Here are some simple tips that we just need to be reminded about – we all know these hacks. It is just remembering to use them! You will notice these each influence one another.
Exercise
This counts ESPECIALLY when we don’t feel like it. Don’t want to leave the house? Try 50 Star jumps while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil. Check out an online workout from YouTube – last year my boys enjoyed PE with Joe. Look him up, he’s a legend.
Pretend you are walking the kids to school (or yourself to work) and take a short walk around the block with them before school (or work) begins.
Dress up instead of down…
Unless you are craving a day of not shaving your face (for all you fellas) or putting on makeup, dress up. Put on a smart top and jacket rather than a T and hoodie. Trackies can wait for the weekend. (Side note: Some ppl love that they can dress down during a lockdown, so if it gives you peace and joy to dress down – go for it!)
Booze-free days
As much as it can feel good in the moment, the impact of a bottle of wine each night can take its toll. Alcohol messes with your sleep patterns, and if you aren’t sleeping well, this impacts on mood. In our house, we have a few booze-free days in a row that we forced ourselves to keep. Helps keep the weight-gain at bay too!
Sleep
A good night’s sleep helps our brain reset, our body to recover and can help keep emotions in check. Feel like binge watching that new show you just discovered on a streaming service? Or got a new computer game you want to play all night? Here and there is always fun but try to get to bed at a good hour as regularly as you can. This applies to your kids too. Don’t let usual routines go out the window. Our children need quality sleep too and these keep meltdowns at bay.
Music
This tip is a fave of mine – whether it is playing music for the whole house (and neighbourhood) to enjoy or with headphones on, play some music! Loud! Dance if you want (while making that cup of tea?), sing to your heart’s content. The energy we get from music is a potent antidote to feeling flat.
Humour
A good belly laugh is great for the soul. We’ve all experience it. Take it on. Watch something funny.
And of course it’s important to recognise that not everyday works out how you expect or want it to. Some days you will feel like Punxsutawney Phil. If this happens, don’t worry. Tomorrow you get to try it all again.
Anna Lawton