Tag: happy

3 Happiness Habits

Shots by Rosie Butcher

When we think of happiness it’s easy to think of what it is to be happy in a particular moment. For example, right now I think what would really make me happy is a large Dominos veggie volcano pizza (hmmm pizza). Or someone else’s idea of a happy moment might be buying those designer shoes they’ve had their eye on for ages! The reality though, is that however nice that slice of pizza tastes (still drooling at the thought to be honest), or however beautiful those shoes are, this type of happiness is short lived. If we don’t feel good in other aspects of our life it doesn’t matter how good the pizza tastes, or how dreamy the shoes are, they just aren’t going to fix it. The reality is that (queue the cheesy cliche line) happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Now when I speak of happiness, I’m talking overall happiness. No matter how seemingly good someone’s life is, it’s impossible to skip around cheery and smiley all day, everyday, don’t let social media fool you. Overall happiness however, goes deeper than what’s on the exterior and it’s something that can take work and I’m not talking a quick five minute fix.

Trainers – Converse | Jeans – Me & Em | Striped Tee – Cos | Cardigan – Me and Em | Watch – Cluse | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon

Spend Time With People You Love

Personally, nothing makes me feel more uplifted than surrounding myself with people I love. I’m lucky to have an amazing bunch of people in my life and to be quite honest I can’t get enough of them. Be it a long distant phone call, a coffee catch up, or even a sleepover with my besties (yes I’m a grown woman who still has sleepovers), I’m always left feeling in high spirits after catching up and spending time with some of my favourite people.

Aside from friends, family and partners, it doesn’t always have to mean spending time with people you’re close with. Obviously I’d recommend you do that as much as possible but sometimes you can find the type of people you love to be around in other situations as well. Finding like minded people is especially important. That feeling of being able to relate and share common ground/interests with someone can be just what you need. I love the buzz I get after having chats with like minded people about things that we are equally passionate about. And if you’re not sure about where to find these like minded people then think about what your main interests are and seek out clubs, groups and events where you connect with them. Be it through hashtags or even a quick google search, it’s easier than you think to ‘find your tribe’, so go for it.

Practice Gratitude

I’ve spoken about this before (particularly in this post here) and no doubt I’ll speak about it again, but practicing gratitude on a daily basis can do wonders for your happiness levels. When I wake up I like to take five minutes or so before jumping out of bed or grabbing for my phone, to just think about the things I’m grateful for in that moment. It can be as simple as being grateful for having such a comfy bed to go to sleep and wake up in, to being happy that you get to head out to a job you love, or maybe you’re even just grateful for the coffee you’ll soon be drinking. Whatever it is, take a mental note, or write actual notes if you’d rather. It can be whenever you like, not just in the morning. Just thinking about all the things that you’re grateful for can really help you to re-evaluate things and in turn, help to lift your mood. Do this on a daily basis and believe me you’ll see a difference.

Find Fulfilment

This is a weird one, as fulfilment can come is different forms for different people. You may find fulfilment in your children, you may find fulfilment in your job, or you may even find it in helping others. Sometimes the trickiest part is finding what brings you these feelings of fulfilment in the first place…but once you know what that thing is, you’ll know what to pursue in life in order to help bring you happiness. Of course fulfilment can come from a number of places, I know for me personally I find it in being able to use my creativity, in helping others, in spending time with loves ones and exploring different countries (quite a list there). For you it could be a similar combination, or something entirely different. Whatever it is, make time to work on or work towards the things that personally bring you fulfilment because quite often those are some of the things that will bring you the most joy in your life.

Those are my three happiness habits and just a few things that I find help me…Of course it’s normal to have down days here and there, we can’t be feeling super happy all of the time, but if you do find yourself constantly feeling down, then it’s always important to reach out and speak to someone about it. Here’s a link to some helplines if you do need more information – click here – or if you just feel like you need someone to chat to, I found out about a great little website where you can chat with trained listeners anonymously online, which you can find here.

Samio x

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April 6, 2018
Why You Should Do What Makes You Happy

I always say, as long as your intentions are good and you’re not hurting anybody, or yourself, then do what makes you happy. This of course can be easier said than done, as sometimes in order to create or find the happiness we desire, we may have to step out of our comfort zone or take risks. Sometimes we can even find ourselves being discouraged from doing certain things that deep down we know we truly desire. Sometimes the dissuasion can come from others, or other times it can come from oneself. It’s important to not let these ideas of doubt get in the way and you should allow yourself to pursue the things that make you happy.

Your life is yours and not anyone else’s

Relationships, be it family, friends or a partner can sometimes be a conflicting factor in focusing on ones own happiness. We can often convince ourselves that the happiness of our loved ones is the most important thing, and whilst I am in agreement with this to an extent, I also have the opinion that focusing on someone else’s happiness is lesser justified if means making yourself miserable in the process. There needs to be compromise and balance, and if someone else’s happiness compromises your own, then you have to consider if it’s really worth it. Of course there are times when it’s necessary to put the needs of others before our own but when it comes to your long term happiness, just make sure that when making decisions that affect you, remember that it’s your life and nobody else’s.

Boots – Asos (similar here) | Trousers – TK Maxx (similar here) | Top – Topshop (similar here) | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – Pinko (similar here)

You never know what might happen

Circumstances and situations can change so rapidly that where you are today might be very different to where you are in a day, a month, or a year, and so on. As they say ‘life is short’. It’s an overused phrase and with good reason, because most of the people who say it have had some sort of life experience to help them put things into perspective.

Whatever stage or place you’re at in life, if you have the opportunity to make choices to do the things that make you happy, then go for it. Who knows what may happen tomorrow. With that in mind, it’s important to seize opportunities whilst you can. Take that road trip with a friend, apply for that new job, end the unhappy relationship, go on that dream adventure, take that dance class, learn that new skill and most importantly just remember to do you, for you!

It’s your responsibility and not anyone else’s

Lastly it’s important to note that choosing to do what makes you happy is inevitably down to you. We can’t rely on others for our happiness, nor can we expect other’s to take care of things for us. It’s solely down to you to go after what you want, don’t wait around for someone else to make things happen for you. Perusing the things you want in life isn’t always easy but if in the long run it’s what will make you happy, then what are you waiting for?

Samio x

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February 28, 2018
Life Update – Birthday Celebrations, Travel, D.I.Y & Getting Back Into Fitness

I thought today’s post would be a little more lifestyle than my usual posts as I feel like giving a little life update and letting you know what has been going on in the world of Samio.

Yesterday I turned a year older and celebrated my Birthday. Another year has flown by and now I’m starting to sound like a old timer when I speak, as you’ll often hear me saying things like ‘when I was younger’ or ‘time goes by so quickly’. I’m still in my twenties and not one of these people who dramatises my age by saying ‘I’m getting old’, each year that passes but I’ve just noticed that I’m more aware of time these days. How I spend my time and who I spend it with, is something I consider a lot more now than I did when I was much younger. I’ve realised how precious time is and how quickly it really does go by, so I try to embrace my experiences much more, appreciate the positive people in my life and make the most of everything the best I can.

One thing I did decide to do for my Birthday this year is actually celebrate it. Last year I did not and although I wasn’t bothered as I was busy with work, this year I decided to make some plans… On Saturday my boyfriend Damien, took me for Champagne afternoon tea at Opus One at the Radisson hotel in Manchester and that evening we met up with friends for drinks and had a great day/night. This coming Saturday I plan on being slightly less civilised, as I’m heading out for a meal with some of my girlfriends and then we are going out after to party, which should be great fun.

I’m also super excited as next weekend I’m flying to Hamburg to visit my dear friend Tara who’s over there from L.A. We met whilst living in our model flat together in Barcelona last year and since then we’ve constantly kept in touch and even met up in London (along with our other friend Natalia) last December. This time I’m going to her, as she’s over in Germany for the month modelling, so I knew I had to arrange the trip to see her before she jets back to L.A. I cannot wait to explore the city with her, as although I’ve been to Germany before, it will be my first time in Hamburg.

Aside from that and the odd trips down to London for castings and what not, my life is currently being taken up with D.I.Y. For those of you who regularly read my blog, you may know that my boyfriend and I recently bought a house together. We’ve taken on quite a bit of a project, as we are doing it up from scratch. So far I’m actually enjoying getting stuck in (although some tasks can be tedious). I can’t wait to see the progression and see what we make out of our new home. It’s hard work yet exciting all at the same time.

Due to our constant late evenings of partaking in home improvements, our diet has become exceptionally shocking. We keep biscuits and chocolate at the house to keep up moral whilst working, which I have to say does help but for someone who does not usually eat that much chocolate, I have been consuming a lot! The bad thing is, I’m noticing it in my skin and after having a break out, I’ve decided it’s time for a bodily system reboot (after this weekend’s celebrations of course). I managed to get back to the gym for the first time in a around two months yesterday and I instantly felt better for it. Now I’m ready to get back to eating well again and now that the weather is nice, walking more too.

And ahhh, the weather. The sun is making me super happy right now, even if I am about to spend my afternoon indoors steaming wallpaper, the sun shining through the window always makes me feel happier.

Samio x

June 10, 2015
Morning Motivation – Embracing Your Uniqueness

So last nigh I was doing some late night internet browsing (like you do), when I came across one article that I was particularly drawn to. I opened up the link to find it was actually a video. Still intrigued by the title, I decided to watch it. Here’s where I should point out that the video in question was Meet Casey Legler – the world’s first female male model. Intriguing no? I urge you to watch the short video. So anyway, after watching it, I wasn’t just amazed but also inspired.

I often speak of accepting what you have and embracing who you are and this woman seems to epitomise that. It’s not just about what she does or how she is but about how she has accepted her differences and utilised her strengths (those of which I think are pretty awesome by the way). Anyway the point I am getting at is that we are all different, we are all unique and we should embrace that. We should embrace what makes us different, dare to stand out and learn to love our unique features and qualities. I shan’t waffle on too much, in fear of sounding all preachy preachy but I think it’s important to remember that what makes us different is also what can make us great. So go out there, be fabulous and do your thing!

Samio x

March 12, 2015
Tips To Help Beat January Blues

As we are often told, January is a depressing month, but it doesn’t have to be. Okay so Christmas is over and although I do miss that Merry festive time I don’t think I could eat another minced pie and I’ve had my fill of roast potatoes for a while. So in the mean time we have 2014 to focus on and if you are feeling down or need a little pick me up during this first month of the year, here are some of my tips to keeping happy and positive.

Unfortunately this isn’t a guaranteed happiness guide but these are just some of the things that I do and have tried that personally help me feel positive and happy and so some of these tips may help and work for you too.

Tip 1. Go Green
I’ve been starting my day with a green smoothie/juice for several months now. I call them green juices as I put a lot of veg in them which turns the drink green. I soon got use to the savoury taste (as apposed to sugar filled smoothies I’d previously drank) and now I rarely go a day without one. The energy boost the juices give me each morning are amazing and it’s a great way to make sure I get plenty of vitamins each day. In an average day the ingredients I will use are; 1 banana, 1 apple, 1 carrot, a quarter cup of raspberries, a hand full of curly kale and a sprinkling of linseed, topped up with water.

Tip 2. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to keep you feeling good. I try to exercise at least four times a week (when I’m being good). Over the holidays I did no exercise for over two weeks and along with all the food and drink, I started to feel bloated and sluggish. After only a week back at the gym after Christmas, I was feeling my energetic self again. I realise the gym isn’t for everyone and many people see it as a chore or boring but there are plenty or other ways to keep fit, such as partaking in local sports or even just simply going for long walks, which takes me onto my next tip…

Tip 3. Go on long walks
Okay so when it’s not pouring it down with rain (as it usually is here in the UK), going for a walk is a great way to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise at the same time. If you live somewhere sunny, then perfect for you (unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere too hot for walking). Recently we’ve had some clear days and even managed to see some blue skies. I love going for long walks when the air is still crisp but the sky is blue, as I find it really refreshing. Also when I’m stressed or need to think, I often find going on a long walk is a great way to clear the mind and leave me feeling reinvigorated.

Tip 4. Phone a friend
Two of my best friends live far away, the furthest living in Barcelona. So as you can imagine it’s not always easy to catch up, with our busy lives and the distance between us. Despite this I know that my best friends are only ever a phone or Skype call away. Catching up with my girlfriends is the perfect pick me up, I often I have a grin on my face for hours after our chats together have ended and I’ll still be giggling to myself at our silly conversations. Whether it’s catching up with a nearby friend over a coffee or speaking over the phone long distance, I can always rely on my best friends to put a smile on my face.

Tip 5. Have a hobby
It could be Wednesday night dance class, baking on a Saturday or putting an hour aside once a week to do that painting you’ve always wanted to do. Whatever your hobby is, make time for it, so that you can make time for you. Work and life can often take over and many of the interests you used to have can be forgotten. But remember the good things that make you smile and go do them.

Tip 6. Be productive
A new year can often be a fresh start and so if there’s something important you’ve been needing or wanting to do, then a good time to start getting it done is now. Rather than leaving what needs to be done till last minute or forever putting it off (something which I am often guilty of), you’ll feel much better if you start work on what you need to do, now rather than later. I was happy to finally get my bag site open last week and it’s shown me what I can do when I use my time productively. The process of the productivity might not always be fun and it might even be stressful but once it’s done you’ll be left feeling satisfied and happier.

Tip 7. Have a clear out
You may decide to make some extra cash with and eBay haul or do a good deed by giving a good chunk of your clothes to charity, either way a clear out is a great way to clear space and start fresh. I just recently did this and got rid of numerous items which I seemed to simply be hoarding. After being roofless with my clear out, not only did it leave me feeling refreshed It made plenty of space for more new clothes, hurrah! You know the saying, out with the old, in with the new.

Tip 8. Buy a new lipstick
So this tip seems really simple but it’s amazing what a bit of lippy can do. (For guys it could be buying a new grooming product, unless your a guy who wears lipstick of course). If you haven’t noticed already, I am lipstick obsessed. I love buying new lipsticks and I love trying out new shades. I am a strong believer of the positive effects that trying out a new look can do for your confidence and self esteem. A new lipstick shade alone can give you a completely different look and trying out a new colour is a great non permanent and inexpensive way to experiment.

Tip 9. Pamper yourself
I’m talking bubble bath, face mask, hair mask, nails, the works. Have a night in for you and make yourself feel and look fabulous. I find this especially important in winter months, when your skin and hair feels dryer and you feel like it’s been five years since you last saw sunshine (again if you live in a hot country, lucky for you). Pampering yourself is the perfect way to spend some me time. You could even make a night of it and get your friends over, or rope the other half in… How nice would a massage be after that bubble bath!

Tip 10. Make a plan
Having something to look forward to is a great way to keep you feeling positive. I love making plans, whether it be a girly night in, a weekend away with the boyfriend or a big trip abroad, making a plan to do something fun is always exciting. Even if you have to wait a while to do what you’ve planned, it can make you feel happier just thinking about what you’ve got to look forward to.

So these were my 10 Tips, I hope you can find some of them useful and helpful, now go forth and be happy! 😀

Samio x

January 17, 2014