Monday 30 November 2015

Coping With A Slip-Disc

Slip-Disc? 


Hands up those who have never really gone through a muscular issue and always wondered what all the fuss was about when someone complained of back issues. Im guilty as charged I was one of those people. I was the avid gym goer, always at new and innovative classes, the first to try a new class out!, sticking to my regime of spinning, body pump, burpees and general body torture to remain the ideal weight. I took Yoga classes at every given opportunity, whether that was Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga or Hot Yoga I was there bending my body into all different postures so that I too could benefits the optimal health all the Yogic gurus swear by! BUT then as life would have it or destiny would want one fine day I woke to excruciating lower back pain I didn't get any pre-warning signs and before I knew it I was knocking at the doctors door and asking for help, to be told 'Ms Chopra you have a slip Disc'! what me how can that possibly be I run jump do yoga postures and generally  keep my body agile, but it did happen heres my story .



The ever optimist that I am, and lover of life, assumed that a few painkillers some bed rest little physio and I would be good to go in terms of going back to my running jumping and chasing my tail workouts ! Didn't quite happen that way, I think I forgot to mention that Life has never quite worked out for me like that and I have had to work a little harder to get over adversities , I'm not complaining its made me the person I am today. Bit of a soldier I guess.

Going back to this back pain, initially it was really hard finding the right physio, back specialist and getting the right long term treatment to prevent this type of episode happening again. Its literally like re-educating yourself about your body and the mechanism, and what the right posture is to do everyday activities. A little science on this the spine consists of 24 vertebra and when one bulges out or gets worn out the gel like consistency between the vertebras  leaks out presses a nerve and causes pain.


Now the effects of me having inflammation episodes have been few and far between but have happened nevertheless, and the results of this have been paramount, the girl who was travelling being adventurous and generally athletic was now bed ridden doubled over in pain and just trying to find a comfortable position to be able to sit or lie. Getting dressed was hard, reaching down to put socks on or picking things that have fallen. Lets not forget the social aspect, having the confidence of leaving your home to step out was an ordeal, just in case the back plays up and needs rest! so life became local things only. 

2014 consisted of pre-booked holidays that didn't happen, numerous trips to the physio endless classes of Pilates and many a weekends spent lying on a bed watching box sets hence why I have become the queen of box sets. Keeping the faith meditation and remaining calm in this situation helped and also knowing things are temporary and theres always a solution to anything you just got to be open to things. But I do have to say I am extremely humbled by people who are born with muscular degenerative problems, and how they overcome obstacles to go onto achieve such wonderful things. I have volunteered with people with physical disabilities and they never ceased to amaze me. As physically  healthy individuals we must never take for granted the everyday activities we find so easy to do. I have this as a temporary situation, that much I know but the impact its had on my life physically and emotionally has been immense, hence why I think its made me philosophical and made me think about those who are challenged of a physical or mental kind can get sidelined and forgotten. I am humbled truly by your tenacity in life.

When you have so much time to reflect and are on forced rest, you can either go into the victim mode or then slump into a dark place. I chose not to do that. My moto in life has always been if I help myself in life the universe will aspire to create things that benefit me. Its upto you what energy you put out there! I love to live with curiosity and passion , I don't get deterred by challenges as mentioned before it shapes us and sets us aside from the 'feel sorry for me ' kind of people to the 'I get things done' people. If the higher power, god , universe , your instinct, your gut feeling whatever you call it aligns with life and says, I want to be better, I want to be at optimal energy and health and you put the steps in to do that Life listens and things cultivate for you.



As for my current treatment. I am currently writing this propped on a pillow in my bed, typing away. See even now I'm utilising my time productively so I don't wallow. I have had the spine injection to take the pain away and break the cycle of inflammation. It will take time to kick in but hopefully this will help in my recovery when doing physio. I have to say my family have been of great help you can never really get through thing like this without their support. Endless card games, chats and TV oh boy it can be mundane!

I would say in terms of recovery the most important thing is to keep mobile, walking gently for 20-30 minutes a a day is good enough initially and when your body says and it will then start working on the core. Now Pilates can help some , and for most these kind of core exercises are really important they will help you keep your spine supported to prevent further injury but please do your research you must listen to your body don't over do things I have made many mistakes with core exercises and ended up in bed again in pain. One small exercise that works without any damage is the breathing in and keeping the belly button pushed to the back of your spine in other words sucked in with out flaring the ribs and still breathing. This supports the spine no end and if you do this and place your hand at the back of your lower back you will feel it move. Do this a few times in a day also the other one is the lying on your back and alternative each leg raise it at a 90 degree angle keeping the core in on movement this builds strength and your back is completely supported. Lastly swimming the best form of exercise that certainly makes me feel free make sure its the front and back crawl as this keeps the back flat and straight keep your core in and swim slowly . Its fabulous rehab for your whole body and to be honest its a feeling of freedom once in the pool . This can be built up to be a cardio workout too eventually.


The hospital that I attended was the St John and Elizabeth Spine Unit in St Johns Wood London, my specialist was Dr Mo Akmal. www.hje.org.uk

My journey of recovery has just begun. Seen as my blog is a little like my diary and also a platform to share things, I thought it would only be apt to tell you my journey just in case I help someone who may be feeling lost as I was . This little nugget of information may help you but do know Im in no way a professional so do seek the right advice necessary , this is just my take on things that have happened.

So if theres any questions or thoughts you would like to share on this please do.

Otherwise See you next week.

Unscripted & Unapologetic
NeerusLifeStyle
x

Monday 23 November 2015

Being A Landlord

A Day In The Life Of A Landlord

A Day In The Life Of A Landlord!

Who knew when I was studying IT, Psychology and Personal Training, that actually the long standing career that would remain with me would be the Landlord part!. I have been privileged through the last 15 years to be a father daughter duo with immense help from my mother to have built a humble but respectable business, it has given me opportunities that have gone beyond my expectations. The freedom to do things from choice, to have the lovely holidays and to be able to  give back when It felt right. All because being your own boss means exactly that.

Those who work for themselves will surely know this! working for yourself gives you that sense of freedom, if you so desire that day off then you can have it. If you choose today will be an easier day then thats how it will be. BUT and theres a big BUT come rain or shine 365 days of the year you are responsible for your work and in my case properties and the people living in them. Anyone that knows me will say the day I honestly decided to do this with my dad my focus and determination and perseverance has never changed and even while I write this I am taking calls for flats organising viewing talking to agents and generally just multi tasking as I do .

The best part is when you actually make a tenant happy which most of them time can be tricky the tenant landlord relationship is a complicated one. We endeavour to make them happy but Im sure we fall short.

Daily kind of things can be boiler issues, general maintenance , perhaps someone is causing problems or not paying rent, chasing that up and just keeping ontop of emails admin accounts and organising the office at any given opportunity! which during christmas as sad as this is might sound is my favourite pass time! archiving old papers making bundles lol and reorganising the files, oh and did I mention I'm a post it note queen they are stuck everywhere in my office! a girls got to remember her list of things that she needs to do!

Here are some pictures of my office. I know it looks nothing like some of you guys who share your office pictures apparently mine does not have the feng shui feel nor does it have the green plants and white background its a little rough around the edges but works for me. What improvements do you think I could make in my office? maybe change the chair first!!!!!


Office! Where All The Wonderment Happens! 




Little bit of background knowledge my father started this business back in the mid 90's and he did this all on his own and was energetic at 55 was very dedicated and when I came on board I think that gave him further fuel to carry on and more of a incentive . Initially I only collected rent oh it makes me laugh when I look back to the jobs my dad used to give me , but honestly humbles me too. They are the 1st generation of Immigrant who came to London back in the 60's with no real qualifications just a good family background great morals and hard work ethic drummed into them. To have then gone onto making something successful is truly remarkable.

The business has continued to grow one step at a time slowly but surely, and the businesses where you build one brick at a time are usually the ones that stay sustained. It was my pleasure and privilege to be doing this and everyday I remain grateful that I can work locally in the comfort of my home balancing other parts of my life that matter to me.

The pictures that I have shared are of some of the flats where I personally with my mother have designed the kitchens and bathrooms to a high standard and love the appreciation that comes along with it when people have come for viewings. We decided on the new approach to the kitchen rather than tiling on the walls we opted for one block colour of a splash back, oh and how it makes a difference! the fuscia pink is my favourite just brings life to a standard kitchen all appliances are integrated and I think it remains neat and tidy.

Sometimes your goals can be One flat at a time, so recently I renovated well got builders in to convert my one bedroom into a 2 bedroom I did that by converting the loft area its a wonderful space for kids and really looks lovely which means I have added value to my property and also means I can now get better rent. Each flat has potential and that the type of things you think about in business are usually future aims and the ones that are imminent.

A typical day for me starts around 8/9 ! come on I have the liberty lol, I usually check my emails and secretly go on social media , can't be helped. If for example like at present I have some flats that are empty or will be empty soon I arrange viewings make sure adverts are up regularly , that in itself can take time. Taking calls and deciding whether the person who wants to view is right for us usually takes up most time, I am very thorough to the point of annoying probably but you have to be ! Usually the viewings are kept to open house once or twice a day I gather people up together and show the flat can be a busy hour dealing with each individual but I'm a peoples person and I try my best. So thats just one part, other parts to the business are on going admin letters things that need taking care of . I also look at long term goals of the business and where as a family we want to be and what decisions need to be made to make us more financially secure. So its always busy , but you can decide on how busy. My office day varys from day to day but in the mornings you will find me in the office catching up on work, afternoons not so much but if something needs my attention then I'm there.

I hope this little insight into my daily life of work has been of interest to you . If there is other things you might want to know in the future perhaps you could leave me some comments about this and I can look into this in the future.

Until Next Time
Unscripted & Unapologetic
NeerusLifeStyle




Monday 9 November 2015

Do YouTuber's Have Strong Influence In Society?

YouTuber's Are They Influential?


Since the Internet started some 20 years ago now, I have been fascinated by the speed in which it has advanced from home to home. I just remember being at university and suddenly something called the 'Internet' had surrounded our IT room and everyone was congregated around this one PC to see what the fuss was all about! remember the chat rooms ?! and speaking to random people across the seas and getting fascinated lol or was that just me! ok so we know what I was doing when I should have been studying. 

Accessing information became hot stuff knowing the internet had all answers and if not you could read a article about something or another. Those who took advantage of the .com phenomena are certainly worthy of now sitting as millionaires while the rest still try and make it!

 I think it was 2007 when YouTube really caught my eye and I wish I had at that time taken advantage of this too, just normal young people putting videos out there from the comfort of their own homes, whilst they studied worked or were busy being parents. What a great hobby to have and guess what that hobby started make them money and suddenly they could leave their day jobs and concentrate on completely on their videos, great going hey!

However some peoples opinions are that these up and coming young talent who have made it or then the normal adult who is expressing themselves through their videos is not really doing anything 'proper', but is that really the case?! does this YouTubing world really not have a positive influence in peoples lives, is it just makeup tutorial and clothing hauls?!

I would say that makeup and clothes will remain very popular amongst the masses, its just the way the girls are programmed we love it! however there are so many more ways Youtubers have an impact.

Making people aware of mental anxieties depression that one could suffer from, I know a lot of us can take being young and getting on with things for granted but however there are some out there who clearly struggle with depression anxiety and life for them is hard, isn't it important that we become more aware of things like this and understand it better and perhaps have more empathy surrounding topics like this? so the Youtubers who are putting things out like this  its a good thing they are reaching to millions of homes and teaching and educating the world with real 'stuff'. I just want to give examples of this www.zoella.co.uk  and www.Tanyaburr.co.uk the most successful at present in this Youtubing world they shared their personal experience of anxiety and how it  effects their day to day life and even BeautyCrush or www.Samanthamariaofficial.com she talks about being shy and perhaps awkward socially and I know thats something I find hard and have worked on for years to try and 'fit' in. She attended a event where there was a  panel and someone asked her the question of how she copes with it all, as in her confidence and shyness , especially when she is going to speak in front of so many people! and she gave some wise tools, take a minute and learn to breathe it calms the mind, perhaps do  Yoga which she does and literally know that everyone here is ok with you .  So you see with just following a few people you get to know that you are not alone with certain problems.If someone whom you are watching shares some tools to help you grow or overcome a certain issue then isn't that a positive influence?! Are we not using the Youtube world in a more productive and influential way.

In addition to other influencers, Tanya Burr even went as far as getting involved in the 2015 Global Citizen To End  Extreme Poverty by 2030 she was sent out to NewYork just a few months back to give a small speech about what she feels would help end poverty and her main goals at the UN convention and that was amongst some of the most influential people in UN. I believe one of her goals was for gender equality which I think is so very important every child should be educated given  equal opportunities.  She has a platform and she used it in a positive manner, now some could say she just does makeup but thats clearly not the case and when they can if it resonates they will get involved in matters that are important.



Youtube has even helped people get involved in internships jobs and generally their careers, what better way to see whether someone has what it takes . Just look at their videos and passion for a subject. Example here could be www.booksandquills.co.uk, she was a student in the netherlands and loved to read and would do lots of short book hauls and generally be excited about books, talk about the stories the characters even as far as the covers of books, she would give room tours of her bookshelves I was in my element watching her videos and she certainly got me into reading classics again , she made it fun and exciting, her way of describing stories is great and Im sure she got me to read books I normaly wouldn't have considered just by her presence on screen for a few minutes. She now currently has just landed a job in Penguin something to do with social media but Im sure her status on youtube helped her. Look at this , book tubers make reading fashionable and we enjoy their recommendations and it may make the younger society that are addicted to tv and laziness to pick up a book and get lost in a escapist world.

What about health and well being, I know that Zuzka Light who was famous for her Bodyrock Youtube videos was such a valuable influence to me in my fitness regime! short hard workouts were her key aims and it worked she would give advice on food diet positive thoughts and she's still out there too www.zuzkalight.com. Now if she can get people to exercise more be more conscious of their diet and general well being I think in my eyes she is doing an amazing job!

 Mental clarity extremely important, after having discussed Mental health issues above isn't it important we learn to cope with stress better?,  in ages before it was the hunter gatherers era just getting food and shelter was good enough some how I don't think that is relevant in the west to us anymore jobs lifestyles work money its all there to worry about if you let it. Oprah Winfrey has just started her own YouTube channel OWN its the name of her production company. It has daily snippets of tools with different people on how to access life in a more positive and spiritual manner. Its not all just lecture based its funny interactive and a great way to get a message across . Oprah Winfrey is influential anyway but Youtube even she knows has a lot of young followers and different types of audience that she may just be able to reach out to.

This doesn't just go as far as health issues , Doctors, physicians, models, Brands, big celebrities they all can use and share this platform to voice something or educate, inspire and sound off things and I love it! anything can be mis-used and interpreted in a negative manner if you let it. Lets keep the internet safe from children and monitor what they do, but as adults this is wonderful lets all get together and use this in a wise way. So that this vast world where people of different cultures race religion all come together for the thirst of knowledge understanding and wonderment that we are all connected in some way or another.

Is there certain Youtubers You love to watch can you recommend something to me?

Until Next Week
Unscripted & Unapologetic
NeerusLifeStyle
x

Monday 2 November 2015

Zara Black Necklace Haul & Turning A Light Brunette! #OneItem #LovingThePiece! #6HoursForADye #LoveMyBrunetteDo

Zara Black Chain Necklace Recent Purchase What Do You Think?


Zara-Black Chain Necklace

So this blog for today will be a round up of non work things that have happened, and to be honest aside from nursing my back and browsing through ASOS not a lot happened oh but the biggest thing I turned Brunette . Yeah you guys might be thinking ok she's running out of blog ideas, but here me out. I have thick thick hair! which I know as I get older I have to be more and more grateful for, but look dyeing this mane can be an ordeal I literally need to take a day off for 6 hours or so to get the colour and forget the getting it right part. Read  on and I can take you through the funny episode and the hours of hairdresser time.

Firstly Sundays and browsing can be a dangerous thing! either its ASOS or then its Zara I end up buying something or another. So this necklace just called out to me. I love my statement necklaces on plain tops, its just a great way to dress a outfit up. So this necklace is exactly that! it has the frayed look of a jumper yet its the style of the necklace that took my eye, each tassel like piece hangs off the main circular black chain, there are no other embellishments on this piece or any other colour yet its quite out there.

It fits well and looks better higher up on the collar line and sits right, theres no tangles or twisted bits to this, which those who wear necklaces like this will know it can be quite annoying!. The circular part of the necklace has round beadlike pieces gathered around from which the tassels hang off.

Whats your opinion on this ? have you recently bought any necklaces from Zara?. I know that at the moment the thin simple necklaces are also on trend and layering them up I haven't gone to that side! lol Should I ? 


Going Brunette!

Ok so now that we have covered my lovely necklace and new purchase of the week. Shall we get back to my hair?! I last dyed my hair, last christmas and since then its turned from highlights to a orange ombre look, after many holidays swims and the sun the hair was looking bad but I just couldn't bring myself to get it coloured, I just can't stand the sitting on that chair with about 100 hundred foils under a heater. Theres only so much tea a girl can drink and Facebook, snapchat, twitter and Instagram oh boy it was long!.

I basically decided I still wanted to be light golden brown and didn't want to go back to being dark brown. So I kept saying to the hairdresser blonde thats the colour I want , she bless her kept saying so highlights and then we lift the colour. It took around 1 hour and a half to put the foils in my shoulder length hair I then sat around with that for an hour she then put an in-between colour of dark brown to contrast the blonde highlights I sat with all that in my hair for around 3/4 hours so that it would take and lift! I did some of my work from there paced around talked to the staff and all in all opened the store with the girl and pretty much closed it!

 Once the colour had taken they then went on to tone it .  To be honest it was way too blonde and just didn't look right but at that point and after 6 hours! I Suppose I didn't care lol. I went back to the hairdressers the next day and said gently to the hairdresser it needs to go a shade darker and voila after an hour this is the result and to be honest it was well worth the wait! I love it and think it suits my skin colour. If you want this type of colour ask for highlights with a dark in-between colour and a dark toner it should come out looking a little like this!



What do you think? do you like colouring your hair? or what type of experimenting do you do with your hair?

Let me know in the comments.

Its fun just doing a casual what happened in my week kind of blog. Let me know what you all got upto.

Until Next Week.

Unscripted & Unapologetic
NeerusLifeStyle
x