How can you fill your child’s cup when yours is empty? It’s a huge myth that you need to spend lots of time and money to get away from things. Try these simple and freely available tools to bring simple joy back into your day. You could even do all of them in one day to recharge your batteries. You could do some of them with your kids.

Start with 5 things to do before you get out of bed – express your gratitude, set your intentions for the day, take 5 long deep breaths, smile for no reason, forgive yourself for yesterday’s mistakes.

https://www.wisdompills.com/5-things-happy-people-getting-bed-every-morning/

Download by spending 5 or 10 minutes writing down everything that comes into your mind, without judgement.

https://www.chriswinfield.com/morning-pages/

Ease into the day with Yoga from the lovely Adriene Mishler

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBu-pQG6sTY

Eat and drink mindfully by removing all distractions (phone, internet, tv, radio). Smell, see, and taste every bite. Chew slowly. Make mindful choices.

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/mindful-eating

Eat nutritious food Feed your body with food that will nourish it – fruit, vegies, unprocessed, simple. Make it tasty!

Nourish the mind Go for positive and uplifting – videos, shows, articles, magazines, books, people. Neurons that fire together wire together.

Go for a slow walk No need for step counters, times to beat, headphones, breathlessness. Just walk slowly and breathe. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear? https://www.headspace.com/blog/2014/11/19/walk-into-a-mindful-moment/

Let go of judgement There is nothing more liberating than relinquishing judgement of yourself and others.

Take a breather Set aside a few minutes of your day to just breathe. Breathe IN through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, breathe OUT through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, repeat.

Tiny habits Start small. Free online course available at https://www.tinyhabits.com/ .

Gratitude At the end of the day write down 5 things you are grateful for today.

Article Written + Submitted by

Narelle Smith (Family Worker)  Nepean Community + Neighbourhood Services

P: 47218520  E: narelle@nepeancommunity.org.au FaceBook: Parenting in Penrith

Blog: handsheartsminds.wordpress.com