If you’re reading this I bet you’re tired. You tired? Fed up? I know I am, and quite quickly we end up running ourselves into this vicious cycle far too often. I’ll walk you through it. You already know the road so it should be familiar.

It’s a new year. This is it you think. This year will be different. A chance to put myself first and do the things I would like to do and not be so damn tired all of the time!. Except it doesn’t quite work out that way. Plans sneak in. One favour turns into more. Chores start building up and new ones you didn’t even think about suddenly appear. What’s one more thing to add to the list you think? Might as well do this thing too.

You hear it said over and over, you need to look after you! Buzzwords do the rounds on social media – self-care, self-nurture, mindfulness. All wonderful in theory but who has the time? You do! I’m here to advise you (because no one likes being told what to do do they) that with a little rejigging you can add these things in.

My friend Rachael who does an excellent job of running this blog, several social media accounts, and chasing after a lovely albeit high spirited toddler said to me that you can do micro meditations. Whilst making a cup of tea, slow down and take your mind off the next thing. Focus on the cup, the water, the tea bag (or coffee, if it’s coffee I’m with you) stirring, dissolving. Just those few minutes can make a difference. It won’t change your life immediately. There are no easy fixes for change. We all know this. What it will do is make you realise how fast your mind was going and how you can slow it right down. Give yourself a bit of time to pause. When you’re feeling brave enough you can expand on it. Perhaps rather than the quick shower because you have to get this and that done, you think, those things can wait or I will ask someone else to do them and treat myself to a bath. It’s little steps but all helps towards making us feel that little bit happier.

Love Mel xx