New year, new you?

I observed something last week and I wonder if you ever notice this for yourself too?

Things had been tracking along quite normally until last week I found myself snapping at my family and losing my cool over things that don't normally bother me. Before I knew it I was stuck in a 'funk' of exhaustion and bad mood without much clue as to how I got there! 

Life can get busy, especially at the start of a new year - kids are settling back into their routines (sometimes not so smoothly!), adults are readjusting back into the work mindset (also sometimes not so smoothly!), parents are remembering what it's like to juggle several hats at once, tasks that could be set aside over the holidays all of a sudden pop back up into your view and that lovely holiday glow very quickly begins to dissipate.

Taking a break from the usual routine of life can be energising, but sometimes when it's over we have a false sense of capacity which enables us to throw ourselves back into the year with such gusto that we forget to incorporate some very basic self-care routines. Before we know it, we're struggling to keep up.

When we're moving full steam ahead we often don't leave any space for ourselves to pause and check in. For example: what's my energy level today? what's my emotional tone here? is taking on this additional task right now realistic long term? am I getting caught up in managing others emotions instead of managing my own?

When we rob ourselves of the opportunity to slow down and respond to life thoughtfully, we run the risk of a very quick burn out. And it's only a few months into the year, we've got a long way to go! People often use the analogy of a marathon - in order to make it, there may be a need for the odd energy gel, sip of water, splash of water over your head, a boost from your favourite song and so forth. We're playing the long game here, so have you given yourself a moment to pause and ask yourself what do I need to make it to the finish line (e.g. the next holiday or time off)?

As I wallowed in my moodiness I asked myself these questions and realised all the good habits I had started the year with had already slipped away and I was completely absorbed in the busyness of life - and the emotions of those around me. So, after my kids were in bed I covered myself in aeroguard and spent an hour in my veggie garden breathing in the beauty of daylight savings while I still can. I began to notice my body relax, my breath deepening and my ability to reconnect to a more thoughtful headspace within reach! I also got up a bit earlier this morning to sneak a short bush walk in and listen to a podcast. By 8am my funk had shifted and I was able to approach the day with a lot more capacity to be thoughtful about my responses to others and to manage the ups & downs without spiralling. For me, spending time outdoors is incredibly powerful for boosting my well-being and slowing me down - what is it for you?

Questions for you:

• Are you aware of what activities and environments support you to slow down and do your best thinking?
• Is there a way you can proactively incorporate these into your day? And if that's really hard to do you may need to get creative (for example, if exercise is your thing & you don't have time for a whole work out, can you get similar benefit from kicking a soccer ball with your kid, or doing yoga stretches at your desk?).