Since starting The Realistic Mum my brain switched into writing mode and I'm always looking out for stories from conversations and things that happen in the week. I then found that I was going to bed and staring at the ceiling thinking about the idea I had but forgot to write down and now can't remember it. looking at the time, I start counting how many hours I have left to sleep if I fall asleep in that minute. Does anyone else do that and get annoyed that you find yourself about to have under eight hours sleep? Since being aware of this I am slowly getting better and until recently, I didn't realise how vital it was for setting me up for the following day with the chaos and business that the day brings me. If you are like me then you need sleep. Me, I had to be blessed with good sleepers. I think that request with Franklin was missed but I'm managing and trying to find a positive in our nightly midnight party.
If I can get myself 8 good hours of sleep, then chaos you can come at me! I will happily tackle any challenge when I have been well rested and given some time out in dreamland. My biggest struggle is getting there. I could be so tired my body barely makes it up the stairs but some nights I have so much planning and thinking going on in my head, I just can't find the off switch. So what do we do? Here are some tips that I have been doing and learning about to help me turn off my brain and give myself some peace and quiet before bedtime.
1. Read a book - I joined a book club to make myself actually read a book each month. I read just before I go to sleep as I find it makes me super tired concentrating on the text. Just don't get yourself a book you can't put down, save those for weekends or holidays! If you aren't a book lover read a mag or my blog ; )
2. Watch a TV show - Stick to one or two episodes in a sitting and nothing that you are left hanging with making you think about it. I watch anything that is a no brainer or something I don't care enough to think about what is going to happen in the next episode.
3. Put down the phone at a certain time - Looking at your phone before bed is actually the worst thing you can do. It completely stimulates your brain. TV does that too but if you can turn these into your wind down times then go with it but if you are laying there wide awake after spending an hour on Pinterest maybe reconsider doing it at another time.
4. Yoga - This is all about relaxation and something I have just started doing in the evening to help my brain turn off. A friend of mine said that when she does yoga, she leaves all the day's craziness and all her worries right there on the floor while she relaxes and doesn't think about them again. I so need to learn this!!! You don't have to go to a class either, there are loads of apps.
5. Journal - If you still have lots to say and no one to say it to then write it down. You don't have to be a writer to write! Get your worries, thoughts, troubles, annoyances everything out on paper. Did you ever keep a diary when you were young? Same thing!
6. Write a list - If you are trying to tick off the things of the day or plan tomorrow, then make a list at the end of each day so your brain doesn't have to store it. I do a weekly and a daily one and I LOVE ticking off things. It's such an achievement!
7. Just sit - Last week I couldn't be bothered reading or could decide what to watch and the fire was making the most soothing crackling noises. I just turned everything off and sat and watched it. It completely relaxed me and made me feel so cozy.
8. Stretch - I always come home after Monday night netball and have a really good stretch. It makes my whole body relax. I'm not planning on doing the splits anytime soon but if I have a good stretch, my back doesn't hurt and I am more comfortable in my bed. I was given a foam roller for Christmas and oh my goodness it is like having a quick massage and I love the sound of my back cracking. I'm a weirdo like that
9. Listen to music - My kids love music to dance or sing to and I love to put on some tunes when I'm cleaning and cooking. It really takes my mind off everything whether I'm singing along or dancing it out in the kitchen with the kids. It would wind them down so much that watching them I decided I wanted in and joined them. A few years ago we started Friday Dance Party and it feels so good letting my hair down and it's in front of my kids so don't feel self conscious at all. Actually the more you get into it, the cooler they think you are. Don't believe me? Ask your kids!
10. Shower or have a bath - The door is closed and you are completely alone. You can't really get more relaxed than that. On the weekends, the bathroom door gets closed and all issues need to go directly to Daddy because that is precious me time. I'm not even one for long showers but I just love having no one screaming mum at me and not having to worry (or care) what the kids are getting up to.
Find a way to wind down at the end of each day. It will make such a difference to your mood, your sleep, your relationship with your family and most importantly, how you feel about yourself. Just switch off that busy brain of yours and chill out..... Wine always helps xx
Happy Weekend Mummas x
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Jack and Eva watching the sunset with front row seats
Dreaming
Pondering Life