Vestibular Migraines – 4-year update!

Vestibular migraines before and after….. Miracle cure? There is NO cure but I’m back to 95%!

It’s been a complete mission with some big ups and downs but here is an idea of where I was 4 years ago.

⭐ I couldn’t walk properly for 2 years, the ground felt like it dropped beneath my feet and at my worst, I had to be held up

⭐ I couldn’t see properly for 2 years, everything moved and nothing was in focus properly

⭐ The chronic dizziness and imbalance was there for 3 years

⭐ At my worst I was bedridden for weeks, I couldn’t even wash my hair and had to crawl to the bathroom

⭐ It felt like that feeling when your head spins after drinking too much…. Everyday 24/7 for years!

⭐ My eyelids would really swell up and my eyes would go really dark

⭐ I used to walk into things, walls people. I couldn’t do the most basic things like cross a road by myself.

⭐ I had insomnia, depression, anxiety, exhaustion and at my worst I was suicidal

😥

AND NOW?

❄️ I can walk for over an hour before I start to feel a little dizzy

❄️ I have not had a migraine in 7 weeks

❄️ I have just started figure skating!

❄️ I am working part time with children…. It’s noisy! And I work 2 days a week from home.

❄️ I can fly, travel and go clubbing and I managed to go paddle boarding and surf again!

THERE IS HOPE!

My top tips are to….

🍾 Stay active! Walk daily if possible!

🍾 Remove stressful people from your life

🍾 Do not just rely on meds, when you’re vestibular system hard been destroyed you’re like a toddler learning to walk again….

🍾 Have massage, reiki, acupuncture, try alternative therapies.

🍾 Learn to say NO!

🍾 Find a good support group, you’ll find your REAL friends through this illness… And it’s depressing and lonely

😥

If you are feeling depressed or that you can’t go on another day with this, join Facebook vestibular migraine support groups or TELL someone!

THERE IS HOPE!

Best of Both Worlds: Earn While You Travel

Want to spend the best years of your life travelling the globe, exploring exotic places, chatting to interesting people and trying all kinds of cuisines? Don’t we all, the only problem is that many of us are limited due to our work. However, there are ways you can combine the two and earn while you travel, which (short of winning the lottery) isn’t a bad way to live your life. Here are some ideas. 

Start a business

As a business owner you have a whole lot of freedom and flexibility within your role. You can choose to do as you wish, and hire others for the jobs that you don’t want to do. To expand your business and brand you might have the opportunity for plenty of overseas travel, get around in style using a business chauffeur car hire and meeting potential clients in lots of different companies. 

Freelancing

Freelancing is a very flexible way to earn money, and if you establish yourself before you travel and you know you’re getting regular work, this is something you could do from a laptop anywhere in the world. You could travel the world and fund yourself as you go, whether you’re a writer, online tutor, designer or something else entirely.

Blog/ Youtube

Do you already own a successful blog or Youtube channel which brings you in a regular income? Then why not use this as an opportunity to travel since you can earn from anywhere you go in the world with just your laptop, camera and other basic equipment. The only thing you’ll need to consider is whether there will be a good internet connection in the place you’re travelling to so you can upload, but most public places, hotels etc will have this these days. If you’re out in the sticks, you could upload when you get a chance returning back to civilisation. Travel while you’re a content creator is fantastic too as you’re surrounded by ideas and inspiration, rather than being stuck at home racking your brains what to write about or film. 

Consider career travel opportunitiesMany careers have fantastic opportunities for travel, from health to social care, animal work, conservation work and more. You could do placements for a number of months in different locations, and it’s a chance to see the world while improving your career and taking on new challenges. Have a think about the skills you currently have, and likely travel opportunities that will be open to you. If you’re not quite there yet with your education and experience, the thought of travelling with your career later on could be the motivation you need to keep on improving.

How to Run a Sustainable Office

Rebranding your image as more eco-friendly can do wonders for your business as well as the environment. Companies that focus on sustainability as a priority have been proven to be more successful as this keeps them credibility. With a few changes around the office, you can get the whole company following suit. Being more energy-efficient will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also help you save money. Here are some simple ways to make your office more sustainable.

Maintenance

It’s important to keep on top of maintenance, not only for health and safety purposes but to save money on repairs as well. The more maintained an office the more sustainable it will be. There will be less need for large replacement and remodeling which causes more emissions through manufacturing and transportation. Bring in electricians, commercial plumbing and building inspectors to make sure everything is up and running as it should be. 

Insulation

Keeping an office insulated is the best way to retain heat and to save on your gas consumption. Are all your windows double-glazed? If not have them replaced as these will keep in a lot more heat. Think about installing carpets and rugs as well to prevent heat from being lost through the floor. Have a look at what styles are trending this year. Good insulation will protect you from all elements so on hot days you’ll save on air-conditioning as well. 

Electrics

To save on your electricity consumption change all your lightbulbs to LEDs. These are much more energy-efficient and durable. They will save you money on your electricity bill. Make sure you utilize natural light and set up work stations near windows. Implement rules about leaving lights and electronics switched on when not in use. 

Interior

Stick to white as your main design color to help throw light around the room. Blues and natural greens will go nicely as well and help to represent the idea of sustainability. Decorate the office with plants and flowers. This will not only eat up air pollution but are proven to improve the mood and atmosphere. 

Try using recycled materials to kit out your office. Opt for second-hand furniture and even look into upcycling. Refurbish old furniture with recycled fabrics and see what else you can replace with a more sustainable option. A more rustic yet elegant look is trending at the moment so combine second-hand tables with smart and sleek modern electronics. Use lighting to highlight artwork or attractive architectural features such as naked brickwork. 

Publicity

Once you’ve set up your sustainable office it’s important to include this in your brand image. Get your employees involved in volunteer projects with an environmental focus. This will not only improve morale but also raise awareness of your company’s contribution to “green” awareness. Post about your efforts regularly on social media and get as many people interested as possible. This will not only do something good for the planet and your community but also win you lots of points with your clients.