Self Care for 2020

As a very busy working mum of two crazy, adorable kids, I almost find it hard to express just how much I loved absolutely every second of the summer break.

Having returned to work this week, I can’t help but wonder what changes I could / should make to my day to day routine, to ensure that I continue this positive feeling.

I believe that increasing the warm and fuzzies outside of holiday time is underpinned by a good self care routine, and my personal top 5 tips are:

1. Getting good sleep.
As a parent I’m even more aware that good sleep dictates a whole day of behaviour. If you want to feel your best, and perform at your best, sleep has got to be number one.

2. Healthy eating / not overeating.
Although there are still opportunities to improve, I am focused on eating clean, healthy food more regularly, and am mindful of how much bad (but oh so tasty) food I am consuming. One thing I like to do is search for one new easy recipe every week and incorporate this into my repertoire.

3. Exercise.
As embarrassing as it is to admit, I spent about 37 years of my life thinking that exercise wasn’t for me. Once I had felt the happy hormones released after a good workout for the first time, there was no turning back. I am now very aware of how rubbish I feel when I don’t exercise for a few days, and am committed to increasing the number of times I get my heart pumping in 2020 from 2-3 to 4-5 days a week. What will you commit to?

4. Drinking water.
Believe it or not, I don’t recall ever drinking a glass of water in my 20?s. Thankfully this has changed and I now only drink lots of water, two coffees a day, the occasional tea and of course a glass of wine now and again? Staying hydrated helps me concentrate at work and feel fresh.

5. Joyful activities.
In the madness that is life, and the never ending of things on the ?to do? list (both at work and at home), I am conscious of scheduling in time every week to do things that give me joy. Although this is sometimes exercise (a run, bike ride, swim etc.), it is often social in nature, artistic (play bass, sketch, write, paint), relaxing (a massage / facial, meditation class), or fun (playing games with the kids). I now schedule in time for ?me? and it makes all the difference.

In addition to these core five tips, something new that I would like to incorporate into my routine in 2020 is a formal commitment to helping others. I have felt so time poor in the last few years that it’s affected my ability to do formal / regular activities outside of my own family commitments. I feel like I am now ready and able to find a hobby or volunteering opportunity, and I can’t wait to find out what that is.

How do these tips compare against your own? Are you committed and structured in your approach to self care, or inconsistent and spontaneous? Are there any activities / behaviours that you feel keep you sane and happy?

If finding a new job or challenge becomes a goal for 2020, get in touch with our team today on 03 9946 7300 or support@lawsondelaney.com.au. Our dedicated Consultants will be able to find a role that is the right fit for you and assist you in completing an important goal.