Guess who is back my darlings.
It has been a long few months. I feel as though every so often things get that little bit crazier, you find your days are consumed and you begin to lose sight - well at least that's what it feels like! So, why am I writing so late in the evening? The evening is a time of reflection.
How has my day gone? What will tomorrow bring? What can I do differently?
Inevitably it is perhaps your only chance in the day to evaluate regardless of whether this is to do with home life, work, relationships and/or everything in-between. Maybe its even viewing the bigger picture ... am I achieving what I desire to achieve?
It's not always easy to keep on track when you have a lot of different directions but here are a few simple tips in making sure you get your s**t together (as Sarah Knight would put it!).
Switching off- Be present. I will be the first to admit that I am terrible at this. Sometimes you need to understand that it's ok to take a few hours where you have no worries in the world. Are you glued to your phone? It is back to the good old trait of reading a book, having a chat or embracing a carefree attitude. Do not let things consume you, life is too short. None of us want to get into our later years and say we wasted a minute or a day.
Social media detox- I don't usually check social media until later in the evening right before I go to bed but is that the right thing to do? Are we sending ourselves to sleep by overthinking? Remember social media is not reality. I have been subscribed and notified of most things happening in the world for a good few years now and just last week I turned all my notifications off. I stopped religiously checking apps and have my phone permanently on do not disturb or phone calls only. This places the decision into my own hands. Yes it takes restraint but I am also the only person who is in control of this and it is liberating.
Taking time- We have already discussed switching off but is it easier said than done? Why not plan some time into your day for some 'you time'. After hearing multiple reviews and seeing plenty of adverts I downloaded both that apps 'Calm' and 'Headspace'. Whilst both are very similar they are also effective. These force you to take time out of your day and spend a few minutes doing nothing- with no plans and no worries. Whilst not everyone will believe these exercises are effective they give you something to treasure- time.. so use it wisely.
Countdowns and reality checks- Are you looking forward to something? If not why not? Give yourself those stepping stones. Whether it is something as extravagant as jetting off on a holiday or maybe a day out with a friend these are the things that keep you going. Don't lose sight of what is important ... YOU.
Are you realistic with the goals you are setting yourself or are you being too hard on yourself?
What is the reality? Once you determine this is, only you can decide what you want to do with it.
Remember darlings, it's ok to have some YOU time. It's time to be a little selfish and taking some time out for yourself. What do you want and how are you going to get there? You don't always have to be in control. Sometimes doing nothing is your key to staying happy.
Remember to step back from it all ... and breathe.
If you are ever in need of a help or advice-
providing A-Z on
Mental Health information, support and services.