Highs and lows, ups and downs, and everything in between

Do you ever feel the storm clouds gathering? When the 'Negative Nellie' version of yourself starts taking over from the generally positive, everyday you.

That was me last Friday.

I had just returned from a fabulous few days away, child-free in Sydney. I saw Hamilton, caught up with friends and ate delicious food. It had been busy but loads of fun. I had also been spending time on social media, for Brave Smart Strong and personally. For me an extroverted introvert, being social in person and even online, takes a lot of energy. While I love catching up with my beautiful and amazing friends, it can take its toll.

Sensing a low mood approaching and Negative Nellie taking over my internal monologue, I decided some proactive self care was needed.

What did I do?

1. I took a break from social media and my mobile phone. I find a digital detox, switching off from social media and the news, really helps me to relax.

2. I prioritised sleep. I went to bed early and thanks to a long weekend and no kids sport, I slept later and took my time over breakfast.

3. I got outside. This didn't work as well as usual because it was cold, blustery and grey most of the weekend. However I did enjoy hanging with the chickens, managed some weeding, and took the dogs for a walk/very slow jog.

4. I simplified meals. I reheated frozen pizzas, we ate tacos and my husband - not a great cook - BBQ'd hamburgers. This made evening meals quick and easy, and we then relaxed and found a family movie to watch together.

5. I didn't drink. I have been taking a break from alcohol over the past few months and I feel like I have more energy than usual and certainly don't miss waking up with a wine headache.

By Tuesday morning I felt I had turned a corner, the storm clouds were beginning to clear, and my Negative Nellie internal voice was fading. This week has been a busy one, but I did continue to make sure I went to bed early, read a good book tucked up toasty warm in bed, and I stayed away from social media. Now it's Friday and I'm totally back on track.

It's really important that we check in with ourselves, observe our moods and how they go up and down, high and low, and everything in between. By making time for self care sooner rather than later, I have found I can avoid or lessen the lows, and that can only be a good thing. My advice, take some time to find out what works for you.

L x