#raisingandgiving

[jmtleaf]

Working on my scrapbook some more... This spread is for the RAG Week events. Just need some photos, now. #scrapbook #ragweek #raisingandgiving #art (at Bangor, Gwynedd)

[adeolasthoughts]

Body image, Health and Fitness

Recently, I did something I never thought I’d have the confidence to do, I took part in a Naked Calendar - Newcastle University RAG Calendar. I did it with a few of the girls from my rugby team who were brave enough to stand stark naked between a set of rugby posts (thankfully we had our backs facing the camera). It was to raise money for a charity called look good: feel better which helps women with cancer, which got me thinking about a couple of things one of which being body image, and the other being health; both of which I’ll touch on today.

As someone who has always tried to hide their insecurities through clothing and never liked to look at herself in a full-length mirror, being part of this calendar was a big step for me. I have been on this road to body confidence for a while now and it has been a long and difficult journey. I have been very committed to going to the gym 4-5 times a week and have switched up my eating habits to include much more fruit and vegetables and less foods with a high glycaemic index. As I have seen changes in my body that I never thought possible, I have been even more motivated to carry on. I am stronger than I have ever been, dead-lifting 70Kg and squatting 75Kg and my stomach is flatter than it has been since I can remember. This post is not a “look at me, I’m great” post, contrary to what it may sound like, up until this point. I’m trying to promote body confidence, as well as the benefits of taking health and fitness seriously.

The pictures below were taken in Dec 2017 and Nov 2018 respectively. Though I may look happier in the photo on the left, I can assure you, I am much happier and more comfortable with the way my body looks now, than before.

Now, I know some may berate me for only saying this once I am well on my way to building a new body for myself through nutrition and exercise, but it is only whilst I have been on this journey that I realise, my body was beautiful before I decided to get stronger and is also beautiful now, but in a different way. All bodies are beautiful, and no-one should be made to feel less than, if their body does not conform to society’s current standard of beauty.

For me, the real evolution of beauty has been in the process of me realising that I am capable of far more than I could have imagined, which I have learnt through working out, but also helps me mentally, in other aspects of my life, such as academically and socially. It makes me feel more independent and like I can do anything I put my mind to and it has increased my sense of self-worth.  Knowing your worth means that people cannot take advantage of you and that people gravitate towards you because they see your confidence in yourself and admire you for it. It also means that you never say “I can’t” but always strive to see how “you can” do things that you want to do in life. I urge anyone who has been undecided about whether to join a gym and actually start taking it seriously, to take the plunge. It has had such a positive impact on my health, fitness and overall well-being and I hope it can be, for you too. If anyone wants any help with this, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll get back to you.

As someone of Nigerian decent, being around people of the Nigerian community has made me realise that we don’t do enough exercise, or take enough care regarding our health, and I know this is not just an issue facing Nigerians, but many other ethnic minorities. Our cultural foods are high salt, high carb and fried in lots of vegetable or palm oil and of all the Nigerian men and women above the age of 30 that I know, none of them do any form of regular exercise. Many of them suffer with Type 2 Diabetes or High Blood Pressure and some will be well on their way do developing it but are oblivious. Simple things such as deciding to take a brisk walk instead of the bus, on the way to work, or choosing to take the stairs instead of the lift, taking a 30-minute walk, instead of those sleeping pills or painkillers to calm you down and clear your head, can all contribute to you living a healthier lifestyle. Reducing the portion of jollof rice on your plate and replacing it with some vegetables can do wonders too!

Adeola

[thisisnewcastleuni]

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Massive well done to everyone who has gotten involved with RAG week! 😇🎉

"Brilliant to see our students being recognised for all their work during RAG week! Thank you for helping the local community!  #raisingandgiving #volunteering"