When being an adult gets tough…

When being an adult gets tough…

Yesterday I woke and felt a little out of sorts. It wasn’t that I had anything against a Tuesday it just felt like a cloud was hanging over me. Being an adult felt tough. And just like I do every morning I took myself off down the stairs, I popped on the kettle and pulled out my usual mug (because I am a creature of habit like that), I scrolled Instagram because well lets face it its my favourite social media all whilst I waited for the kettle to whistle at me – catching it before it wakes the boys. I poured the hot water into my mug and my morning routine began.

And despite opening my emails and reading one that has the promise of something rather exciting for our little family I just didn’t feel right. It was one of those days where I could have crawled back into bed and hidden under the duvet. If I wasn’t the boss and have 13 girls and boys relying on me each day to show up, stand by my commitment and lead by example I would have done just that. Hidden away until I felt a little brighter. Because some days we need to put ourselves first – but that wasn’t yesterday. And despite feeling meh I am glad that I showed up, one of my team needed me and I know that she felt better for talking things through.

Now it was my turn, I needed to turn my feelings around and despite trying different things throughout the day I just couldn’t get myself back into the right place. And whilst I know that in the grand scheme of things life isn’t tough for me, for our little family – I think in the midst of the busy lives we lead things got on top of me. Little things. Or at least that’s how I am looking at it. I felt sad. It took until I arrived home and fell into the arms of Mr H, my best friend, husband and general hero that I could feel my moody lifting. Thank you Mr H.

I used the following ways to get myself into the right place, some failed, most worked and on the back of yesterday I have brainstormed a bunch of blog post ideas and now I’m bursting with inspiration and positivity. Yay.

1. Go for a walk 

Generally this is where I start, I’m guilty of not breaking at lunch so when I’m feeling out of sorts I take myself off even if just for 15 minutes. Even walking our furry baby helps to put things into perspective. Sadly this didn’t work yesterday as there were road works happening around me which just filled my head with more noise.

2. Look through your camera roll

Taking five, with a good old fashioned cup of tea is always a good way for me to give myself a moment. And scroll. Scroll the camera roll, relive the memories, smile and scroll some more. The best five minutes for sure.

3. Cook your favourite meal

I love good food, you know that one meal or in my case there’s a few – the ones that make you smile. And this is where Mr H came in, he made one of my favourites – chicken, egg fried rice and soy sauce. Nothing ground breaking but he makes the best egg fried rice and as I don’t really eat carbs it was a real treat.

4. A cuddle

This is also where I went wrong yesterday – you see George was out at a play date after school and he gives the best cuddles. I always look forward to my small human jumping up and wrapping his arms and legs around me, makes me feel like I have my baby back – those cuddles are so good. I contemplated driving to his little friends house demanding cuddles from my curly haired sweaty boy, instead Mr H stepped in and I patiently waited until he returned.

5. Play a song

Music always makes such a difference to my mood. Songs really do have a magical power don’t they? I have a play-list on my Spotify filled with songs that just make me smile, you know the ones – that instantly lift the mood. Songs that transport me back to a moment in time. If George had been home it would have definitely been a night for a kitchen disco. That always makes me feel better!

6. A little retail therapy

In my case a gorgeous little parcel from a brand I work with made its way through my door yesterday and boy did it lift my mood. I’m such a cliché but who doesn’t love new treats. Perfectly timed. I am however about to go on a little shopping spree, have you noticed that all the summer sales are starting? Yikes. Now that is something to be excited about.

And lastly… A good old fashioned chat with a friend

Yesterday for me that was my friend Jenny who was so very kind and despite having a newborn was there for me. She listened, nodded along and gave some good advice too. And of course Mr H. Even if the conversation turned to birthday party madness, gardening and less about the way I was feeling. But that was ok as in some way he distracted me.

How do you get yourself back on track?