Now I know some may think it is impossible to change or slow down, you are doing good to just keep things moving along. But I honestly can tell you when I do these things, everything else seems more focused and organized. Yes the chaos (and I still have lots of chaos) has some semblance of organization.
1. Setting a time to get up and get moving for the day
I hate alarm clocks and waking up early. Add to it that my wonderful hubby is a late snoozer as well. Mornings have always been a chore. Before kids my favorite shift to work as a nurse was 2p-10p. I was able to sleep until I naturally woke up, complete life's necessary errands, and still be home from work at a decent hour to get a good night's rest.
So I made a compromise to myself. I will "sleep in" by most standards until 7:30a but no snoozing after that. To make the deal, I schedule in a nap/relaxation time. I love naps and not sure why after kindergarten we had to leave them behind.
2. House Clean (or at least picked up) before bedtime
I dreaded the thought of waking up to a house that had to be cleaned, a sink full of dishes, or worse a pile of laundry on the couch to be folded. I know I am not the only one who has had this struggle. After late night ball games or practices, or long day of work, it is easy to skip it and leave it for tomorrow. The extra 10 minutes will make a huge difference, just try it! Check out a easy to follow plan here from Happy Money Saver blog.
3. Cleaning My Face
Sounds silly but following a nightly regimen of cleaning & moisturizing has made a difference. I have always had naturally clear skin so I had the worst habit of going to be bed without taking off my make up. I would wake up with mascara smeared and just a grungy feel (and I wear very little make up). But as I am aging I am finding first off that I need to be sure to take care of my skin and secondly a routine helps to settle me in for the night. My mind runs constantly but this simple ritual has caused my mind to shift gears and realize we are closing down the crazy day train for sleep.
4. Quiet Time
Time alone in scripture is a MUST if I am to make it through a day. I often give myself several timeouts when I see my frustration with the kids rising. One of the best benefits of homeschooling has been the ability to shift our schedule. If we are having a rough morning we shift gears, get outside or spend some quiet time to reset our moods. We have less raised voices and hurt feelings and are still able to get our daily tasks accomplished.
5. Check In as A Family
With so many kids running in opposite directions, we make an effort to have time to be all together and talk about our day. Our church has provided a wonderful ISpy devotional we used a few months back. The time is short but just the 15-20 minutes of everyone together makes a world of difference. We laugh and giggle. We all share how we can pray for each other. This is my favorite part of our routine.
6. Eating healthier
If you know me you know I have always struggled to BE healthy! Genes, bad habits, and well honestly just my own laziness to do what is needed created my struggles. I do not want to be healthy now for vain reasons but so I can run and play for many years to come. So I am putting meal planning and healthy eating a priority.
7. Increasing my activity
This is everyone's resolution for a new year. Move more. Get fit. Well I am no different. Studies show that sitting behind a desk all day or plopping down in front of the TV at the end of the day is a receipt for disaster. So I am going to get moving this year! I always feel better and it provides a great opportunity to spend time with the kids.
So as the new year speed towards us and life continues to complicate, I am committed to these 7 simple things! What habits will you try to stick to in 2016?
Interested in a structured 24 Day Challenge aimed at teaching you a healthier way to live and BE! Check it out here!!
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