Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested Self-love Club with me, Irina, your host. ✨ As Valentine's Day is soon approaching, I thought what a better time to chat all things self-love than now. So, this episode is special. 💘 Today, I have a little story time for you about how I became comfortable with being on my own. We explore the importance of loving yourself first, and the steps you can take to get there, too. Plus, I share with you some fun solo date ideas you can take yourself on this Valentine's Day or any other day, whether you're single or in a relationship. So, grab your coffee (or wine glass for this occasion – cheers!) and let's get into it. Hope you enjoy!  Blog: irinaiacob.net Get in touch on Instagram: @irinaiacob Why we should love every day, not just on Valentine’s Day Confessions of a hopeless romantic Lovesick 101 Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨  Have you ever had those moments in life when it’s close to impossible to gather that motivation to get up and turn your dreams into reality?  Well, you're definitely not alone. But the hard truth is, motivation might never actually come. According to research*, 92% of people who set New Year's goals never actually achieve them. So, if you want to be in that 8%, then this episode is for you. Today, I'm going to share how I've been getting my goals from only being written down on paper to actually achieving them through self-discipline; plus what I believe to be the KEY to persistent motivation.  Grab something nice to drink and press play. Hope you enjoy! ☕ Blog: irinaiacob.net Get in touch on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources:  *https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-motivation-2795378 https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/self-discipline.htm

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨  I've got an important question for you today: who do you want to be in this life – your best friend or worst critic?  Life is so short, don't spend it criticising everything about yourself or worrying about what others might think, when you can shower yourself with love. But I know, it's easier said than done, but that's why I'm here. No more of this in 2022, please! If you're tired of the self-destructive behaviour of putting yourself down through negative self-talk, want to banish negative thinking for good and quiet your inner critic, then listen on... Today, we're chatting about quieting that inner critic and becoming our best of friends in the meantime through some tried and tested methods, of course – from becoming the observers of our thoughts and affirmations to journaling and not taking life so seriously (seriously, don't). Grab yourself something nice to drink, happy cleaning or happy whatever you're up to when listening – hope you enjoy! ☕ Blog: irinaiacob.net Get in touch on Instagram @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Welcome back to Life – Tried & Tested! 🥳 Yes, it's been a while but I am back and more inspired than ever to chat all things life with you.  We are on the last stretch of 2021 – I know, how crazy, right? But no matter how these past 12 months have been for you, today we are going to take a step back, reflect on the past year and give ourselves a nice pat on the back for getting through it all.  So, grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever you fancy while listening, and let's chat all about the importance of acknowledging 2021, celebrating our wins no matter big or small, and showing gratitude today, tomorrow and everyday after that... ✨ Enjoy! Blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ Are looking to improve your lifestyle and make the most of your 24 hours in a day?  Today, we are talking about the five types of hobbies you should have that will help you better your life, your mindset and your overall health. From the one to make you money to the one to keep you creative, grab your cup of coffee, or tea, get comfy and press play. I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ Being in lockdown and having so much time to reflect and think about life, many people have turned to self-improvement. Have you ever questioned who you are or what your purpose in this life is? Then, this episode is for you.   We are going to talk about the journey to finding yourself and where to actually begin with help from some tried and tested tips and prompts. Now, I’ve got my cup of coffee, go get yours and let’s delve into this. I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources: Finding yourself journal prompts

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ Ever feel anxious and afraid you're going to lose someone close to you? Well, this fear is called thanatophobia and it tends to peak in your 20s, then decreases over time and comes back in your 50s. Today, we're talking about dealing with loss, how you can shift the perspective and overcome the fear of losing someone you love. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources: What is thanatophobia?

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ This is your friendly reminder to take a break.  Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, or feel guilty when taking time off? If this is something you struggle with, this episode is for you! I know for many people taking a break is an unusual thing to do, especially if they are committed to achieving targets or strive for success.  But excessive working can lead to both mental and physical issues and even burnout.  Today we’re going to talk about the importance of taking breaks and what can happen if you don’t. I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources: Psychology Today - Burnout Psychology Today - Why and how you should take breaks at work Benefits of regular screen breaks from your computer Forbes - Correlation between employee engagement and the long-lost lunch break

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ Happy March! 🌷 I am so happy spring is fast approaching! But along with a new season comes change... So, in today's episode, we're going to talk about spring asthenia – the constant state of exhaustion caused by season changing – and discover some ways to boost your mood. I also share with you on old Romanian tradition called "Babele" (the old ladies), about spring renewal after a cold winter, which can predict what your year will be like based on the weather. Listen on to find your 'Baba', from the 1st to the 9th of March, and see how it turns out. I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources: "Babele" tradition Romania Insider - Romanian spring traditions Seasonal affective disorder products

Hi and welcome to Life – Tried & Tested podcast with me, Irina, your host. ✨ With spending so much time at home nowadays, ending up scrolling on social media while laying on the couch in the afternoon is somehow inevitable by this point. I admit – I sometimes catch myself opening up social media without even realising it. Does this happen to you too? 🙋‍♀️ So, in order to control my own brain and limit the amount of times I go on social media, and to also let my eyes and skin take a break from blue light, I’ve decided to do a little social media detox.  Listen to today's episode to find out how I found this break from social media, why I choose to wear SPF even indoors and what blue light exposure from our screens really does to our skin. I hope you enjoy, Irina x My blog: irinaiacob.net Find me on Instagram: @irinaiacob Music: Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo) Sources: Allure Why wear sunscreen indoors Byrdie HEV light  Harvard Health Psychology blue light Harper's Bazaar The effects of blue light on skin The Guardian: Is the glare from your computer really ageing your skin?