AIBU to ask what your non negotiables are…

[CiderGlider]

…to maintain levels of health and wellbeing? What activities do you prioritise, daily or weekly, to keep you going?

Youngest is about to start secondary school and so I want to use it as opportunity to get some ‘me’ stuff in. Thank you in advance!

Walking outside every day, no matter the weather. A treadmill isn't the same as fresh air.

Reading every day before bed.

Avoiding UPFs and cooking almost everything from scratch.

I don't think I have any 😳 I have 5 kids and had my first at 17 so I guess I didn't have chance to learn what I need for my own well being.

2-3 litres of water a day. I fill a bottle and have it beside me WFH.
Walking the dog for an hour every day, in all weathers.
Weight lifting twice a week, one cardio class and one Pilates class.

The above is only really doable as I’m WFH. I’d struggle to fit it all in otherwise.

Getting out for a walk on my own

Chocolate

A decent, hot cup of coffee in peace in the morning

A warm house - I will live on ramen noodles and beans on toast if I need to in order to not be cold. I have asthma and the cold really affects my breathing

Enough sleep. I work 12.5 hour shifts, often 3 or 4 in a row. I am a single parent so absolutely no housework gets done on my work days. I go to work, have a small snack, shower and go to bed. I would be beyond exhausted if I made myself run around washing dishes or scrubbing floors after that. First day off is taken for rest and the house gets blitzed the next day.

Morning light, midday light and sunset light for circadian health. Following that no screens for two hours before bed.

Prioritising sleep
Gym 5 days out of 7
Collagen and creatine daily
Keto - no grains, cereals, starches and no UFPs
Time with awesome people having fun
Sex

5 a day, at least one to be green veg. I feel iffy without.

Regular child free time. I work in a school and have two children myself. The youngest has ASD with a PDA profile and has global development delay. He can be challenging. I had a mental breakdown last year and became suicidal. One of the things that really help is child free time. Dh got a new job which means he is home more in the evenings. I regularly go out for a walk by myself or arrange things with friends. Monday I went for lunch and cocktails and the cinema with my mum on my own.

Medication has also been life changing for me.

I need to get out the house everyday. Even if it’s just sitting in the garden for a bit or popping over the street to the corner shop.

Making sure I eat at mealtimes, even if it’s just a snack and getting at least my 5 a day

At least 30 minutes a day of something I enjoy and that feels fulfilling - playing an instrument, doing a craft, gardening, reading, baking

Daily shower

Doing something sociable at least once a week

Reading and exercise. Took up exercise as a very stressed, young teacher and have kept it up. Reading before bed unwinds me.
Time away from the family as and when I want.

Down time for everyone.

They spend enough time in the day at school, they deserve time to relax, regulate, and destress.

I need at least a 20 minute vigorous walk outside everyday. I need a massage at least once a month. I like to get my eyelashes and eyebrows tinted every couple of months (then I can largely ignore make-up).

I am currently very bad at doing these things!

Walking with the dogs every single day. Rain, hail or shine.

Podcast or audiobook at bedtime.

Daily nap.

Potter in the garden.

Play with the cat.

Wow thank you for your inspiration!

I walk everyday with my dog, we got her during Covid, and this was key to my mental health then.

During Covid I worked from home almost exclusively but a promotion 18 months ago requires more office attendance-about 3 days per week but often more - which means getting up at 5:30am and a 2hr round trip, leading to a feeling of wanting to do little else in the evening. I end up doom scrolling then regretting it…

I know I need to be really strict with making sure I get in the activities that give me the space I need for my wellbeing.

Thank you MN’s!

Pilates, I only go once a week but it's vital to my physical and mental health.

Lots of exercise, in my case rowing 4/5 times a week. I get twitchy if I miss exercise sessions. Added bonus is that it gives me a bit of lattitude on what I can eat. I cook from scratch but now and again I like a guilt free blow out meal.

Wow these answers have made me think. I don’t prioritise exercise or any wellbeing stuff. I do try to swim and play tennis once a week but it goes by the wayside if I am busy.

I prioritise cuddles with my kids and a meet up with girlfriends once a month

My non negotiables that make me feel my most ‘well’ are

Coffee in the morning, preferably in silence, watching the news (it’s a ritual!)
A LOT of water every day
A daily dog walk

And then, generally, I must eat salmon 1x or 2x a week to feel my best.

These are great! I’m like you @olympicsrock, allowing other stuff derail me. No more!