The stress of new year resolutions!

It’s 2017 – Happy New Year everyone!

Let’s face it, at the beginning of the year pretty much everyone bangs on about changing this and improving that… and there’s a massive part of me that wants to do the same.

I’m a full-time working mum with a 4 year old and 1 year old (who doesn’t sleep through the night yet) so whilst I’d love to walk to work, go to the gym, drink less GnT and eat less chocolate, I’ve also got to keep it realistic. 

I could walk to work, but I also have to do the school run, so the logistics don’t work, and frankly with a full time job, a home and young children my will-power at the end of the day isn’t the greatest.

Anyone with me? (Or am I just a bit rubbish?)

I’m actually ok with it, and if I don’t have unrealistic goals, I won’t have that sinking feeling mid-January/February realising that so early into the year I’ve not achieved my aims.

However, what I am committing to this year is having more ‘me’ time. 

Now before you switch off... (I know more wanting 'me time' is relatively common)... stick with me...

'Me time' is pretty massive for me. I’m one of those ‘if-I’ve-got-spare-time-I’m-working-on-something’ kind of people. So, whilst I will of course keep doing some of that (Rome wasn’t built in a day), I’m also going to read more fiction for pure enjoyment – no betterment! I’m going to take more relaxing baths… long baths, until just before I turn into a prune!

One of the reasons I’m going to do this is I need to relax more. I don’t think I’m the only person who needs to relax more. Show me a parent that wouldn’t like a bit more chillax! 

Whilst I research sleep and snoring, I read lots of articles and journal pieces about the impact of stress on health. Yes, a little bit of stress is good… fight or flights stops us getting eaten by woolly mammoths (they’re ten a penny in Oxfordshire 😉) but too much has a negative impact on the endocrine system, which is essential in mood regulation, metabolism, sexual function and reproduction.

I’m not too worried about reproduction these days (I love my gorgeous two children, but two is enough!), but I could certainly do with improved metabolism and better mood (just ask my husband!)

Having already had a few calmer evenings (with a book and a bath!), I already feel calmer than my previous default DEFCON4 status and if I can feel happier and be healthier then I’m hoping I’ll sleep better. And because I’m always banging on about the importance of good quality restorative sleep, I KNOW a calmer and more rested me, will be a stellar force to be reckoned with.

So here’s to it. Hello 2017 – I’m ready for you! 

The Snoring Lady

#thesnoringlady

#osa2020