A Little Bit Of Laura: fitness

5 reasons to take up running

Sometimes working out takes a lot of motivation, especially when there are such delicious foods around. All we feel like doing is kicking back, watching Netflix and eating chocolate after a long day. But since I've incorporated running into my daily regime there have been so many improvements to my life. I'm about to share five of them with you now...

1.) You get to go out and see the world. Whether you're running just around the block or taking on higher extremes, you feel great for having taken yourself away from your laptop screen or mobile to be at one with the world around you. Enjoy it, take it all in and if you see something beautiful, don't hesitate to stop and have a look or take a picture (if you have a phone with you for using apps like Strava).

2.) It works wonders with your legs. Okay so not everyone wants to have really muscly legs, and I think that is what worries some. But honestly it'll only tone them as well as giving your bum a lift. Since running 5/6 days a week for the past month or so, I've managed to slim my legs down. I was squeezing into a size 12 at the beginning of summer and today I slipped back into a size 8 (even if they were a stretchy trouser!)

3.) You feel less guilty about treating yourself to a bit of chocolate. Because you workout and get fresh air everyday, you don't feel quite so bad having that little sweet treat once in a while. So don't stress yourself out by trying to force yourself to do any of these silly diets.

4.) It releases endorphins. As previously discussed in my last post, getting exercise is a great way to feel happier in yourself. The release of endorphins will make you feel brighter and more energised and awake- you can take on anything!

5.) It's a great way to get fit without the need of fancy equipment of an expensive gym membership. Running is free, so go out and do it. There are no excuses!

Do it for you. Come up with some reasons why you want to start running or be fit, and tell yourself them everyday when you wake. Remind yourself that you want to become the best version of yourself. So put your trainers on and get out and enjoy what the world has to offer. And getting fit whilst doing so? Yes please!

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Self Confidence and The Sea

So the other day I went for a run. it was lovely and sunny out and as I hadn't gone to the beach already that day (due to it clouding over a bit) I encouraged myself to go for a jog down to the sea front. And as you know from my previous blog post, when the sun is out, it's a great chance to get fit. So I started jogging and made sure I took breaks so I didn't get too hot. The sky was spotless and the bluest blue.

The point of my post today is going to be about being happy and being yourself.

When I got to the sea I sat down on the pebbly beach. I people watched as a few couples were walking along the shore. I sat there a thought to myself and enjoyed my own company. It was wonderful. Sometimes we are so involved with those around us, that we forget to take time out just for ourselves. I truly needed this bit of peace and quiet and I enjoyed being by myself, it felt nourishing for my soul and my chest didn't feel heavy, but light and free. I know it all sounds a bit far fetched but it's true.

I watched in envy at the people who were wading through the gentle waves. I desperately wanted to feel the sea beneath my feet. When I was a child, it didn't matter how cold the sea was, I'd be in it. I loved the sea and loved to paddle/swim in it, and even now as a twenty something I still feel that desire to be ruthless and just go for it.

As adults we lack this enthusiasm for just being brave and being who we want to be. I noticed this as a group of teenagers came a sat down a way away from me. I'm sure they were nice people, but they were loud and I automatically felt intimidated for some reason. Not that I should have any reason to feel threatened but you know how when you're by yourself you suddenly become very self aware and self conscious? So as I said, I really wanted to go in the sea and kept almost gaining the courage to do so. The thing that stopped me was the thought of having to walk passed these teens, by myself, and walk along the shore by myself- not at all a weird thing to do- but as I said, when alone we feel overly conscious of what other may think.

But I thought about it for a while. What's the worse that could happen? I like who I am and love the way I am, I am confident and accept the body I have and I am proud of that fact. So I asked myself 'Do I really care if they care?' and 'Do I care what they think? Does their opinion change me?' And the answer was no. I didn't care what others thought and of course there was nothing wrong with going in the sea by myself, but I'm using this experience as a good example, and I want to point out that these people were in no way bad people, just normal people who happened to be there at the time. They held no threat to me, and I realised that like me, they are just people. In fact they probably won't even notice me.

I realised that, like the child me, I didn't care about anything else but what I wanted to do and how it effected me. So I took of my shoes and socks and hobbled (painfully) down the beach and as the waves caressed my feet, nothing else mattered. The world around me was at peace and as I walked along the shore I felt happy. I felt ridiculously happy because for that one moment, I shook off the fears of what others thought of me, I didn't care. And that, that made me happy.

So my point is, that once we shake off our desires to please others and accept who we are, we will feel more free, and more free to do the things we really want to do. The moment we stop comparing ourselves to others too, is the moment we find true happiness in ourselves.

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In fitness, Health

5 Easy Ways To Be Healthy This Summer

If you're like me, then you'll probably go on another one of your 'get fit/healthy' obsessions again this summer- it happens every summer! To be fair to us, summer is the best time to get fit for obvious reasons. However getting fit and healthy can be hard especially as we enjoy indulging on meals out and sweets and what not to treat ourselves for the hard work we've done. So I've only gone and come up with 5 easy ways to get healthy whilst enjoying the summer haven't I? Here we go:

1.) Forget the gym. Go on walks and jogs. It's an obvious one I know but summer is the perfect opportunity to go for walks. They can be short walks, long walks, slow walks, whatever takes your fancy. And if you have a dog, why not take them out for a nice walk- they will thank you for that! Or perhaps you like reading in the garden? Instead why not walk to your local park and read there, then walk back. Putting in extra exercise where you can can really make the difference.

2.) Going on a shopping spree or an afternoon out in town? It's easy to fall into the trap of buying junk food to feed your perishing hunger. But, if your town has a market, why not buy some fresh strawberries instead. They aren't too expensive and you get a lot for your money- better than at a supermarket. Strawberries are lush, like healthy sweets. So grab a punnet of them (or whatever fruit you like) and snack on them throughout your trip. You'll feel fresher and healthier and proud for avoiding the junk food.

3.) Swap your breakfast around. Instead of having stodgy toast or fried breakfasts, try having fruit, or yogurt. It may seem boring but if you're really determined to be healthier then it'll make a difference and will make your morning feel fresher. Plus it doesn't have to be boring, be creative!

4.) Take a look at a usual days' food for you. Take one sugary/unhealthy item, just one, and swap it for something healthy. You'll be surprised at how swapping one item can make a difference.

5.) Drink! Another obvious one I know, but sometimes we mistake our hunger for thirst would you believe. So carry a bottle of water around with you. Also water is great for the skin and on a hot day will be your saviour. If you find water boring then have tea or squash. However water does the same as other drinks in that it rids you of your thirst yet water has no calories, so instead of putting unnecessary calories inside yourself, just drink plain and simple water!

I hope my little tips have been somewhat helpful. How about you get in contact or start and conversation about what you all do to stay fit and healthy?

Speak soon