Self care tips

[Bidmass]

Hi,
I work full time, have little children and work in a special needs school where I literally get battered verbally and sometimes physically.

I have started eating chocolate in the morning just to pep me up, I eat the school meals (I try to stick to jacket potatoes with salad) then I have a meal at home.
I feel my weight creeping up from stress and exhaustion. I would love to do more self care but the kids are home when I am back and its full on.

Any tips on carving out time for yourself?

Can you do some dancing with the kids?

Walk a bit of the journey to work? Or pop out for a brisk walk with some good music at lunchtime?

I've found cutting down on carbs and sugar has given me more energy - I try to go for cherry tomatoes or frozen grapes as snacks instead of chocolate, but I find the only way to prevent caving is not to bring chocolate into the house in the first place!

When my weight creeps up, it's often because I think "oh, I don't have time to carve out a clear half hour (or longer) for exercise, so I won't bother". But actually, doing a few minutes of jumping around or stretching here and there (while the kettle's boiling, DC's bath running, etc) all adds up across the day - I'm basically starting to accept that I'm not going to have the perfect routine and that I'll have to take my exercise where I can get it!

@LonginesPrime

Thanks, some really good tips. I will definitely stop buying the chocolate and start prepping so I dont reach for rubbish.

I would love to go for a lunchtime walk but staff dont get a lunch break because of the nature of the kids. They need constant supervision.
Thank you for your tips. Xx

Spruced up our back garden area... Make time for a coffee machine coffee in a posh glass and have 10 mins peace out there..

OP I'm very suspicious that we may work together in real life but yes I'm the same- fulltime special needs school, small kids at home. Its exhausting. Lower expectations and just do a bit here and there of exercise. The chocolate thing is my weakness and we always have it in school which isn't good. I'd like to say once the kids are in bed I do exercise or even a bath but I work or watch tv. I'm holding out for 4 weeks until summer holidays!

@30degreesandmeltinghere- bliss!

@Cerealtoast2 I'm intrigued now! Feel free to PM if you want!