From the moment we wake up, we are multi-tasking. We are brushing out teeth while turning on the kettle and getting the kids out of bed. We are having a rushed breakfast, while checking the weather report, or the traffic report, or both. We are also somehow making time to braid our daughter’s hair, while organising who will pick her up at 4pm from dance class, while also packing lunches, replying to urgent work emails, and feeding the cat.
And this, along with 20 other things, is happening, before 7.30am.
This is normal. This is modern-day life. This is the cycle in 100’s of 1000’s of homes across Victoria. And this is also exhausting! Mentally, physically & emotionally exhausting.
We look forward to our weekends, but all too often they are spent house cleaning, running errands, or children, around, food shopping and meeting other commitments. All too soon it’s 6pm Sunday & we are asking ourselves where did the weekend go?
While these activities are part of our lives, it’s time we took a moment to add to our multi-tasking list and created a pocket of time for personal sustainability. Make a commitment to yourself, as you do to others, to do a personal check-in, or checkout.
This may be as simple as going for a walk or putting headphones on to listen to an audio of a novel you haven’t had time to read. It may be making time to get to the gym or catch up with a friend/mate for a coffee, or drink, or booking in some time for selfcare.
Try simple lifestyle changes, that are manageable:
At work, during your lunchbreak, do outside of your building/workplace, even if it’s just to sit outside, with one of your co-workers, or in a café to have your latte in peace. This mental pause is very beneficial. Not only does this reduce anxiety, but often removing yourself from your workspace for even 15 minutes, can improve your mood and productivity.
Whether you’re at work, or at home, make a point of walking into another room, or area, give your arms a shake, or light stretch, and walk back. Taking 30 seconds, while also stretching your arms (or legs), helps to refocus the brain while also relieving muscle tension.
If you have a dog, add walking your dog as a “daily routine” something you do every day, just like brushing your teeth. If you’re a couple, make this “couple time” and if you’ve got children, make it family time; something to do every day.
And if you don’t have a dog, go for a walk anyway 😊
Low impact exercise is not only healthy for the physical body, but it also helps calm the mind, and walking is especially useful as it’s an activity most people can partake in, while allowing for easily communication with others, at a pace that is comfortable.
Stress and anxiety can manifest in many ways.