Health and Well Being

Hi friends, and welcome to this month’s Share Our Lives linkup. Today we’re chatting about how we take a break. Hmmm… how do I take a break? Well, I guess that really depends on a few things—like the season of life I’m in, what kind of day I’m having, and what I feel I need most in that moment. Breaks can be as simple as a small pause to reset (hello hormones and emotions), or they can be a mental holiday, where I let my mind wander. They can also be bigger, like fun getaways, trips, school term breaks, special occasions, or those glorious guilt-free days when I give myself permission to have a do-nothing (or almost nothing) day. So let’s get into it—come along with me as I share how I take a break. Micro-breaks I think micro-breaks are total sanity savers! They’re those tiny moments when you sneak away somewhere you can be alone—even if it’s just for a minute—to breathe before you lose your mind. Haha, I remember when the kids were little and the bathroom was the only place I could take a break. I’d lock the door and just sit there, taking a moment for myself. Have you ever done that? Mental holidays Sometimes I do a mental escape—in other words, I daydream. I’ll relive past trips or plan future ones (I’m starting to feel brave about getting on a plane now!). Other times, I let my mind wander to winning the lotto and how I’d decorate my mansion, especially thinking about what kind of lighting my walk-in wardrobe would have. A chandelier is way too much, so I’d probably go for sleek recessed lighting. Daydreaming like this might seem silly, but it’s a pretty good way to give your brain a break. It lets me step away from whatever is stressing me out at the moment and just have a bit of fun in my head, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Walking I walk to and from work. That walk before work is a mental break that helps me get ready for the day ahead. “Yes, today is going to be the best day ever” is my mantra. The walk home helps me shake off the stress and ringing in my ears from the constant noise at work. Walking is not only part of my routine, it’s also one of my favourite ways to take a break. Term Breaks and Special Occasions I’m so lucky to work in a preschool because we get term breaks! That means three glorious two-week breaks and then a big five-week break at the end of the year. I don’t think I would have lasted this long working in early childhood education if it weren’t for those precious term breaks. For me, special occasions like Christmas, public holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings are also a break. Unless you’re hosting, of course—then it’s all systems go! These special occasions are fun things to look forward to and a nice break from the usual routine. Do-Nothing Days Every now and then (though not as often as I’d like), I give myself a proper do-nothing day. That’s when I have no plans and decide, yep, today I’m doing nothing. But I can only do that now because my kids are grown and my husband works evenings, so I’m often home alone. When the kids were little and I was caring for my beautiful mum, a do-nothing day was impossible. Yikes — the house would have fallen apart! Do-nothing days are great. I’m still working on not feeling guilty about them, but that’s a whole other post. And that’s how I take a break! I also do things like enjoy a cup of tea, play Candy Crush, do a Duolingo lesson, and scroll through Pinterest for fashion and home decor inspiration. Thanks for stopping by. I’d love to hear what your go-to breaks are because we all sure do need them, don’t we? Have a wonderful day! Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne and Sarah.

I wrote a post about my simple wellness routine the other day, and it got me thinking. While I was talking about staying hydrated, which is a classic healthy habit, I realised that some healthy habits that aren’t so healthy may have quietly snuck into our lives I mean, drinking water is obviously important. But lately, I’ve started wondering if this solid advice may have just gotten a little out of hand. And at the risk of sounding dramatic… even something as basic as water can go too far. Yep — too much of it, and you’re looking at some real health risks. So I thought it might be a good time to take a look at a few other wellness habits that seem healthy, but maybe aren’t so healthy after all. Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy 1. Drinking a Lot of Water (Even When You’re Not Thirsty) As I said before, we all know that hydration is important. But there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Drinking way more than your body needs can throw off your electrolyte balance and cause something called hyponatremia. That’s when your blood gets too diluted with water, and your sodium levels drop too low. It can make you feel dizzy, confused, or even seriously sick. What to do instead: Listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, drink. But if you’re running to the toilet every 20 minutes and you’re feeling any unusual symptoms, maybe ease up. 2. Waking Up at 4 am Because “Successful People Do It” Not everyone is made for those super early mornings, and I know for sure that I’m definitely not a morning person. Even if I go to bed early, dragging myself out of bed before 6 am is just too tough. If waking up at 4 am works for you, that’s great! But please don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t. If you’re forcing yourself up super early just because “successful people do it” and you feel like a zombie, that’s not really being productive — it’s more like a punishment. What to do instead: Find a rhythm that works for you. Let go of the pressure to copy someone else’s habits. Success looks different for everyone. Your best start time is when you’ve had enough sleep to feel good and be productive, without needing six cups of coffee to get through the day. 3. Cutting Out Entire Food Groups Unless you have a medical reason, cutting out entire food groups might do more harm than good, mentally and physically. Food fear isn’t wellness, it’s stress in disguise. What to do instead: Eat in a way that makes you feel good, not guilty. Like that viral YouTube video says, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” 4. Forcing Gratitude When You’re Actually Struggling Gratitude journals are great… when you’re in the headspace for them. But when life feels heavy, trying to force gratitude can feel more like toxic positivity than self-care. You’re allowed to feel the hard stuff — and sometimes, you need to. Sitting with uncomfortable emotions is all part of being human.  But of course, drowning in them forever isn’t the goal either. What to do instead: Make space for the whole range of feelings — not just the shiny, happy ones. Gratitude should feel like support, not another thing on your “how to be a better person fast” list. 5. Always Saying Yes to “Self-Care” That Feels Like a Chore Some days, there’s just no time (or energy) for an elaborate self-care routine — and that’s totally okay. Be kind to yourself, do one small thing that helps you get through the day, and move on. Small wins still win. What to do instead: Do self-care your way. Sometimes that means rest. Sometimes that means pizza. 6. Taking a Stack of Supplements Without Medical Advice Supplements aren’t lollies. Too much can be harmful and expensive. What to do instead: Talk to your doctor before starting anything new. 7. Obsessing Over 10,000 Steps a Day Did you know that the 10,000 steps goal was totally made up? It started in Japan as a catchy marketing idea, not science. The truth is, any extra movement counts — whether it’s 5,000 or 8,000 steps. Movement matters, not the numbers. What to do instead: Move naturally. Some days more, some days less. No guilt. 8. Eating Tons of Protein Because “Muscle Gains” Protein is good for us, but I’m not 100% sure if eating loads of it is actually better. I’ve heard that too much protein might stress your kidneys or crowd out other important nutrients. Maybe balance is the real secret here? I’m still figuring this out myself — not because I’m chasing some protein diet goal, but because my son lifts weights and he’s all about the protein. We’ve had plenty of chats, and I’m not convinced that a ton of protein powder, eggs, and chicken breast is the answer. Young people, hey? What to do instead: Keep it simple and balanced. Protein’s important, but I think a diet with variety and moderation is where it’s at. No need to go overboard—just listen to your body and enjoy your food. And also don’t forget to listen to your mums! So there you have it — some classic wellness tips that might just fall into the category of Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy. Yikes! I guess at the end of the day it’s all about finding what truly works for you, getting rid of pressure, guilt and keeping things real. Healthy habits should be about balance, kindness, listening to your own body, and getting advice from health professionals, instead of just copying the latest social media trends. Quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or dietitian — just sharing my own thoughts and experiences. .

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my simple wellness routine—what I do to stay healthy and (mostly) balanced. The word “wellness” can sound like this big, intimidating, life-consuming goal. Something grown-ups have to do to stay alive. But for me, it’s more about the small, manageable things I do to keep things running smoothly. You know, the things that help me stay on track with my health and energy levels. As seductive as the Instagram wellness world can be with its detoxes and sunrise yoga, my routine is far more laid-back and… well, simple. Here it is! My Simple Wellness Routine Walking I don’t go to the gym. Years ago, I tried, and although I loved the idea of it, you know, wearing all the cute gym wear and all. The reality for me was different. I felt overwhelmed and silly, not knowing what to do with those machines. And I found that the whole gym atmosphere just wasn’t for me. Instead of going to the gym, walking is how I stay active. It’s my non-negotiable in my simple wellness routine. Walking helps me clear my head—I could’ve walked to Perth today, it was one of those days! I walk to work, I walk to the shops, and even on the days when the car is available, I still choose to walk because I love it. There’s no better feeling than popping in my earbuds and listening to some music, a good podcast, or a few positive affirmations. And I’m usually walking at a good, fast pace—mainly because I cut it fine and leave home with just enough time to get to work on time. My Simple Skincare Routine I keep things super simple here. Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and that’s about it. I did recently add an eye cream to the mix—always trying to keep those eye bags under control! Food I love food and eat lots of whole foods, veggies, and healthy fats (gotta keep that hereditary cholesterol under control). I actually grew up this way and have my mum to thank for it. She always made sure we had a well-balanced, healthy diet. She was juicing fruit and vegetables before juicing was even a thing. Always ahead of her time, she was! I prefer to avoid pre-packaged and overly processed foods, and I like cooking from scratch. But I also believe a simple wellness routine should leave room for treats, so I’m all for the occasional meat pie, pizza, or hot dog—yum! Stay Hydrated Some days, I’m terrible at staying hydrated, and forget to drink enough—then I end up with a headache. But most days, I do alright. I start my day with a glass of water because I take thyroxine first thing in the morning. Now that we’re talking about hydration, I need to get something off my chest. I’m starting to think that this whole hydration obsession might be a bit over the top. I mean, sure, water is great, but I think there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Yes, drinking water is important, but it’s also possible to overdo it. I’m especially worried about this huge Stanley Cup trend where people are carrying around giant water bottles all day. Too much water can lead to hyponatremia, which is something people definitely don’t talk about enough. Hyponatremia is when you drink so much water that it actually lowers the sodium levels in your blood, messing with your electrolyte balance. I know because this happened to someone I know, and she ended up in the hospital on a drip. Not to freak anyone out, but yes, you can die from drinking too much water. It’s rare, but it happens, so be careful. Health Checks Ugh, this one’s tricky. I do keep up with the important health checks—mammograms, blood tests, eye check and the other one with the cringey name (you know the one I mean). But I’d be lying if I said I’m not a champ when it comes to avoiding medical things I don’t want to deal with. My to-do list should really be called the “to-don’t-want-to” list. Still, I try. Because part of my simple wellness routine means I have to be brave. But I know I need to work on not being so dramatic and afraid of what the results might be. Mindful Moments This is still a work in progress, but I really try to pause and be present because it’s an important part of my wellness routine. I love enjoying a cup of tea at the end of a busy day, or simply taking a few deep breaths, and stopping myself from clenching my teeth! These mindful moments are essential to clear my head and stay sane. If you’re looking for more ways to care for yourself in a simple, practical way, take a look at my post Self-Care Tips That Will Change Your Life for some easy tips to add to your wellness routine. What My Simple Wellness Routine Looks Like Movement: Walking daily Skincare: Simple and consistent Food: Home-cooked and balanced (with room for treats) Health: Check-ups when I stop procrastinating Mindful Moments: Taking time to pause and be present And that’s my simple wellness routine. It’s nothing fancy or scheduled–just some habits that are good for my body and mind. Thanks for reading! Linking up with Erika and Shay

Hi friends, and welcome to the final Let’s Look link-up for 2024! Can you believe it’s the last one? Today, we’re chatting about how to unwind during the holidays. Unwinding can be tricky for me this time of year, with all the end-of-year prep at preschool and the usual busyness of the season. Here in Australia, I’m lucky to enjoy a long summer break after Christmas, and that’s when I can finally get into some proper unwinding. In the meantime, I’ve got a few tips to help make it through the manic holiday season. These tips help me cross the finish line, and I hope you’ll find them helpful, too. How To Unwind During The Holidays Do Nothing I really struggle with this one! But lately, I’ve been learning to give myself permission to do nothing. Just yesterday, after the first of our preschool concert and party days, I came home feeling so incredibly tired. Those out-of-routine days really wipe me out. I was all set to get stuck into a big reorganisation project that’s been sitting on my to-do list. Normally, I’d push through and get it done, but instead, I decided to give myself a break. I even stood in front of the mirror and said out loud, “You have permission to do nothing.” (haha, thankfully, no one else was home to see me talking to myself!) I had a shower and tidied up a few things–baby steps because I’m not quite ready to fully embrace doing absolutely nothing. The guilt did creep in a few times, which is crazy because the only one putting pressure on me to stay busy is me. But I have to say that doing nothing felt so good! So it’s my mission that as I go into 2025, I will do this whole a lot more often. Pamper Yourself I think that one of the best ways to unwind is to have a pamper session. It doesn’t have to be a full-on spa day. Sometimes, just a relaxing shower is all the pampering I have time for during the busy holiday season. But other times, I love to do things like use a hydrating sheet mask, which means I get to lie down for 20 minutes while the mask does its magic. I also love a manicure or pedicure either at home or a salon. I guess at the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works and making time for a little self-care whenever I can. Watch A Movie or TV Show When I want to unwind, I like to pick an old favourite movie or TV show that I know is a guaranteed win. I find it more relaxing knowing that I am going to enjoy my time in front of the TV, and if I doze off, it’s ok too. Light A Candle I love gentle, subtle-smelling candles that waft through the house. Cozy candles are wonderful during the cold months. but I still light them during the summer because their soft glow and soothing scents create a calm and peaceful atmosphere no matter the season. Enjoy a Treat The holidays are all about indulging a little (it’s a good excuse anyway). I love sitting down with a cup of tea and a piece of something sweet, like a festive biscuit or chocolate. A glass of wine is also a winner, and lately, the hot weather has me craving an Aperol Spritz! Walk I find walking the perfect way to unwind during the whole year. Sometimes, I listen to a podcast while I walk other times, I listen to music. Yep, walking is a wonderful way to unwind, and if you’re feeling extra stressed, just walk faster–it really helps! Stretch The right side of my neck is my stress indicator. Once that starts to ache, soon the whole right side of my body starts to hurt if I don’t do some stretching on the yoga mat. I don’t follow any stretching guides (although I probably should). I just stretch like a cat until the pain goes away. These are the tips I use to help me unwind all year long, as well as during the busy holiday season. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have an amazing day. Linking up with Shay and Erika

Your body works hard for you every day, and it deserves some love in return. When it comes to addressing common pains, paying attention to those little signals can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a minor ache or something that nags at you more often, being in tune with your body helps you stay healthy and happy. Let’s look at how you can tackle some of the common types of pain, so you can keep living your best life. Simple Tips for Addressing Common Pains: Headaches, Back Pain, Chest Discomfort, and Abdominal Sensations Headaches? Time to Take Action Headaches are a pain—literally! We all get them from time to time, usually from not drinking enough water, stress, or just a busy day. But if you notice they’re happening more often, it’s worth addressing these common pains before they slow you down. A quick chat with your healthcare provider can help you find the right fix, so you can get back to feeling good and enjoying your day. Overcome Back Pain and Restore Your Well-being Back pain is no fun, but it doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks. Addressing common pains like this early on can really help. If you’ve been dealing with back pain that just won’t quit, it might be time to see your doctor or check out a place like My Back Relief Clinic. They offer effective treatments to help you feel better and return to your everyday activities with ease. Don’t Ignore Chest Discomfort Chest discomfort is something you definitely shouldn’t ignore. Addressing it promptly can make a huge difference. If you ever feel any unusual sensations in your chest, especially if they come with symptoms like shortness of breath, don’t wait—get it checked out right away. It might turn out to be nothing, but it’s always best to be safe and keep your heart in top shape. Tackle Abdominal Sensations with Ease Feeling something weird in your abdomen? It’s not the most pleasant topic, but addressing common pains like this is important for your peace of mind. Whether it’s a cramp, bloating, or something that just doesn’t feel right, talking to your healthcare provider can help you sort it out. Knowing what’s going on helps you stay comfortable and confident, so you can keep enjoying life without distractions. Additional Tips for a Pain-Free Life While it’s important to address common pains when they arise, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few simple lifestyle tips to keep you feeling your best: Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can prevent headaches and keep your body functioning optimally. Move Regularly: Incorporate stretching and exercise into your daily routine to keep your muscles and joints in good shape. Mind Your Posture: Whether you’re sitting at a desk or lifting something heavy, good posture can prevent back pain and other discomforts. Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition supports your overall health and can help prevent various types of pain. Take Care and Stay Happy Addressing common pains isn’t just about getting rid of discomfort—it’s about taking charge of your well-being. By listening to your body and taking action when needed, you’re doing something positive for yourself. Simple steps like staying hydrated, stretching, and regular check-ups can go a long way in keeping you feeling good. Taking care of yourself means you’re ready to take on whatever life throws your way. Addressing common pains as soon as they pop up helps you stay on top of your game, so you can keep doing all the things that make you happy. After all, your health is your best asset, and a little extra care goes a long way.   Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any medical concerns or before making any changes to your health routine.

No matter how packed your schedule may seem or how compelled you feel to be constantly busy, there’s always a way to carve out some free time for yourself. And you know what? You absolutely deserve it – time to unwind, recharge, and enjoy yourself. So, here are some tips on how to find that crucial free time in your life: How To Find More Free Time In Your Life Unlocking Efficiency: Your Digital Assistant To start, let technology work for you rather than against you. While it’s easy to get lost in endless scrolling on social media, the right apps can actually help you reclaim some of that lost time. Utilise apps to streamline everyday tasks such as bill payments, grocery orders, or even scheduling social media posts. For businesses, consider employing online hospitality training or virtual assistant services to delegate tasks that would otherwise consume your time. It’s akin to having a personal assistant who won’t spread rumours about you at the water cooler! The Art of Saying “No” Mastering the art of saying “no” is like discovering a hidden treasure within yourself. When faced with yet another request, harness your inner strength and graciously decline. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Remember, each time you say “yes” to something you’re not passionate about, you’re essentially saying “no” to the opportunity to find free time in your life. So, prioritise wisely and make room for those moments of relaxation and joy that truly matter to you. Embrace Marie Kondo’s Method Get ready to declutter like a pro with Marie Kondo’s timeless wisdom! If it hasn’t been used, worn, or even crossed your mind in the past year, chances are, it’s not sparking joy. Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up your space; it’s about clearing your mind too. With fewer items to sift through, you’ll spend less time hunting down what you actually need. And the best part? Less stuff means less cleaning—talk about a double win! The Power of Batching Discover the power of batching! It’s like creating your own productivity assembly line. By bundling similar tasks together and tackling them in focused bursts, you’ll streamline your life with efficiency. Allocate dedicated slots for activities like email checking, errand running, or phone calls. This way, you’ll avoid the constant back-and-forth, saving both mental energy and precious time to find more free time in your life for what truly matters. Smart Outsourcing Outsourcing isn’t just for big businesses—it’s a game-changer for anyone ready to find and reclaim more free time in life with a smile! Instead of juggling chores like cleaning or meal prep, why not hand them over to the pros? With more free time in your life, you can dive into the things that truly light you up, whether it’s a playful game of hide-and-seek with your kids or a laughter-filled wine night with friends. It’s a smart move that leaves you with more moments of joy and less stress. Embrace “Good Enough” Let’s face it: perfectionism is the ultimate time thief. Sometimes, settling for ‘good enough’ is more than okay—it’s liberating! Not every meal needs to rival a five-star restaurant, and not every email needs to read like a literary masterpiece. So, why not give yourself permission to lower the bar every now and then? Your schedule will thank you, and you’ll discover newfound moments of free time in life to savour and enjoy. Find Your Quiet Hours Uncover your power hours and make them sacred! Whether it’s the tranquil dawn before the hustle begins or the serene night when the world settles, these moments are pure gold. Dive into tasks that demand your full attention and watch your productivity soar. Utilise them for tasks demanding your utmost focus, and witness how swiftly you can conquer your to-do list. Conclusion: Reclaim Your Time and Enjoy Life Reclaiming your time is within your grasp, no matter how hectic life may seem. You deserve those moments to unwind, recharge, and enjoy life. So, armed with the tips, embark on a journey to find more free time in your life. Whether it’s harnessing technology, mastering the art of saying “no,” or embracing simplicity, each step brings you closer to a life filled with joy and relaxation. So go ahead, seize the day, your well-being is worth it!