0 get inspired this summer

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I'm really stoked to be one of the official ambassadors for Alpro‘s summer campaign, #inspiremyday.

Over the next month I'll be tweeting and pinning tips and ideas to help inspire you to embrace this gorgeous summer we've been having so far and get motivated to take on a new challenge, visit new places, try new foods or drinks, make a change in your life or simply make more time to treat yourself and make yourself feel special....you deserve it after all!

I've put together a list here of my 10 favourite ways to inspire your day:

1. Go somewhere you have never been. 

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Travel and going somewhere new is top of my list in ways to feel inspired. You could go all out and finally book that ticket to NYC, or you could stay close to home and make a little list of the places in your own city that you've always wanted to go to but never had the time.

I'm actually doing this next week - I'm off to South Tyrol, which is in the Alps, where Austria and Italy collide. I'm so excited!

2. Do something that makes you feel like a kid again.

For me, this was getting on a flying fox at my local playground on Saturday...thankfully the park was deserted but I'm sure my whoops of joy could be heard a few streets away. It's amazing what just dropping your inhibitions, even just temporarily, will do.

3. Treat yourself to a movie.

My latest cinema visit! It was wonderful.

In the cinema. With air conditioning....need I say more?!  There's something really nice about seeing a film on the big screen.  I don't do it nearly enough. Bonus points for taking a like-minded companion along, so you can bounce ideas and inspiration off each other afterwards!

4. Embrace summer food. 

Summer is the best time to start reaping the benefits of a plant-based diet. Salads, dips, barbecues, raw veggies galore - I love making the most of the abundance of summer in my cooking. Any excuse to have salad for every meal, really! Even if I can't quite get to the markets in Bologna (as pictured above). I've got loads of summer recipes coming up for you in the next few weeks too.

5. Read an amazing book. 

When it's gloriously sunny there's no better time to set yourself up in your backyard or under a tree in the park with a rug, cushion, cold drink and a fabulous read.

The photo above is my current reading pile....I am resisting adding to it, but have not had much success so far!

6. Go to a gig. 

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Maybe music isn't your thing, and if so feel free to skip this tip, but if you enjoy your tunes make an effort to get to a live gig this summer. I always come away with a new appreciation for an artist after seeing them live, it adds another dimension to their work. And if you know the lyrics, nothing beats singing along!

7. Treat yourself to a new shower gel. 

Something zingy and summery and gorgeous. This L'Occitane gel has been my favourite for ages - it reminds me of training for my first ever half marathon four years ago, and the mint, pine and rosemary scents are perfect for summer - but I've just got into the Sanctuary's shower oil....my skin feels so soft! I also love anything from Lush, Pure Nuff Stuff or Origins, they have wonderful fresh scents that sing of the summer.

8. Declutter.

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Decluttering is one of the best motivators I know. Why not revitalise your work space and/or a room in your home where you spend a lot of time? It's so easy for pesky piles of receipts, old magazines and "we're making changes to your account" letters to add up! I bought a filing box to keep my important papers and receipts in, and a shredder for everything else. Yes, there is a shredding pile too but I'm working on it!

9. Expand your herbal tea collection.

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Herbal teas are utterly divine to drink iced in the summer and the perfect alternative to all those sugary fizzy drinks.  I regularly make a pitcher of green tea to drink iced through the afternoon. Anything peppermint, citrus, jasmine or green tea based usually works very well cold. You can even blend your favourites together - I like plain green tea with either peppermint and nettle or with mint, jasmine or pomegranate.  You can add some lemon, lime or cucumber slices to plain green tea bags too.  If you're lucky enough to have a herb garden, fresh mint, lemon balm or rosemary from your garden make a lovely home-made herbal tea.

10. Embrace flower power.

I love the energy that comes from having plants or flowers in my home and work space. Treat yourself to a flowering plant for your home, grow some herbs on your window sill or pick some vibrant summer blooms from your garden.  I love having plants around.  The smell of a basil plant or just-picked roses is utter heaven!

What are your tips for feeling inspired this summer? I’d love to hear, so do get involved and share your ideas through the #inspiremyday hashtag on Twitter and Pinterest.