photo credit: Finsec via photopin cc
photo credit: Finsec via photopin cc

I’ve been taking part in Aviva’s Stress Less challenge in conjunction with Mumsnet and I’ve been trying out the tips they recommended for me over the last seven days. In all honesty, I’ve found myself a little bit stressed with the pressure of ensuring I’ve tried them all out and given them a good go.

I tried to do a video blog of how I got on but for some reason I’m having difficulties editing it on this new laptop of mine, so I’ll need to work on that and try and get that sorted for next week.

So, how did I get on? Sadly, not nearly as well as I’d hoped, to be honest.

My little one, six, has been fab at pitching in with some smaller chores around the house. She’s actually been quite keen thanks to the reinforcement of a few rewards and it has made some mornings run a little more smoothly. So, tip one – yeah, pretty good. But, it’s not made a huge difference to my lifestyle in all honesty.

Tip two from the Aviva experts was the relaxation exercises. Tensing the shoulders and then relaxing and working my way through the muscle groups….well, I’m afraid I’ve tried this only a couple of times and it’s not for me. I found myself cringing and feeling quite uncomfortable throughout the whole process. Plus, I’m not entirely sure, at the height of your stress levels you’d consider sitting down for ten minutes and doing this.

Yes, I’m a little disappointed with myself to be honest

For the last three weeks, I’ve had a chest infection and the last week has been spent recovering fully from that. And whilst my body probably would’ve welcomed the diet tips recommended by the experts, I’ve just not had the energy to sit and work out a 60:30:10 ratio for my meals. If someone has some recipes with rations of 60 carbs, 30 protein and 10 fat, please send them my way. I just want an easy life! But I will try harder with this one next week.

So, that was my progress with week one and yes, I’m a little disappointed with myself to be honest.

Now week two is upon us and I have a whole host of other tips to try.

The experts are the same as last week, Dr Doug Wright who has worked at Aviva for 15 years from full time practice as a GP and Paddy Anson, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Gloucester Rugby who is tasked with setting out the training and diet plans for the players. There are a couple of new additions to the expert team providing fitness tips for me this week: England rugby players Billy Twelvetrees and Jonny May and former Captain Mike Tindall.

Aviva Mumsnet Stress Less Challenge
With the tips from week 1 tried and tested, here’s the tips Aviva have recommended for week 2. Let’s see how I get on…

I really like the idea of blending in some different exercises into my fitness lifestyle. I’ve had a lot of back surgery, so I think pilates will be a really good addition for me. Core strengthening for my back, which will be great addition to my cycling and can only be of benefit there, but pilates will also include some relaxation time. What could be better?

It is half term this next week, so perhaps an escape from the everyday manic-ness (OK, so maybe this isn’t even a real word, but you know what I mean) that has become the school run will allow for more time to focus on the tips and dedicate some more time to them. Or with the kids around all day for a full week, it might not work like that at all. Which one is your money on?!…

#StressLess

 

“I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent
bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for
Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and
retain full editorial integrity”

20 Comments on Aviva stress less challenge – week two

    • Cycling is a great for helping me de-stress but sometimes it’s just no possible to get out. And the turbo trainer doesn’t have quite the same appeal as being outside cycling. So I’m enjoying a little bit of pilates on an evening. 🙂

  1. this word comes across me many a times , usually involves the 7 lil ones lol x

  2. I’d say my money is on the kids keeping you far too busy to use the app! But it’s a great idea, even if you only make a couple of small changes every week hopefully that will make a difference to your stress levels.
    LearnerMother recently posted…Silent Sunday 25.05.14My Profile

  3. What a fantastic campaign, exercise is definitely the best de-stresser for me although i’m always finding ways to get out of it! It’s so hard to make healthy lifestyle choices when you’re under the weather, glad to hear you’re on the mend! xxx
    Vikki Holness recently posted…Harry | 10 Month UpdateMy Profile

  4. I hope you feel better soon. It’s hard enough making changes without ill as well. I’m lucky in that my 3 kids have gone to stay with family this half term week so I’m enjoying a stress free week with plenty of time to myself.

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