Heyyyy, we’re on the up!
After last week’s dismal post, I decided it was time to turn things around again. It wasn’t a perfect week (when does that ever happen anyway), but I felt like I had a good solid week. Even better, there were some times on the weekend when months ago I would have felt overwhelmed, upset, and embarrassed. Instead, I feel proud of how I handled things – what an odd feeling!
Let’s recap.
Nightly meditation
I’ve reintroduced meditation before bed again using the Balance app (not sponsored by the way). Just before I go to sleep I switch this on, lay down, and follow the guides. I’ve increased my sessions to 10mins, so it’s not long, but it feels like I’m winding down better.
My sleep has been disgusting for maybe about 6 months now, and I’m trying to work on that. I’m still not great at putting devices away before bed, but I’m hoping that instead of going from a screen in my face (until I nearly drop it on my face from falling asleep) to instead taking some mindful minutes that will help. My goal for next week is to try and get back to a 9pm regular bedtime.
Food
I’ve managed to cut back on sugar again. On the weekend just passed I did indulge a little again, but I also moderated myself, and when I didn’t feel like something I didn’t have it. Case in point: last night my husband got some ice cream and I turned it down. I knew I didn’t want it before bed and to wake up feeling yucky, so I didn’t. And I didn’t miss it!
I’ve been actively trying to follow the guidelines from my nutritionist and trying to put some low-fuss recipes into action. As I write this I’m currently air-frying some chicken breasts ready to slice up for my lunch tomorrow – woo, meal prep!
I’ve also tried to go for healthier snacks – an apple here, some nuts there, etc. Let’s see how that goes as I gradually get rid of the inflammation in my joints again caused by sugar. I also bought some of the super greens powder for this week too as a way of getting some better nutrients into my body.
Anxiety
As I mentioned, on the weekend there were some times when normally I’d feel really triggered. For example, my son had some big emotions over trying out some new activities (rock climbing and ice skating).
Instead of feeling disappointed that he didn’t do it, and stressing out over why he was reacting the way he was, or wasn’t doing what other kids were doing, I just paused. I recognised him for where he was emotionally and how he was feeling. I sat with him, we talked about it, and I gave him a safe space.
Amazingly, he even decided he wanted to try again with ice skating. That’s huge, because in his land, once he thinks he’s “failed” something it takes a long, long time for him to want to try it again. Certainly not within 15 minutes! It ended up with more emotions, but I’m so, so proud of him for trying again. I told him so as well. Trying something when you’re scared is tough, and skating is scary! It’s scary for all of us. I mean, it’s easy to lose balance and it’s a very unnatural feeling. I’m sure there’s quite a few that would just nope out of it instead of giving it a go (myself included – I didn’t skate because I know my knees wouldn’t play nice).
At the end of the day, when I was reflecting on what happened, I gave myself a huge pat on the back. I was proud of myself for not letting my own emotions get in the way, and instead being there for him when he needed it. Also, huge props to my husband for doing the same, he handled it really well too (and also ripped it up on the skating rink, he was re-living his teens right there).
Goals for this week
I’m focusing again on the basics this week:
- Bed by 9pm’ish (asleep as close to that as possible)
- Continue with meditation before bed
- Get back into a routine of waking and getting in an exercise sesh before 6am
This morning I woke up at 5am and was on the treadmill just before 5.30. I really wasn’t feeling up for running so instead I did a 30min walking sesh. I’m giving myself another pat on the back for ensuring I still got some movement in.
Tomorrow, a strength session.
I’d better brace myself for not being able to sit on the toilet properly when my legs are so fatigued I can’t move properly!