Firstly, sometimes I need to let the blogs marinate and I don’t want to put myself under the pressure of writing something every week that does not feel right. Otherwise I will just add to the never ending to do list and a passion becomes a task. To be fair, my journey with wellbeing is as much for myself, my family and friends as it is my patients, colleagues and community.
Being honest and authentic about the ups and downs with wellbeing can be inspiring I think – it keeps it real. Taking a moment to reflect, celebrate and learn has value. I was learning this week about accountability and teachable moments and the role they have in wellbeing motivation. I wonder if this is a bit of accountability? Who are your wellbeing, accountability crew? Who supports you?
This reflection page will explore a week’s journey through the perspective of the 6 Pillars of lifestyle medicine.
Why?
We all have a tendency to see things as binary – all good or all bad. The truth is never so polarised.
This part of this page will remain static. The part that follows will vary👇🥰…..
Week: 19th -25th June
How it felt? Busy! Our family has had some big health stuff happening but all going well and slow recovery. School is getting ready to break and youngest is transitioning to secondary school. There have been school shows, sports days and all the emotions of leaving a lovely primary school. Work as always is busy with the daily demand and supply problems, balanced with keeping it safe and avoiding burnout. No verbal abuse this week which is a blessing.
So how have we done?
Let’s reframe…..
Physical Activity: Two local river walks, one with hubby and one daughter ✅ ✅. Yoga -cracking on with my yin training ✅✅✅. Taught yoga ✅. Enjoyed Vinyasa yoga ✅.
Sleep: I must admit I did nap a bit, however, stuck with routines where able✅. Still got out of bed early✅. I am trying to work on the quality of my sleep as well as the quantity ✅.
Nutrition: Really pleased here! Mostly ate well! Drinking more water ✅. This is improving my fatigue and helping against bad sugars. Managing much less ultra processed foods ✅. Really cutting down on sugars ✅. Keeping up with plant diversity (remember >30 plant based foods per week)✅. Working on my daily quantity from my 5 portions fruit and vegetables ✅.
Relationships: Big positives here! Supporting Hubby recovery ✅. Supporting and spending time with the girls ✅. Parents came up and then Mum up again to support the girls ✅. Lovely chats and colleagues again being kind and supportive at work.
Psychological wellbeing – Not bad considering. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster with everything. Finishing Primary is both happy and sad! I would be lying if I said I was not mentally a bit wrung out but the 4 pillars above have helped! So ✅ – because I am trying to be mindful!
Harmful substances and behaviours: Not a bad week. I think this had been steady.
So what are the teachable moments?
- Re-framing the week and not focusing in on the negatives in isolation.
- Looking across the 6 pillars allows us to see all the positives that are going on in various aspects of your life.
- My relationship and nutrition pillars really stood out for me this week. I am grateful for my wee family and my parents.
Love You: Praise the good habits and continue to grow. Love your teachable moments 🥰.
Love you: Health and Well-being with Lorraine 