Spring Cellular Upgrade - what I'm taking into a fresh new chapter with me and leaving behind...

Deep breaths. Keep pushing. Push, PUSH PUSH!!! Either I am narrating a birth scene or a really big poo. You decide. That my friends was a metaphor for us coming out the other end.

Rebirth into Spring. Alive, wiser, transformed and ready for the world's grand re-opening back to our old sense of 'normality'. Perhaps you don't feel ready, perhaps you secretely feel nervous and actually quite anxious at that scary thing called... CHANGE. It's there, ready and awaiting us at the start/finish line of the next chapter.

IT'S ALL GRAVY BABY.

Even the most confident amongst us are shivering at the concept of adapting to new environments again. PLOT- TWIST. Hate to break it to you, BUT we're adapting, evolving and growing every second of every day, and we don't even realise it. So give yourself some credit. Pat on the back. Get this. I heard a crazy fact the other day, a fact you can use when in-person conversations inevitably dry up in the near future because we're all so bored of talking about the same shit, different day. FACT: "Your body is making over 3.8 million new cells every second" (Science Alert, 2021).

MIND BLOWN.

Which bring me this blogs theme today; I bring you... what I WILL and WON'T be bringing with me to the desert island of constant evolution as we hop, skip and jump into this mysterious next chapter of LIFE.

CELLULAR SPRING UPGRADE BABY!

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LESS: Assuming

The other day I went to a job interview. Not a ZOOM one, a real life, more than 10 people in a room one. It blew my mind. SENSORY OVERLOAD. Firstly, because I've spent the majority of my days talking to my laptop in solitude and putting my phone on 'do not disturb' permanently to avoid humans. Secondly, I forgot how hot damn diggity interesting people are! Thirdly, I realised part of my brain automatically judges people on first impressions. Before you get on your merry high-horse of 'I don't judge people', YES YOU DO. We all do. You're judging me right now for saying you're a judger. You may not be aware of it at all times, but that inner critique and ego is always watching. Always. CUE "I'm watching you, Wazowski. Always watching. Always".

So far I've hit you with two shockers today. Your cells are evolving every second, and you can be judgemental, even if you're a really nice person. Think of these automatic thoughts and reactions in an evolutionary and brainy way... "Judgments are expectations based on pre-programmed mindsets or scripts' (Psychology Today, 2016).

AH-HAH. So that means, through self-awareness of our inner dialogue and through making an effort to LISTEN to other people more, we can reprogram these natural first impressions.

MORE: Listening

Through listening, you'll also realise how much people love talking about themselves. Before you claim you don't, we all do. Have no shame. It's a safe place. Take me for example, this whole Blog is about ME and MY thoughts. ME ME ME. It feels good! According to trusted sources such as Psychology Today (2017) "talking about oneself activates the same areas of the brain that light up when eating good food, taking drugs and even having sex".

To summarise, as quoted by Gym Shark owner Ben Francis "Learn something from every single person you meet". Give 'em a chance, don't assume. Plus, you'll feel good knowing you've made another person feel heard!

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MORE: Fake Tan

Everything feels better when you're tanned. Easy in hot, sunny climates, not so easy in the fluctuating daily seasons of the British weather. During these chilly times I've tried embracing the natural paler me. However, if I'm totally honest I don't feel too hot and spicy sporting Edward Cullens complexion. I've always stood by the statement that beauty shines from within and that all skin and complexions are equally beautiful and unique.

BUT... we can't ignore those products that give us a lil pick me up... My personal favourite is 'Palmers Tinted Moisturiser'. Used it for years. Affordable and easy to slap onto your skin. When using this magical cream people often exclaim 'Is that real?'. I'll take that as compliment. 'Yes, Sandra, in fact, I managed to holiday in the Maldives this lockdown.". Fake tans are notoriously stinky. I'm afraid, you can't escape the biscuit smell with any fake tan in my experience. Even with Palmers Tinted Moisturiser, the smell grows in intensity as the moisturiser seeps deeper into your skin and your bed sheets. No pain, no gain.

LESS: Fake bitches (me)

Talking of fakery. I LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA. It can be a wonderful place full of inspiration and beautiful imagery and messages. However, like all nice things in life, the saying "too much of a good thing" springs to mind. Yep. Too much of that phone time does give you square eyes, crazy expectations and an unhealthy level of social comparison.

As summarised beautifully by researchers at Harvard "Although not as intense as a hit of cocaine, positive social stimuli will similarly result in a release of dopamine, reinforcing whatever behaviour preceded it." (2018).

So with that in mind. To break any further addiction to my phone, I am setting social media boundaries. The result? More presence and gratitude for right NOW, healthy expectations and a social comparison that inspires, energises and motivates me to be a greater energy and contribution in our world.

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MORE: Cycling Shorts & Boundaries

When I was '14, going on reckless' I used to wear those shorts that went up your bum and prominently showcased my perk, youthful bum cheeks. WHAT YOU STARING AT OLD MAN. I felt uncomfortable. Creepy peepers looked uncomfortable. My chafing thighs were uncomfortable. No winners here apart from River Island's denim department.

Before I continue, I just want to point out. YOU CAN WEAR WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT. Bum cheeks and all. Nobody, I repeat nobody has the permission to even entertain the idea of being disrespectful. Or even LAYIN AN IMAGINARY FINGER ON YOUR FABULOUS SOUL. Or bum for that matter. Unfortunately, like many, I've had one too many unwanted bum squeezes from complete strangers in a variety of locations from the beach to Bar 10. Before this blog turns into a long and detailed account of inappropriate sexual encounters, I shall continue...

To reiterate, anyone can freely wear bum-cheeky chaffing, wedgie shorts whenever and however they desire. HOWEVER, I am incredibly joyous at the comeback of CYCLING SHORTS. They've been around for a while and they are staying a considerable amount of time in my life. Comfy, flattering, versatile and fun. Chaff friendly, flattering wedgie inducing, and high kick appropriate. Cycling shorts are a girl's best friend.

LESS: Clothes that are too small for you...

Do you still have clothes in your wardrobe that are too small for you? Yes. Likely. I did too for years, with the mentality of "I'll wear that one day when I'm back at that size I was when I was age 12 and hadn't hit puberty yet". Truth is, like I said at the beginning of this blog... we are constantly evolving and growing (both mentally and physically). For example, I'm the heaviest I've ever been, my mom jeans are now skinny jeans and I've realised that the dryer doesn't actually shrink my clothes as much as I speculated.

On the flip side, I'm the strongest and healthiest I've ever been and thank my healthy body and brain for all their wonderful capabilities everyday. Right now. You're reading this with your incredible eyes, your body is keeping you alive, your breathing, your brain is receiving this incredibly useful and wonderful information. See. You're a masterpiece, right here, right now.

Do yourself a favour and throw out those clothes that no longer 'FIT', we outgrow things for a reason. Evolution on all levels is great. Let's grow with it.

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MORE: Challenging ourselves to think outside of ourselves...

1st January 2019 I signed up for a half marathon in an attempt to grasp control on anything and everything after feeling like elements of the world were flying at my whiny little face a million miles an hour. Long story short, something called Corona Virus stopped the event happening. Gawd Dang it! To be honest, I wasn't ready. And at the time a few shin-splints and last minute runs away from not enjoying the 'adventure'.

Time-travel to a year and a bit later, I got out of my BIG HEAD and realised I'd actually signed up for the half marathon to raise money for something bigger than me and my feelings at the time.

You know the 'runners high', there's something even better I've discovered on this journey... The 'HELPERS HIGH'. This 'high' is made up of "positive emotions following selfless service to others. Greater health and increased longevity are associated with this psychological state." (Science Direct, 2018). Even if you're initially going to help others from a selfish (I know this will make me feel good) perspective, that's a great start. Get creative with it. For example, I'm raising money for Macmillan through running but I've also set up a Depop to sell old gems and raise funds. (Subtle hint here to visit my fundraising page HERE or Depop HERE....

LESS: Victim Mode

I remember a few years back I woke up late, it was raining, my hair was frizzy, ran for my train, my umbrella got stuck on a fence, some school kids laughed at me (did look quite funny in hindsight), then my bag got stuck in the train barriers and as a result I missed my train and was late for work. WHAT NEXT, YOU GONNA STRIKE ME WITH LIGHTNING?!

Sometimes we can get stuck in the melodrama of our own storylines of life. The 'Victim Mentality' when it seems like everyone and everything is against us, and everyone else has it better or easier and we're so UNLUCKY. Glass empty kind of vibes. When actually, we are the master of most happenings. For example, if you go back and re-read that 'story' I was late because I woke up late. Sometimes it really is that black and white. It's our decision whether one small event cascades into a series of 'unfortunate' events.

Try this:

• Look around the room and count all the red things you can see.

• Nice one. Now, without looking around think about how many blue things there are in the room.

Can't see them? That my friends was my demonstration at how; when we play the victim to our lives we will only ever see the 'red' things and miss out on all the lovely little blue tings. If you flip it on its head the red things can represent all the amazing opportunities and moments staring you in your face when you do open up your perspective.

We are all dealt our own deal of shitty situations, and I have the upmost respect for down-times, sometimes they just can't be avoided. Nothing wrong with feeling meh, it's actually pretty normal. But getting tangled up and addicted to your self-fulfilling prophecies of doom is totally up to you. Embrace those down moments for they provide incredible insight, self-introspection and growth. But DON'T let them dictate your narrative.

Sure. Talking the talk is easier than walking the walk. That's why having rituals and habitual self-awareness check-ins are so important. Here she goes again. You know what I'm about to say. Two words; meditation and journalling.

...'Dear Diary, 21stcenturybella is soooo annoying, I know she's secretly right about meditation and journalling tho'.

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MORE: Superfoods

It's that time of year when I blow the cobwebs off my apple cider vinegar and start incorporating all sorts of smelly powders and potions back into my nutrition. SMOOOTHIES are back with a boom shakalaka. Most recently I spent a small fortune on 'superfood' powders from my favourite mates Holland and Barrett. My favourites are as follows:

Cocoa Powder: Tastes all nice and chocolatey without the post sugar sweats and lows.

= 'lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and aid in preventing blood clots.' (Nourish, 2021).

Maca Powder: 'Maca root contribute to overall well-being, but it is also believed to balance hormone levels, maintain energy, and support a healthy libido.' (Gaia Herbs, 2018)

Spirulina: Honestly, it stinks. But a classic case of no pain no gain. Like fake tan it's worth the temporary smell. Spirulina is a vitamin and mineral party, including: Vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium. This green substance acts as an antioxidant and cell protector (BBC Good Food, 2021).

Chia Seeds: These bad boys are the bees knees, taste invisible, and don't smell, unlike that smelly bitch spirulina. To highlight, these little seeds of glory are: High in protein, rich in fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, antioxidants, etc. etc. Just all round great vibes.

My go-to smoothie at the moment is:

• 1 frozen banana,

• Frozen kale/ spinach (as much as you can fit in the blender)

• Oat Milk

• Cocoa

• Maca

• Chia

By simply having these pouches of powdered goods in your cupboard you'll feel like you've got your shit together. To complete the look, grab yourself a rose gold metal straw and an excessively large mason jar to drink from. Don't forget to post that smoothie on the internet to ensure everyone knows how healthy you are.

LESS: Fake Highs

Don't get me wrong, I love a good alcoholic beverage and bit of choccy from time to time, BUT oh my... following on from our Easter Bank holiday when one day of rest turned into an eternity, and the saying 'LIVE A LITTLE' manifested in OTT beverage and bunny consumption. YAH GIRL had what I can only describe as a triple choc chip comedown.

Before I continue, let's remember that stopping and resting your body is important, but excessive self-soothing through short term artificial highs is NAWT self-love and a form of self-sabotage.

I felt like a lethargic slug to put it kindly. A large slug with thick brain fog and a short temper. I felt demotivated, sorry for myself and not excited about anything. Even the prospect of playing the Sims 2 didn't excite me. For a productive, health enthusiast control freak I felt extremely uncomfortable and overwhelmed by my body's reaction to the artificial stimulants I'd bombarded it with.

Self-awareness is a blessing ma friends. It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to put two and two together. However, it isn't until we switch things up and really feel a difference in our brain and body as a result of the everyday lifestyle decisions we make. Which brings me back to my least favourite saying 'moderation'. BORING, but so so true. As we head into Spring I shall continue to learn from the amazing signs and signals my body and brain gives me. Our shells to our lovely lil souls are so incredible, let's look after them and not eat them all at once.

My favourite natural highs:

• Moving your body

• Being in Nature

• Breath-work

• Hugging people you love

• Woo-Hoo

• Dancing

• Laughing

• Writing about my feelings

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MORE: Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are incredibly cool. Sleep to them, study with them, meditate with them, yoga flow with them, walk with them. Whatever you desire. Whilst the science based evidence on their positive effects aren't fully widespread yet, from personal experience I think they are pretty powerful.

Simply put it's a form of musical therapy from the comfort of your own earphones and freedom.

The anticipated benefits include:

• Reduced: Pain, anxiety, stress

• Increased: Focus, concentration, relaxation, positivity, creativity.

Basically, binaural beats are a form of sound-wave soothing, and the coolest bit is that you can choose your brainwave to fit your desired state... For example

Delta (1-4 Hz) = deep sleep & relaxation

Theta (4-8 Hz) = REM Sleep, relaxation, meditative, creative states & reduces anxiety

Alpha (8-13 Hz) = Positivity, relaxation, reduce anxiety

Beta (14-30 Hz) = Increased concentration, problem solving, alertness, improved memory. (Healthline, 2021)

Seriously though, I'm a massive feeler for energy and vibrations. We are energy and we can be the alchemist for how we vibe in the world. Therefore, I am deffo making a conscious effort to take responsibility for the energy I radiate into the party of life this Spring.

LESS: Perfectionism / Low waisted Fashun

This last section I spent a while trying to decide whether to write about perfectionism or my hatred for low-waisted clothing. After twiddling my thumbs for quite some time I realised my perfectionism was actually a big contributor to my talent of procrastinating. Yo Bella, stop getting your knickers in a twist. Discuss both of them. So here we have it. Perfectionism and low waisted clothing are not related in the slightest. That's pretty imperfect in itself. YAY.

Firstly, for all you people who do suit and find the return of low-waisted clothing flattering and comfortable GOOD FOR YOU. I myself am gripping onto high-waisted/ high rise clothing for dear- life. I'm all about embracing change, with one exception. Low-waisted products. PERIOD.

So yes we are saying 'cheerio' to low rise- and also the perfectionist in us that procrastinates and puts things off 'waiting for the right time'. The time is nigh. For all we know, no-one anticipated a worldwide pandemic (apart from that clever Microsoft guy), so don't be surprised if we have a zombie apocalypse next year. My point being, do it now, you never know what's around the corner.

By the time you've finished reading this blog, your body has made approx. 1,600 Million new cells now, quick math. You're in more control of those cells than you think.

Evolution baby, we got dis.

See you on the other side!

Lots of Love

Bella

xxx

If you enjoyed this blog or anything from 21stcenturybella- do me a favour and click the link below to help spread the word/donate to the incredible charity that is Macmillan Cancer Support (Helpers high remember)...

DONATE AND FEEL LIKE A REALLY NICE PERSOhttps://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnnabelSweeneyN HERE.

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Spicy Sources:

• Science Alert (2021) Your Body Makes 3.8 Million Cells Every Second. Most of Them Are Blood

• Psychology Today (2016) Why Is It Impossible to Not Judge People?

• Harvard (2018). Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A battle for your time

• Science Direct (2018) The Helper's High

• Nourish (2021). Health Benefits of Cacao Powder

• Gaia Herbs (2018). Why We Love Maca: Top Benefits of this Amazing Adaptogenic Herb

• BBC Good Food (2021) The health benefits of spirulina.

• My Protein (2019) 11 Benefits of Chia Seeds for Your Health

• Healthline (2021) Do Binaural Beats Have Health Benefits?