As per my last post the last couple of years (and especially the last 12 months) have been the start of a new normal for me

I am used to my new normal and the routine required. I have some things I do everyday for my self care and sanity – meditation and gratitude journal and usually exercise. But since my surgery I have been unable to exercise except for some light walking. The absence of exercise along with eating worse than normal while on holidays has really thrown out my sleeping and I turn my motivation, mood and energy levels.

So this weekend (including Friday as I don’t work!) I decided to start trying to find my way back to me.

First I took time to have a long slow breakfast after taking the boys to school which is good for relaxing and self care.

I got back to painting my back room which has been an on and off project over the year and finished this over the weekend. Improving my house and completing projects I had started it is good for my motivation

I had time to myself while the boys were with there dad for dinners I wanted and a Netflix binge fest. More self care and relaxing.

I went shopping for birthday presents and camp requirements for my eldest and bought myself three items of clothing

1 x jumpsuit I had been eyeing off for a while and want for an event coming up

1 x pair of pants that are similar to some I already have and wear constantly

1 x top that I bought because I loved the colour, it was pretty and it made me feel good

I went for a walk with the dog, did some of the physio exercises and started some upper body exercises so that it didn’t impact my leg. My body was a bit sore for it but it was a good sore.

Painted my toenails, because I can finally reach them again just in time for the good weather that is starting and that means strapped shoes.

Planned out my vege garden and planted seeds with my eldest. Home grown vegetables are great and anything that grabs my sons interest and isn’t a screen is a huge win.

Meal planned, shopped and baked cupcakes for snacks this week and lasagna for two nights dinners to make my week a little easier.

This is the point where I should point out the boys were with their dad for most of the weekend. There is no way I could have been this productive otherwise.

And the big thing for this weekend my usual Sunday 4pm slump (you know the one where you realise that the weekend is over and work is the next day) didn’t hit until 6.30. I take that as a massive step forward.

• Self-Care