In Fine Fettle.

My mantra for 2020 is to focus entirely and completely on myself. This is not a narcissistic thing to do. I want to rid myself of anxiety, depression, negative feelings and thoughts and "detox" myself from the inside out. It won't be easy but nothing worth having comes easy. The side effects from being stressed out, high rate and anxious have seen a constant clenching of my jaw and teeth to the point we're my whole face was sore and I couldn't eat solid food for a day last week. If that isn't cause for an intervention, I don't know what is! To consciously relax this habit and relax my face brought about an understanding of why it was happening and how to stop it completely. How to fully rid myself of all negative thoughts and calm the f*** down!

So I have started the following things to address the bad stuff and bring in the good.

Podcasts/Audiobooks

In efforts to become a better listener and listen to myself more I have to listen to others. At the moment that is Sarah Knight as she tells me how to Calm the F*** Down in her audio book but also Deliciously Ella podcasts which educate me in listening to my body and understanding what it needs, whether that be nutrition, meditation, skincare or self-care (plus her voice is wonderful and very soothing). I listen to these whilst walking or cooking tea.

Walking

I could become a runner but it just isn't for me no matter how hard I try. Walking is so simple and it is the simplicity that helps calm me. One foot in front of the other, fresh air, peace. I can listen to my podcasts or just listen to nature. We are blessed to have a lovely park on the doorstep that I can do a few routine laps around before coming home feeling invigorated.

Reading

The ultimate escape. Less time on technology and more time exercising my imagination. I love getting stuck within the pages and only coming up for air when I need more tea! Very good method of relaxing.

Painting

I am really going to try to have a session of painting or drawing each week. Everything leaves my mind when I paint and I focus solely on colour, the fluidity of the lines and shapes I can create. 

Self-care

This can be a face mask for £1.99, a bath or a full spa visit - all are important and help me become the best version of myself. Taking that time to put on a facemask or even just slipping into a fluffy robe and slippers is the best thing you can do to take care of your self. It goes beyond skincare, it is a feeling. A feeling of doing something special for yourself and making that time for yourself. It doesn't have to be cosmetic either, all the things I have already mentioned above are versions of self-care. Yoga, having a posh coffee, baking are all versions of self-care if done with the intention or purpose of bringing some positive energy into your life. The literal definition of self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

And there it is.

Mantra: This year I am protecting my happiness. I am protecting my well-being. 

I love this.

It is well and truly time that I shift my focus onto all the good that the world has to offer. To be truly grateful for this life and that I get to live it. To take time to pay attention to me, to what I need and what my body needs. To seek out the good and the positive vibes in the every day and to purposefully remove myself from negative situations and in turn remove those negative feelings and thoughts out of my head. No more feeling sad, no more feeling guilty and certainly no more self-pity. I am a protected space, you baddies may not enter. I am more aware than I have ever been of my limits and what I will not tolerate, so bring it to my door if you dare! 

Everyone's approach to self care and stress relief will be different and I certainly do not speak on behalf of everyone but do try and take time for yourself. No one knows you better than you know yourself and if you are struggling in the day to day, address it now before it becomes something you cannot control and it goes beyond what a hot bath and a good book can cure. Pay attention to your emotions, your physical health, your spirituality, your work life balance and your mental health and talk about them with others. I write blog posts to get all my thoughts out and as jumbled as they may sound it is a process that has proven to work really well for me. 

Lots of love and good vibes,

Blue Sky

X