A New Year: A New Me

I’ve mentioned starting the new year with a positive mental attitude a few times now and I have to say, I’m really proud of how I’m doing.

Last year I found myself being a ‘shouty mum’ way more often than I feel comfortable with. And I knew something had to change.

This year I’ve been trying to make small changes to my day/week/months to ensure my stress levels don’t take over my mental health and I continue down the road of ‘shouty mum’.

The life I lead right now isn’t exactly your typical life. I work every hour I can around my kids, stay up much later than my body allows, and have a constant niggling feeling that I’m not doing enough (in both family and work life).

You may have read my ‘Where Do I Belong‘ blog post, that I wrote when I was at my lowest in December last year, and I’m happy to say I’m slowly creeping away from those confused feelings in this new year, and taking control of who I am and what I want from life.

It was writing that blog post that made me realised changes had to be made, and 2018 was the time to change them.

I’m giving myself set working days (when Bear is in childcare). And the days we’re at home together I make sure we are doing things that makes the time memorable. Gymnastics, soft play, arts & crafts.

All the things he loves.

I’m working on my patience with the boys and trying to take my time, rather than rushing through games so I can get on with my to-do list. I’m concentrating on being present mentally as well as physically.

I need to grasp my opportunity to be a work from home mum with both hands and enjoy my babies while they’re young.

But to do this I need to take care of myself and my mental health. I need ‘me time’; time to relax and switch off from work, family, worries and concerns.

From everything.

I need to pick up a good book again. Pamper myself with a face mask and relaxing music, light candles in my bedroom. This little things you’d do on a weekly basis before motherhood hits you like a ton of bricks. The simple things in life you take for granted when your time isn’t spread so thinly.

The Boots website has some great tips on Boots wellness, how to get more energy and ways you can support your lack of energy.

I’m sat here writing this blog post with a smile on my face. I’m smiling because I’m conquering and I’m in control. Something I haven’t felt for a while.

I’ve finally realised I don’t need to work every, single hour of every, single day.

I’m allowed to stop. I’m allowed a ‘day off’.

Tonight will be the start of my new year: new me challenge. I’m going to switch off my computer, make myself a cup of tea and start reading my Linwood Barclay book (that I bought about 5 years ago and didn’t get round to reading.)

I’m going to spray my pillow with Boots Sleepease, light my Sanctuary Spa candle and RELAX.

~A~

*This post is in conjunction with Boots but all thoughts are my own.