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HBC AWARDS 2018 SHORTLIST – BEST IRISH BLOG

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Where Do YOU Find Motivation? 🙌🙌🙌🙌 You tell me & I'll share my source! For a little bit of a Friday reflection 🤓 Because with exams this week & next my Friday Focus blog post energy is on revision - Normal Service resumes next week though, fear not! . . ⭐Well, if I had a penny for everytime I've been asked about my motivation, frankly, I'd be sunning it up in the Bahamas by now 😂 Jokes aside, I'm not gonna say I always have motivation. Last night I got home from my exam & all I wanted to do (and did) was make some dinner, put my dressing gown on, Christmas Tree lights on 🎄 and my feet up before bed. Which is exactly what I did. You can always tell yourself the honest truth that - Tomorrow is another day - full of opportunity 🙌 . . ⭐So what do I rely on when motivation isn't there? My 'Why'. My discipline. My drive. To get up, show up, WOman up 💪I genuinely get excited to start each new day - and not just because I frickin LOVE mornings (apparently I've been like that since my baba days 😂) 💜But more so because the way I see it, every day is a chance to be the best you, the you who flourishes, the you who holds the pen writing the story of your life 🙌 To move yourself forward in the direction of who & where you wanna be - all while enjoying that journey 😊 . . ☘Being able to turn the page on our story everyday is a blessing, & we should never take it for granted. Especially at this Christmas & New Year period, it's so important to remember those beautiful gratitude vibes as you rush from A to B, family to friends, exam to celebrations, home & abroad 🎄🎉🎁 . . ⭐So on that note, find your motivation in the simple beauty of each new day being a fresh start. To make a difference to your life & those around you 😊 Happy FriYay folks - another day of NERDING awaits, so I've kicked it off with Day 2 of #12daysoffitmas with @thefoodmedic ! Loving this annual challenge from Hazel to keep that motivation & community vibe alive👌Let's go coffee - refuel - LEARN 💪T Minus 5 Days to Christmas Freedom 🙌🎄🎉 #fridayfeeling #friyay #motivation #yougotthis #hardworkpaysoffs #yesyoucan
Wanna Make My Chia Berry Jam? 🎉🎉🎉 Well, I'm feeling like sharing this evening so here's a NEW RECIPE for ya 😋 This is so so easy to make & goes GREAT on overnight oats, TOAST (with nut butter 👌) And porridge! The link is in my bio - I love having homemade versions of sauces, hummus, nut butters & now jams! 🙌 . . ☘So my brain is 100% in need of a breath tonight after a late exam 🤓 I'm gonna do just that & have a solid dinner before another day at it tomorrow💪Keeping me sane this exam week is the thoughts of Christmas around the corner, training, good mood food & remembering that having to nerd a little at this time of year for exams of a course I'm absolutely loving is something to be very grateful for 👌 Enjoy the recipe gang! 💜 Hope everyone is loving the run up to Christmas & starting to feel festive 🎄🎄🎄 Made with @chiabiaseed ⭐ #chiajam #homemadejam #chia #chiapudding #chiarecipes
Cardio Versus Weights - Hey Ciara, Which Should I Do???🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️ . . 🧘‍♀️Been asked this a FAIR few times on social media - so I decided to put a post together to share some #thursdaythoughts after training this morning👌 Before I dive back into the notes & study 🤓 . . 🧘‍♀️My answer is always two-fold. First, I'm not a personal trainer, physiotherapist or strength coach. Which is why, FYI, I don't post workouts or specific training advice - previously I had, ones I had done - then decided it wasn't my area of knowledge to be sharing content from. I'm on my own strength, yoga & fitness journey too, so I'll keeping sharing that with you all instead 😘 . . 🧘‍♀️Second - and this is the real nugget. I am a doctor, + a public health & preventive medicine advocate, one who is totally passionate about the powerful benefits of exercise both our physical & mental health. And that encompasses ALL forms of exercise. National & International guidelines tell us that we should get 150 minutes per week of moderate (or 75 vigorous) physical activity per week (that's your brisk walk as the classic example), AND engage in TWO sessions of muscle strength & balance building exercise (that could be bodyweight, gym based, or activities like yoga, tai chi!) . . 🧘‍♀️ Unfortunately, the 'which is better?' question is far too often motivated by a desire for weight (or as I've heard said, 'fat') loss. What about HEALTH GAIN??? ⭐ Do we talk about that enough? Promote it enough? Use that language enough? Nope, but I do, and I intend to continue👌 . . 🧘‍♀️MASSIVE Health Gains can be gotten from both aerobic AND resistance exercise. And we should be engaging in BOTH. Why? 🙌 To live the longest, healthiest & most functionally independent lives for as long as we can.⭐To keep our bodies as fluidly mobile as possible to support us to a ripe old age where we can still carry our own shopping, lift our grandkids high in the air, go for a walk in the park with our friends - you name it, I wanna be able to do it when I'm a wise old lady 😊 . . 🧘‍♀️Find forms of both you enjoy. That's the sustainable route to Health Gain 💜 And I'm delighted to start @thefoodmedic 12 Days of Fitmas today! 🙌
DAY 12 OF 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS YOGA🎄And our COMPETITION WINNER Below!🎁– CHRISTMAS DINNER DIGEST 😍 Our digestive system likes routine and can sometimes get a bit grumpy when we give it richer foods than it may be used to. This can leave you feeling a bit bloated, sluggish and not quite as ‘regular’ as you usually are! This sequence will gently press, squeeze and wring out your gut to jump start your digestive system again and have you feeling ready to tackle the new year head on. . . 🧘‍♀️PRACTICE TIPS: On a ‘+’ inhale, on a ‘-’ exhale. There are several poses that you will ‘Pause & Breath’ for, stay in these poses for at least 5 deep breaths. Peak Pose – Malasana/Squat. Ruth x . . 🧘‍♀️The Christmas FEAST 😋 Is there a dinner more revered around the world? I think not. Whether you’re a turkey fan, vegetarian, or vegan, Christmas Day dinner is a really special occasion for all involved – a pretty busy one too! And yes, we often indulge in a wee bit more dinner & dessert than usual. But listen up guys – here’s my final tip. It’s a good one, so it counts as 2!🎄🎄 Christmas Day is ONE DAY OF THE YEAR. Embrace, & enjoy your Christmas feast. Eat slowly, mindfully, laughing & enjoying your time with family & friends around you. Merry Christmas gang, and the very Happiest and healthiest of New Year to you and yours. Ciara x . . 🧘‍♀️CONGRATS to @mrslcarson winning our 12 Days Competition! 😍And a major THANK YOU to Ruth for her amazing work on these gorgeous Yoga Sequences - and to all of you for joining us! 🙌 I have loved this series & will be sharing an article on my blog after my exams with all the flows 😊 Save, Like, Share & Repost! Follow us on @theirishbalance & @yogaru_ireland 🎉 Build a Christmas yoga tribe by using & following #12daysofchristmasyoga Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄 Ruth & Ciara x #12daysofchristmas #christmasyoga #yogachallenge #yogatribe
Your Mid-Week MOTIVATION 🙌 And Erase 'I Can't' From Your Vocabulary 💪Shout out to all those trucking away with study, exams & deadlines in the run up to Christmas - trust me, I know it seems mental, it seems endless, & all you wanna do is chill out by the Christmas Tree or go shopping 😂🎄I posted about this last week & lots of you found it helpful so here's some extra motivation I'm living by too! 🙌 . . ☘ So here's some simple tips to get you through the exam & Christmas rush part of this season! I am counting down - T Minus ONE WEEK TO FREEDOM 🙌 I have so many exciting Christmas activities planned for after exams (plus all my present shopping 😂) & that is keeping me going! . . ☘1. PLAN. Your study, your work schedule, your transport & timing to get to your exam! Write it down & you instantly feel more organised & ready for the world 💪 . . ☘2. 2 Litres of Water - Minimum. Everyday. Do not hydrate solely on caffeone via coffee & Red bull or Monster - both have diuretic properties meaning they MAKE you need the loo 😂 I've been sticking to enjoying a coffee in the morning & then herbal caffeine free tea for the rest! . . ☘3. Fuel & Nourish your body & mind. Make sure you get a nutritious meal in before your exam & pack some snacks & water for those 2-3 hour essay writing sessions! . . ☘4. Move. Everyday. The simplest act of taking a study break to go for a walk can freshen you up BIG TIME & actually make you even more productive. It might seem like the last thing you have time for - but trust me, it's worth making time for. . . ☘5. Finally, SLEEP. 7 hours MINIMUM - ideally 8! All nighters are not the way to do it guys. Your Brain consolidates all your learning from that day while you sleep! So get some shut eye, & embrace that being a key part of quality revision. Instead, try getting up a half hour earlier & reviewing your key points beforehand - fresh! . . 🙌Hope that helps gang! Now go forth & take on your Wednesday 👌 #humpday #studytips #studyplan #healthytips #examseason
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS YOGA 🎄DAY 11 – CHRISTMAS MORNING FLOW 🎁Save this one for this Day TWO WEEKS! 🎉 We place high expectations on this one day of the year and it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. This sequence will set you up for the day with some forward folds to help you keep a level head and stay flexible in body and mind for the day! . . 🧘‍♀️ PRACTICE TIPS: On a ‘+’ inhale, on a ‘-’ exhale. Forward folds are about feeling sensations not touching your toes. Go to the point where you feel a comfortable stretch in the back body and drop the story of self judgement for Christmas Day! Peak Pose – Prasarita Padottanasana/Wide Legged Forward Fold. Ruth x . . 🎁Oh, boy. The MAGIC of Christmas morning. This time of year has always been my favourite, & it stems from my childhood in America, waking up at 3am trying to catch Santa – my poor, ever patients parents! As an adult (I think!) it’s just as special for me. So here’s my Christmas Day tips: 🎁1. Savour the moment of opening each present, & really feel the gratitude for the person who spent time, thought & money on getting you a special gift.🎁 2. Enjoy every second you get to experience someone taking pleasure & joy from a gift you’re giving them! They say it’s a greater gift to give than receive, & I definitely agree. Ciara x . . 🧘‍♀️Share, like, share & repost! Follow us on @theirishbalance & @yogaru_ireland ! Build a Christmas yoga tribe by using & following #12daysofchristmasyoga ! Ruth & Ciara xx #12daysofchristmas #christmasyoga #yogachallenge #yogatribe

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  • Ciara’s Chia Berry Jam
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Where Do YOU Find Motivation? 🙌🙌🙌🙌 You tell me & I'll share my source! For a little bit of a Friday reflection 🤓 Because with exams this week & next my Friday Focus blog post energy is on revision - Normal Service resumes next week though, fear not! . . ⭐Well, if I had a penny for everytime I've been asked about my motivation, frankly, I'd be sunning it up in the Bahamas by now 😂 Jokes aside, I'm not gonna say I always have motivation. Last night I got home from my exam & all I wanted to do (and did) was make some dinner, put my dressing gown on, Christmas Tree lights on 🎄 and my feet up before bed. Which is exactly what I did. You can always tell yourself the honest truth that - Tomorrow is another day - full of opportunity 🙌 . . ⭐So what do I rely on when motivation isn't there? My 'Why'. My discipline. My drive. To get up, show up, WOman up 💪I genuinely get excited to start each new day - and not just because I frickin LOVE mornings (apparently I've been like that since my baba days 😂) 💜But more so because the way I see it, every day is a chance to be the best you, the you who flourishes, the you who holds the pen writing the story of your life 🙌 To move yourself forward in the direction of who & where you wanna be - all while enjoying that journey 😊 . . ☘Being able to turn the page on our story everyday is a blessing, & we should never take it for granted. Especially at this Christmas & New Year period, it's so important to remember those beautiful gratitude vibes as you rush from A to B, family to friends, exam to celebrations, home & abroad 🎄🎉🎁 . . ⭐So on that note, find your motivation in the simple beauty of each new day being a fresh start. To make a difference to your life & those around you 😊 Happy FriYay folks - another day of NERDING awaits, so I've kicked it off with Day 2 of #12daysoffitmas with @thefoodmedic ! Loving this annual challenge from Hazel to keep that motivation & community vibe alive👌Let's go coffee - refuel - LEARN 💪T Minus 5 Days to Christmas Freedom 🙌🎄🎉 #fridayfeeling #friyay #motivation #yougotthis #hardworkpaysoffs #yesyoucan
Wanna Make My Chia Berry Jam? 🎉🎉🎉 Well, I'm feeling like sharing this evening so here's a NEW RECIPE for ya 😋 This is so so easy to make & goes GREAT on overnight oats, TOAST (with nut butter 👌) And porridge! The link is in my bio - I love having homemade versions of sauces, hummus, nut butters & now jams! 🙌 . . ☘So my brain is 100% in need of a breath tonight after a late exam 🤓 I'm gonna do just that & have a solid dinner before another day at it tomorrow💪Keeping me sane this exam week is the thoughts of Christmas around the corner, training, good mood food & remembering that having to nerd a little at this time of year for exams of a course I'm absolutely loving is something to be very grateful for 👌 Enjoy the recipe gang! 💜 Hope everyone is loving the run up to Christmas & starting to feel festive 🎄🎄🎄 Made with @chiabiaseed ⭐ #chiajam #homemadejam #chia #chiapudding #chiarecipes
Cardio Versus Weights - Hey Ciara, Which Should I Do???🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️ . . 🧘‍♀️Been asked this a FAIR few times on social media - so I decided to put a post together to share some #thursdaythoughts after training this morning👌 Before I dive back into the notes & study 🤓 . . 🧘‍♀️My answer is always two-fold. First, I'm not a personal trainer, physiotherapist or strength coach. Which is why, FYI, I don't post workouts or specific training advice - previously I had, ones I had done - then decided it wasn't my area of knowledge to be sharing content from. I'm on my own strength, yoga & fitness journey too, so I'll keeping sharing that with you all instead 😘 . . 🧘‍♀️Second - and this is the real nugget. I am a doctor, + a public health & preventive medicine advocate, one who is totally passionate about the powerful benefits of exercise both our physical & mental health. And that encompasses ALL forms of exercise. National & International guidelines tell us that we should get 150 minutes per week of moderate (or 75 vigorous) physical activity per week (that's your brisk walk as the classic example), AND engage in TWO sessions of muscle strength & balance building exercise (that could be bodyweight, gym based, or activities like yoga, tai chi!) . . 🧘‍♀️ Unfortunately, the 'which is better?' question is far too often motivated by a desire for weight (or as I've heard said, 'fat') loss. What about HEALTH GAIN??? ⭐ Do we talk about that enough? Promote it enough? Use that language enough? Nope, but I do, and I intend to continue👌 . . 🧘‍♀️MASSIVE Health Gains can be gotten from both aerobic AND resistance exercise. And we should be engaging in BOTH. Why? 🙌 To live the longest, healthiest & most functionally independent lives for as long as we can.⭐To keep our bodies as fluidly mobile as possible to support us to a ripe old age where we can still carry our own shopping, lift our grandkids high in the air, go for a walk in the park with our friends - you name it, I wanna be able to do it when I'm a wise old lady 😊 . . 🧘‍♀️Find forms of both you enjoy. That's the sustainable route to Health Gain 💜 And I'm delighted to start @thefoodmedic 12 Days of Fitmas today! 🙌
DAY 12 OF 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS YOGA🎄And our COMPETITION WINNER Below!🎁– CHRISTMAS DINNER DIGEST 😍 Our digestive system likes routine and can sometimes get a bit grumpy when we give it richer foods than it may be used to. This can leave you feeling a bit bloated, sluggish and not quite as ‘regular’ as you usually are! This sequence will gently press, squeeze and wring out your gut to jump start your digestive system again and have you feeling ready to tackle the new year head on. . . 🧘‍♀️PRACTICE TIPS: On a ‘+’ inhale, on a ‘-’ exhale. There are several poses that you will ‘Pause & Breath’ for, stay in these poses for at least 5 deep breaths. Peak Pose – Malasana/Squat. Ruth x . . 🧘‍♀️The Christmas FEAST 😋 Is there a dinner more revered around the world? I think not. Whether you’re a turkey fan, vegetarian, or vegan, Christmas Day dinner is a really special occasion for all involved – a pretty busy one too! And yes, we often indulge in a wee bit more dinner & dessert than usual. But listen up guys – here’s my final tip. It’s a good one, so it counts as 2!🎄🎄 Christmas Day is ONE DAY OF THE YEAR. Embrace, & enjoy your Christmas feast. Eat slowly, mindfully, laughing & enjoying your time with family & friends around you. Merry Christmas gang, and the very Happiest and healthiest of New Year to you and yours. Ciara x . . 🧘‍♀️CONGRATS to @mrslcarson winning our 12 Days Competition! 😍And a major THANK YOU to Ruth for her amazing work on these gorgeous Yoga Sequences - and to all of you for joining us! 🙌 I have loved this series & will be sharing an article on my blog after my exams with all the flows 😊 Save, Like, Share & Repost! Follow us on @theirishbalance & @yogaru_ireland 🎉 Build a Christmas yoga tribe by using & following #12daysofchristmasyoga Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄 Ruth & Ciara x #12daysofchristmas #christmasyoga #yogachallenge #yogatribe
Your Mid-Week MOTIVATION 🙌 And Erase 'I Can't' From Your Vocabulary 💪Shout out to all those trucking away with study, exams & deadlines in the run up to Christmas - trust me, I know it seems mental, it seems endless, & all you wanna do is chill out by the Christmas Tree or go shopping 😂🎄I posted about this last week & lots of you found it helpful so here's some extra motivation I'm living by too! 🙌 . . ☘ So here's some simple tips to get you through the exam & Christmas rush part of this season! I am counting down - T Minus ONE WEEK TO FREEDOM 🙌 I have so many exciting Christmas activities planned for after exams (plus all my present shopping 😂) & that is keeping me going! . . ☘1. PLAN. Your study, your work schedule, your transport & timing to get to your exam! Write it down & you instantly feel more organised & ready for the world 💪 . . ☘2. 2 Litres of Water - Minimum. Everyday. Do not hydrate solely on caffeone via coffee & Red bull or Monster - both have diuretic properties meaning they MAKE you need the loo 😂 I've been sticking to enjoying a coffee in the morning & then herbal caffeine free tea for the rest! . . ☘3. Fuel & Nourish your body & mind. Make sure you get a nutritious meal in before your exam & pack some snacks & water for those 2-3 hour essay writing sessions! . . ☘4. Move. Everyday. The simplest act of taking a study break to go for a walk can freshen you up BIG TIME & actually make you even more productive. It might seem like the last thing you have time for - but trust me, it's worth making time for. . . ☘5. Finally, SLEEP. 7 hours MINIMUM - ideally 8! All nighters are not the way to do it guys. Your Brain consolidates all your learning from that day while you sleep! So get some shut eye, & embrace that being a key part of quality revision. Instead, try getting up a half hour earlier & reviewing your key points beforehand - fresh! . . 🙌Hope that helps gang! Now go forth & take on your Wednesday 👌 #humpday #studytips #studyplan #healthytips #examseason
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS YOGA 🎄DAY 11 – CHRISTMAS MORNING FLOW 🎁Save this one for this Day TWO WEEKS! 🎉 We place high expectations on this one day of the year and it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. This sequence will set you up for the day with some forward folds to help you keep a level head and stay flexible in body and mind for the day! . . 🧘‍♀️ PRACTICE TIPS: On a ‘+’ inhale, on a ‘-’ exhale. Forward folds are about feeling sensations not touching your toes. Go to the point where you feel a comfortable stretch in the back body and drop the story of self judgement for Christmas Day! Peak Pose – Prasarita Padottanasana/Wide Legged Forward Fold. Ruth x . . 🎁Oh, boy. The MAGIC of Christmas morning. This time of year has always been my favourite, & it stems from my childhood in America, waking up at 3am trying to catch Santa – my poor, ever patients parents! As an adult (I think!) it’s just as special for me. So here’s my Christmas Day tips: 🎁1. Savour the moment of opening each present, & really feel the gratitude for the person who spent time, thought & money on getting you a special gift.🎁 2. Enjoy every second you get to experience someone taking pleasure & joy from a gift you’re giving them! They say it’s a greater gift to give than receive, & I definitely agree. Ciara x . . 🧘‍♀️Share, like, share & repost! Follow us on @theirishbalance & @yogaru_ireland ! Build a Christmas yoga tribe by using & following #12daysofchristmasyoga ! Ruth & Ciara xx #12daysofchristmas #christmasyoga #yogachallenge #yogatribe

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