Every now and then the things I am doing and want to do seem to get a little blurry. Almost like I am reaching for something far away but it is just too far to see. This is something I have been thinking about a lot recently and I figure that I can't be the only one who occasionally feels this way. So I decided to write a blog post about what helps me when my goals seem a bit fuzzy and out of focus.

1. Take a break
   Stop thinking about how confused you are and just let yourself be. You are probably losing focus because you are analysing you goals too much which makes you question them. This is okay, it will help keep you on the right path but it is also important to remember that you are living in the present not the future. So take a deep breath and let it be.
2. Drink some tea
   Whenever I am stressed out or feeling a little lost my boyfriend advises me to drink some tea and while it is probably quite English of me to say it often helps. I am quite fussy when it comes to regular tea, however I frequently drink fruity, floral and herbal teas. Often they also come with added benefits such as Chamomile for calming.
3. Talk to someone
   I find it really helps me when I don't know if I am aiming for the right things to discuss that with someone that would want the best for me. I also like to talk to more than one person to gain perspective. So usually I will ask for the opinions of my mother, step father and boyfriend as I know that they are all very different but they all want me to be happy.
4. Go for a walk
   Personally when I go for a walk, if I don't stop whilst walking I come back even more stressed out than before but this doesn't mean going for a walk doesn't help me. All it means is that when I go for a walk the best thing for me to do is find somewhere in nature to just sit and think (or not think) and be. I know a lot of us forget to stop sometimes, there is always something to do. Even when it appears I have stopped and I'm chilling, in bed whilst watching netflix often I haven't stopped because my mind is still active. Going for a walk and a sit really slows that down.
5. Write a list
   I love writing lists and I know I've said it before but I will probably say it again at some point. Write a bucket list. Write a list about what you want to have and where you want to be in five years. Write a list about things that make your uneasy. Write a list about how to deal with the things in the previous lists. I find that lists really help get everything out in a more organised way than just splattering your thoughts on to paper (which is also good). 

Fall Out Boy, "American Beauty / American Psycho" (Photo : facebook.com/falloutboy)

I think Fall Out Boy have really refreshed their image with their most recent album American Beauty / American Psycho. Released on 15th January of this year, the album art seems a lot more striking than their previous covers, following the path of "Save Rock and Roll". The band seems to be progressing to a more political view whilst somehow managing to keep their upbeat sound and catchy lyrics. I have to admit, I am both bias and impressed.

I have to admit the album doesn't really start for me until song three Centuries. However, I'm hoping the title song American Beauty / American Psycho will grow on me. As I can see why people may consider it catchy. I can definitely see why Fall Out Boy decided to release The Kids Aren't Alright first as it definitely made me want to hear their album. I feel like the lyrics have a sense of early Fall Out Boy about them and who can resist a little nostalgia?

Uma Thurman would be a great pre-party song. Think Pulp Fiction mixed with teenage hormones and you're halfway towards this song. I will definitely be adding it to my playlist! I feel like this album takes you on a bit of a rollercoaster song to song as when a song ends you feel quite energised and many of them start off slower and build up in classic Fall Out Boy style.

Sadly Jet Pack Blues fell a bit flat for me and I found myself zoning out whilst it was on. Luckily Novocaine quickly revived me and it is definitely one of those many songs best played loudly (preferably with dance solos). I have a feeling that Favourite Record and Immortals are going to be on repeat whenever I'm walking around or a feeling a bit down for quite a while. Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC) makes the whole album right from the start for me. It was definitely a good song to end on as I will be singing it in my sleep tonight.

I definitely think that American Beauty / American Psycho is worth a listen! Although I'm not in love with every single song on the album, the ones I did like I loved enough that I'm probably going to be singing them for three months. Feel free to give it a listen and let me know if you agree with me!

While I am admittedly a newbie blogger when I saw the topic of this months Travel Linkup by Kelly, Emma, Rebecca and guest host Sara I decided to give the post a go anyway. So here goes!

I think the first benefit that I hadn't put much thought into previously (I started this blog solely because I have always loved writing) was how pleased you are when you talk to other bloggers. It immediately starts to feel like you are becoming part of a community and I think that will remain my favourite benefit throughout evolving this blog. I can imagine that my place in the community will start to spread a little more (I hope) as well which I would love as everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming!

The second benefit for me may not apply to everyone but it's something that keeps me motivated. I am the kind of person who easily falls into a routine of working, netflix and sleeping not doing anything else in between and feeling very unaccomplished. Having a blog really motivates me to put effort into something and writing really cheers me up when I'm down.

I love the flexibility that comes with blogging. It's something I don't have to stress about if I don't post one day as there is always another day and as blogging is just my hobby whilst I love it, I don't feel obligated. I think that probably is part of the fun at times.

Blogging is a great way to experiment with your writing. When writing a story there has to be a general tone throughout. While that is also partially true with blogging there is a lot more freedom involved. This freedom allows me to write about hair one day and advice another. When managers try to promote jobs to people they often try to preach that "no two days are the same" and I think that this is especially true where blogging is involved.

I think when you're blogging it gives you a really good opportunity to be honest about things and whilst writing my posts I have learned a lot about how I am feeling and what I have been thinking recently. I think when you also have a good honest communication with your readers the benefits this brings only multiplies.

Sometimes it can all get a bit too much. You end up feeling, sad, stressed, tired and overall just not your best but that's alright. Although not every tip in this post will work for everyone I decided to write this in the hope that maybe a couple of them may help a little when you aren't feeling your best.

• Have a relaxing bath, add some bubbles and close your eyes for a while.
• Write down a prioritised list of things you need to do to make you jobs a bit more manageable.
• Watch an uplifting movie or some funny youtube videos.
• Call someone who makes you smile.
• Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is best if you are sitting down.
• Draw, colour, write or paint. Anything creative could really help to get your feelings out.
• Take a walk, the fresh air could do you good, especially if you live somewhere with good scenery.
• If you are at work, let your boss know you need to toilet and give yourself a minute to breathe and get some water. You are much more helpful to them calm anyway.
• If you feel really bad, give yourself a mental health day. Just don't make it a habit!
• If you have college work to do and it is piling up. Look at each project one at a time. It is better to hand in one finished project than five barely started ones.
• Make yourself your favourite meal.
• Do something nice for someone else. The good deed might actually make you feel better.
• Create a little box filled with your favourite snacks, DVD, video game, items etc and use it when you need it.
• When you are happy write little notes to yourself to read later on.
• If you have a pet seek their company. 
• Exercise if you're feeling up to it. It releases endorphins that make you happy.
• If you're a bit like me just grab some chocolate, it basically does the same thing. Not quite as healthy though.
• For every negative thought you have force yourself to think of three positive ones.
• Talk to a friend you haven't seen in a while. When you catch up you'll be more inclined to want to tell them about the positive things in your life.
• If you need it sleep. There is nothing wrong with sleeping, just try not to sleep all day every day.
• Force yourself to go out. You might actually have a good time!
• Get all dressed up. Even if you aren't going anywhere. It often makes you feel better about yourself.
• If you had plans and you aren't feeling up to it, it's okay to cancel. Just try to reschedule a time when you think you might feel better.
• Remember that you aren't alone. There is always someone willing to listen. Whether it is a family member, friend, partner, counsellor or helpline. Someone is always there for you.

Confidential mental health information 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org
Web: www.mind.org.uk/help/advice_lines