I think everyone will agree that the last few months have been tough. With everything opening up again we seem to have been propelled back into the endless round of school runs, work, school run, after school clubs and children’s parties and finding ourselves absolutely exhausted and out of sorts! All those good intentions of not over working and not doing so many clubs have all gone out the window and looking after ourselves is a distant memory. We all know that this is not good but often don’t even have the time to think about what we can do to help ourselves. So here you go, I’ve thought about it for you.
Five ways to combat overwhelm and put yourself first:
1. Get moving
Who can work out when there’s work to be done? The trick is to find simple ways to weave activity into your life. Power walk to school whilst the kids ride their bikes, people may think you’re strange but do some squats or even better burpees whilst the kids are playing in the park! If that’s not your bag then join one of my online classes, my early morning bootcamp is on Tues & Thurs at 7 am so you can workout whilst the kids are still in bed. Or my HEAT class is perfect as we meet once a week online, so you don’t even have to have childcare or a partner home, get our sweat on for 45mins, then you have a video to do 3 to 4 times in the week, fitting it in wherever you get a spare 30mins. It’s amazing how much harder it is to make excuses not to do it, when you don’t even have to leave the house!
2. Prioritise sleep
It is so important for our well-being and mental focus to sleep well, but all too often if we are over worked and overwhelmed we find it harder to sleep. If this is you and I know it’s me, then find a night time routine that works for you. It may be no screens after 7pm or a bath before bed, I find listening to sleep meditations and lavender spray on my pillow helps me to get a good night sleep. That’s as long as the kids stay asleep!
3. Fuel your body
Try to eat healthy, balanced meals as this is so important for overall physical and mental health. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and trying not to overeat. Not forgetting to drink plenty of water as even mild dehydration can affect your mood. So if like me you are rubbish at remembering to drink water try setting a timer on your phone so you have a drink every hour. Or find what ever works for you. It’s also good to limit or avoid, alcohol and caffeine as both of these can interfere with sleep and leave you jittery.
4. Learn to say no
Whether it’s to your boss or your friends or more likely the kids. Only you know what’s best for you. Don’t feel pressured to fill every waking moment. The kids don’t have to have a friend over and you don’t have to have every weekend planned for the next year. Relax and take time to think what’s right for you.
5. And breathe
Make time to get out into nature, connect and breathe!!
