If you’ve read any of my articles, you probably know that I am always searching for the elusive balance we all want to have—the balance between work, family, friends and personal time. And while I believe that it does not exist, I do think that sometimes, to succeed in one or two areas, you may have to let go of certain areas. For example, when I am focused on work, I usually opt out of going to dinners with friends as I’ve found that dropping my family is not an option. Another thing I could leave behind is, of course, personal time. But I’m now realising that personal time, me time, Phindi time should not be compromised. I am realising that putting myself aside is not sustainable. Truthfully, one thing that has fallen by the wayside is the notion and appreciation for self-care, from little things like not finding the time to work out to more significant things like not being on top of my mental health. However, as another year passes by faster than I ever thought possible, I am choosing to put the focus back on myself… sustainably and realistically.

Lately, this means finding 30-40 minutes to work out every day. I fit this in even on busy days by walking to pick up my daughter instead of taking public transport. Which I recently discovered is only 10 minutes faster. Another way is by getting serious about my nightly routine. One thing I have recently discovered and loved is mobility training. This type of movement is designed to help you move and feel better overall. It can be intense as it works the muscles in ways you may not be used to. But as someone with chronic pain, I have found that moving my body (mobility training) for 30 minutes every night really helps me sleep deeper and better. I also find that my body feels a whole lot better. So if you are keen to give it a try, then download the FitOn workout app. And look under the mobility section of workouts for a few options. These simple and body opening movements have been a game-changer for me and honestly make me feel like a new person.

Lastly, I have been more conscious about how I eat. This does not mean going on a diet or calorie counting but rather ensuring that my body is adequately fueled for all I want to do and achieve in a day, including drinking more water and shutting down my phone at 8 pm.

These small changes are not only game-changing but also sustainable. If you create habits around these lifestyle changes, you will definitely be able to live a more rounded life. So try it out, see if it works and let me know what you think.

The post How I’m choosing myself this month and beyond appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

For many years now, I have been feeling like I’ve been running on an energy deficit. As a mom to a toddler who still sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and the fact that for the past two or so years, I haven’t really slept through the night , I feel like I am running at an even larger deficit. When you add insomnia, poor self-care and stress, then you have what I can only describe as a recipe for disaster. But with so much riding on me performing at my best at all times, I have started looking at ways to try and figure out how to deal with my chronic fatigue. 

1. Cleaning up my bedtime routine: Being pregnant, moving to a new country with no friends, feeling restless and Covid, I turned to TV for solace. More explicitly, Netflix and Amazon Prime. And while I still love watching my shows and movies, I have realized that when I cut out watching TV in bed from my nighttime routine, I fall asleep faster. Also, a few months ago, I have been using blue light glasses, which have helped with headaches and for my eyes to adjust better to screens. Another bedtime hack is having good bedding, comfortable pyjamas and, of course, an good book to read before bed.
2. Vitamins: I’d like to say that I am consistent with my vitamin D, which I take every morning with my cup of hot lemon water. An essential vitamin for energy and so much more, I have really enjoyed the liquid drops and find they help me feel more energized. The rest of the vitamins are still a work in progress, but I have a suspicion they too will help with some of my chronic fatigue.
3. Taking naps: Now that my daughter is in creche, I value a good nap. This means napping for a good few hours or even just 30 minutes when I can. And on weekends, when I find myself particularly worn out, I try to nap when she naps which is always a good hour or two and leaves me feeling refreshed. The trick for me, however, is never to nap past 4pm, otherwise I find myself awake way past the early hours of the morning. 
4. Foam rolling, gentle stretching and self massage: As a fan of self-massage, I find that when I give my body some extra love, I sleep better. This can mean a one-hour foam rolling session or a quick oil gua sha massage. Or if I really want to take the self-care up a notch, then a good stretch and facial do the trick before bed.
5. Balanced diet: While I will never be one to turn down some junk food. I do notice that when I eat better, I feel better. This means lots of fruits, good quality meat and lots of vegetables. Sneaking in iron through spinach in my morning smoothies also helps me feel better but also ups my iron intake, especially during my period. 

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If you are like me then you are probably overall the articles, social media posts and talks about living a healthier life. And whilst I for one am not one for telling anyone they need to change. I can say that when it comes to our health, we can all do better. Not just for things like losing weight but also for overall health. Personally, I’ve been really inspired to get healthier.

With an active toddler, a busy social life, and not one but three jobs, I feel I need to pay particular attention to my health to keep up with all of it. Have good mental health and be able to climb the five flights of stairs to our apartment. And whilst I currently am not in my best health with a tooth abscess and on antibiotics. I am still trying to implement some of these healthier habits throughout my days and weeks.

1. Drink more water: We all know that drinking water is good for you and as hard as it can be, one of the ways I like to up my water intake is by starting my day with a glass of lemon water in the morning. And ending it with a glass of water in the evenings. Throughout the day (when I remember, I like to carry around my glass water bottle with me that reminds me to hydrate.
2. Move your body: Whilst moving your body every day can seem impossible. It is necessary. Moving your body does not have to mean doing an intense cardio session or hitting the gym. It can be as simple as taking a walk or even doing some sort of yoga or stretching.
3. Eating more fruit and vegetables: As a mom with a toddler. I often find that the best way to get my toddler to implement healthy behaviour’s in her diet and food choices is by doing the same. This means snacking on peas instead of chips. Eating lots of fruit and making all of this tasty by adding vegetables like spinach to my smoothies, or reaching for an apple instead of a biscuit when I find myself needing a midday snack. Again how far you take this is up to you. And you do not always have to take the healthier option. The name of the game is balance and accountability.
4. Get more sleep: As a struggling insomniac, I can tell you now how hard this is for me. But I do n-know that when I sleep more, I feel better and can be more productive throughout my day. Aiming for quality sleep is just as important as quantity, which means ensuring your room is comfortable, clean and electronics free for better sleep.
5. Connect with loved ones: With so much being thrown our way the past few years, one of the best ways to take care of our health is by talking to loved ones. I know that it can feel like you are being a burden when sharing struggles with those you love. But trust me when I say that it is well worth it. And it is better than getting into a mental funk that is hard to pull yourself from. So whether it’s sending funny memes or calling a friend in the morning. Or my personal favourite, getting in cuddles with my daughter every night. I always make sure to find ways to connect with those I love.

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Whilst I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to skincare. I am first to do all that I can to prevent early signs of aging and keeping my skin supple and plump. Which is why when satin and silk pillow cases hit the market a few years back. I was keen and eager to try them on. Whilst the case for them may seem weak at first. Upon further inspection, it is clear to see why these types of pillow cases are all the rage in the hair and skin care community. Here are just some of the benefits of silk and satin pillow cases;

1. Help to reduce fine lines when sleeping by providing less friction on your face when turning whilst you sleep
2. Helps to reduce hair breakage due to less friction
3. Due to silk pillowcases use of natural fibers, they are also great for preventing breakouts
4. Hair style will last longer
5. Hair will retain moisture for longer in both hair and face
6. Frizz protection for hair

Are satin or silk pillowcases something you would try?

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No one knows about pushing their body beyond what seems normal than I do. As a workout junkie, I love nothing more than a good sweat session. Which is why when it comes to working out, I am always looking for the best ways to get through particularly difficult workouts. And after a few years of trial and error, I think I have just the solution. Whilst I never believe in a one size fits all approach. I do believe that you will be able to find something that works or helps even just a little bit.

1. Foam rolling: I cannot stress the benefits of foam rolling enough. Personally I like to foam roll both before and after a workout. And whilst foam rolling isn’t for everyone as it can be a bit intense. It does help stretch out muscles and ease sore muscles.
2. Hydration: Hydration is important to all our lives wether we workout or not. But if you are getting a sweat session or two into your week, then it is even more important. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, before, during and after. This will help with your recovery and any aches and pains.
3. Stretching: If you’ve had a personal trainer or been to any workout class. Then you know how important stretching is. Personally I almost always feel too tired to stretch, but after missing this important step one too many times. I now know and can see the difference when I actually do stretch.
4. Warm up: Like stretching after a workout. Getting a good warm up is very important to ensuring your muscles are able to handle the stress of an intense workout. While it may not seem necessary. A good warm up can help protect muscles from any undue stress and harm.
5. Sleep: The more you workout, the more you need to rest and sleep. For every hour I workout, I like to add another hour to my sleep. Sleep helps the body to recover quicker and prepare it for what is to come.

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Having a relaxing place to lay down every night is not just important but necessary. With all the stresses we face during the day, it is nice to know you can have a place to decompress and feel safe. Here are our tips for creating a relaxing atmosphere for your bedroom no matter the size;

Remove all technology: As someone who loves to watch movies before bed this is one that took me a while to get used to, but making sure to remove electronics from the bedroom not only ensured that I fell asleep faster but also that when I woke up I didn’t automatically reach for my computer or cellphone.

Get sheets you love: Getting sheets you enjoy looking at not only helps to create a relaxing space but it also can help lift your mood. Personally I enjoy white or dark blue sheets as I find the look calming and pretty.

Get a plant: This one is optional but getting some greenery in your room not only helps to naturally detoxify the air but also helps to calm your nervous system. Try adding a snake plant or a pathos plant to your room for some colour and natural air clearing properties.

Invest in a good pillow: Whilst having a good mattress is a given, a less expensive but necessary upgrade to your bedroom is a good pillow. Choose the firmness of the pillow depending on how you sleep. If you sleep on your stomach opt for a low or no pillow, whilst side sleepers should go for medium thickness pillows to support the neck and spine and back sleepers should either get a neck roll pillow that fits just under your neck or a low pillow with another underneath your legs.

What are some ways you make your bedroom more relaxing?

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