- I am terrible at monthly Instagram Challenges! I decided that I would try the self care challenge from @undertherowantrees and I failed miserably! I think I only managed to get 2 posts out. But what I did realise is that I was looking at the list and was trying to implement events of the challenge throughout the month. So some good did come from it
- I can get out of bed early… So with me being back at work I am now getting used to getting out of bed early. And so far have been waking up at around 7am every morning. The only down side, is the rest of the house is also getting up around that time. Moving into February I want to try getting up at 6am so that I have an hour to myself every morning
- Gratitude journalling has made me happier. Every evening, normally when I am in the bath, I fill out my gratitude journal app (see my app post). It gives me a nice lift at the very end of the day and I have been left feeling much more relaxed which has helped me fall asleep much better
- Morning routines really do work! Not that mine is quite how I want it to be yet, but I know that is because I am waking up with everyone else. That being said, I do make sure I do certain things every morning that set me up for the day. This includes; a good breakfast, reading, and journalling.
- Breakfast is much more peaceful over classical music. We have an echo in our dining room, and every morning I get Alexa to play classical music. The children are even beginning to enjoy listening to it whilst eating their breakfast now which is great. It helps keep my mind clear and I can focus on other elements of my morning rituals
- Listening to podcasts on the way to work have motivated me so much more than the radio. Don’t get me wrong I love listening to music, especially when my favourite song comes on and I can have a little boogy whilst on the way to work. But since getting into podcasts I have found them so much more inspirational. I am getting to work with a brain full of little nuggets of inspiration which gets me smiling and feeling more positive about my workday.
- Focusing on me has made me more generous towards others. This may seem like an odd concept, but basically by putting myself first and ensuring I am stress-free has made it easier for me to give myself to others when they have wanted my time or attention. This has been most helpful when coming home from work and I have some very excited children come running up to me.
- Having a word of the year has helped me find a focus point. This year my word has been “Transformation”. It’s the first time I have ever given myself a word of the year, but it felt right. And I knew there would be a lot going on in the early start of this year (new job, moving house etc) that it felt the most appropriate. I also have a lot of aspirations and goals I would like to achieve this year which fits with this word. What I didn’t realise was how much this word would help me focus my daily attitudes and practices. I want to achieve my goals and this word has helped give me that focus.
- I am getting more out of life by living for today instead of planning for the future. As backwards as this may sound, and yes I do still sit down and plan my week, I am spending more of my time living in the present. I realised last year that in order to make tomorrow great, today has to be great too. I am appreciating every moment; both big and small and am enjoying life more and more each day.
- Going back to work is hard but worthwhile. Having been a stay at home mum for just under a year, going back to work was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. I knew that for my life to progress my return to work was essential, however leaving my children behind was playing emotional turmoil in my brain! What I discovered is that actually they were much more resilient to it all and I am enjoying my time with them so much more!
- I have more “me time” than ever before! Any moment on my own I put into this category now and it makes such a difference. Using my car journeys to listen to appropriate music or a short podcast to give me a boost. And taking the time to read whilst in the bath and relaxing is just bliss.
Mumsymisfit 