Why Social Media is Harming our Mental Health

Social media is taking over the world… or the way in which we see it at least. Lately, I've been noticing how my mood changes when I spend excessive time on Facebook and Instagram verse when I am actually out and about interacting with the real world. We all know we shouldn't be on our phones so often, yet when we find ourselves with a spare minute it's spent browsing the news feed we have already read and re-read five times this morning.

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When we are browsing through Instagram and Facebook, we forgo the scent of grass, the smile of a stranger or a connection between friends to stare into a screen. We put the present on hold, while time keeps ticking and the day carries on. Time is spent comparing our lives to our 'friends' or broadcasting our own selected highlights to our followers. If I were to scroll down my news feed, I would see a mixture of skinny girls posting provocative photos of themselves, models, celebrities, happy couples and friends hanging out together. All the while I'm wishing I was as skinny as her, as pretty as that girl, I wish that guy would like me and that I wish I could be travelling the world. I want her life. The craving of things we don't have or feelings of missing out are not unfamiliar to most people.
   I have a friend who is constantly on social media, consequentially she is never fulfilled with her own life and is constantly comparing herself to others. It's unhealthy to base your perception of yourself on other people's lives. Social media becomes like a popularity contest based on how many likes you got on your latest photo or how many followers you have. All this hype seems like an important thing at the time, yet we must remember that it doesn't correlate into anything outside the screen

Too many young people are basing their real world worth on their presence in an non-existent, cyber world. Do yourself a favour and turn take a break.

Mykonos: Chora

We've all seen the white washed buildings and narrow footpaths in pictures of the islands, but nothing compares to the real thing. The white buildings with blue balconies and doors are beautiful, it's as if you have stepped into a time lapse and have been taken back a hundred years. Walking through the streets of Mykonos town is an experience in itself. The streets are so narrow that you have to squeeze against the side of buildings or even go into shops when cars go past to avoid being squished. There are a lot of bathers shops and little boutique jewellery and hand made clothing stores. If you plan on shopping, then be prepared to forego your next meal as the prices are expensive rightly so from the mass of tourists that flock to the town. It's also a good idea to take cash, as there are limited ATM's and a lot of restaurants and shops don't accept card.

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You have to go to one of the many cute little cafe's for a milkshake or crepes. If you want to splurge a little there are some beautiful restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Go up to the top of the town and checkout the iconic windmills, not only are they impressive to look at but they give you a beautiful view of the town.

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A GAP YEAR

It was only a week ago that our Instagram and Facebook feeds were filled with 'Last day of school FOREVER!' photos and snap chat stories consisted of teens everywhere embracing alcohol as if ending two weeks of exams was breaking a life of celibacy. But what those poor, oblivious school leavers don't know is most of them will be straight into uni life in three months wandering why they ever complained about college workload. Yes that's right, the summer holidays will consist of parties, beaches, festivals and the all too familiar "So what are you going to do next year?" conversation.

But what if I told you not to listen to your parents and society telling you your going to become a dropkick if you don't finish uni and get a job, that being a 'bum' for a year could set you up for life. Here are the reasons I've learnt, why taking a gap year is both practical and ridiculous amounts of fun. 

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1. It let's you see what life is really like 

Let's face it, the last time you didn't have to go to school for a full year you were most likely four years old. Not to say spending your days watching spongebob, following around your parents and playing games weren't worthwhile but you just didn't know how good you bloody well had it. The feeling of being able to happily fall into a TV series addiction without worrying about how the hell your going to finish an essay when Heisenburgh is being taken hostage by Thucko is like no other. Without school you can spend your time however you want to. So if you want to lay in bed and watch movies everyday you'll most likely end the year unable to fit in any of your previous wardrobe but boy will you  kill it in the Harry Potter Trivia game. Or if you decide to draw, surf, skate, play an instrument or whatever else takes your fancy, you'll find yourself developing skills and finding new hobbies you otherwise couldn't have. You get out what you put in, so spend your time wisely and you can achieve things you otherwise struggled to have the time to develop.

2. Travel 

This is an absolute must if your going to have a gap year. To be honest, I'd recommend getting a working visa and moving to another country to work and travel for the full year. The experiences and people you'll meet are indescribable and you will learn things about life and yourself that university could never have taught you. If however money is an issue, then work for 6 months then travel or settle for a couple of months holiday like I did. Regardless if it's a week or a year, backpacking is likely going to be the best experience of your life so far. I had the most fun I'd ever had and it completely changes your perspective on life, it opens you up to new places and experiences that you forget exist. So while friends were doing assignments and complaining about it, I was riding bikes through Paris, swimming in the Mediterranean sea, front row of a music festival with 400,000 others or exploring caves in Croatia. 

3. Work experience 

Imagine studying a course for four years then starting your dream job to realise you can't stand it or being unable to get a job because everyone wants someone with experience but you need that job to gain the experience needed. A gap year allows you to test out various career paths and allows you to see what you like or dislike in a job. For me, I found that I NEED a job that stimulates my mind and is constantly changing, I hate repetition and get bored very easily. Therefore jobs like a dentist, or detail assistant (Which I currently am) are not for me. You can volunteer in an animal shelter, land an internship that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do whilst studying. 

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The Best Airport Fashion

You are packed and ready for your amazing trip, now just one more thing...what an earth do you wear to the airport? It's always a slight dilemma dressing for the airport, especially if your starting your journey in a cold climate and will end up in 35 degree heat. A puffer jacket just doesn't cut it, so we have brought you some of the most stylish airport looks so you can start your next adventure with bothstyle and practicality! 

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Hot weather! If you're lucky enough to be jet setting into the heat, then here are some looks that cater to your destination. Although all airports are similar temperature form air-conditioning, its important that you don't pack a big bulky jacket or pants purely for the airport trip. Layering is key! Bring one jacket and wear that on the plane, as any more and you are compromising shopping! A key trick to avoid a squished sun hat, is to wear it on the plane! I took my floppy hat across Europe and it has still remained its flop! This is because I wore it in airports so it didn't get squashed in the bottom of my suitcase. 

Cold weather! Are you arriving to a winter wonderland in Switzerland? Christmas in New York? Or maybe just Tasmanian summer… wherever your headed make sure you wear your biggest winter jacket on the plane. This will save room in your suitcase and can double up as a blanket on those long night flights. It's good to wear scalves as they add that bit of extra warmth and can be used as a head wrap to keep light out when trying to sleep.

Comfort! Make sure you're comfortable for your flight, it can often take three days of flying to even arrive at your destination so be prepared to be seriously jet lagged and don't take it out on the jeans that won't stay up right or the itchy Chanel sweater. Comfort is key for airport style. If you can rock a onesie like Rhianna then hell, go for it! Wear shoes that your feet will thank you for and clothes your prepared to live in for a couple of days. But remember, comfortable doesn't mean ugly. It means ultimate chic, effortless style to start your adventure with a bang!

The Ocean

The crystallised salt dries against our sun struck skin. Howling, thumping waves crash against the ocean floor. The indescribable clarity of floating beneath the water; an escape from our fast paced lives. The ocean is strong and mysterious, we can only guess what life breathes beneath the depths of the giant. It's deeper than the human will. It is a journey fit only for our imagination, while our bodies wait patiently ashore.

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I love the ocean, it's beautiful and refreshing and it keeps us in touch with our roots. I believe with social media and a constant expectation to fulfil social norms, we need a running with nature to clear our minds and realise the world is pretty amazing. I'm lucky enough to live in Tasmania, where we sport some of the world's cleanest and beautiful beaches. The only issue is there is only about two months per year where you can survive the waters without a wetly. Thank god for wetsuits. Here are some photos taken by yours truly, of camping and surf trips up the East Coast, Bruny Island and South Arm.

The Man Bun: Has it gone too far?

In today's society, some would say men are taking more pride in their appearance than women. Gone are the days of the scruffy Aussie bloke, instead we're seeing primed, proper 'indie' alternative lads or Stereosonic gym junkies. Although the later is a questionable species of male, there are no complaints here from the stylish 'indie' guy and more importantly, the man bun that's paired with it.

I'm just going to go ahead and say it, I'm all about the man bun. There's something sexy about a guy with long hair. It portrays a laid back kind of guy even though in reality he's probably spent more time perfecting that mun (man bun) than a girl trying to nail a 'messy bun'. Yep, we've been there. 

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There's only one thing that can melt a woman's ovaries faster than Chris Hemsworth wearing a man bun: it's Chris Hemsworth holding a baby wearing a man bun. 

But gone are the days of the scruffy long haired man bun, there's a new man bun in town. It's unusual, it's odd and it's very in. Behold, the Top Knot or the Undercut Man bun. Whatever you want to call it, its the new craze of fashionable men. Now the question presents itself, has the man bun gone too far? Not only would this be a hard hairstyle to maintain, but it completely defeats the look of a scruffy, carefree man bun. Either or, there is an undeniable appeal to the look.

                                             
Give us your opinion on the new mun - The term is going to catch on, i'm sure of it.

BUDA BUDA BUDA BUDA ROCKIN EVERYWHERE

When I say 'Buda' you say 'Pest' say 'BUUUUUDA' 'PEST' Say 'BUUUUDA' 'Pest'

Yes, this is the chant I heard from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, a bus driver and two Irish guys we met at Sziget Festival who were wearing 'Buda' and 'Pest' T-shirts. It's fair to say Budapest was perhaps the rowdiest time I had in Europe. I began my Hungarian experience with a seven day music festival with some of the biggest names in music like Calvin Harris, OutKast, The Kooks, Blink 182 and finished it with the ultimate two-week hangover, new friends and a new found love for my favourite European city.

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SZIGET FESTIVAL
Sziget Festival 2014 was about as crazy as I thought it would be. A seven day party on the Island of Freedom with 400,000 people from all across the globe is bound to be epic. However the festival wasn't just music, it had arts areas, plenty of food and fun activities all across the island. It was so huge it was almost impossible to see everything the festival had to offer.

Above is the closing act Calvin Harriss, I kid you not, I WAS FRONT ROW!!!!! YES! FRONT ROW of this epic photo. It was the most surreal experience, they handed out 10,000 glowsticks to the crowd to dance along with the beats. With my best friends by my side, we kept looking at each other and our faces said it all. It was mind blowing to say the least, perhaps the best night of my trip.

Roses really smell like, sweat, alcohol and bloody good beats. OutKast definitely delivered the goods, which was one upped by the fact I got to go on shoulders for 'Hey Ya!' ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT NOW LADIEEEEEES

Tattoo artist at a music festival full of drunken party goers high on life: Not a good idea. Literally had to convince my friend not to get a tattoo, which she ended up getting on a drunken night in Laos in my absence. Also saw a guy who got his dogs name tattooed on his ass.

BUDAPEST: The City  If you go to Sziget Festival, I STRONGLY suggest you stay an extra week before or after the festival to experience the city. The first day I arrived in my hostel, a guy said to me welcome to the black hole of Europe! It sucks you in, no matter where you go you'll always be back in Budapest. It seemed to be a common denominator that every traveller staying in the hostel had been there for 6 weeks or so, or had extended their stay in Budapest. Of course, I was no exception. I stayed at a party hostel called Carpe Noctem Vitae, it is one of five or so hostels that go out together and host events every night. I went to a boat party, sparty (Spa Party: A party with hundreds of people in the famous Budapest hot baths) open mike night, bar crawls and jaeger trains. It's fair to say, my stay in Budapest was extremely hazy in the best possible way. I had more fun partying in Budapest than I had my whole trip.

The best thing about Budapest is that it's not just a party city, there is so much to see and do during the day as well. The city has lots of bridges connecting the Buda side to the Pest side. I stayed in the Pest side which is the newer side, with shopping and lots of great food. Definitely go to the baths if your in Budapest and walk up the mountain to the lookout for a phenomenal view of the whole city. One night we went up to the lookout with food and drinks and had a picnic whilst watching the sun go down.

ATTENTION ALL VINTAGE SHOPPERS: Budapest is for you. I found the most amazing vintage clothing shops. If I weren't on an ever shrinking budget and only had a backpack for storage, I would of bought the whole store. Sadly I had to settle on a top, but it's a beautiful one of a kind top at that.

SPARTY! A must do in Budapest.

FESTIVAL SEASON

All hail the festival season! It's the time for sun, drinks, tunes and all round good vibes! There's nothing better than finishing up a three day bender knowing that although your form may not always have been on par, your outfits certainly were. I'm loving the natural 'hippy' look this season, with gems, flower crows and crop tops. Im inspired to bring out my inner hippy and rock The Falls Festival in style.

 

CROATIA

Croatia was the last stop on my Euro Adventure before the dreaded flight back to reality. It was however, an amazing last destination and something so far from Australia. The beauty of the country was phenomenal! Everywhere you looked you were in awe of the pebbled beaches, buildings and beautiful weather. I was lucky to spend a week in 30-35 degree heat, yet the week after I left some friends I met travelling said there was a thunder storm and although hot weather, constant drizzling rain.

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ZAGREB
I arrived in the capitol of Croatia, Zagreb, by plane from Budapest. Although the train and bus would of been the cheaper and more sensible option, I was lazy and starved for time. I'd recommend bus as it is surprisingly quicker than train but make sure you book in advance as buses, especially in peak season, sell out very quickly. The capitol city is not unlike other European cities with beautiful architecture and busy, lively streets. Public transport is very reliable. Although the city provided a good insight into inland Croatia, it's got nothing on the coastal beauty of the country. I'd recommend only a couple of nights stay before making your way to the coastal region.

THE WORLD IS FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE: Through my whole time in Europe, I noticed a lot of locals and people who worked in hospitality to be very hostile towards tourists. With the thousands of tourists flocking their towns every year this is understandable, yet for a lost first time backpacker a little kindness can go a long way. The people I met in Zagreb were the friendliest and most helpful locals I met in Europe. The day I was meant to catch my first of five flights home from Zagreb I got to the bus station, was about to pay for a ticket to the airport when I realised I had left my wallet and phone at the hostel. Panic mode set in as the harsh reality that I may well have to leave behind my money, cards and phone so I don't miss my flight came flocking in. Evidently you could see it in my face, as the bus driver who could barely speak english told me I could get on for free. I thanked him but said I had left my wallet and phone at the Hostel. I was sick with a chest infection, over tired and this was the last thing I needed before going home; my eyes began to well up. The bus driver took me into the office to his manager and began speaking croatian to what I assumed was his boss. He then sat me down, gave me water and asked which hostel I was staying at. They rang the hostel to make sure my wallet and phone were there, I thanked them profusely and said I was going to walk back to get them. "No, no, no!" He replied shaking his head, "We drive you." Not only did the bus driver drive me to my hostel to collect my wallet, but made sure I was back in time for the next bus to the airport. This act of kindness never goes astray and I will since be forever grateful for Croatian bus drivers! ▲

SPLIT 

Split is like the coastal hub of Croatia, it is basically where all the ferries dock to take people to the other islands. It has a beautiful town center, filled with orange tiled roofs and sandstone buildings. The harbour area is filled with bars and restaurants and when I arrived at 12am by bus, and there was music pumping, the streets were filled with street performers and an endless number of tourists; I knew I was going to have a very good time. I spent most of my time in Split at the beach, this was mostly because I was sick. However I'd recommend browsing through the little streets at the boutique stores for one off jewellery and hand-made goods. There is a hill you can climb, that on the map looks far too intimidating for someone who has spent the past few months drinking and eating away their life in Europe, but it's actually not that bad. It provides an excellent view of the city, great photo opp and if your feeling romantic or spiritual, go up and watch the sunrise/set for a beautiful sight you'll never forget. There is also the National Park, which is worth a visit. Often hostels plan day trips to the Park which I highly suggest taking up as it is difficult to make your own way there. 

HVAR