Over the last two weeks my normal routine has completely gone out the window. My sleep has been inconsistent, my water intake is lower, I'm eating while working, I'm not moving as much, etc. I have to keep reminding myself that IT HAPPENS and IT'S OK. Instead of beating myself up about it and adding more stress to my already stressed and anxious mind, I am going to take action. This doesn't mean I am going to get on an extremely strict regimen (I believe in balance) but it does mean I can prioritize the things that are important while implementing self-care. Since I cannot magically add more hours to the day, here are the few steps I plan on taking to navigate my new normal.
1. Start my morning with 3 M's. Whether you have 50 or 5 minutes, this will be impactful on the rest of your day.
Mindset: Do something that gets you in a good mindset. From reading a couple of pages in a book, to listening to your new favorite song, or journaling.
Mindfulness: Intentional breathing and mediation. Open in SF offers powerful online breath-work and meditation classes that are donation based. Check them out!
Movement: Stretching, yoga, walking -- whatever you need to do to get that blood flowing. Check out my favorite yoga teacher Erin Gilmore who offers so much more than just yoga -- it's truly like a therapy session each time and it's AMAZING. She does classes at Open too!
PARENTS! You can start this morning routine with your kids -- REALLY.
Just take 1-2 mins for each item. Plus is a good habit for them to start young!
Mindset (have them name one thing they are grateful for)
Mindfulness (have them close their eyes and take 10 deep breaths)
Movement (have them mimic your yoga poses)
2. WATER WATER WATER! I'm not kidding when I say I have been slacking on this front and my body is hating me for it. I really think I have been constantly dehydrated for 2 weeks. The reason? I haven't been using my favorite water bottle. They don't have it on Amazon anymore but here is a similar one. Having the 32oz makes it so I only need to fill it up 3x a day and it gives me time markers as reminders to drink. Find whatever works for you -- maybe it's water bottle with a straw or one where you can add fresh fruit to make it taste better. Make it a habit to carry it around with you everywhere. Mine is currently in the dishwasher and will be ready for use tomorrow!
3. Take breaks. I am not good at doing this. Once I get in the zone or have a long "to-do list" (we will get to that next) I don't like to get up before it's done. Breaks are beneficial and necessary. I've started setting alarms on my phone for two 10 mins breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) + an alarm for a 30 min break for lunch. Depending on what you need, which can vary per day, use these breaks for different things. Today I used my breaks for sitting outside, having a social distancing lunch without my phone, and for getting some personal emails done. You can do a lot or nothing at all in 10 mins. Make yourself a smoothie, go on a walk or 1 mile run, call a friend -- whatever you want but make it about you.
4. Simplify to-do lists. I am a huge fan of to-do lists (I am also very forgetful so its almost a necessity in my life). I usually create one list for the week and then an additional list each day. These days however, I have 4 on-going to-do lists. 1. Personal 2. Weddings (with two subcategories) 3. Work and 4. Business. I've learned that making these lists too long are overwhelming me more than help me. So I'm limiting each topic to only 2 items to get done per day.
5. Create a nighttime non-negotiable. Pick one thing to do each night that can help improve your sleep and make it a non-negotiable habit like brushing your teeth. For me, I am planning on being in bed by 9pm no matter what. I've spent the last 2 weeks either on my phone, computer, or trying to fit in a late night workout up until 10pm or later and it has completely thrown my body off. You can do things like have herbal tea two hours before bed, take magnesium or even better an epsom salt bath or foot soak. Stop using electronics by 8pm - whatever resonates with you.
Our "normals" are going to be constantly changing over the next year, more so than ever before, so be flexible and easy on yourselves. We are all in this together. If you ever feel the need for additional guidance with your health and wellness journey - please reach out at hayley@awholisticlife.co.
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