May

Happy May Beauties,

So, I have just uploaded a video to YouTube (I'll leave a link below!) and it's about my taking a break from YouTube videos/some social media. I am fully aware that my viewers aren't thousands, however as a sign of respect to those that DO watch my videos when I upload, here is a better explanation.

As my previous posts or videos (and Tumblr blog especially) would suggest, I struggle with a few mental health issues. Things aren't as bad as they were this time last year, however, they're not great either. I started a YouTube channel with the hope that I could help others, as well as simply enjoy a little hobby. But, it might sort have got to a point where I'm not in the best mindset to be uploading videos, without overthinking every statistic and view...whilst constantly comparing my stats to others. I don't believe that the number of views is what's important, but it can mess with your self-esteem...especially when it's low enough haha.

When my brother first suggested YouTube to me, I promised to stick with it and not give up. I don't think taking a break is me giving up, but rather having a little time to really sort things out. May is also my exam month, meaning stress levels are super high... (the struggles of wanting to succeed in life haha! Everyone knows the feeling, but it's just something we have to go through, right?)

The Islamic month of Ramadan is also coming up, and I feel the need to reconnect with my faith and really let the Holy month cleanse me spiritually, emotionally and physically.

If you're still reading this then you get 13 brownie points, because you are one lovely person x

I hope this doesn't come across as too personal, but I felt like it needed a proper blogpost.

Take care,

Hana

:) x

World Book Day

SO, according to my sources (Carrie Hope Fletcher's instagram account...) today is World Book Day! *drumroll please* ...

I don't know about you, but I find it hard squeezing in time to read books in between everything else that goes on, i.e. LIFE! But never-the-less, I have set myself a challenge for 2015: to read 13 books. Now that doesn't sound much - at all - but it ensures that I read a book a month, plus one haha. I know that some people set themselves challenges like, reading 100 books a year, but let's take things slowly yeah? Hehe.

So far I have finished two books and am one my third, which shows I'm going on track right?

Another thing I hope to do is actually write on my blog more often, and get a little group of lovelies together because of it. Again, I didn't purposely stop, but our little friend 'LIFE' here tends to creep up and overtake things. However, expect to see more blogposts from me! Along with videos on my YouTube channel.

I doubt anyone will read this, but a girl can dream right?

Let me know what books you have read so far!

Take care for now love hearts (okay, why am I using all these Valentine's Day-like nicknames?)

Bye!

Hana x

ohhsohana.tumblr.com

ALS aka, The Ice Bucket Challenge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ5AOCfxg2I&feature=youtu.be

Watch me talk about The Ice Bucket Challenge!

P.S. Have a lovely Friday! x

Quote Of The Week ♥

"What if I told you 10 years from now your life would be exactly the same?
Doubt you'd be happy.
So, why are you afraid of change?"

- Karen Salmansohn.

Hiyaa lovelies, so here's a quick little post that will hopefully have a bit of positivity haha.

I came across this quote earlier and thought it needed to be shared! It's a good reminder that if something's holding you back, or you want to make a new move, with whatever, and you're too worried about it, thinking about it in the long run can help. Picture your future self and think about what they'd be thankful for. Or maybe even think of your past self. Either way, sometimes stepping back or forwards from your present self can help see the bigger picture.

Goal: Change something you've wanted to change for a while now, no matter how big or small.

Good luck and take care ♥

Update!

Hiya reader,

Hope your week went well and that your plans for the weekend all go according to plan. Todays' post doesn't really have a purpose (oopsie, haha). But I will share a little update!

• We’ve moved house and it’s such a relief and was actually temporarily distracting.
•  Tomorrow I would have completed my first month in recovery, aka, with a meal plan and regular sessions with my Clinician.
• [TW] I’ve put on approx. a kilo in the past month, although the ED centre aim for a kilo a week. Originally, Family-Based Therapy was being used but now my Clinician is considering other options that might work better.
•  I’m hoping to start a journal/scrap-book, which is something that might work as a distraction.
•  I have actually filmed a Room Tour for my YouTube channel and I’ll be uploading it soon.
• I now have my own room and it feels so good.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for YouTube videos, do leave a comment! I'm hoping to film a bunch of videos and upload them over July. Anyways, as I said, this post is pretty pointless, sorry haha. But here's a little quote for you...

No matter how broken my heart may feel, I will always be grateful it still has a beat.

- Demi Lovato 

My Latest Video ♥

TMI Tag! // OhhSoHana: http://youtu.be/ccLrUM11Ae0

I decides to do the Too Much Information tag. Enjoooy ♥

Tewkesbury ♥

Hiya everyone. Hope your week was good and that your weekend's lovely.
Today we went to Tewkesbury and it was just so pretty ♥
Everything seemed so vintage and shabby chic! It was full of cute cafés, charity shops and little lanes. You can also sit by the river and walk along the bridges. It's definitely a delightful place to visit and would highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a relaxing day out.
Take care,
Hana x

Hello June x

Hiya guys...hope your weekend is going well! Here's a quick post welcoming June via Demi Lovato's book Staying Strong: 365 Days A Year.
I know we're half way through the year but I would recommend it to anyone, of any age. So here you go. A page for you guys!
Take care,
Hana
x

YouTube Channel!

Hey guys! I have just posted my first ever YouTube video. It's full of facts about me that I thought might make a cute little introduction :P x
I do appear quite shy in the video mind you. Also, the editing isn't that good, however, hopefully over time it'll get better through practice. I do plan to upload more videos, including hauls, advice videos, Q&A's and even ones with my little sister, Aishah :)
Let me know what you think, and any advice or comments are much appreciated.
Thanks a bunch.
Take Care,
Hana
xoxo

My First Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWP0aM34ATc&feature=youtu.be

Quickie x

A quick little quote that I saw earlier and loved. Quite eye opening. Hope your week is going well..
Take care,
Hana x
P.S. I've been busy packing this week, and the upcoming weeks I'll be busy settling in. But after then I hope to upload more often.

Insecurities

Hiya lovelies,

This post is going to be quite similar to one I wrote previously. I came across a few more poems that I wrote a while back. I tend to write poetry when I feel I want to express something but don't know how to. It sort of helps putting the words on paper and I end up feeling better and often satisfied. My style of writing is quite simple and I know there are so many better writers out there. However, here it is:

"Her eyes sparkled,
They were often full of love.
When she smiled,
She radiated a special kind of light.
It was rare though,
Not because she was miserable,
Nor was she ungrateful.
But she was insecure.
It wasn't for attention,
It wasn't planned or rehearsed.
People would compliment her,
Every now and then,
But she didn't believe them.
She wasn't trying to be awkward,
But she just didn't feel it.
But you know what?
She truly, purely is beautiful."

I think the poem itself is pretty clear! So many of us are so insecure about different features we have. Dealing with insecurities is hard and if I'm completely honest, I still deal with them in a really negative way. I'm not here to try and act like I know what I'm doing. Nor am I going to try and tell you what to do. However, I can try to help :)

Every single person out there deals with some sort of insecurity. Even if they appear confident, chances are - they actually aren't. As humans we pick out our flaws and focus on them. We rarely ever focus on the things we like about ourselves. But if we really think about it...why does our appearance matter so much? You don't need to be society's version of pretty to enjoy things like cycling, travelling and painting. We focus so much on bettering our external appearance, that we forget that what's inside is what truly matters.

I know we've all heard this lots of times, so its meaning is probably losing its value. But, really, people aren't going to hang around you for what you look like. It's hard to believe and remember that. And as I've previously said, I feel like I shouldn't say it as it seems hypocritical...but I do genuinely believe it. It's so difficult to try and see past society's definition of beauty and see that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Therefore, to conclude my little post, I challenge you to name 5 things you like about yourself. They can be physical features or anything else that you admire about yourself.

I hope this was a bit of an eye opener and that it helped anyone who read it.

Lots of love and take care,

Hana.

Little Update

Hiya, hope you're doing well and that your week is going well :)

This post is probably going to seem quite informal, however, I feel it needs to be very me, as it's going to be quite honest.

This past week has been quite emotional and difficult. My eating disorder (I'll make a full blog post all about my eating disorder when I feel ready) really overtook my mind - much more than normal. I've felt extra confused, lost and hopeless lately, however today has been more positive so I decided it was time to post again :)

I'm in my second year of university and won't be finishing the semester as I need to seek treatment as soon as I can, before it's too late. My mum, siblings and I are moving back to England next month so hopefully then I'll be posting much more. I also plan on making a YouTube channel sometime this year, but I'm going to be focusing on my blog.

I really feel like I want to be able to help others dealing with mental illnesses, as well as give support and help to anyone who needs it. I don't know what's going to happen within the next year, but I do know that I'll need to try and focus on recovery. Hopefully, I'll also do things I enjoy and be able to regain my freedom and happiness...and I'd like to use this blog to document that. I won't only upload personal day-to-day posts, as I know that's not what everyone wants to read. However, they definitely will be uploaded - so be prepared :P

I'm not expecting to get lots of views to be honest, but if I can help at least one reader, I'll be pleased :) This is starting to sound a bit like my first post. I just want to get the message across that I deal with some issues, as does everyone, and my blog might occasionally reflect that. I also feel quite excited about moving back to England, however, I know recovery won't be easy. As I'm feeling quite positive at the moment, I want to add a little inspiring quote:

"We all have bad days, but one thing is true; no cloud is so dark that the sun can't shine through."
- Miranda Kerr

Everyone deals with problems of some sort. Don't be quick to judge others on their actions as we don't know what they're coping with. When in the depth of our issues, things seem very difficult and upsetting. However, if we stay hopeful and believe that we can get through it, then that will definitely help! It all sounds cliche' and even hypocritical - but, it's true. We go through stages in our lives - the good ones, and then the not so good ones. Our mistakes, illnesses, memories and choices all contribute to the person we become.

So next time you feel upset, know that:

• It will get better. It might take a while, but it will.
• Worrying about it too much won't help.
• One day it'll be a little contribution to who you are.
• Spending time with people who love you, or even spending time with yourself doing something you love, will help.
• You can contact me anytime and I'll try to help too (where to find me will be posted below).

This post was a little random, but it was also from the heart...and sort of necessary for me to post. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to read this.
Take care xoxo
Hana



Tumblr: http://ohhsohana.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhhSoHana
Email: itshanamahmoud13@gmail.com

Find me on Google+ too. I'm also considering making an Instagram too!

Quote of the Day ♥

Lately I've felt like a burden among those around me, including myself. I feel like I have to make conflicting decisions when, to be honest, all I want to do is sleep for days on end. However, yesterday I came across a quote that I think anyone could benefit from.

"If other people do not understand our behaviour - so what? Their request that we must only do what they understand is an attempt to dictate to us. If this is being "asocial" or "irrational" in their eyes, so be it. Mostly they resent our freedom and our courage to be ourselves. We owe nobody an explanation or an accounting, as long as our acts do not hurt or infringe on them. How many lives have been ruined by this need to "explain," which usually implies that the explanation be "understood," I.e. approved. Let your deeds be judged, and from your deeds, your real intentions, but know that a free person owes an explanation only to himself - to his reason and his conscience - and to the few who may have a justified claim for explanation."

- Erich Fromm,  The Art Of Being.

This quote could help anyone with almost anything. Whether you're dealing with a mental illness and want to recover, whether you want to do something you love that not everyone approves of. Maybe you simply want to stay at home rather than going out on the weekend. Whatever it is, no matter if it's big or small, you should be able to do it without feeling scared, guilty or unworthy. You don't need to justify your choices to others. As long as you feel comfortable doing it, then that's all that matters. Anyone who wants to bring you down isn't even worth an explanation. They aren't worth the stress and worry. Because at the end of the day, your life should be based on YOU. Not what others might think of it, neither what they might think of you. As long as your intentions are pure and you believe that what you're doing is what's best for you, that's all that really matters.

With love,

Hana ♥

Study Techniques

So, as many people will be sitting exams soon, I thought I'd post ways to help prepare for exams along with studying tips!

First of all, the first step will be to sort out your subjects and make sure that you go over the syllabus. Next I suggest you sort out a timetable, making sure you study for every subject. If you're short for time, focus on the harder subjects first. Although many of us try to avoid these, you're going to end up doing it sooner or later so it's much better and relaxing getting it done with as soon as possible :) Make sure you cover all topics and understand everything you need to.

Now for the study methods:
1) Make notes/highlight the main points. I find this to be very beneficial as it makes you more aware of the important bits.
2) Use diagrams. If you learn better using tables, graphs and charts, then try to use those where you can.
3) Flashcards. Although this sounds quite childish, it really helps when learning definitions. Write the word on one side and its meaning on the back...this helps you test yourself.
4) Explain to someone. I find that explaining what you know to someone helps you understand it better and remember it :)
5) Study groups. These vary depending on what type of person you are. Some people revise much better when they're with others. However, some revise better alone.
6) Test yourself. Use the internet to find ready made quizzes or tests.
7) Watch tutorials. Some YouTube channels post educational videos which can be very helpful.

I hope this helped you find a study method that suits you ♥ I understand that everyone has different techniques that work for them so don't be upset if some don't work for you - just try to find one that does! Don't stress out too much and make sure you give yourself free time too.

Good luck and take care,

Hana x

'Princess Warrior' ♥

Today I thought I'd share a poem I wrote a little while back. I used to really enjoy writing poetry, but within the past year I barely have due to the fact that I don't often feel it's good enough. However, this is a piece I don't mind sharing ♥
It's quite short and simple, but I think that's what makes it special.

Princess Warrior

Her hair blew in the wind,
So gracefully,
Like some heroine in a storybook.
She was a princess warrior,
Sweet yet strong,
Facing battles 1000 men couldn't handle,
Yet she did it all with a smile.
She felt happiness,
At moments like this,
Moments when it was just nature and her.

H.M.

♥

Tip of the day:

Do something you enjoy today. Whether it's something small or big. Something you do daily or haven't done in a while.

Take care x

Hana.

Welcome To My Blog ♥

Hiya you lovely earthling ♥
And welcome to my blog! My name is Hana and I hope to help our society one day.
I've made this blog as a hobby mainly, but also in order to hopefully create a cute little community. I really hope to be able to help others, whether that be through advice or by simply allowing people to enjoy my random little blog posts. I am in no way a professional at anything, however if you need any suggestions, advice or someone to talk to, I am willing to be there at all times ♥
I plan on making several changes in the next year and would like to document the process. So please do feel free to come along :) Some of these things include a YouTube channel and recovery from anorexia nervosa, depression and OCD (both of which I will expand upon in other blog posts).
'Til then,
TTFN :) x
P.S. If you read this, you've already earned a cyber-hug from me.
Hana ♥