I logged onto work early this morning and then logged off late and didn’t go for a walk at lunchtime as planned. So, by the time it got to tea time I could feel the stress building up.

I immediately went into ‘mum’ and ‘wife’ mode and was about to ask everyone else what they wanted for dinner when I stopped in my tracks…

The reason why I stopped is because and thought about what would make me feel better before I faced the rest of the family to discuss dinner and before I offer to do things other things for them or with them. I decided to add a short break in between leaving my ‘home’ work desk and starting the evening.

Doing something for myself

So, I closed myself in the conservatory and opened my planner, that I’ve recently started writing in again on a daily basis.

Today’s message to myself and the first two things that I’d written under morning mindset were as follows…

If I was to let nothing faze me then I could sit there and plan my next 30-60 minutes without worrying about anyone disturbing or bothering me about being bored or hungry. Let’s be optimistic I told myself.

I decided to start writing today’s post there and then as (1) I love to write so I’d be doing something for me, and (2) It would get done quicker and I wouldn’t be thinking about what to write when I’m tired later. I could use the time later to edit it instead.

I then closed my eyes and took several long deep breaths, and I mean the proper deep breathing where you let your tummy expand as well as your chest.

I felt calm and a lot more in control.

I then planned to go and tidy or organise something (which always makes me feel good) and update with some notes below later.

Later in evening

I remembered it was rubbish collection day tomorrow so emptying the bins kept me occupied for a while. There’s something quite satisfying about taking out the bins and making the house feel lighter. I even sorted out a load of recycling.

I met a neighbour when I dragged the bin round the back. I hadn’t spoken to her since the beginning of lockdown so it was good to see how her and her husband have been coping (we stayed 2 metres apart of course).

I needed to pop to the shops for a couple of items (I do prefer going to the supermarket when it’s quiet and there are no queues outside). As I was walking out of the door, my husband was asking me what was for dinner. I said that I hadn’t planned anything and told him what was in the fridge. “I’ll make myself an omelette or something when I get back,” I said.

Nothing was going to faze me, not even the fact that they didn’t have the items that I wanted in the supermarket. I just enjoyed my wander around the quiet isles and my slow ‘few minute’ drive back.

I returned home, wiped my shopping down and put it away. I felt quite chilled.

I think I did very well at diverting the stress and not letting anything faze me. I’m so pleased that I took your time to write those words this morning. I might not have cooked anyone dinner this evening, but I don’t feel guilty as we did have a late lunch of yesterday’s leftovers. They all found something to eat for tea.

I might even go to bed earlier after a bit of meditation.

Until tomorrow…

Sandra