It works fab for your face, feet, hands and body also! 

1. Pukka night time tea. If your like me and you messed up your sleeping pattern got messed up during Summer, now is the time to get it right for School or Work. The oat flower is suppose to calm and nourish, the lavender is meant to soothe and relax and the lime flower helps to settle the mind. Not only is it important for School or Work but when you workout because that's when all your muscles repair and grow. I plan to drink this tea every night! 
2. Skipping. Apparently it's great for weight-loss you can lose around 1000 calories in 1 hour! your overall fitness, endurance, stamina and muscle tone (arms, abs & legs). With my rope I'm able to count my calorie burn and skips. I'll try and do it every day for at least 15 minutes. 

What did you think of #1? Will you be trying out #2? What would you like me to try out next? 

Family reunion vacation

This summer my relatives decided to plan a reunion in San Antonio, Texas. There was 22 of us in total coming from 3 various continents.The retreat ranged from thrilling roller coasters to a relaxing boat ride.

Arriving at Fiesta Texas!

At the Rainforest Cafe!

Being freaks at a shoot

Heading to the Water park at Six Flags

Time for the River walk at the "Alamo"

The River walk at the "Alamo"

Headed to the largest mall in Texas "The Galleria"

4th of July!

Florals on the Fourth 

Car selfie

Overall the reunion was a fantastic time for me because it was different. I learned a lot of things about myself and family from doing simple things like playing cards. It's important for our health to mix things up and spend quality time with positive people. By doing this we regenerate our happy hormones (endorphins) and it makes us happier. You might not be able to plan a retreat but remember "Simplicity is the ulimate sophistication" Making a phone call, writing a letter or sending a Facebook message is practically the same thing. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

                                     "The love of a family is life's greatest blessing" -unknown

The simple secret to Happiness?!

Is it...

• How much you earn?
• Your appearance?
• Your intelligence?

Nope. It's knowing that you don't have it all and accepting that. 

No matter what your story is, if you focus on what you have, you'll have more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you'll never have enough. Two words that are scientifically proven to make you happier are THANK YOU. When we show gratitude it redirects our brain to positive thoughts and actions. 

The Gratitude Experiment?

1. Get yourself an empty journal, diary or notebook. You have to physically write it down because there is power in the words.
2. Divide it into 3 categories. People, Places & Things.
3. Write down what you are thankful for daily.
4. Recommended: Contact the people you wrote down to appreciate them even more! 

Does it work?

I've been doing it for 6 months and I'm much more positive and happier. Oprah Winfrey has been doing it for 18 years and says acknowledging these things made her more receptive to the goodness in her life. She believes keeping this journal was the single most important thing she's ever done. Give it a try! you've got nothing to lose.        

  More info on the experiment!

                                                                     Thanks for reading, 

                                                                                           Jen'shealth.

                                                                     

How do you get clearer, flawless skin?

Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness. True or false?

• Do you ever breakout when you eat junk food?
• Do you ever look pale when your not feeling great?
• Does your skin ever clear up when you drink a lot of water?
• Do you ever look a certain way when you don't get enough sleep?

If you answered true to at least two questions then yes, healthy skin is a reflection your overall wellness!

My bare face!

Acne?

I had acne believe it or not. After spending so much time and money on my skin I saw a dermatologist and got prescribed "minocin SA" (oral medication). I had to take it every day at a certain time this helped dry out my spots and cleared my skin. It took about 9 months to see changes but it was worth it! During the period I didn't apply makeup in order to reap the entire benefits. Thankfully I didn't encounter any side effects.

So how can I get clearer, flawless skin?

1. Eat better. Try more veg, fruit, lean meat (chicken,turkey),complex carbs (brown rice,pasta,sweet potatoes). Try reduce amount of sugary, greasy foods (sweets, ice-cream, butter,chips).
2. Get more sleep. This is our body's time to make new skin cells, if we don't allow it 7-8 hours daily it won't finish the new cells and won't look too good. Unfinished things never look as good as they ought to.
3. Get in vitamin C! That's right they help maintain and repair healthy skin. Vitamin C is in tons of fruits especially in kiwis, oranges, pineapples and berries.
4. Water. Drink at least 2 litres daily. It helps keep the skin hydrated. When you water a plant it grows and looks great. When you don't it starts to wither and eventually dies. As deep as this may sound the human body can survive up to 3 days without water. It must be pretty important huh? 
5. Treatments. You can exfoliate which helps get rid of the top layer of dead skin, face masks help the dead skin come out of hiding. My personal favourite has to be steaming this allows heat from hot water to open up your pores and get a deep cleanse! 

But what products can I use? 

 Well what type of skin do you have? Dry, Sensitive, Normal, Oily, Combination? You should then research accordingly. My best advice for you is to use natural products if your able. Why? It' hasn't got artificial chemicals that are probably doing more harm than good. It is also inexpensive and works way better than high-end skin care products most of the time. Here are my products. It took me a while to find what works, but better late than never! 

Cleanse

I use Dudu-Osun also known as African black soap by the brand "Tropical Naturals". It makes my skin feel clean and refreshed without leaving it dry. I use this for my body also and it does wonders! I purchase mine in Nigeria, but you can definitely find it online.

Tone

I use Rosewater by the brand "Atlantic Aromatics". It makes my skin feel extra clean yet soft. I spray it lightly on my face and then get a cotton pad and dab. It's a great all natural toner for those with dry/sensitive skin. It's also a great setting spray for makeup! I get mine from a health food store named "Nourish". 

Moisturise

This is a step that you shouldn't be skipping, even if your skin ain't dry! For my face I use coconut oil. Hold up Jen... an oil? Yeah, as strange as it may seem the oil particles are small enough to penetrate my skin not leaving it greasy. It's non comedogenic meaning it won't clog my pores! It works great for those with oily skin too! Try it out :) I get mine from Nourish. For my body I use shea butter. It's a great thick moisturiser for those with dry patches etc.. It makes my skin feel soft and smooth. I made my own mix infused with wonderful ingredients! Contact me if your interested, my sister sells them and ships internationally. 

"Years wrinkle the skin but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul" -Douglas MacArthur

 -Jen'shealth

Feel Good Friday!

So, we have all heard the famous quote "Health is your greatest wealth!" It makes sense I mean if you are extremely rich it doesn't do much good if you can't enjoy the money. With all the sicknesses in our day and age, I don't want to end up in the hospital. I don't think anyone does. 

My sudden interest in health and well-being stemmed from being exposed to hospital life. In Transition Year I did a Work Experience course titled "Introduction to Hospital Life" There I saw hundreds of patients of all ages looking for ways to make themselves better. That's when I realised that I didn't want have to be in their position, I didn't want to wait until my sickness came. I wanted to take as many preventative measures to ensure I'd be healthy and happy for the rest of my life. I come across so many negative and miserable people in my life and I don't want to live that way. We weren't created to just merely survive, but to thrive. 

So, where to start? Here are my top 5 tips to help you feel happier and healthier. I can do a follow-up post on each technique if your interested? 

1. Your mindset. You need to say "I am going to live a happy, healthy positive life" as cheesy as it may sound positive declarations do work! Don't forget to constantly remind yourself of this affirmation. 
2. Your environment. The people you surround yourself with are incredibly important when it comes to living a HHPL (Happy, healthy, positive life!) They have such a big influence on our thoughts and actions. 
3. Be grateful. I found out the secret to happiness, appreciation for what you have, whether it's a little or a lot. I have a gratitude journal and I have never felt more at peace.
4. Exercise and meditation. When we do exercise it releases endorphin's, the happy hormone! Meditation is great for calming the mind and muscles also!
5. You are what you eat! Try to eat everything in moderation, a balanced diet is key! Don't forget about drinking a ton of water. 

Guys, I have been incorporating these tips into my lifestyle the past few years and I can honestly say I feel much better about myself and much more confident. I do have bad days, but not as much as I use to! 

So, is health really your greatest wealth? 
                                                                              -Jen'shealth