So, I recently discussed my experiences with anxiety and stress and disclosed one or two things that in all honesty, I don’t normally talk about publicly. It was all for Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 and if it helps just one person with their experiences, well, that’s great! Thanks to all who left such kind words – it was very much appreciated. We all suffer with a bit of stress right? OK, so perhaps some of us have more than others, or perhaps some of us are better at dealing with it than others. But, when it comes to coping mechanisms for difficult times we all have our own individual ways of trying to stress less.
I’m the kind of girl who has a very sweet tooth. So chocolate is always top of my list, along with wine and getting out on my beloved bike. Chocolate and a glass of wine are very short term fixes and obviously not very good for me! In reality they’re not going to help at all. A trip out on two wheels however is an amazing stress release and it really does work wonders for me. I’d love to be able to do it every day – honestly, that would be amazing – but life takes over sometimes. With two young children and a husband who’s a surgeon working shifts and long, unpredictable hours, having a regular routine is Impossible, well, certainly a challenge! So, when Aviva and Mumsnet put a shout out for bloggers looking to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle and participate in the Aviva Stress Less Challenge, I shouted loudly: “YES please!”
The first step was to reflect on my lifestyle. Hmmm….a little bit of an eye opener. I’m not a single parent, but it can quite often feel like I’m juggling my career, my home life and my children with very little support from my other half or from family. That’s just the way it is, which is OK, but some times, just some times, I really would like to escape to a darkened room for a day or two (with access to turbo trainer sitting on a sunny balcony over looking the most beautiful hills with a glimpse of the sea in the distance….well we can all dream!)
The Aviva stress less challenge:
Question time – da da dah!
So, the questions were answered via a survey and centred around my daily commitments, my working day, my work environment, my home environment – there’s a lot of juggling goes on here and definitely room for improvement.
Then came questions on lifestyle – I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and I try to get out on my bike three times a week. I’m tall and my weight isn’t an issue so I wasn’t too concerned with this area.
Then came the questions on diet…I am certain there’s room for change here. Like I said, I have a sweet tooth. I spend a good few evenings alone and once the kids are tucked up in bed, cooking a nutritional meal is the last thing I can be bothered to do. It’s normally the time of day I’m sitting with my laptop down to catch up on work.
What’s it all about?
The challenge is set to arm me with expert advice to try over the next couple of weeks, with the aim of committing to at least one for a lifetime.
Small changes for a long-term benefit to help reduce or be better prepared to deal with stress.
Sounds good!
This week is all about making changes to my work-life balance, wellbeing and diet.
Next week I’ll be introducing fitness tips from the experts to challenge me further!
So, just who are the experts and what have they said about me?
Aviva’s very own doctor, 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’s tasked with setting out the training and diet plans for the players.
What exactly should I be trying to do differently to stress less?
Here’s what Dr Doug said about my work-life balance:
“You’re already stress aware and you’ve taken the steps to manage your work-life balance. Although you can do more make this better. They say that a problem shared is problem halved and that’s the same with chores. Why not give your 6 year old some light chores around the house in exchange of a reward to allow you to focus on other priorities. You can print off our chore chart to help you get started.”
OK, not averse to this. She is only six and I strongly believe children aren’t children forever and should enjoy themselves. But perhaps a few more chores in a fun way could work.
Here’s what Dr Doug said about my well-being:
“If you’re feeling anxious then think of the here and now and try some deep muscle relaxation exercises. Tense and relax the major muscle groups for 20 seconds each. For example your shoulders, chest, back and legs. Once you have started tensing and relaxing at the top and finished at your calves then go back up and repeat. This helps to reduce tension.”
This sounds reasonable enough – in reality though, it’s that time thing. That sitting down and actually doing thing. We’ll see how I go.
And my diet tips from Paddy:
“Because you’re training for your race, your diet needs careful preparation. Generally eating little and often and getting your food in a 60/30/10 ratio of carbohydrates/protein/fat will hold you in good stead. As for snacks, gels are great during training, especially if it’s a long ride.”
Again, not unreasonable but I’m the kind of person needs a recipe card all set out for me telling me exactly what I should be eating today. Finding time to separate my menu unto the right portions may prove a little difficult.
Watch this space…..
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Sounds like a fab thing to be a part of! I am stressed most of the time! Look forward to reading how it all goes for you! 🙂
Lucie Aiston recently posted…Silent Sunday – 18th May 2014
Sounds like an interesting challenge – I bet you’ll feel sooo much better for doing it. I’m going to follow your progress so I can nab some tips from you and the experts. I need to find ways to combat stress that don’t involve just pouring a glass of wine!
Nell@PigeonPairandMe recently posted…Review: Monski Mouse Baby Disco Dance Hall
Watch this space Nell, hopefully lots more useful tips to follow 🙂
An interesting challenge.I am attempting to make small changes to my diet and lifestyle too. Such as walking for an hour a day to help reduce stress and lose weight.
mellissa williams recently posted…21 Diamonds
Sounds like a great idea Melissa. Good luck.
I can’t believe I missed this shout out what an opportunity. We need to do a chore list and going to have a look on kiddycharts as I’m sure they have a free printable for them. Good luck with it all, I can’t wait to find out what other advice you are given and how you do with it all.
PinkOddy recently posted…What the hell is happening down there? Hello? Is someone going to answer me? #MotivationalMonday
I know I need to reduce stress in my life and will be following along with interest! x
Michelle recently posted…Tea For Two Paper Decorations made with Cricut Explore! #ExcitedToExplore
haha love the pic , its soo funny x I have sufferd with anxiety for many years but the past year has become so much easier , possitive thinking and changing your routine , keeping busy and less stress is the obvious ones , good luck x
Glad you have found things that work for you, Lisa x
That’s a fantastic challenge – good luck and I shall follow with interest!
Kate Thompson recently posted…Climbing Everest
I am a great believer in a problem shared. We are a partnership in this house and my husbeast certainly pulls his weight and more!
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…A weekend in the garden
A problem shared is definitely a great help. It sounds like you’re a very lucky and have the perfect balance, Jen. Any tips you can pass on?
good luck with your challenge, looking forward to read more
Victoria Mylittlel recently posted…Baby Shower!
Great challenge. I need to learn how to manage my stress to, so will be reading with interest x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…While you were sleeping
I often forget to sit down and simply relax, find time for myself and small pleasures. I wish I knew how to stress less.
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade recently posted…Sardine spaghetti / Spaghetti z sardynkami
This sounds like a great opportunity – most people suffer some level of stress (I definitely do!) and it’s great to get some coping mechanisms.
Globalmouse recently posted…What my children say about…P&O cruise to Italy & Croatia
Ooh interesting campaign, I’d love the chance to re-assess my life like that but I’d be worried I didn’t like what I found!
Jenny recently posted…What I’m reading: Little Quilts by Sarah Fielke & Amy Lobsiger
That’s a very good point, Jenny! So far so good and I’m definitely open to helpful suggestions!
Well done for taking on the challenge and I hope it goes well.
Mums do travel recently posted…How to enjoy a city break with kids
Some really great tips here and good luck with the challenge
Good luck with the challenge, can’t wait to see how you get on
Kara recently posted…Spring Tide Festival
I feel like I am constantly filled with anxiety, I look forward to reading how it all goes! I wish I could find some me time to relax.
Sara-Jayne recently posted…Praying the Contractions Stay Away… Britmums 2014.
what an interesting challenge! I recognise some of myself in these comments
Fritha Strickland recently posted…me and you
Sometimes it’s really hard to get that balance isn’t it. I think this challenge is the perfect kick to make me re-assess!
Good luck. I am trying really hard to sort out my lifestyle. I have sever anaemia and really need to do something. xx
Keri-Anne recently posted…Keeping their flowers
Will be following to see how you get on , good luck x
all the best with your challenge too. I was really pleased to see that the tips are differentiated to each person as I was afraid that they’d give really general advice but it truly does seem personalised which is great. x
TheBeesleyBuzz recently posted…Above All Things by Tanis Rideout: A Britmums Bookclub Book Review
Yes, that’s great isn’t it. Hope it’s going well.
ooh, why didn’t I get given the idea to get my four year old doing light chores? hehe!
Good luck with it, sounds like you’ve got some interesting ideas there. I look forward to seeing how it goes for you 🙂
Mummygadgetgeek recently posted…Three under five and a stressed out mum – the Aviva Stress Less challenge
Thanks mummygadgetgeek – hope it’s going well for you. I’ll pop over later and have a read to see how you’re getting on 🙂
Good luck with your challenge I shall definitely be following with great interest 🙂 x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Like Love Loathe #12
Sounds like a great challenge to be involved with and suited to you too. Best of luck, look forward to hearing how you’re doing 🙂
Charly Dove recently posted…Photos from Chilworth Gunpowder Mill
I am taking part in this challenge too. It is nice to see that our tips are totally different and really reflect our lifestyle
agatapokutycka recently posted…Alphabet Project | B is for Bunk