Aug
2024

How Being Cosy Helped My Mental Health

categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health

I first discovered Cozy K somewhere on TikTok. Her account was soothing and made me so happy. I felt like she was living a dream. She had a cozy gaming room. She had blankets and books and lots of fun stuff that made my inner child so so happy.

While this was going on, I had been trying to heal my inner child myself. I had discovered Disney Dreamlight Valley (I can’t remember where but I’m guessing probably TikTok as well) and the plot as well as the game itself made me realise how badly burnt out I was and how I desperately needed help.

I had a history of burning out towards the end of the year but the problem was this time I couldn’t fix it. My burnout was a result of a number of things that were out of my control. To fix it, I decided to fix on what I could control and in order to bring joy to my life, I decided to start doing cosy stuff.

Since the journey to healing my inner child began with a videogame, I decided to revisit the Sims 4 one weekend. Once again, I was hooked. For Christmas, I purchased a Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing and I fell in love once more.

And so it continued. Based on Cozy K’s recommendations and some deep journaling that I did to try and figure out what makes me happy, I was able to rediscover hobbies that I had long since put away. They were small, silly things that brought me so much joy. Journalling, colouring, watching 90s movies.

It didn’t take long before weekends were cheaper and more fun because I was indulging in things that I actually enjoyed instead of boring adult stuff that society said I SHOULD be doing.

The thing that bugged me is why don’t we talk about hobbies more as adults? I really believed that adulthood was working and paying bills until you died. What about fun? When and why did we stop having fun?

Being an adult means being able to do whatever you want. Yeah, ice cream for dinner is unhealthy but what if you did indulge once in a while?

Buy the toy. Use the colouring book. Start a new hobby. This is YOUR life and you can make it anything you want it to be.


Aug
2024

Book Review: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S Lewis

categories: Books

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Why does this book entertain me at almost thirty years old?

I was having a bad week and I saw the Chronicles of Narnia boxset in the bookstore and thought “hey I work hard. I deserve nice things!”
And so here we are.

I never read the books when I was a kid but I LOVED the movies. To purchase the entire boxset as an adult really healed my inner child but staying up on a Friday night unable to sleep until I completed the book was such a great feeling. (They really don’t make books like they used to).

I’m going to assume we all know of Narnia at this point.

This book serves as a prequel and explains how Narnia came to be. I kinda wish that I started with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to get the full experience but I didn’t hate this.

This was a fun little read and I cannot wait to finish the series.



View all my reviews


Jul
2024

Remote Work Tips for Beginners

categories: Career, General Career Advice

So you’ve just gotten your first remote job! Congratulations! This is the start of a whole new style of working that you may or may not love. Many people love the idea of remote work but when it comes to the actual thing, it’s actually kinda tough. Here are my tips for acing your first remote role:

1. Do Come Up with a Routine

While it may seem easy to just roll out of bed and log on, creating a morning routine helps you to make the most of your remote work experience. This is also a nice way to ease into the day. Working remotely means no commute so I like to use my commute time to treat myself to something whether it’s a chapter of a book at the beginning of the day or an episode of a show at the end of the day.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Create a dedicated workspace and regular working hours. Because you work from home it can get easy to give in and keep working or not working hard enough. Keep work and home separate in any which way that you can. This allows you to maximise your work time and home time without the two interlapping and leading you to burnout.

3. Exercise Regularly

One thing I was not prepared for as a WFH worker was the lack of movement. In fact, it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor for circulation issues. Set a timer and make sure that every so often you’re getting up and walking around. Incorporating regular exercise into your day helps prevent health issues and keeps your energy levels up.

4. Remember to Get Out Occasionally

It can be easy to let days go by and then you realise you haven’t left the house in a while. I once went a month without leaving the house. If your job allows, work from a coffee shop or a coworking spot every so often just so that you’re out in the world. Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Working from home can be isolating. Make sure to check in with yourself regularly. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lonely, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Prioritise self-care and do activities that help you relax and recharge.

6. Build a Community

Remote roles can get lonely at time but the good thing is YOU get to decide what your community looks like. Whether that’s joining virtual meetups, engaging in online forums, or connecting with colleagues via video calls, make an effort to build relationships and find your tribe. Having a support system is key to feeling connected and supported.

7. Consider Investing in Your Workspace

A comfortable and efficient workspace can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being. Consider investing in a good chair, a proper desk, and any other tools or equipment that can help you create an ergonomic and pleasant work environment.

8. Take Regular Breaks

Working at home means less time chatting with colleagues. But these tiny breaks in a day can add up and personally I tend to get cranky when I’ve spent more than 4 hours sitting at my desk (I’ve done this before and it is NOT pleasant). Schedule regular breaks to stretch, move around, and give your mind a rest. Short breaks can boost your productivity and keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.

With these tips you’ll be guaranteed to make the most of your remote work experience while avoiding the pitfalls. Are there any hacks that you use as a remote worker that I missed? Let me know below.


Jun
2024

How to Develop a Blog Schedule That Works for You

categories: Blogging Basics, Blogging Tips

So you’ve started a blog but you’re struggling to find time to actually blog. I hear you. This is something that we have all struggled with at some point or another. Blogging is an incredibly time consuming venture and if you’re working/studying/raising a family it’s difficult to squeeze in time for your blog. Here are a few tips on how to develop a blog schedule that works for you.

Look at your schedule. When are you free?

Firstly take a look at your current schedule and see when you are free. Can you move things around? I have a physical diary from Typo that I use to plan my blogging time.

Not sure where exactly your time is going? Start tracking your days for about a week or so. See if there is any time that is wasted or that can be better used.

Whenever I’m running low on blog content, I eliminate Netflix for a few days so that I can focus on my blog.

What Duties Do You Have as a Blogger?

This varies depending on the type of blog you run. For example, reading is technically a blogging duty for me (also you’d notice that there is little to no recent book reviews on this blog) but when I’m crunched for time, this is one of the first things to go.

I use Canva for my pictures but maybe you need to schedule in time to take and edit your own photos. Are you using video content? Are you outsourcing any of your tasks? Make a list of exactly what your blogging tasks look like.

Overestimate the Time Each Task Will Take

Now that you know everything that goes into your blog, estimate how long the task will take and add about 20 minutes to that estimate. I use Clockify to track how long each blogging task takes so I know how long I need to schedule in time for. Life happens and you might not always have time to sit down and churn out an entire blog post from scratch. But you can work in bits and pieces and maybe draft a post one day and edit on another day.

Schedule to Suit YOUR Productivity Level

I know I’m most productive in the mornings so I almost always work on blogging tasks in the morning. Similarly get to know when you’re at your most focused and schedule in your work for that time.

Evaluate This Schedule Regularly

Every 3 to 4 months, take a look at this schedule and see if it’s working for you or not. If it’s not, change it up.

Balancing blogging with your daily life can be tough but with a whole lot of planning it is possible. Do you have any other hacks for creating a blog schedule? Let me know below.


May
2024

My Top 4 Books About Writing

categories: Books, Career, Reviews

I’ve been writing for a really (REALLY) long time. And while I might not always have been a copywriter or a content writer (or atleast held the title), I have always been obsessed with becoming a better writer.

Okay wait, that statement isn’t exactly true. There was that period in Customer Care when I gave up on writing but I like to mentally block out that time. It doesn’t fit my personal brand of obsessive writer.

Anyway, here are four of my favourite books about writing:

1. On Writing by Stephen King:

This book was a really nice way of me returning to my roots as a novel writer. Part autobiography, part writing manual, this book is told in an easy-to-read manner by Stephen King. This book was incredibly well written and I walked away having learnt a few things.

2. A Self-Help Guide to Copywriting by Dan Nelken:

I picked this up from…someone. I don’t remember who. I do remember it was early on in my Marketing career and I never got around to finishing this book until now. This was a really helpful book that shone light on all of my writing fears. I finished this book in a matter of days and was left feeling like “Hey, you know what? I think I CAN do this writing thing”.

3. How to Freelance Like a Boss by Shea Karssing

This is the most recent book that I read. Like the book above, this one alleviated my fear of writing. More specifically freelance writing. This book had short chapters that were easy to understand and fun to read. Each chapter also ends with a really nice to-do list of tasks that help grow your freelance business.

4. Brand by Alizia Licht:

While not strictly a writing book. Brand was a nice reminder of how important it is to put in effort for your personal brand. For me, one of the reasons I write is to build my personal brand (and I like to focus on my personal brand because it helps me get new writing opportunities). It’s a cycle that I use often which is why this book is here.

Do you have any great books about writing? Drop me a recommendation below.


May
2024

How to Create an At-Home Spa Day

categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health

Winter is coming. So I am all about the staying home and being cozy vibes. One of my favourite at-home activities is a spa day. There’s something so relaxing about a few hours of self-care even if it is in the comfort of your home. Here are a few tips to help you have your own spa day:

1. Pick Out Your Treatment

Have some fun with the whole experience. Pick out what your “treatments” will look like. An everything shower? A long bubble bath? Facial? Manicure? Decide beforehand on what you’re doing and make sure you have everything ready.

2. Set the Mood

You could light some candles or play some relaxing music. I love using Spotify to play ocean sounds or the sound of rain whenever I’m having a spa day. You could dim the nights or use scented diffusers to enhance the spa vibes.

3. Gather Your Spa Essentials

By this I mean all your products but also fun stuff like cozy pjs and snacks. This time is all about you so go all out! Use the super fluffy towels. Bring out your plush robes, face masks and scented bath salts.

4. Make a Drink

Stay hydrated throughout your spa day by sipping on infused water, herbal teas, or even a refreshing green smoothie. Infuse your water with slices of cucumber, mint, or berries for a spa-like touch.

In the interest of transparency, I’m going to come out and admit that my drink is almost always coffee but hey my spa, my rules. (And therefore YOUR spa, YOUR rules)

Have you ever tried at home spa day? What is your go-to products? Let me know below.


May
2024

Book Review: Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

categories: Books, Reviews

Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved the movie War Room so when I learnt that Priscilla Shirer was an author I knew I needed to read her work. Fervent was the perfect intro for me since I was struggling with prayer. I saw how the other ladies in my homecell prayed and I had no idea how to do it.
Reading this book was like unlocking the mysteries of prayer and I definitely recommend it to anyone new to the religion or wanting to learn more about prayer.
Priscilla Shirer’s writing is easy to understand and she gets to the heart of issues that we often face in life.
This is one of those books that you need to have in print because you will be going back and reread it over and over again.



View all my reviews


May
2024

What I Learnt From an Almost Layoff

categories: Career, General Career Advice, Welcome to The Real World

“So at some point during the next few months we’re going to have to let you go. We thought it was important to be transparent with you.”

I blinked. Once. Twice. I wasn’t sure what they wanted from me as a reaction. Was I supposed to be sad? Cry? For a Marketing job that didn’t even seem real.

When I took the job at ABC company, I was excited to “make a difference”. That was how the job was pitched to me. But after about 3 months, I realised there were a few issues. Like the fact that the projects never actually got executed. They planned (and planned poorly) but never actually reached the finishing line. The workload was much smaller than what I was used to and yet the team was always trying to look for shortcuts. It was like they didn’t even want to be a company. It was like they were playing a weird game of pretend.

But this isn’t about ABC and their inability to run a company. This is about the lessons that I learnt after my “almost-layoff”.

Always Have an Emergency Fund

I left a really stable job to join ABC. But from the second I exited, I made sure to prioritise my savings. I felt very strongly that the business would not be able to continue and I did not want to risk not having money when that happened. After a year at ABC, I had enough for a 6 month emergency fund.

Do Not Put a Company First

In order to not offend anyone at ABC, I had stopped posting on LinkedIn and blogging. Nothing was said to me directly but it was clear that they thought by doing these things that I was looking for another job. I was actually trying to build my personal brand and I halted those efforts because of ABC. Which now left ME in the lurch because of their actions.

The Importance of Building a Network

Shortly after being informed by ABC about this, I reached out to a few friends and they were able to secure me a freelance role. It wouldn’t replace my income immediately but it would provide some sort of income.

You’re Not Your Job

This one was tough for me because I have always been a writer. But I haven’t always been a writer for ABC and I had to remind myself of that. Whether I wrote for ABC or myself, I was always going to be a writer- whether it was my dayjob or not.

The redundancy took months to happen and even the process thereafter for paperwork was painful. But the time from the announcement to the actual lay-off was a period where I learnt much about myself, my style of workplace and the company that I had chosen to work for.


Apr
2024

6 Cozy Hobbies to Start for Winter

categories: Lifestyle, Mental Health

Yes I know Winter is still some time away. But Durban has exchanged its scorching sun for some occasional rain which means that we need to start planning for Winter. I don’t make the rules.

Here are 6 cozy hobbies that are perfect to start for Winter:

1. Reading

Obviously I’m starting with this because this is a book blog. Pick out a few books from your bookshelf or local library and dig in.

2. Baking

Winter is the perfect time to learn a new baking recipe or perfect an old one. Bonus points you get to enjoy the treats afterwards.

3. Video Games

Okay hear me out. I know video games are often considered something for kids but why do we have to adult? Being an adult is tough. Just give me a pillow fort and a few hours with a mindless game or two.

4. Colouring

This is great for destressing no matter what the season. Get an adult colouring book and some colouring pencils and watch your stress melt away.

5. Scrapbooking

This is an excellent way to take a walk down memory lane as well as clear the space on your devices (or cloud). Print out your photographs and create a scrapbook. Not only is this hugely fun, you’d also be making a keepsake for yourself.

6. Writing/Journaling

This is a great way to get things off your chest while possibly developing a new skill. Get a book- any book would do- and start writing.

What cozy hobbies do you include in? I’d love to know.


Apr
2024

Coming Out of the Pool

categories: Uncategorized

It’s been a while since I blogged and I really debated on how to share this (or even if I should).

Basically instead of content, my time has been consumed with mental health issues, a return to Christianity and then some Bible study.

This blog has been a part of my life for a very long time so it feels necessary to share this here. But I feel like my content is probably going to change in the near future. Or at the very least, include more of the mental health/spiritual health aspect that has come to be a part of my life.

This is just me sharing so that if and when you see new content that seems “strange” to you or not exactly on-brand you’ll understand why.

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