Wake Up Call

 Today was an extremely early morning but one completely worth it. I woke up to find my partner wide awake at 3am, maybe we both should of tried to sleep again but that didn't happen. I love those times of day or night that feel like you're the only two people awake in the world at that moment. We had time that was just ours. No interruptions, no rush and nothing to do except spend quality time as the two of us. I'll always take those moments with him.

We have an amazing connection and really open up to each other and just talk so freely. It can be so rare to find someone who you feel completely at ease with. I really cherish that.

The day then started with a drive back home where we could further talk. We laugh so much too. I was home to do the school run and a bit of sorting at home and then I headed to the gym for my first pilates class. I'd never tried it before and really enjoyed the slower pace but toning benefits. It seemed great for balance too.

I do like to push myself in ways to help ease my anxiety. It may sound strange but causing a little anxiety that I can manage gives me that sense of control back. So yes it was my usual gym and yes I have done classes before. I vaguely knew what pilates was but didn't know the teacher or people in the class. That never bothered me going somewhere knowing that I wouldn't know anyone else there if it was a solo workout. So its very manageable to try something new at a place I know and feel comfortable in and doing something I know I could join in with. It's also low intensity so no adrenaline running from heavy weights or fast paced exercise. For myself I feel that can worse anxiety a little or that I find it harder to recover my breathe as though its caused a little panic.

So today was early rise, connect with loved ones and gentle exercise to start. Absolute bliss!

Much love,

Becky xx

Work It Out

 Last December I joined a lovely gym and really enjoyed going. It had everything I needed, it was friendly and clean and I found myself wanting to go and to improve myself.

It was also a massive help in diagnosing and recovering from my TIA (mini stroke) as the treadmill had been tracking my heart rate. The stats where wildly different before and after the incident so it then became piece of mind that I could monitor and recognise signs of blood clots or just my health in general. All was going steadily but I haven't been for a month now.

I had a procedure on my leg which meant no saunas, swimming or heavy exercise for 4 weeks at least. I didn't realise how much I had missed it and also how much it helped with my mental health. Its a proven fact that exercise releases endorphins and that being in good health itself lowers stress and reduces triggers that can affect mental  health. This I know but its also a hobby, a chance to socialise or get some alone time, somewhere to enjoy my music or a podcast uninterrupted and a personal challenge. 

Feeling yoy have worked hard or achieved and improved is a massive boost for mental wellbeing. Its the equivalent of those little gold star stickers we got at school. Especially in western countries we are programmed from a young age to seek rewards. As children we are praised, given certificates, have award assemblies and given those shiny gold stars. As we grow to adults we still seek that validation and praise but where does it come from?  

You may have some wonderful people on your life or a workplace that offers you praise and recognition but for many of us this isn't an option or steady trickle of praise. So we have to learn to high five ourselves. Make it a point each day to say out loud well done and recognise one thing you did that day. Whether it's a personal best in the gym or doing the dishes. Even a compliment to yourself or remembering a past achievement you are proud of. Relive that moment. And what if you can't think of a single thing? Praise the fact you are here which means you have survived every single hardship so far. You're doing amazing.

Much love,

Becky xx