Learn to Let Go.

I realise that my blog seems to be shifting more and more towards mental health. But I think that our minds are the heart to everything that we are, and in order to become the best possible versions of ourselves - whether it is through running, or the food we consume, or the careers we go into - it is necessary we focus on our mental health first.

I finally finished my first year of university. When I say finally, I don't mean it was a horrible experience, or somewhere I couldn't wait to escape. But it certainly has been an absolute rollercoaster and recent events have lead me to believe yet again that letting go of negativity in life is the only way to appreciate yourself more.

This January I vowed to follow through with three resolutions:

1. Turning Vegan

2. Completing my first half-marathon

3. Letting go of relationships that were no longer bringing me happiness

Though the first two would be more of an obstacle to most people, it is the third that I have had the most immense struggle with.

For all of you who have gone to university/college, I am sure you are aware with the amount of change we are forced to undertake in such little time. It is exhausting to make so many friendships, take on a whole new culture, learn how to take care of ourselves properly, while being expected to perform at a high academic level on our courses.

While I will admit that I have had the time of my life this year and that moving to London was the best decision I have ever made, I would be lying if I didn't stress the pressure my body and mind has been under.

With the volume of people you begin to meet when you move into such a wide network - through university, where you live, jobs, societies, dating, parties... - only about 20% will actually stay. And even then only half of those will have positive intentions.

Of course, I only realised this after one too many bad encounters.

So. I'm starting another cleanse.

One for the body, and for the mind. And one that will shift my focus to the person I want to be - one who does not need other people's approval - by letting go of the 'poison' that I have tried to ignore for a large part of my life.

Running has been an amazing tool this past week to let go of negative energy and feel better about myself.

In fact I think that I have performed better in this last week than I have since before my injury.

So if you are struggling with similar mental battles, and need a way to let go - not push away forcibly, but let go peacefully - then I really suggest you join me on my journey.

Build on your running time/distance goals, try a new ingredient everyday, take an hour out of your day to write a reflection or read a book, and most importantly: make time for the people who show they really love you.