Lifestyle changes

As a parent I want to be around to see my children grow up, to enjoy life with them and maybe even watch them have children of their own. Sadly, some events close to home recently have made me think about this a lot and given me a kick up the bum to reassess a few things in my life. A lack of a work life balance and everyday stress has led me to not be fully enjoying the precious time that I do have and this needs to change! I’ve already written a break up letter to my phone and I plan on making a few more lifestyle changes over the next few weeks and months.

lifestyle changes

Nothing changes in a day and I’m not going to put so much pressure on myself that the changes don’t happen. I’ve decided on some goals and made sure they are SMART so specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. 

Drink more water. I love fizzy drinks and would happily drink diet coke all day. I’m pretty sure this isn’t very good for me though and I’m not a massive tap water fan so I need to try and figure out a way I will consistently drink more water. Any ideas welcome. I’m aiming for 5 glasses a day so I can still have coffee and the odd fizzy drink. 

Have at least two nights off a week. I’ve cracked the one night and now I want more. With Teaching part time and wanting to spend my days off with Ava and the boys I spend my evenings doing blog work which leaves NO time for myself, or time with James. I need to get better at my time keeping and organisation to be able to do this which leads me on to.

Use my Bullet Journal. When I use my bullet journal it makes a big difference to my productivity levels and also reduces my anxiety. When I first started using it I was put off by trying to make it pretty and thinking it was taking too long. Recently I’ve been quickly jotting things down for the next day the night before and it helps to clear my mind. I also love crossing things off a list and my brain dump page is now my favourite. I want to consistently use my bullet journal for a month so it becomes a habit. 

Exercise. I have been going to a Yogalates class once a week which I really enjoy, BUT I don’t go every week and if I don’t go I don’t make up for it. I feel so much better when I exercise so I’m aiming for twice a week, a class and a gym visit. 

Do more things to make myself happy. Months ago I wrote a non negotiables list a list of things I would do to make myself happy, with the idea that always giving to everyone else and never taking time for myself means I have nothing left to give. Unfortunately I haven’t been very good at doing the things on this list and so during this next month I want to tick them all off.

I’m hoping these five goals are achievable for me during October and to hold myself accountable I will be coming back and writing about how I got on next month. Who knows, I may even be able to set myself some more goals.

There’s no sure fire way of predicting the future but I’ve had a go at this lifestyle habit quiz, the death clock, which predicts the amount of years I can hope to have left before making any lifestyle changes. It will be interesting to see if that number increases. 

What lifestyle changes would you like to make, if any?

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.

 

 

 

 

26 responses to “Lifestyle changes”

  1. Claire says:

    This is the most lovely list, I really need to do the same, thank you for sharing! x #picnmix

    • MummyandMonkeys says:

      You’re welcome, hope you managed to make a list x

  2. I so need to make a few changes too. Mainly need to start exercising more #PicknMix

    • MummyandMonkeys says:

      Admittedly I’m not doing too well with the exercise one! x

  3. Helen says:

    Do things that make you happy is certainly something I’m sure we could all do this more often 🙂 #picknmix

    Helen x

    http://www.treasureeverymoment.co.uk/

    • MummyandMonkeys says:

      Doing things for yourself is often overlooked when you have small children I think x

  4. Lisa Savage says:

    I’m a diet coke fiend too. I hate the taste of water, so when I don’t drink diet coke I drink Sugar Free squash. My fave at the moment is Robinsons Tropical Twister! Still don’t drink enough though, I know that!
    Good luck with all the goals. They sound very achievable so I hope you find them easy to work at. Don’t forget habits take time to create and time to break too. #picknmix

  5. Ah I love this, even just little changes can make a huge difference. I have to consciously drink water too, I usually put a drop of no added sugar cordial in it to make it more appealing!

    #picknmix

  6. I need to make all of these changes too. I don’t drink anywhere near enough water and was horrified to learn that I have chronic kidney disease caused by long term dehydration. I’m on a mission to drink 2 litres a day but it’s hard to remember when I’m busy with the kids. I also need to start exercising as I do nothing whatsoever, I always say I’m too tired but I know part of being tired is being so unfit! #picknmix

  7. I’m in team needs to do a lot of these too 😉

    Stevie x

  8. A great idea – SMART goals are fab because you are likely to actually DO them and feel good about yourself. I always need to remind myself to drink more water, although I admit I have to have some squash in there otherwise it’s just not going to happen! Good luck with your goals, look forward to hearing how you get on 🙂 #picknmix

  9. I feel like I could have written this. It rings so true. I defiantly need more water in my life. I don’t think my kidneys appreciate the lack of. #picknmix

  10. I love fizz as well and drink a few LaCroix sparkling waters or an off brand everyday to help with water intake. Daily exercise will help as well since it makes you so thirsty.

  11. I need to get in on this BUJO action! I could do with a little less disorganisation, a little more action (please!) I’m off now to read your break-up letter to your phone. Hah! Love it! Could do with spending less time on my phone and drinking more water… Yeah, I think I’m just going to copy your entire list of lifestyle changes! Good luck! To us both! #PicknMix

  12. Rob says:

    Great post. I also struggle to drink enough water but I found that having a reusable bottle really helps. I had a 1 litre Camelback bottle and found I drank loads more water and saved money because I wasn’t buying drinks when I was out and about. I have no idea where it is now, so i’m back on Dr Pepper. #PicknMix

  13. Great list, esoically the you time. I need to do something similar #picknmix

  14. Brandi Puga says:

    This list is great, and so close to home for me! What is a bullet journal? I feel I may need to join you and get one of these!

    #PickNMix
    http://www.bigfitfam.com/5-baby-bag-opopcorn-costume/

  15. I need to make my health a bit more of a priority! It always takes something close to home to make you realise that though which is the sad part! Good luck with it all lovely. I’m off to take that quiz too! xx

  16. I definitely agree with the drinking water and exercising. When I do those I instantly feel healthier. I don’t like London tap water either, and when pregnant it made me feel really sick. We got a Brita filter and kept it in the fridge and it really helps the taste! I need to take more time for myself. I am meant to have Fridays and Saturdays off work but I always end up working – I need to make more effort at taking them off. #picknmix

  17. These are fab goals, and like you say making them SMART will help to achieve them. Totally agree about the drinking more water, at work I’m really good at this but at home I find the kettle going on a lot more. I really need to look into billet journaling, I have heard good things about it. Good luck with these lifestyle changes and hope they help you reach the place you want to be. #Picknmix

  18. Fantastic goals that really will make a big difference to your life. I was the same with my first bullet journal, I bought loads and loads of pretty stickers and did fancy headers for all the lists etc and it became too much hassle. I stated a new one that was very bare bones and it was great and I was definitely more productive. Somewhere along the line though it waned again and I haven’t touched it in months, I really want to get back to it as well. I’ve found having a one of those infuser jugs filled with water with lemon and lime slices in the fridge has really helped with my water intake as its not as boring as plain water. The bottles are good too and you could just refill it without changing the lemons throughout the day until you’ve reached your desired amount. Good luck with your goals x
    #Picknmix

  19. RachelSwirl says:

    I am hooked on coke zero so no tips here… good luck though!

  20. Crummy mummy says:

    We’ve got a terrible work/life balance at the moment and really need to address it – it’s just finding the time!! #picknmix

  21. Finding a good work/life balance is so difficult! I hope these changes make things easier for you #picknmix

  22. Maria says:

    I think I am always going to struggle with work/life balance! Good luck with your goals – you sound very focused a about it all. I always try to have at least two evening off too otherwise I’m just totally drained! #PicknMix

  23. Silly Mummy says:

    Good luck! I drink too many fizzy drinks too. Also need to get back to exercise and have more relaxation time. #PicknMix

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