When I gave up my ‘desk job’ I immediately thought that my new life is going to no doubt, be healthier. All that fresh air and running around the countryside – compared to commuting and sitting down all day. Of course, I was right, my life is alot more active that it used to be. Sure, I used to go to the gym each week, but nothing really compares to a career where you are physically ‘on-the-go’ all the time. What I neglected to think about was that ‘healthy’ spans alot wider than just physical wellbeing.
Getting through this year to date has been a struggle. Enduring devastating news at the end of last year teamed with less than ideal farming conditions have not made for a good few months. I’d say I’ve always been a quite sunny person – I’ve been lucky enough to never suffer with depression or any other awful mental illnesses. That being said, I have had to work a hell of alot harder on my own personal happiness over the past few months, weeks, days and I’d like to share whats helped.
Podcasts.
I listen to them when I’m feeding lambs and sorting out the barn – or last thing at night in the bath. Faves include:
Dolly Alderton & Pandora Sykes ‘The High Low’
Adam Buxton ‘Adam Buxton Podcast’
Radio 4 with Kirsty Young ‘Desert Island Discs’
Writing down everything that is worrying me at night.
I suppose it kind of acts like a to do list for the following day too. I usually split it out into different areas (ie. Farm stuff, Admin, House etc).
Walking the dogs before dinner.
Even if they have all been out all day and don’t need a walk – just taking the time to make the most of the fields where we live.
Setting goals each day.
Not even massive ones, for example – clearing an area of the house (like a cupboard).
Trying to ban myself from looking at my phone in bed.
This is a toughy, but I really am going to try and stick to it.
Drinking more water and adding stuff to my diet rather than ‘taking away’.
Like basically saying to myself – you can eat anything you want – as long as you a certain amount of fruit and veg.
Being grateful.
Taking the time each day to list out in my mind what I am grateful for.
Remembering that ‘everything is fixable’.
And to trying not to get too stressed out if something is going wrong.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this and you find it useful – if you have anything that helps you stay cheerful, feel free to let me know, I would love to hear from you as usual!
Try writing down positive affirmations either first thing in the morning or when you’re doing you “brain dump” to do list at night. Even though it seems/feels really new age or hippie, I’ve found it to be super helpful in staying positive!
I love the idea of adding to a diet rather than taking away! Filling up with goodness so you have no time for the badness. I’m going to take this away.