The last few weeks have been BUSY and I’ve almost slipped back into old habits – saying yes all the time, not planning enough down time (not planning properly at all), jumping from one thing to the next.
It has been simply a brilliant time though and I wouldn’t have changed any of it – I’ve been involved in many amazing things: being part of the first World Menopause and Cancer awareness day, a fab weekend trip with friends, being engaged in an exciting work project, launching a new support group and completing a 50km charity walk. Oh and did I mention I’ve also become a mentor?
I absolutely love being busy, staying active and helping people. But….
I’ve noticed a few things that have not been so good – my sleep has become an issue again – my brain has struggled to switch off during the night and so I’ve found myself awake at the hideous 3am point where its impossible for our brains to think rationally. More often than not I have this weird feeling of low level anxiety and I’ve spiralled into overthinking on more than one occasion. And on top of that I’m worried I’ve tipped into negativity a bit.
BIG signs that I need a bit of a reset and rest.
Its so easy to keep going
Yes, I’ve been juggling a fair bit – like many women in midlife. As well as all the work commitments, achievement and fun times, there’s also life admin and practicalities – like maintaining a clean house, sticking to my skin care routine, exercising and eating well – I’ve failed a few times on that front. As I reflect, I’ve neglected proper rest.
Slowing down is not something that feels easy for me, it definitely feels uncomfortable, almost indulgent. I feel a bit guilty or worried if I’m doing nothing and not achieving. We are taught to value productivity, and that it feels good to tick things off a list – it genuinely does, but that list also needs to include rest.
The constant ‘on’ mode has, I think, impacted my cortisol, the lovely stress hormone – contributing to my crappy sleep, I’m also told that it can reduce creativity. Neuroscientists have found that true rest activates the brain’s “default mode network” – the system responsible for reflection, insight, and imagination. It helps us think more clearly after a break.
Rest and reset it is!
My reset steps
01
Clearing Space
I’ve let my home get into a pickle over the last few weeks – its in a bit of disorder and I know that cleaning and decluttering can be so powerful. Clutter does not make it easy for us to focus or relax. And there’s something also quite mindful about cleaning too. So the first thing, and I’ve already done it – clean and declutter!
03
Eating Well
When we did the Boost30 challenge for Menopause and Cancer, I committed to making one new dish a week and trying out new plants, that has slipped. So I’m bringing it back – at least one new recipe a week, and I hope within that at least one new plant. I’ve got some fab recipe books to help – Hungry Women, The Natural Menopause Method Cookbook and The 30g Plan Cookbook . Plus its soup season so I am well ready to make my favourite Tomato and Lentil Soup.
05
Reflect Not React
I have continued to write my daily gratitude journal throughout the busyness. What I’ve been less consistent with is celebrating my small wins each day, reflecting on what has gone well. Rather, I’ve focused on the opposite – so I plan to change that. Immediately!
Let’s be honest – I’ll be back to busy soon enough, but at least I’ll be better rested when I get there. And the balance hopefully will continue…..
