JOURNAL POST | 22.03.17 | ME TIME

I don’t think you need me to tell you how ‘busy’ our lives seem to be now days. Personally I very much dislike using the word busy as I feel it comes with negative energy. I would much rather talk about the abundance of opportunities and adventures we are having rather than being ‘busy’. I really do believe we create the life we want to live so if we (myself included) would prefer to live an uncomplicated life, enjoying moments for what they are and moving at a steady pace then we shall just create that.

We will keep things as simple as we can, we will not over fill our schedules or our children’s schedules so we are constantly chasing our tail and struggling to stay on top of things.  Instead we will prioritise what is most important and what will make us happy.

In saying this….

Becoming a mother was one of the most defining moments in my life to date for many reasons. Like any parent I love our little girls with all of my heart and more than anything I want to give them the very best version of me. Even being an early childhood teacher for 5 years before becoming a mum I never imagined how exhausting it would be to be a mum to two little people, two little people who go and go and go, two little people who depend on you…. no I never imagined I could feel so drained and yet so alive and complete at the same time. To ensure I can be at my best for these precious people and be able to keep up with the day to day running of our home while also studying and serving you with what I love to do then I must must must look after myself and block out a small amount of time daily to focus on me. Yes at first you fill your head with all of these thoughts of guilt, thinking about putting yourself first but really it is time to realise that you my love need so much nourishment and you must not feel guilty about looking after yourself.

For me, creating this ‘me time’ has been a bit of a juggling act and a bit of trial and error about when I can create some time for myself to sit in peace and refill my tank. ‘A little bit of time for me’ doesn’t need to be hours or days by yourself (although that too is needed sometimes) – it really can be a matter of taking anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour to breathe.

Here I have listed some of the ways I love to take care of myself. Create yourself a self care routine and practice it everyday (let’s be real if you’re a mum it might not be at the same time everyday but that doesn’t matter). Putting that time aside is more important than ever right now… let me know how you go!

Take a bath –  a relaxing and peaceful bath can do wonders for the body and soul. Try soaking for half an hour in a beautiful bubble bath (look for a natural option to limit toxins, my favourite is here) or bath in Epsom salts to relief aches and pains.

A walk in nature or a walk anywhere – reconnecting with nature and feeling some fresh, clean air on your face is extremely powerful. Notice how your energy shifts when you return home.  Exercise to feel energised, you need the energy – please don’t go out and exhaust yourself.

Yoga – creating a simple at home practice where you can stretch, breathe and be present for a moment of time where your focus is solely on your breath and your body.

Meditation – yes the word used to freak me out a little but at this very point in my journey the way I like to meditate is to turn on some of my favourite music and colour in. This is actually even sometimes done alongside our 3 year old as she loves to colour.

Get in the kitchen – you’re probably thinking I’m crazy right, a lot of people just want to get out of the kitchen. I am forever grateful for the moments where I am in the kitchen creating and doing my thing on my own. Getting in my wee zone in the kitchen is definitely a form of meditation I believe.

Do something that makes you happy – get your happy vibes flowing as you do something that really lights you up.

Take a break – step outside of your office, stretch, practice some deep belly breathing and feel yourself refocus.

By simply taking some time to build your energy and refill your tank you will avoid exhaustion and fatigue and instead be able to enjoy being at your best.

Until next time

Continue to bloom from within

Shelley ox