JenOni

#newyear

New Year Goals for Physical and Mental Health

This picture brings such good emotions as it was my first momcation in nine years. As I have stated in previous years, I do not like resolutions but need to focus more on yearly goals. This is a year for a big milestone birthday and I plan to capture taking care of self each month. I realized how I have neglected taking care of self and not until my solo trip to Miami did I realize how necessary it is to have no schedule. My trip was only for a few days but being near the ocean and beach was refreshing. I loved not having an alarm clock set, no plans, no schedules, and most of all no disgruntled kids in the background. Parenting is a full-time job and yes it is absolutely a must to clock out to focus on self.

My goals for this year is to maintain my home workout fitness regimen. I feel it is important to encourage women over 45 to exercise, eat better, and take care of their mental well-being. Another goal is to do more travel solo and with the kids.

In 2018, I committed to scheduling manicures and pedicures. Also, found a new aesthetician for waxing and the best seasonal facials. My pampering goals will include:

  • monthly massages
  • manicures and pedicures
  • facials

I realize my physical health is not just about working out and eating better but also making changes that impact of my overall physical health.

  • taking multivitamins and supplements
  • drinking more water
  • more sleep (scheduling and sticking to a bedtime) – my physician assistant gave me a number of ways to help in this area which I will share on a later post.

Now for my mental health, this is a tough one because every day is so dynamic. The idea of juggling life outside of the home and then life at home as a parent is challenging.

  • trying yoga at least once a month
  • disconnecting from social media at the end of my day

I am optimistic for a healthier and happier 2019.

Social Media- New Blog Design, CocoaMommy

SeventhBlogiversary

 

Social Media, My 7th Blogiversary

Where has my social media time gone?  When I started blogging in 2009, I had no idea  social media was going to boom into a platform with millions of users.     My first blogging platform was Blogger and then I evolved to WordPress.   It amazes me each day on how much I have learned over the course of 7 years.

Life happens each year and I will admit there were multiple times when I took extended breaks.  Also thought about stopping for good.   It is interesting to hear people who don’t quite understand social media offer advice or their unsolicited thoughts on social media.    Yes, people may ask “why do you do this?”, “how much are you making ?” and “no one wants to read about that.  you need to write on ………”   As I celebrate my 7th year of blogging I thought it was time for a redesign

For the new year, I wrote down a list of short term and long term goals.    One goal was a new blog design especially when I realized my last design was in 2012.   After 4 years with the same design,  a new design was long overdue.   I view this as a NEW LOOK, NEW INSPIRATION to continue sharing my story.

I am fortunate to have a positive network of people who continue to keep me encouraged and motivated to share my story.    Just when I think no one is reading  I see two comments this week that said:   “I love your blog”.     I was overwhelmed, to say the least and feeling like this put everything into perspective for me moving forward.

Big ShoutOut to Jen at JenOni for her graphic design skills and patience with getting the new design finished in March.

 

Recap: Why I Started Blogging? 

  1. While I was laid off  I started scouring the internet for work from home opportunities, this is when I discovered an entire community of BLOGGERS at Mom Bloggers Club.  This is how I met Jen Lawrence at JenOni.   Our last meet up was at BlogHer15 in July.  We initially met( IRL) 6 years ago at a blogging event in PA.   Twitter was my first introduction to a social media platform and the rest, as they say, is HISTORY!
  2. It is a form of THERAPY! As a parent and single mom, I quickly realized I was not alone with my challenges and experiences.
  3. I discovered it was a way to connect with MOMS around the globe.
  4. It is a PHENOMENAL platform to share my ideas, thoughts, experiences and challenges.
  5. I OWN MY CREATIVITY!

Single Mom Chronicles: Sleep Deprived-How To Get More Sleep in 2016?

SingleMomSleep

 

Last week I saw a report on GMA that said single mothers are the most sleep deprived. This was definitely not earth shattering for me.

GMA: CDC Reveals Single Mothers Get Least Amount of Sleep 

It is suggested we should all get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.   I can wholeheartedly relate to this report and find it impossible to get at least 7 hours of sleep.   This is specifically my struggle during the work week.   My weekend nights between Friday and Saturday night are fine.

My workweek day starts at 5:30 AM.   From this time there is packing lunches, getting dressed, dropping off at before care and driving to work.    Fast forward to 5:00 PM which includes commute from work, pick up from aftercare, homework, a quick dinner(hopefully already prepared) and bedtime for all.    My time to wind down is between 8:30-10:00 only if there are no interruptions from my youngest child.   The teen child has no problem sticking to a bedtime and I greatly attribute this to the rigors of high school.

Last year I realized my night time routine needed improvement.     I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep each night.    One huge mistake was checking looking at my phone each night before going to sleep.      I am a firm believer that any time spent on the phone perusing social media is definitely not a good idea.

For a short period of time I used melatonin to relax before bedtime however I found this stopped working.   Some of other bedtime remedies I have heard about is peanut butter, milk and cherry juice.   My biggest dilemma is learning to shut off my brain.

The idea of shutting off the brain at night  is easier said than done.  My mind is constantly spinning with thoughts, ideas and plans.

In the new year, I am committed to getting a better night’s sleep.

How I Plan To Get More Sleep

  1. Set a bedtime of 10:00 (roughly 7 hours of sleep) each night and stick to it!  This means winding down by 9:30.
  2. A warm shower before bed is relaxing and therapeutic.
  3. A cup of chamomile tea to ease with relaxing.
  4. Unplug from my devices.  No SOCIAL MEDIA while in bed.

My Inspiration: New Year Word of 2016

NewYearWordof2016

In every new year, I notice there is a rush to create a laundry list of resolutions.   I love the statement, what do I resolve to do differently?  I firmly believe my life is headed on the right path however there things I can improve for myself to create a better space mentally and physically.   After reading this great article at Inc.com,  it put a lot in perspective for my new year.    Here’s the article One Word Can Change Your Life in 2016: Here’s How

My word for 2016 is DETERMINED.  I am DETERMINED to live better mentally and physically.

What My Word for 2016 means?

  1. Schedule ME time monthly to include any and all things that mean PAMPER 
  2. Take time to DECOMPRESS in the morning and evening
  3. Make FITNESS and HEALTHY EATING a part of my lifestyle not just an option
  4. UNPLUG from distractions on a daily basis
  5. Get MORE SLEEP each night
  6. SHOWER myself with the things I LOVE
  7. CREATE my own business
  8. REDUCE my debt
  9. SAVE and INCREASE  RETIREMENT SAVINGS
  10. MAKE travel a PRIORITY
  11. READ at least 4 books this year