Reprogramming the RAS week 3
Changing habits and routines takes time and is not always easy as we can often find we fall back into what is familiar, however, when we take the time to invest in what works for us, then in the long run we realise this was not as hard as we may have first imagined and other healthy routines may naturally follow. Here are some ideas of routines or habits we may want to change
Diet
We all need to eat a balanced diet, if money makes this a challenge there are ideas on eating well on a budget https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/eat-well-on-a-budget If things are challenging just now a foodbank may be able to help www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank It’s also important if we can afford extra food we don’t overeat as we are bored or upset. If something is bothering you, please talk to someone about it.
Housework and Interior Design
Often our external environment can reflect how we feel inside. Do you feel you have a lot of clutter, or things you would like to do in the house but just don’t get round to? We all have those wee jobs about the house we put off. Getting into a housework routine can help keep clutter at bay, offer us some physical activity which saves cost of going to the gym! And improve how we feel inside and it’s amazing how a house can be made a home even when money is tight. This maybe offer some useful ideas https://www.idealhome.co.uk/diy-and-decorating/free-ideas-home-decorating-9179
Rest and relaxation
We all need a good sleep pattern and some healthy relaxation habits. Does your home promote calm, could wee changes be made so it’s a place of relaxation, maybe start with the bedroom see if that helps promote better sleep too? There are also heaps of relaxation exercises online, maybe find one which works for you
Companionship
We are social beings and for most people feeling and giving affection is important. Building time for companionship into our routine is important. If we don’t have a lot of friends or family, then it’s looking at how we build connections. Part of a routine maybe looking for new places to connect with others e.g. online arts class, yoga, choirs, and singalongs, they are all out there and having a look we may find there is often more going on than we realise www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk
Family
There is a saying we can pick our friends, but we can’t pick our family and not everyone may want to stay in touch with family, however, if family is important, sometimes it’s just getting into a healthier routine of staying in touch. Even a phone call or a letter if you don’t see each other that often helps maintain those relationships. If you feel work needs done to rebuild family relationships, there is a lot of tips and advice online. If using online resources, check they are from reputable sources.
Knowledge and Learning
Lifelong learning and acquiring new knowledge can be good for our wellbeing and we shouldn’t worry about making mistakes as we learn, everyone makes mistakes until they learn something new If you suffer a health challenge, learning more about your condition from reliable sources and ways to self-manage it can also be good for your wellbeing.
Fun and Leisure
Build some fun and leisure into your daily routine, even thinking about, or trying out new ideas can help fill the day in a meaningful way. Money maybe tight, however, our imaginations knows no limits, use it to find new ways to have fun.
Be Creative
This can be from baking a cake, starting a journal, joining a class, writing a song, making a hope jar, doing some creative artwork with the kids, writing poems, even writing a letter to a friend or family member. Find what works for you.
Selfcare
Make time every day for what matters to you, we are all unique individuals with our own needs and sometimes when life is challenging these can be harder to meet but look for even 15minutes in the day to call your own, to do what matters to you.
Know you are doing the right thing and are appreciated
We all respond to kindness and being kind to ourselves matters, sometimes we find that hard. Using a kinder inner voice is one place to start. Check out www.copescotland.com where there are ideas on being kind to yourself and the planet. You will also find self-care resources which can help you to become your own confidence architect. How often is it we do not give ourselves the credit we are due so do not feel we deserve to be kind to ourselves. It matters we remind ourselves how awesome we are and build onto that self-belief and begin to appreciate ourselves.
Sense of freedom
Sometimes we get so caught up in what we can’t do, we forget what is in our control. We may see lack of money, or someone to do things with as obstacles to what we want to do. Sometimes it’s about working out what matters to us, what is within our control and what maybe we need to find the confidence to go for. Few people if any get everything they want, but having the confidence to set realistic goals may mean we find what we need.
Spend time in nature
From a walk in the park, to time in your garden if you have one, or making your veranda if you have one, to looking at pictures of nature or having plants in the house if you aren’t allergic. Being in nature even watching a video can be good for our wellbeing.
Reflection
Are there any areas where you would like to develop new habits and routines for your wellbeing and how do you plan to bring these into your life?
Please remember you do matter, thanks for reading
Hilda