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Stress Busters

Stress busters-Honest Mum

Photo by Kirsty Mattsson Photography

We all get stressed out at times and it’s inevitable isn’t it, with the constant juggling of kids, work and life. The endless pursuit of finding balance along with precious time out is stressful in itself-I need a lie down just reflecting on it all!

…Some days I want to high five myself for achieving all of the above and other times, I feel like I’m failing miserably.

The last few months in particular though have seen me making some small changes to my life that have made a HUGE difference-I feel calmer, happier and more in control than ever before so here’s my list:

Photo by Rhema Kallianpur on Unsplash

Switching the computer and phone off at a reasonable time-

I’m a full time professional blogger, switching off is never easy-there’s always something to do, another post to write or email to send, but I’m pretty strict that when the kids are back from childcare and nursery, my attention is theirs for play and dinner, then once they’re asleep, I catch up on remaining posts, emails, tweets before couple time. Remember that-you know just talking to my husband without little people jumping on us, simply chilling out and trying to get some rest before inevitably one of them wakes up in the night, which leads me to…

Sleep

The holy grail that is sleep doesn’t happen often enough in this house, from nightmares to teething issues, none of us seem to get a full night’s zzzz’s EVER. I nap in the day on weekends though (ooh disco naps rock don’t they?!) and yoga has been a life-saver, giving me more energy I thought possible!…

Exercise

I’m UTTERLY obsessed with my 10 Minute Solution-Yoga DVD (it only cost £5 too) and often try and get at least 20 minutes a day of it, in. It energises and relaxes me and if I manage the whole DVD, I feel better than ever. I’m besotted with yoga and it will always be in my life now.

I do also enjoy a run so head out a couple of times a week, hitting the park for a 20 minute jog and stretch, to clear my head. In winter, I hit my treadmill which lives in the garage but there’s nothing like fresh air outdoors to get me feeling great!

Eating a Balanced Diet

I’ve blogged a lot about how I eat but I think I’ve found balance lately, I eat a low GI diet, bursting with whole foods (whole milk and butter not skimmed which is full of sugar), slow releasing carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat pasta, lean meat, fish, seafood, seasonal fruit and veg, and treats every so often (because life’s too short not to have the odd piece of my husband, Peter’s chocolate torte)!

In fact I feel so much better upping my healthy carbs intake, I wish I hadn’t been so strict on myself before. They release endorphins and I sure, feel happier!

Rescue Remedy

I don’t remember life before Rescue Remedy, it’s got me through exams, a driving test, university, my weddings ( I had 2 to the same man), childbirth, bereavement and anything else stressful, life has thrown at me.

It’s always in my bag for emergencies and I sometimes give it to my son Oliver, 4 when he’s had a nightmare or become overly distressed (safe for children over 2).

*I was sent Rescue Remedy along with the Night Spray (to aid a natural night’s sleep) and Rescue Cream-the latter also becoming stress-busting staples too, helping my dry skin and disrupted sleep. I recommend them all.

Spatone

Another product I have used for years, Spatone helps restore my iron levels, something I need especially during the ‘time of the month’. Unlike ferrous sulphate tablets though, this is gentle on my stomach and even suitable for all the family.

*I was recently sent apple flavour spatone with vitamin C which is tasty enough not to add to apple or orange juice as with the original spatone and I take one a day.

Me time

Nothing helps relieve stress like taking time out, be it a quick blow dry (how I love my blow dries) or catching up with the Kardashians (I never seem to quite keep up with that lot but they keep me entertained and even remind me of my own Big Fat Greek Family)!

Date night or a girl’s night out, letting my hair down with the people I love is so fun, relaxing and restorative…Even speaking to friends regularly on the phone or Skyping makes me feel more like myself again!

So how about you, what are your favourite stress busters?

I’d love to hear them, let’s all de-stress together!

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