With the everyday hustle and bustle, meetings, appointments and everything in between, it's easy to feel like your days are flying past in a blur! Too often do we forget to ask ourselves how are we doing (honestly) and what do we need? (usually a hug)
👀 I'll be real with you - I've had plenty of these moments! As I'm sure you have too! Being a working mother of two, trying to find time for myself can be a rarity! I'm either cooking, working, cleaning or wiping marmite of little hands to stop for a second and think about me!
The thing is, focusing on yourself, your emotions and learning to put yourself first is not only incredibly important, but can be quite a challenge, too!
So, if you're looking for answers/tips on how to do these things, you've come to right place, my friend! 💘
👉 It's a process
Before you go any further, you've got to be honest with yourself and know that things are going to change overnight, this process - or higher level of self care takes time ✋
Just like a cake, if you take it out of the oven far too soon, you'll be left with a soggy, undercooked mess (still incredibly tasty though)
So please don't give yourself any unnecessary pressure, or blame for not achieving these things as soon as you'd like. These kind of habits are life-long, not a quick fix ✨
👉 Pay attention to your emotions
You need to pay attention to your emotions and try to understand what they're telling you.. If you are feeling anxious at work, for example, why do you think that is? Perhaps it's an overbearing boss, or frustrating employee?
Try and tap into your emotions and ask yourself:
• What it is you're feeling
• Why you're feeling the way you are
• How can you improve / work on this feeling
👉 Keep a Journal
Keeping a Journal is a fantastic method of not only regulating your emotions, but digging deeper into helping you process and understand yourself!
Whether it's taking note of your emotions, writing about your day and how it went, or even making plans and goals for yourself to help keep you motivated - A Journal can be your best friend! (take it from me, I have 5 😆)
If you're in need of a Journal, check out these General Journals - They're lined journals that are perfect for just about anything you need!
👉 Set aside time each day to reflect
It's important to make time each day for yourself, for reflection. Even it's just a few minutes every day before bed, or even whilst doing the washing up! You'd be surprised at what you can fit in, when it's planned in advance!
Now I get it, you'll be thinking "I just don't have the time, it's easy to say, but another thing to do it" - I get it, I really do. I used to be the same, but since I've adapted this way of thinking, without realising it I now get 30 minutes to myself everyday to Journal my thoughts and feelings, as well as read my book! (Outlander, and I love it)
So tonight before bed, I want you to set a 10 minute timer on your phone, close your eyes and really think about how you're feeling in that moment..
• What do you need?
• What can you give yourself?
• How can you make tomorrow better for yourself?
👉 Talk to someone you trust
If you're struggling, and you've tried everything - Talking to someone you trust can be a huge help. It could be a friend, family member, therapist or anyone else you feel comfortable confiding in.
Sometimes it's helpful to talk to someone who will understand and can offer helpful advice! Maybe it's someone who could offer to babysit for an hour or so, or someone who could come over and assist you with that household job?
Either way, talking to someone can be a great way to get perspective on what's going on in your life, and remember, we're never alone (even though it may feel it sometimes) a problem shared, is a problem halved.
👉 Take a break
Literally. Take a break, apply for annual leave for a day or two, book the kids into an after school club so that you can have an hour to breathe.. Taking a break is good for the soul, and helps when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Sometimes, all you need is some time away from the situation to gain some perspective, and when you come back you will be energised and ready to try again. It doesn't matter how many breaks you need to take, for taking/needing a break doesn't mean you're a failure, it means that you're human.
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Learning how to check in with yourself is a valuable, life-long skill that can help you in many different areas of your life! Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety or just want to be more mindful and learn about yourself.
Taking the time to check-in can make a huge difference. Give these tips a go and let us know how you get on! Whether it's via social media, or commenting below.
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Until the next blog post, my babe..
Loads of Love & Posi vibes,
Abs xo