You know how it is, everything is pulling in different directions, you are overwhelmed by tasks and life generally. These are three things I have used in the last 6 months that have helped keep at least a semblance of control over a busy life and keep my mental state stable. I am by no means perfect- oh how my husband would laugh to read me giving advice on keeping calm and sane, but these aides to my life have helped me so much and I found today my blood pressure is the lowest its been in 14 years.
1. Practice Mindfulness
I mentioned this way back in January. I followed the eight week programme in this book and it took me five months to really feel the benefit. Many times I nearly gave up but I am so glad I continued, even if it was through gritted teeth as I truly feel the positive effects. Mindfulness is basically daily meditation. I do around 15-20 mins every morning before I go to work. There is no special secret, a book like this is helpful as it gives you goals to get the process going, a framework to work in and the CD provides you will a selection of meditations. There is a free meditation to download here. I also found this on Amazon and I use the CALM practice, the sleep, the Complete Breath and the Focusing the Mind meditations and they are my current favourites. The hardest part of Mindfulness is keeping it going in the early days when it can be irritating, annoying and apparently without effect. Persevere and practice. It has given me calmness, perspective and rest.
I found this on Instagram mainly via Trudi and Justine. I use a simplified version of it and it is a step up from a to-do list. I have a monthly overview and tasks. I use daily lists on most days but not all. You can make it more complex, all the info is here. These are my prettier looking lists, monthly is above, daily is below but the reality is it is often in pencil or black. However its written, it helps me keep on top of things and it also gives me greater strength in saying no when necessary as I can see when time is booked up at a glance.
3. Answer these questions
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| No direct source for this- found the questions on Facebook and wrote them in my diary |
Self explanatory.
I don't claim to have any great secret. My favourite quote is from Oprah Winfrey. I found it in a magazine on my way to London to the first Fat Quarterly Retreat. I tore if from the magazine and I still have it:
" The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there is you are willing to work"
I have had to work hard, especially on the Mindfulness. Its been worth it.
