The past few weeks have been a total madness, from changing a new job to starting one, to keeping up with my 4 year old 's social life and Christmas school play, from managing the house and everything in between and waking up in the middle of the night, thinking of what needs to be done tomorrow, it can be hard to switch off!
Last week, I did just that, I had to find that nice slow groove and slow down, for my own piece of mind and to recharge and take care of myself. Whilst I love what I do and enjoy being busy, I am forever grateful, but at times we just need to take it easy, after all there is only one of me and one of you, this does not have to be taking time off, for days on end, even the smallest of things and setting time aside can help.
Monday Cook-Off
I can normally get home at 10 - 11 pm of a night from work, whilst being out the house for 15 hours is not ideal, it happens and I come home grab a quick bite to eat, before hitting the bed, but last week I changed that I took a little time to get out earlier and get home and spend time with my family I even managed to cook and I loved it, I felt so much more relaxed, just because it is the first day of the week, does not mean I have to smash it from the get-go.
Whilst this may not seem like self-care, it truly felt it. I felt more invigorated just spending time with family and cooking, even though the kitchen was left looking like a war zone, the mushroom and lentil bolognese was a hit, Leanora and I sat on the kitchen floor and ate it, giggling about our day whilst enjoying our meal surrounded by pasta on the walls.
Read It
So you know I am a major fan of books, I actually have not read anything new for a little while, because I've been so busy. But I treated myself for my Birthday and started Michelle Obama's, Becoming and it is amazing, but I'll fill you in more later in the week when I finally bring out my latest book club reads.
Armed with a book, on route to work and a little reading before bed, is just so relaxing. It is about finding that balance to break away from work and the constant go of life, to help you switch off, be it even watching a movie or a fave tv show, we are currently loving Dynasties documentary on a Sunday.
Midweek pamper
Nothing like switching off, then a little beauty self-care, that midweek pick me up and a little indulgence to help you feel better and relaxed is perfect. With Christmas fast approaching I wanted to save some money, so I bought some beauty bits from Feelunique and had an at home pampering session.
After a long hot soak, a bath filled with essential bath oils, some candles burning, my new fave podcast on in the background and freshly polished nails., by the time I got into bed, tucked up with a book, I felt less stressed, re-energised and mentally renewed. My body and my find felt great immediately leading me to have better and non broken sleep. I totally recommend taking time out with a pamper night at least once a week as a must.
Stretch it out
I have to confess I always try to find a million excuses to not go or work out at home, it is too cold, it's too dark, I've not slept enough, I got too much work to do, the gym is going to be busy I won't be able to get a slot avail;able for a class, you can see where I am going with this right!
So last week, I made sure to get in at least two works in the morning, if I can not attend a class, I got up 30 minutes earlier, rolled out my mat and stretched it out. I felt leaner after yoga and stronger after a 30-minute pilates session and you can instantly feel the benefits in your mind, body, and soul. I learned the importance after a work out on taking care of one's self, I felt ready for my day and able to tackle whatever comes my way and charged with life and positivity and anything negative I may have been thinking or holding on to, simply went away.
It is about doing small things to help you switch off, feel rested and energised to be able to manage your days and weeks. Instead of doing all of this on a Sunday to prep me for the week, it's about doing a little each day.
What would you do with your week or day to help you switch off?
London Mumma
Post a Comment
Ever wondered how to reduce stress at work? It is not easy! The very mention of work and deadlines is enough to send chills down your spine, and no matter the role you do, you can find yourself becoming stressed.
Work stress is very common and more people suffer from anxiety, even depression from work-related stress than you know. Whilst it is easier said than done to just forget about it all, sweep it under the rug as it were, that is simply not the right or healthy way to deal with stress, but finding a balance that works for you whilst at work and away from it to help you manage any fears and anxieties that you may have.
When you are feeling all kinds of down and negative towards your work, let us be honest, that is not great, that leads to you taking your eye off the ball, which then can create further problems for you, be it in attendance or performance and no one wants that, the key is to be successful, perform your duties and show your bosses that you can excel at whatever may come your way, in a cool, calm and collected manner.
We have decided to compile a list to help manage those work-related stresses and tensions, to help you become a better you and help you relax and reduce stress whilst at work.
Breathe
Yes I know, this may sound like a big cliche, but it is true/. Step away from your desk, go to the bathroom if you have to but breathe, You can not focus on the matter at hand, without a clouded and frazzled mind. So what better way is to find a quiet place, close your eyes and simply breathe. You will find that this little practice even for 5 minutes will get you back on track.
Drink a cup of tea
Now, I am no tea lover I must confess, but a cup of herbal tea or a nice coffee always helps relax me, that warming sensation, with a biscuit or two, is great and is sure to cheer anyone up.
Talk
Nothing better than letting off a bit of steam than by a good old chat. Have a work colleague that you trust and connect with, share how you are feeling with them or a friend outside your work environment, better out than in I always say, and you will feel so much better, but letting it all out and confiding in someone.
Eat right
We can all have a tendency to have a sweet tooth when stressed, but step away from the junk food guys, and eat yourself healthily which will lead you to feel a lot better.
Schedule your day
Get organised, an organised mind and work plan, leaves you feeling my relaxed and ready for what the working day may bring.
Have you ever had stress from work? How do you overcome it? I would love to hear in the comments below!
London Mumma xx
As a blogger, I know how easy it is to sit at a computer for 6 hours before realising you’ve probably walked about 50 steps the whole day (and that’s usually to the fridge and back).
Exercise is so important in between working as it makes us more productive. It increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, loosens our muscles, especially around the shoulders and neck, and gives us a breather from our work.
So how can we fit more exercise in without going for a 30-minute run or to the gym?
Introducing: Office Yoga!
You can now do exercise whilst sitting down using your basic office furniture such as a chair.
None of the exercises are difficult and can be done at your desk. One involves sitting upright in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and raising your arms, holding for a few seconds, and then lowering them again. Easy, right?!
So go get yourself some office furniture from Furniture at Work which will enhance your work life, your productivity and, most importantly, your health.
See the infographic below for some more office yoga ideas. Or check out the video!
London Mumma xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)