First things first

Slow down, sweeties

I was on the phone to my mom yesterday discussing all things health, wellness, and anxiety - we are kindred, anxious spirits.

A lot of what we discussed was pretty simple really (hehe).

I discussed this in one of my earliest posts as it’s a huge part of why I started this blog. When it comes to being WELL, there is so much knowledge out there, so where the bl**dy ‘ell does one start? Or finish, for that matter. In that same post, I also discussed the use of four pillars (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) as a way of categorising / breaking down the learnings.

And, if you’re someone who has perfectionist behaviours / tendencies, there’s often the paralysis that comes along with those. I touched upon this in my one of my previous posts: “perfectionist behaviours can very often paralyse my action, especially if the task at hand is a big one - “if I can’t do it “perfectly”, then I won’t do it at all”.

In this instance, the big task at hand = being WELL - in a big, noisy environment.

As my mom said: “wellness is becoming very big and very confusing for a lot of people. This can increase their anxiety even more”.

YEP.

So, where to start? Level 1.

Think of this level as your basic b*tch level. I emphasise ‘your’, as this level may look different for everyone.

What are behaviours that you can put into practice every day? With relative ease.

For me, level 1 may look like:

• waking up at the same time every day (this is in my control, vs. sleeping at the same time every night which isn’t always - dinner plans, etc.)

• not checking my phone when I wake up

• having my coffee with no distractions

• getting outdoors in the morning

• eating three meals a day

• drinking enough water every day

• walking every day

List goes on…

So, I start with level 1… the “basics”. Stick to these for ~66 days - I talked about this in last’s week post ;) create new habits, develop my new “normal”.

And then? I might want to progress to level 2. I might not. That’s ultimately up to me.

For me, level 2 may look like:

• not checking my phone within first hour of waking

• spending 15-30 minutes outdoors in the morning, within first hour of waking

• getting enough protein in all three meals

• daily 10-minute meditation

• 2-3 gym sessions per week

• x amount of steps per day

Etc, etc.

And I may flick between levels from time to time. Some months, level 1 behaviours might be all that I feel I can manage. In the same breath, these behaviours are ultimately there to help me feel and live better, so life tends to become “lighter” when I do prioritise them. Again, I think sticking to any behaviour for x amount of time is key, as that’s when it tends to become habit and I truly notice the benefit / change.

Alright, I’ll leave it there for now, as I could keep going forevs and evs. Getting better at knowing my limits ;)

More to come, always.

Simply slowing it down,

Salty