When life has knocked you around a bit, thrown a few obstacles in your way, time has happened, and you've seen a few things, you start to appreciate the modest aspects of life, like pretty flowers, the waves in the ocean, clean air and the views of green countryside that go on for miles, lazy mornings where everything is going well and everyone is nice to everyone else. You think- that's lovely. It makes you a little bit more modest, a little more humble.

So if you can relate to this then your mindset is already shifting. For me, my mindset changed when I was about 23 years old. I became far more grateful and aware. I realised gratitude and strength is key for a healthy mindset. I had a turbulent few years prior to that and at times I sunk to an unimaginable low. Yet when I rose to the surface once more, everything felt more beautiful than it had ever felt before. I appreciated every aspect of what life had to offer and everything that made the world good, happy, and healthy. This significant gratitude that I finally felt gave me peace, hope, and large waves of positivity.

It is true that you have to be knocked around a bit, have some years under your belt to truly appreciate life and the things that make it so wonderful and miraculous. And when you do, thats when you have shifted your mindset and realise the essence of living.

A mindset of gratitude determines your mindset of happiness.

 Mind and Body go hand in hand. If your mind is suffering, the body suffers too. If your body is suffering, your mind will suffer too.

The mind is so powerful that it has control over your body and your life. What you feed your mind is what you will achieve. Stress, depression, and anxiety have major effects on us as human beings. Coping mechanisms and mindset changes will make a significant difference to your life and to your body. However, i do understand that when you are in the moment of stress, anxiety, or mental pain it is hard to control the effects of the body. Those effects could be; tiredness, illnesses, run down, migraines, panic attacks, problematic skin, loss of appetite. That is the body reacting to your mind and they are only some of the effects on your body.

During the worst times I suggest to manage your mindset and always remember that bad times do not last and good times are coming. Know that you are stronger than you think and tougher than you feel and have the confidence that it WILL get better.

Trust me that I do understand - when you are in the midst of it all you feel like there is no way out, your body is affected and all you see is a black tunnel that never ends. You find yourself curling up, closing eyes with tears streaming down the face, hoping to sleep to forget the pain for a moment whilst waiting for it all to end. I can assure you it DOES end, there IS light at the end of that tunnel and you WILL find it eventually. You can't give up though- giving up means you lose your chance of seeing that light. I can promise you that light will be much brighter than it ever was before.

Look after your body because your body is what keeps you alive when you are sleeping, it mends broken bones, it tries so hard to fight illnesses. It is time we love our body too.

Hands up if you had a McDonalds, and then the next day .... another McDonalds or similar. You feel annoyed with yourself, then to feel better you buy yourself some chocolate. I am guilty of just that. 

Hands up if you chose ”comfort eating" after a “break up” or a sad/ stressful time in your life? The mind and body are complimenting each other. It's ok until that "comfort eating" becomes a habit.

The law of attraction then becomes a part in the process, and it means the junk food has affected your mindset. This is a dangerous slope to find yourself on. Switching that mindset is down to you, you are in control of your own mind. It's your choice. Only you can take yourself onto a healthier path with a better diet and a healthier body.

Exercising your body is crucial for a happy life. Whether that is power walking, running, aerobics, spinning, yoga or.... wait for it ... ZUMBA .... it is best to exercise at least three times a week. It not only makes you look and feel good, it clears your mind and helps your thoughts become clearer. Life can be busy, life can be tough, but I am a firm believer that exercise and mindfulness takes the pain away.

To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise!

That's completely right! Zumba is a giant party!

Zumba and exercise in general is really for the brain, not just the body. It affects mood, vitality, alertness, and feelings of well being.

Those who have attended my Zumba classes across the world know that it is hard to keep a straight face, maybe a few tears of laughter, definitely smiles until your cheeks hurt.

Together with mind and body, Zumba is always the answer. Zumba is a class of dancing, fitness, and looking silly (well I do) and not giving a .....(ahem!).

Thats what I love about my Zumba - Everyone "lets go", everyone is having a good time, releasing all that negative energy and stamping on it like it never existed.

And you know what the best part is - over 500 calories are burnt, you feel amazing, your mind has cleared, you become more positive than ever before and your body is feeling so much lighter!

Shake it until you make it!