A couple of weeks ago I posted about trying to look after myself a bit better and building some more ‘me time’ into my life. I had a list of things I was hoping to start doing as a way to get fitter, feel better and have more energy.
It has been a busy week, but I’ve been trying to weave things into my days that are manageable. I want to change my behaviour without it being a massive shock to the system as I want to be able to stick with it.
Winning, losing and accepting
I’ve taken E swimming, I’ve done a bit of exercise at home (who knew the kids would enjoy Zumba!) and I’ve also made myself go along to play groups even on the days I didn’t really feel like going because I knew it was a great way to meet new people. (I even resisted cake and biscuits at them too!) It would be so much easier to stay at home while the boys are at school, but getting out and meeting new people has given me such a boost this week.
Although I haven’t had time to read the nail biting book I mentioned in the last post (how rubbish am I?), I still haven’t bitten my nails which is a massive achievement for me (just look at the picture in my last post if you don’t believe me!) I do need to make the time to read the book as I think it will really help (it’s just that I’ve got a fiction series and two non fiction books I’m reading too so it’s squeezing it in!) My nails are still short but are looking so much better. I even treated myself to a new nail varnish, a base coat and a top coat last week. I’m hopeful I can get there and stay there, but I’m trying to break a habit that has lasted over 30 years so I need to work hard at it!
I’ve lost about 3lbs without really trying too hard (I still had wine, chocolate bar and a take away each week) which is a great feeling as I’ve only made some small changes to my lifestyle. I’m making the effort to have a healthy lunch while the boys are out, I’m eating more fruit and I’ve cut out puddings and biscuits (mostly) as well as increasing my exercise a bit. I want to do more exercise but I’ve realised that the evening exercise classes probably aren’t going to happen because things tend to be busy at home after school pick up – checking notices, reading school library books, making dinner, giving the kids baths and sorting packed lunches for the next day – then if I’m lucky I squeeze in an hour or two of work or emails before collapsing. Maybe as things settle down it will get easier for me to go out and leave Husband dealing with it but for now three tired kids tend to be easier to manage with both of us around.
I still haven’t fitted in that haircut. I need to work harder at that! I did manage a long bubble bath the other day with my book though.
It’s not so much ‘me time’ but we had a day out together to Australia Zoo as we were all off on the same day (between my freelance work, school and hubby’s shifts this doesn’t happen that often). We’ve already bought annual passes for it, so as we made a picnic and took lots of drinks it was almost cost-free apart from the fuel and the obligatory toy from the shop x 3. So often days out can end up costing a fortune so it’s great that the annual passes we bought when we landed have paid for themselves.
The house is the messiest it’s ever been as I’ve been taking E out places, coming back for lunch and then working while she naps (if she ever naps). It hasn’t left any time to unstack the dishwasher or put the washing away and by the time we finish doing things at night we don’t have the energy for it then either. I don’t like living in such chaos so this is stressful. I need to work out a way to balance things so there is still time to do the housework between us.
I’ve been treating myself more. I think sometimes a small gift or purchase can really lift you up, so I’ve been allowing myself to make the odd little purchase of things that will make me happy.
I’ve gone to bed early quite a few times this week as I’ve been missing sleep since we moved E to a bed. We’ve also set up the GroClock as 5am wake ups have been taking their toll on me. E was poorly with a bug last week, so it’s hard to tell how it’s working but so far it (mostly) seems positive. In a week I’ll be able to give a proper verdict. I’m hoping it will work as well as when I used it for my boys but I suspect as E is so headstrong I won’t be so lucky.
So, overall I think I’ve done pretty well. There are areas I need to work on but I’m pretty happy how things are going as I think I can stick to it all. Have you tried to make more time for yourself too? How have you been getting on?
I love this! Your nails are looking AMAZING after such a short time – wow! Stick with it, you’re doing a fab job.
Sounds like you are really taking advantage of where you are, getting out and doing things. You’re definitely putting us to shame in that respect!
On the healthy habits thing, I’m not sure why but I’ve found it much easier to stick to good food & exercise habits here. I still let it go a bit over the winter, but the abundance of lovely fresh fruit & veggies makes it easier to avoid snacking on junk, and it’s much more fun going for a quick run in the sun than it ever was going to a gym! Good luck with it all 🙂 xx
Thanks Ruth! It feels really good to actually have nails for the first time in my life! And you’re right, it’s way easier to stay healthier here. We always have loads of fresh fruit around (how cheap is watermelon over here?!) and I’m about to start jogging. Only a little bit as I’m seriously not a runner, but I’m buying some new trainers so I can take E to the beach in her buggy and go for a quick run while the boys are at school. I think recognising you aren’t giving yourself enough time has been the biggest change for me – now I’m trying to make it more of a priority. x