Maybe you’ve noticed the silence round these parts and maybe not but it’s been a frustrating couple of months. It started, as it often does with life getting in the way. The stress of job hunting – I’m all good with change but uncertainty does my head in – then trying to settle into a new routine of commuting in London. My small support network in England was turned on it’s head when Mum and Dad needed to return to New Zealand to care for my Poppa for a few months. Then, I had a project that didn’t quite work out the way I’d envisaged. Then the sinking feeling began that, though a good company, the position I was in was not the best fit. Cue grumpiness, a desire to wear only pyjamas and No-mojo walking on in and settling down for a couple of months. My natural instinct is to be an optimitst, but this was an uphill battle.
I know I’m not alone in experiencing this from time to time, so I thought I’d share some small things that I find help.
THE LIFESTYLE BITS
One of the key things when you’re feeling stressed and time-poor is to remember that it’s not so much about time management as it is about energy-management (I remember reading this comment somewhere – I think it was from Tilly – and I hope I’m not misquoting too horrendously).
Spring Clean – Go hard for 1 hour, it’s amazing how much you can achieve and the workout provides much needed endorphins. It’s always much easier to clear your head in a clean space.
Broccoli Frittata
Eat a real meal – It can be hard when you’re only cooking for yourself but even grabbing a pre-made bag of salad and an omelette gives you a bit of protein and some green veggies.
Pop a B-vitamin – Ladies (and particularly vegetarians like myself) are often low in Vitamin B which can lead to feeling like a sad clown.
Meditate – I’m one of those people who can’t turn their brain off voluntarily so I like to try and meditate for 15 minutes before I go to sleep at night. Just google “free guided meditation” for a range of audio tracks. This is my current fave.
Sleep – Even a single extra hour helps so at 10pm on week nights on goes the guided meditation. I make a deal with myself that if I’m still awake at the end of it I can watch a tv show but for the most part I don’t make it that far.
Music – Find a playlist you love and crank it loud (suggestions heartily welcomed). I love 8tracks.com for it’s random selections.
Make a change – I’ve found a position that’s a better fit and had a verbal job offer on Thursday.
Appreciate your surroundings - yesterday I was riding on the top story of a double-decker bus heading to Oxford Street whilst reading the Guardian newspaper. It was one of those moments where I remembered how lucky I was to be experiencing life in another country.
THE INSPIRATION BITS
Spend time with your (Bloggy) Friends – Catching up on everyone’s projects and tutorials is a great kickstart. It’s such a genuine and supportive community to participate in. I’m putting together a Blog Roll page right now so it’s a great excuse to catch up.
Take on a Challenge – Me-Made-May’12, The Colette Palette Challenge, or if you’re not ready to part with the PJs then Karen’s Pyjama Party.
Window Shop – Like many sewers, I don’t really shop any more so taking time to browse through the High Street can provide inspiration. My British picks – Toast, Whistles, and Cos.
Cos/Toast/Whistles by lazystitching
Try a Different Craft – much like a change of scenery, swapping sewing for a knitting or crochet project can get your motivation running again.
Shopping – Browsing the newest releases like Colette Pattern’s latest can get the creative juices flowing or even better, fabric shopping with friends.
Colette Patterns: Hazel Dress
What do you do when you’re in a funk?
