February is always such a cold month and I don’t like the cold. It is a month where I know I need to take more care of myself. I seem to succumb to illness and generally feel tired and rundown. It always seems that it has been winter for too long and I am aching to feel the warmth of the sun again. Therefore I have been putting together a self-care plan for busy mums with a little help and some ‘little boosts’ from Boots.
- Exercise releases those feel-good hormones endorphins. I often say the hardest thing about exercise is making the time and putting on your trainers. This year I have vowed to spend more time on exercise. I have had a personal trainer for several months but I am upping my commitment and taking part in more classes and pushing myself harder. Once I have a class or session I feel so much better for the day ahead, It really gets me feeling positive. Surprisingly I have discovered that I love lifting weights. I have started a weekly weights class that makes me feel strong both mentally and physically.
- Less screen time. I am always encouraging the children and especially Erin to put the iPad down. Yet I know I don’t lead by example. As a self-employed mum it can be hard to switch off, there is a mentality the more I am online and available the more I can earn. Over Christmas, I took a much needed, long break. It felt good and my business didn’t fall apart and I am still making money. Who knew!! But seriously it has encouraged me to work smarter not harder.
- Get outside. It simply feels good to wallk outside, take a dog, borrow a dog or just go by yourself. Find somewhere quiet and just be free from any other distractions.
- Use supplements as advised by Boots Wellness, we all need a little pick me up from time to time. When I am feeling run down and need some extra sparkle I use
- Learn how to relax. This for me is a quiet half hour, I enjoy a bath, with a candle. I shut the door on my teenagers and don’t respond to any calls for mum.
- Another way to relax is by emptying my mind and I practice this by writing a journal and writing lists. I have always written lists and usually have about three on the go. One for blogging and work to be completed, one for shopping and then a life admin such as pay for a school trip or contacting banks list. These help me stay organised but also help me feel in control which in turn benefits my emotional wellbeing.
- Sleep, having a regular sleep time is essential for regulating your body and I have written previously my tips to help teens get a good nights sleep. You should know how much sleep you need, for me, it has always been quite a lot! My optimum is between 8-9 hours a night. Sometimes I find it hard to relax and drop off but using lavender can help. Boots gifted me a spray that not only smells divine but is doing the trick at helping me drop off.
Boots are also on hand to give advice and tips. They have supported me with some ‘Little Boosts’ and they can support you too. The products I have mentioned are all available in Boots but the website also has a host of information including how to manage a lack of energy. Have I missed anything? how do you plan to make 2018 your best yet? What are you doing to keep a healthy body and mind do let me know in the comments and maybe we can check back in and support each other over the next few months.
This post is in conjunction with Boots but all thoughts are my own
