You wake up just as frazzled as when you went to bed.

The first thing you think about is that you have to do this all again.

It’s like Groundhog Day.

You tip toe out of your room because the kids are probably already up and waiting on pins and needles to shout, ‘mommy, I’m awake!!!’

When you look in the mirror you think, “Whoa. Are those bags under my eyes or are they black eyes from when my youngest punched me in the face when he was play-fighting?“

You haven’t combed your hair in weeks.

You were too tired to cook your own food last night and all you’ve eaten is half a plate of cold oven fries left over from your kids’ dinner.

You don’t even dare to step on the scale because you demolished half a package of Easter candy while you were falling asleep watching reality TV.

You ready yourself. Right, then. Time to get the kids up.

They look like angels and you feel guilty for ever feeling like they’re hard work.

Kid number 1 bounds out of bed, ready to tackle the day after 12 hours of blissful sleep.

Kid number 2 barely grunts a greeting. He’s bored and wants to see his friends.

Breakfast is whatever you can find in the pantry or fridge that will take the least amount of time to prepare.

When the kids are eating, you flick through Instagram.

Big mistake!!

How are all these other moms smiling with a full face of make-up, leaning over their child at a laptop?

Even the kid is smiling because they just love being homeschooled.

You feel the guilt setting in again.

Do you even have the energy to help them with schoolwork today?

Can you find the time? Or bandwidth?

I want you to listen real good.

You are Enough.

You are doing enough.

If you are just hanging on, it’s OK.

If you’re thriving, that’s also OK.

I feel everything you’re feeling right now.

And so do countless other parents.

You’re not alone.

We all need help!

I’m offering you the following tips to make your life just a touch easier. You can implement all of them, or none.

1. When you wake up, take a moment to yourself. If that means getting up 5 minutes earlier, do it. Make a coffee/tea/whatever, sit down, and close your eyes. Let thoughts come and go, like cars passing by. Focus on your breath. Take 10 deep breaths and feel every one of them.
2. List 3 things you are grateful for. You can write them down or just run through them in your head. Do it now or when you brush your teeth. Practicing gratitude is proven to change your outlook at any given moment. 
3. Find 10 minutes in your day to do some kind of physical exercise. The release of endorphins will help to calm you and feed you positive vibes. Think you don’t have time? Watch 10 minutes less of that reality TV show. Worst case, do it with your kids.
4. Go for a walk. You need it, the kids need it. Even the moody one who just wants to play Fortnite.
5. Be kind to yourself. 
6. If it’s too stressful, stop thinking about your diet. Just ask a couple of questions when you’re about to eat something;
   Do I really want this?
   Am I hungry? Or bored? Or stressed?
   If the answers are that you’re hungry and you really want it, eat it. Don’t go overboard. A little bit of something you want is better than depriving your self and eating the whole shebang.

I’ve only added 15 – 30 minutes on to your day with these suggestions. But they could be just what you’re looking for. You might not realize it now, but these 6 things could change your outlook day to day, and alleviate some anxiety.

We’re here for you.

Yours in health,

Julie