This week has been particularly tiring with train strikes, a 2 hour commute most days and trying to juggle uni work with my part time job as a receptionist. I am a big advocate of looking after yourself in order to avoid burning out and, luckily, this weekend has given me the opportunity to recharge my batteries. This blog is first and foremost a nutrition blog but I think nutrition should go hand in hand with good general health and wellbeing.
When I’m feeling super tired and stressed it can sometimes feel like a huge effort to keep up my normal exercise routine and I feel as though I maybe don’t eat as well as I normally would just because I feel a bit frazzled. But sometimes all I need to do is focus on a few small things to help revive me.
So I thought I would share my own tips and what I’ve got up to this weekend to recharge;
- Focus on eating your 5-a-day. Don’t stress out if you slip into bad habits occassionally when you’re feeling stressed and tired. Just try to eat your fruit and veggies still, and you are making a positive step each day to improving your health.
- Step out into nature. I’m lucky enough to live near the Sussex Downs, a beautiful stretch of coastal countryside. So this weekend my boyfriend and I donned the boots and woolie jumper and went for a walk. Exercise has been proven to relieve stress and getting some fresh air does you the world of good! Maybe you have a park nearby or just a nice 30 minute walk around the block that you can do.
- Prep your meals for the week ahead. (Or just for the next couple of days.) This will save you time later on in the week and take the pressure off worrying about creating healthy dinners from scratch each night. Maybe make up a batch of spaghetti bolognaise or a casserole and freeze or refrigerate it in portions. (I made shepherd’s pie this evening which I’ll turn into chilli tomorrow night.)
- Light a candle. I’m a bit of a candle fiend, especially in the winter when it gets dark earlier! I love lighting a candle – the flickering light is so theraputic and I love subtle flavours like vanilla or winter spice.
- Throw on a favourite tune. I always turn to Corinne Bailey Rae when I want a tune to completely chill out to. (This is a particular favourite of mine.) But, obviously, anything that you find relaxing will do the trick!
I hope these little tips will help you in frazzled times!
Have a great week. x
the simple nutrition blog 