You could say I have been practising self-care. It’s definitely been indulgent and it’s absolutely been fun but in all honesty, I’ve ended up being very tired and wiped out after what have been such amazing celebrations.
In the last week, post-party, I’ve found myself getting to the end of the day and not having the energy to properly cook healthy unprocessed foods. I’ve resorted to ready meals albeit via a scan of Yuka to make sure that they are actually labelled ‘good’, although honestly I really didn’t feel good about resorting to these. And chocolate – I’ve eaten A LOT of chocolate.
I felt a little bit caught in a loop of just surviving – feeling quite fatigued and then making bad choices. I’ve moved and exercised but found it tough. I’ve resorted to cancelling plans to build my reserves back up. I realised a needed a reset. So now the partying is over, even though the celebrations will continue, I’m getting back on track with self-care.
Here are the five things I’m doing to do just that.
01
Planning
I’m planning my week ahead mapping out exactly what I need to do and see where I need to maybe take some things out of my diary. Doing this really helps me manage my energy levels and fit in important things like exercise.
02
Exercise
Because I’m more planned, I am able to prioritise exercise – as you know I think movement is medicine and it really helps me feel so much better so much more energised. And although its been tough in the last week, when I’ve moved its definitely helped my mood and fight fatigue.
Tip: even if you don’t feel motivated, just start with a walk to the end of your road/street and see how you feel – you might want to go further.
03
Back to basics with nutrition
I cannot cannot have another ready meal, these are handy at times but I really enjoy eating much cleaner, less processed food. I am preparing for each of the days ahead and making sure that I have some easy nutritious food ready and at hand so I am not tempted to then resort to ready meal and then chocolate.
04
Hydration
I was really good for a while, able to drink 1.5-2l of water a day – it really helps with energy, clarity and also meant, strangely, that I would be less likely to over snack and grab unhealthy options.
05
Fun & Enjoyment
And one of the most important things I do is I make time for doing the things I love. Knitting, having baths, reading – these for me are all activities that calm and help me reset. I enjoy them and they also mean less time on my phone. And on top of that, I’m working through my 50 at 50 list. The list includes a monthly sauna – its just amazing how it makes me feel.
So all in all I think this message to say it’s okay to not be perfect once in a while and I think it’s also okay to realise that you need to get some of those good habits back into your life and that’s certainly what I’m doing now.
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