Ok – so life has its moments doesn’t it?
It’s not always pleasant, happy and chilled (all at the same time).
We often have to deal with things that we would rather not. Or face a problem or challenge and we are not sure how to or which way to go. When deep down we know the only way is ‘through it’.
Sometimes we feel stuck.
My ‘go to’ answer would be to meditate. Take some time out for yourself.
Walk in nature. Read a book. Do some zentangle.
Just sit and listen to your breath.
Pull out a yoga mat and just do several postures – ones that you feel comfortable doing and that make you reconnect (your body and mind).
I need to remind myself to do that sometimes.
Life gets busy and when you have children, or are helping somebody care for somebody, and doing various things to help your loved ones live an easier life – sometimes you forget about YOU.
Things mount up and there seems a never ending list of ‘things to do’.
There just isn’t enough time ….
So what do you do?
First of all take a deep breath!
Prioritise your list.
Don’t worry about the things that you cannot change – but make steps to assist the situations you can change.
Sometimes we have to adapt our lifestyle to fit in with something else.
Recently I became a very proud foster Mummy to Beau (Rambeau/Rambo). He is a 10 year old German Shorthaired Pointer. Now in his second month at my home he seems to have found his routine. Sadly it didn’t mirror mine! But hey – he’s not a well boy (he has a heart condition) so I have made some adjustments to my life so that we have found a compromise on how to make it work. So now I go to bed about 9pm and wake up to take him on his first short walk and tinkle between 5 and 6. At the moment it’s gorgeous – seeing the sunrise, and hearing the first morning songs of the birds! And it’s a beautiful time to wake up – indeed I get quite a few things done before the rest of the house wakes up (like writing this for example).
So whilst it didn’t fit in with what ‘I’ wanted there is always compromise when a situation involves others. Obviously animals don’t understand but humans should (though some don’t….. obviously).
So the never ending ‘to do list’…..
As I mentioned – prioritise.
Anxiety can be triggered by the thought that you have too much to do and you can’t cope and there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Anxiety is formed when we place too much pressure on ourselves. Doing this can set you up for failure and that is where the anxiety comes in. What if we fail?
So how can we ease that situation – ok – make a list of attainable goals (i.e. I can’t do everything on that day so let’s see what I could possibly achieve and prioritise the urgent things). Acknowledge deadlines, and try and respect them.
Ask people for help. Really it’s not a sign of weakness and if you really CAN’T accomplish something ask for guidance or assistance.
Be realistic and true to yourself.
For some that are struggling with their health sometimes just getting out of bed can be an achievement and thus should be treated as such.
Take all of your life situations into consideration. And of course be honest with yourself.
So this is mindfulness. Being aware of yourself and those around, and situations. Helping you to breathe through the things and the processes of daily life, including the stressful situations that arise.
So how can journaling help?
In additional to being mindful journaling can help with all sorts.
Before you start get yourself a nice, easy, attractive (to you) diary, agenda, journal or whatever. And a nice pen – one that is easy to write with and doesn’t go through the pages. Keep it in a place where you can remind yourself to write down a few sentences every day (bedside table, by the kettle, etc).
Journaling can help with achieving goals
You could write down what your plans are for the day.
Journaling can help track your progress
You can see what you have achieved from the previous days, and possibly discover what ‘works’ and what ‘doesn’t’. It can remind you that you are achieving.
Journaling can help you gain self confidence
Whilst you track and keep a record of achievements you can start to congratulate yourself. Often we forget the good things we have accomplished and achieved, oftentimes focussing on the negative which obviously dents our self confidence.
Journaling can improve writing and communication
Putting things down in writing, no matter how significant or other they may seem, helps to get yoru thought processes out to the world and free from your mind. Reading back what you have written will help you understand how to get your thoughts, fears, feelings, accomplishments and goals achieved across to others.
Journaling can reduce stress and anxiety
As mentioned above we are often drawn to the negative of life whether it’s our failing in our goals, and or drawing in on things we haven’t accomplished but journaling and keeping a record of what you have succeeded in doing and what positive thoughts and alternative solutions you have found will reduce your overall stress and anxiety.
Journaling can boost positivity
Keeping details of what you have accomplished and what you have overcome will encourage your mind to think more positively and see problems as opportunities or problems to create new paths.
This list is just the beginning!
So grab yourself a book, a nice pen and start your journaling today!
Journaling comes in many forms:
Dream
Weight
Fitness
Thoughts
Achievements/Goals
Nature
Mindfulness
Affirmations
The list is endless…..
In life it’s all about effort.
It we make an effort to make our lives better, then we can start to move forwards.
Namaste. xxx
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