My top tips for mental clarity

When I was growing up, I like many teenagers had issues with my mental health. I not only had poor self esteem but I also never truly felt like I was myself. Then as time went on and I entered adulthood, my life has changed in so many ways that I cant even explain. Now at nearly twenty five, i finally feel like I know who i am as a person and where i am going in life. Even with my renewed clarity in myself, at times like everyone else, I have a horrible day. Things can get on top of us so quickly and we end up feeling in above our heads. Because of this I have written a short list of things that I love to do in order to keep myself being the best mum and partner that I can be. Tip one - Find a moment for yourself This is something that I have struggled with since becoming a parent. I live every moment for my family and it can be hard some days to find a moment alone. When I was struggling with PND after having Xavier I could go days without brushing my hair or washing my face. Small tasks like that were pushed to the side as I felt I needed to focus all I had onto him. Now that I am doing better mentally I like to make sure that each day I take a moment for myself. That could be a moment to sneak in desert once the kids are in bed, or a moment to do a facemask (Xavier loves doing this with me). My ultimate favourite is a moment to go to the bathroom alone once Sean gets home. How many parents can share that want with me? Tip two - Get out of your four walls These days I am a firm believer that in order to have a happy home life, you need to get out of the home! My Maternity Leave with Xavier was just over eight months in length, I can honestly count the amount of times I left the house on my hands and feet. I left the house roughly twice a month and I let myself close off from the world and from reality. Now we have moved, I have joined a play group and force myself out of the house every day even if it is just to take Xavier for a run at the park. Getting out and speaking to people outside our bubble has been doing WONDERS for me.

Tip three - drink that damn wine

In March, we went away for a family reunion and I spent the first two days drinking only soft drink. Well water as well but I mean, no alcohol. But then on the last night, my aunt turned to me and told me to just drink the damn wine. One glass was not going to hurt my baby. Nor was it going to make me incoherent. Let me tell you, I went to bed that night feeling so refreshed you wouldn’t believe it! Now don’t get me wrong, it’s still rare for me to drink. However, after a long hard day I will pour myself a glass and enjoy every single drop.

Tip four - unplug

This year as many of you know, I have been pretty active on social media. I have grown my page, collaborated with a few brands and loved every minute. However all that screen time can effect your mental health after a while.

That is why some times I love to just switch off. I have my phone on silent/no vibrate, and I just leave it in our room, or the car if we are out. Then I can really enjoy the moment with my family.

I have been guilty of letting myself go. I have ignored my body, my mind and those around me and neglected myself. The old mentality I had of I didn’t matter enough to unwind, is GONE. That has been replaced by the knowledge that I deserve to take care of myself,

All my love,

Bec x