Self-Care

Slightly off topic from all things eco, but an important one all the same.

As January draws to a close, many of us are beginning to feel the back to work tiredness creep in. Christmas seems a lifetime away, as does Spring, and it is often a time of feeling "meh". I for one have definitely felt the January transition this year, especially as it has hailed the end of my last maternity leave.

It is only since I have begun to feel run down, that I've realised parenting 3 children under 5, starting a new job, trying to run my own business and juggling the mental load plus everything else was perhaps a little bit too much to tackle all in one go. So this week, it is going to be all about self-care. Eating right, early nights and realistic expectations. We seem to have built a society where we think we can have it all on tap. Food shopping delivered to our doors and a hundred apps, which are supposed to make our lives easier, can translate into having more to remember, because we apparently now have more time to fit it all in. Life hacks designed to buy us time sometimes end up doing the opposite by creating more pressure. Instead of using our "more time" for self-care, we end up trying to cram more in. The truth is, we are only human.

I spent a lot of time reflecting this weekend and came to realise that I was very tired and really needed a rest. Luckily, I have the most amazing team around me, made up of my husband, a few solid friends and my brilliant parents who all help to share the load. They say it takes a village and it really does - be that in relation to raising kids or just with life in general. It's ok to take some time out when you need it and ask for help, or just try to slow down when things get mega busy. For me, a lie in and a much needed quiet weekend helped me to reset.

Life will not pass us by if we stop to breathe for an evening or a weekend. Do what makes you feel good - save for a spa day, or a holiday. Make that date to stay at a friend's house, take a walk, go for a coffee or read a book. Budget for the treats and enjoy them. Whatever helps you to unwind is just as important as all the other stuff, after all you can't pour from an empty cup.

This is very true in relation to my plastic conscious journey, it can become overwhelming unless you take it step by step and think realistically. It is so easy to get sucked in and become mentally swamped. Whatever journey you are on, the end result can't be achieved overnight. Be kind to yourself and invest in some self-care.