5 Simple Ways To Reconnect With Your Self Every Day

When was the last time you took some time out to just be you?

We are mothers, fathers, partners, workers, friends, problem-solvers, listeners, master-planners, multitaskers, chauffeurs, tutors, coaches, .…the list goes on and on, but when was the last time you could just be YOU.

In this crazy busy world of ours we are constantly juggling multiple to-do lists for the home, kids, and work. By the time we’ve got the kids to school, shopped, cooked, cleaned, been to work, chaufered the kids all around town for various clubs and birthday parties, is there any time left for us?

On aeroplanes we are told to put our own oxygen masks on first so that we can breathe in the event of an emergency. It goes against all our instincts as mothers but it's absolutely essential that we take care of oursleves first, and guess what?

Yep that's right we need to

do this in our everyday

lives too!

We need to slow down and take some time out to reconnect with who we are underneath all the comings and goings of life. We need to listen to inner voices, and get in tune with what's going on in our lives. We need to take care of ourselves, not just our bodies but our souls as well.

When we are rushing about all day between activities and other responsibilities, the noise in our heads can be so loud that we lose sight of who we are and what is truly important to us.

So start today,

Here are five simple things you can do every day to reconnect to yourself and rediscover what it feels like to be just YOU......

Plan in “Me” Time

If you rely on finding time for yourself it usually doesn't hapen - am I right? You have to MAKE time for yourself. Schedule it in your diary just like you would any other important daily task. It doesn't have to be a day trip to the spa. It can be as simple as taking a walk, drinking a cup of tea without checking your phone or waking up 15 minutes early to meditate or do yoga. Whatever it is that makes you feel good and nurtures YOU, make the time to do it.

Make Time to Have Fun

When we are having fun we are in the moment, the here and now - gone are the to do lists and the anxieties of the day.

What do YOU enjoy doing?

What makes YOU laugh?

What brings YOU joy?

Dancing? Being with friends? Running along the beach with your dog? ( That's my new latest one). Bouncing on the trampoline when no ones watching? It can be with your kids or without but whatever it is make sure it's fun! Making time for playfullness in your day gives you a chance to release stress and can enable you to enjoy just being you.

Meditate

I have just recently started to meditate. I've been saying I wanted to do it for years and just never got around to it. I wish now that I had done it years ago! I can't recommend it highly enough and if you have been thinking about it ( or even if you havn't) - just do it!

I feel more present in my every day life than ever before and can also manage my emotions better. It even feels like there are more hours in the day, when before it felt like there wasn't enough time to fit everything in.

It doesn't have to be long - It can be a simple 10- to 15-minute practice that you do any time of day. First thing in the morning is a lovely way to start the day but it's not always practical in my house so I take 15 mins now just after my lunch. Which I'm also trying to do more mindfully by eating away from my desk and not looking at my phone - but I'm still working on that!

Meditation helps you to reconnect with yourself through your breathing. It takes some practice but it does get easier and easier. I found using an app on my phone works really well for me but you can also join classes too.

I use Head Space - you can try it free for 10 days and then subscribe for the year and you can use all of their amazing meditations for all areas of your life. Check it out Here

Look after Your Body

Whether it's eating healthily, exercising or just simple acts like keeping your skin moisturised, spending time looking after your body will not only benefit the outside of you, it can help you connect with the inner you too, especially if you do it mindfully. So next time you are eating, exercising, taking a bath or treating yourself to a pedicure try being fully present and acknowledge that you are nurturing your self inside and out.

Write a Journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to reconnect with your true self. I started journaling a few weeks a go and it's amazing how therapeutic it is. If like me you ever feel frustrated or all jumbled up inside, unsure of what you want or feel, taking a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and emotions (without sensoring what you write) will quickly get you back in touch with YOU.

You don't have to be good at writing. Just keep a notebook near by so you can jot down your feelings and thoughts as you go through your day or make a set time for it each day. When you journal you start to get in touch with your real emotions. These are the emotions we often repress or ignore as we work, pick up the kids, and handle other daily tasks. So make time to listen to yourself. You never know what you might find out about yourself!

Written by Jasmine Collin

HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Parenting Educator

Thankyou so much for reading this post!

This post was inspired by my recent trip to Sri Lanka on a Yoga and Ayurveda retreat where I spent 1 week reconnecting with myself, eating healthily, doing daily meditation, journaling and yoga. I hope you find the suggestions useful and if you have any of your own please share in the comments below!

Enjoy being you!

With love

Jasmine x