Life Stuff with Tania Snyman

Tackling March – Long story

Can you believe we are almost done with March!?

Since my retrenchment last year i have tackled 2020 head on and March is no exception. January brought my yoga journey and helped me get my head in gear, February brought abundance and mediation, helping me prioritize the important stuff and now March brings me a new adventure (as well as confidence in posting content on this blog).

I have always liked teaching, in fact my family has quite a history of teachers. I never really saw myself going in that profession, however now that i had the time, why not participate in an online English teaching coarse?

The 2 month coarse was a breeze, and since i have always liked studying and research, i finished this in 2 weeks. Now came the next step, finding a job posting. I quickly set about researching online. Scrolling through the listings, i found that some paid more than others, some were not regulated and some required strange hours. I finally landed on a posting that seemed perfect. I set about completing the profile information and waited for a response.

I received an offer a few days later and accepted! A log in was provided for the dashboard and the on-boarding began. Gosh, what a process it was. With only four days allotted to complete these tasks, time was of the essence and the pressure was on.

Running around like a headless chicken for various items required, and with the help from my wonderful husband and family, i managed to get this all sorted in the nick of time. Now we wait for approval and activation…..After many back and forth emails with my consultant, due to some complications, they declined my services. So disappointing… i worked so hard to get this far and i am not impressed.

With a huge sigh, i collected myself and worked on my next move. I put on my comfy planning pants and set on my task. This is my new goal and i am not in the habit to give up. I submitted applications and created profiles on multiple platforms. Now we wait again…

Emails slowly trickled in with potential postings and offers, i set on my task and submitted the requirements for each one. This process is frustrating to say the least, but i must persevere. Many back and forth emails later, there comes a trickle of hope. Could this be the one? I hastily set about creating my demo lesson video and sent it off for review. After receiving further instructions, i swiftly completed that as well.

Congratulations!…. the email i have been waiting for. This company was thrilled with my videos and corresponding information. Many documents and emails later, i booked my training interviews to start the on-boarding process.

With my on-boarding meetings completed, i submitted some additional information and voila! My profile has been set up on the platform and now i am able to book my schedule. I selected a few slots to ease myself into it. Now i wait and see if students like my profile enough to book me for lessons.

Here we go folks, my first lesson! After getting used to the platform it’s not bad at all. I am so excited to start this journey and am already having so much fun!

**Teacher Tania & Teddy reporting for duty**

Till next time…

Self Quarantine

Yeah yeah, i know, we keep hearing this everywhere we go and see it everywhere we look. But just because we are in this situation, doesn’t mean we need to go crazy. Here are a few tips to apply when on lock down:

Don’t hoard but plan ahead – Work out your meals/menu 2 weeks in advance and ensure you have enough provisions. Don’t go buying all the canned goods you can, or all the toilet paper that fits in your car. Remember to stay kind and consider others. Sanitize when you go out and only get what you need.

Get dressed – Now you are home, so no rules right? While staying in your pj’s all day might be a novelty, getting dressed will improve your mental state and keep you in check. You can still chill in your comfiest sweeter, simply the act of putting on a fresh set of clothes will do you a world of good. Remember to still self-care, shower and maybe do your hair today.

Exercise – Don’t just sit in front of the computer all day or binge series for hours on end. As long as we can still go outside, do so. Set aside some time to walk the dogs, go for a leisurely hike or do yoga outside. Great to keep balance in your day and not to fatigue the mind and body.

Keep a routine – This one is really important. For sanity’s sake, get up like you usually would for your standard day. Have your breakfast/coffee and tackle a few tasks. If you are not working, why not take up a hobby or catch up on some house admin?

Stay connected – Being cooped up at home might sound great, but as the days go on you are no longer so enthused. We are so lucky to have technology at our disposal. Set up video calls with your loved ones and catch up. There are also so many online games you can play together, to not only keep you entertained, but to also keep that social connection.

Stay safe everyone! Till next time…

The dog life

DISCLAIMER : Being a fur-parent is a serious commitment and should not be taken lightly. You are required to be responsible while caring for another life. Like a child, your duties revolve around their needs, including: feeding, bathing, education and medical.

With that being said, i feel the the pro’s outweighs the con’s, when it comes to bringing a dog into your family. Sure your home will never be hair free, you might find some “presents” left inside and some shoes might never be the same, but nothing says pure love and joy like a dog does – especially a shelter dog.

Not only do they reduce stress, scientist have proven that people who own dogs laugh more. Nothing bets their wagging tail, their silly moments and their slobber kisses.

Dog Love Sticker by MUTTS for iOS & Android | GIPHY

Dogs also encourage social interaction. Making friends with your best pal near, is no sweat. Walking through your neighbourhood or local park, entices friendly strangers to strike up conversation. Your pet also makes for a great ice breaker, if you want to approach someone.

In general having a dog makes for a better, healthier you. Regular walks and playtime encourages exercise and builds your bond, you will never be alone (even in the loo) and cuddle time creates dopamine the “feel good” hormone lowering your anxiety. Increasing your general happiness is their gift to you.

We love our adopted fur-children and we are sure they love us too!

If you are able to care for a dog and looking to expand your family, i highly recommend getting in touch with your local shelter and make arrangements to adopt. Shelters are usually over crowded and they take in new additions everyday. Alternatively, why not volunteer? You get in some dog time and the staff gets a little break, win win!

Till next time….

Skin care 101

Your skin health is important, not only for your appearance, but for the essential tasks it performs for your body everyday.

Your skin protects you from the many viruses and bacteria that you are exposed to daily. It also protects you from the sun’s rays – specifically ultraviolet light – that can damage cells. Having healthy skin also helps your body keep its temperature at a constant level.

When i reached my twenties, i realised my skin does not bounce back like it used to and started to grasp the importance of skin care. I have always been careless – forgetting to apply sunscreen, going to sleep with my makeup on and laying countless hours in the sun to get that perfect glow. Looking at the world around me, i started to notice the damage you can do to your body when not looking after your skin. Cracked feet/heals, sunspots/cancers, dry skin/scalp conditions and a boatload of other things.

It’s crucial to keep a great skin care routine and follow it daily. Important things to note:

Drink a lot of water
Always use quality cosmetics – Spending a little extra might hurt the pocket now, but will save you in the long run.
Use sunscreen before stepping out in sun and re-apply every 2 hours – Its important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks UVB and UVA rays, with an SPF of 15 or higher (some makeup products also has this benefit for extra protection on your face).
Remove makeup with good cleanser/face wash before going to bed.
Apply moisturizer to your face and body every night – Use skin care products with 10 ingredients or less to reduce irritation.
Have makeup free days – Giving your skin a break helps your natural oils return to your face.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods – Dark chocolate, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, blueberries and leafy greens improve the skin’s appearance.
Take care of cuts/scratches – Clean it right away with soap and warm water and put on a bandage to protect it while it heals. This keeps dirt and germs from getting into the wound and causing an infection.

Skin care is important to keep your skin healthy, glowing and beautiful for years to come. By making these changes, you are investing in your future health.

Till next time…

Girl Power

I was mostly raised by my mother and grandmother. My Aunt and my cousins, also had a vital role in my upbringing, allot of my after school time was spent with them.

This was the foundation for my life. I have always seeked the company, opinion, approval and perhaps even the safety of other woman. Sure, i have had my fair share of girl drama, but my true squad always came through in times of need.

In my adulthood i have realised the best therapy is some girl time. Pouring that glass of wine, perhaps doing our nails, and having the biggest gossip, catch up and laugh together, always does me a world of good.

Think about it. As wonderful as our male friends/boyfriends/husbands are, they will never truly understand what it is like for us to be in a “mans” world. Being picked last for promotions, huge salary gaps, objectified and used, who else can we share that with? Most of us women have similar experiences, even the secret ones we will never share. You would be surprised what some women harbour, providing a safe environment with open discussions, will help others express themselves and share truths.

Opening up to another woman, even if just to talk shop, is rather cathartic. They can truly empathise with how you feel. You are seen, heard and excepted. When it is difficult to balance life, surrounding yourself with other woman and supporting each other, is what builds that undeniable female bond that will last a lifetime.

If the #metoo movement showed us anything, its that we need to continue to fight. We are strong and resilient, together we can climb any mountain and tackle any beast.

I have found it so important to maintain and nourish strong female relationships. Even if they are far away or life gets busy, i like to pop a message here and there to check in. We all need that sometimes. Us women have to stick together!

Till next time…

Wine not?

Let’s break down the stigma of having a glass of red.

People have been drinking wine for thousands of years, and the benefits of doing so has been well documented. Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as “heart healthy”. The alcohol and certain substances within, may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.

Red wine may also benefit mental health. An occasional glass, may reduce the risk of depression (However, excessive drinking can have the opposite effect). Grapes have high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. I have also found this to decrease my anxiety levels.

Many foods have the power to reduce inflammation, and wine is thought to be one of them. Studies suggest that a compound called resveratrol, in red wine, has anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit health.

While moderate wine consumption may have health benefits, excessive alcohol intake can have negative health outcomes, so be wary of your use.

In summary, a glass of red may not be that bad at all. Cheers to that!

Till next time…

Secrets to organising your life

While there are many downfalls living with Anxiety and OCD tendencies, it also presents a few benefits when it comes to organising. Here are a few of my secrets to help keep on top of things and live my best life:

Scheduling is so important. Always set aside time for loves ones, even if its just a lazy Saturday at home with the husband, make sure to book out that slot. Always set alarms or reminders for important tasks and don’t ignore it. Keep an electronic calendar and book EVERYTHING- nothing is worse then double booking or even forgetting about an event.

Keep a Diary . Block out your time in each day to ensure you accomplish your tasks. Always keep this handy if you need to jot down some last minute thoughts, especially the ones you get just before you fall asleep and usually ends up keeping you awake.

Always plan ahead. To avoid last minute madness, planning for future events, well in advance, is always a great idea. Purchase those birthday, baby shower or Christmas gifts well before the time, to ensure you are sorted when that day comes. No stress no fuss.

Having a clean environment should always be at the top of your list. Setting a small amount of time aside each day to clean in little bursts, really makes a difference and is great for your over all health. Wiping your counter after you have cooked, and packing the dirty dishes in the dishwasher or sink straight away, not only creates a clean environment, but also eliminates mold or unwanted critters. Investing in reed diffuses, organic scented candles or air purifiers for a fresh clean smell around the home, not only promotes clean living, but also creates a calming environment.

Take care of your consumables. Creating weekly menus and accounting for your meals avoid unnecessary waste. Bulk buying fruit and vegetables might be good for the pocket, but go bad rather quickly if unchecked. Should you bulk buy, pre-cut and freeze extra fruit and veg for use next time. Why not start composting? Organic waste like vegetable peals, coffee grind and egg shells can be stored in a container right in your kitchen for easy access, and moved to your compost bin once a week.

Set aside your finances and work out a budget. One of the most important things anyone can do is making your money work for you. Setting up insurance for your cars and home, ensuring you have access to medical aid services, and putting money into a retirement fund as soon as possible, is ideal for long term security and is the best investment you can make. Track your income and spending patterns so that you are able to put finances aside for these things. Should you have some extra income, opening a savings account/ emergency fund is also great for your piece of mind.

Enjoy some leisure time. Set aside time at least once a week for that Netflix show, Youtube channel or your favourite hobby. Not only does this bring you joy, it will also re-set your mind and spirit. Like recharging your batteries, shutting off and doing something that brings you ease and enjoyment, will build your strength to tackle the week ahead.

Lastly communication. Staying in touch with your significant other is crucial to a happy life and healthy relationship. Checking in or sharing a funny picture, will let them know you are thinking of them. Always talk through your thoughts and feelings and ensure to debrief with each other at the end of every day (Talking about your day and laying out your frustrations is also great for you). Your bond will grow stronger and will continue to build your trust and affection for one another. Being open is sometimes difficult, but holding resentment or anger for days at a time, is destructive to any relationship. It might not come easy at first, but by putting in a conscious effort everyday, soon it will become second nature for both parties. Maintaining constant communication and transparency will make tackling life together a breeze.

I have found that by implementing the above strategies, i avoid allot of unnecessary stress, minimise my waste, have a cleaner peaceful home, spend my time efficiently and feel confident in my life and relationships.

Till next time…

To tea or not to tea?

Nothing quite quenches that need to wind down, like tea does. The experience of pouring the freshly boiled water in your favourite cup, inserting the herbal tea bag or loose leafed defuser and enjoying the aroma is rather soothing. Then once its cooled to your perfect temperature, your first sip, ahhhhh.

Did you know there are benefits to drinking your favourite herbal blends?

Drinking certain herbal teas, could help reduce the risk of heart attack. It might also help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. The antioxidants in some herbal teas also protects against a boatload of cancers and some teas are known to help reduce stress.

Tea is also hydrating to the body. Most herbal blends have no caffeine at all, while traditional teas have less than 50% of what typically is found in coffee. That means you can consume it without those pesky effects on your nervous system.

Here are some specific benefits relating to my favourite teas:

Peppermint – Improves sleep and ease digestive upsets
Chamomile – Encourages relaxation and reduce inflammation
Ginger – Relieve nausea and strengthen immunity
Lemon – Helps maintain a healthy complexion and boost the immune system
Jasmine – Promotes good oral health and boost brain function
Green – The healthiest beverage on the planet, loaded with antioxidants and nutrients

Tea also brings me great comfort and a sense of ease. It also has an added benefit of bringing people together, gathering around the tea pot and sharing your favourite blend is always a welcomed moment.

So next time you cuddle up with your favourite herbal tea, alone or with company, know its not only good for your soul, but mind and body as well.

Till next time…

Quicksand

Sinking, gasping for breath, it slowly devours you, until you are fully immersed and no longer see your way out.

This is anxiety. It’s very real and very scary. Some people may not even know they have it, while others deal with the conscious struggle every day. You are afraid to go somewhere new or to drive to unfamiliar places, sometimes just to get out of bed and tackle the day is fear provoking. Your constantly paranoid that you did something wrong, that you are not good enough, and sometimes re-read messages over and over to triple check that they are ok or you didn’t miss any details. You need to have control over the things you can, so when you need to be at a place at a certain time and your running late, your stress levels explode.

I realised in my adulthood that i live with anxiety. I have OCD tendencies and my need to control small things is what drives me. If things are not done a certain way, i feel very uneasy, and I worry all the time. My stress levels are usually high (sometimes grinding my teeth in my sleep) and i have terrible night terrors.

Once i admitted that i have anxiety, i spoke openly to my GP. After the consultation, I was prescribed some anxiety medication and after taking this for a while, i can thankfully say that my life has improved. I no longer suffer from night terrors, and i take a more chill approach to my day to day tasks. Being at home now has also helped allot, i feel more in control of my life.

Living with high functioning anxiety means no one notices the battle you face everyday, but the battle is very real. Below are 10 things i have found to help control my anxiety:

Medication – Consult a medical professional.
Therapy – Whether a trained professional or a friend, saying out loud how you feel makes a difference.
Animal love – Spending time with animals, you will instantly feel the worry fade away, even if just for a little while. If you don’t have pets, why not volunteer your time at a shelter?
Be brave – Do one task that is scary and out of your comfort zone. This could be once a week or once a month. When completed, you build confidence in yourself, and next time you feel less stressed.
Lists – Making a list of your to-do’s and ticking them off is not only satisfying, but also reassuring.
Diary – Having a diary or notebook handy on your bedside table is a must. Write down thoughts or feelings when they arise, this helps you let go or put thoughts aside to deal with later. You can even rip up negative entries for a symbolic goodbye.
Find your people – Being stressed all the time about what people think is really difficult. Anxiety around pleasing others is no joke. Surround yourself with a supportive network and cut out the negative nellies. Once you have established your foundation with open communication, the worry floats away.
You time – Incorporate one thing every day that is just for you. This task will symbolize relaxation and help dim the anxiety in that moment. This could be a bath, using your favourite cream or just settling down in the comfiest blanket.
Spiritual reflection – This can be anything from yoga and mediation to reading the bible. Taking that time to reflect inward on your body and faith, builds resistance to negativity.
Plants – Having greenery in your home is not only lovely to look at, but helps purify your environment for better living. Check out my blog “Green is the new black” for more on this.

Sometimes the darkness wins the battle, but i hope these tips will help you win the war. Fight on friends!

Till next time….

Kill them with kindness

A smile or small kind gesture goes a long way.

Have you ever walked down the isle of a busy grocery store, not having your best day, and someone will move their trolley out the way for you or offer you a smile? It’s like that small gesture ignites a small positive response that intern snowballs to a more positive day. The opposite is also true, finding a scowling face in the line to the register or being rammed with someones basket, also sets a negative tone to that day. You will go to sleep that evening, even if you had the best day otherwise, thinking about that jerk.

Sure, we can also have bad days, but if you can pursue the positiveness, even if all you can manage is one smile to another, then your day was a success in kindness. I have found that once i adapted this attitude , that the negative moments fade faster than before.

While kindness to others is very important and sometimes difficult, kindness to self is the hardest challenge we face and the upmost important thing we could do.

Now, i know what you are thinking, it’s always easier said then done, but why not try? Your unkind mindset towards yourself not only sculpts the way you see yourself, it also propels the word around you and penetrates the bubble you reside in.

I have found that by starting small, you soon find a groove, and in time, it becomes a natural action. Do a small exercise and stand in the mirror. Look at yourself…really look. Don’t focus on your large thighs or small butt, look deeper, WOW my eyes! Look at my tiny wrists! My eyebrows are on fire! Find that thing you like about you, even if its just one, and realise your potential. Not to mention, a kind person draws everyone in with their warm personality. Think about it, people do not only look at appearances, we consider looks sure, however we also take in attitude, posture and other body language ques. Once they spot your kindness, they will see nothing but your beauty, even if you cannot.

Kindness to self also manifests itself in self care. Washing regularly and being well groomed, checking in with your thoughts and feelings or picking up that hobby you haven’t touched in a while but love doing, all accumulates to your inner joy. Why not indulge in a bit of luxury? Lighting your favourite candle or putting on a face mask, is not only good for the body, but also good for the mind and soul.

When self kindness becomes second nature, kindness to others will be easier to accomplish. You will never know what a small act of kindness means to someone or the ripple effect thereafter. Let’s sow the seed of kindness through the soil of an unkind world and watch it blossom.

Till next time….