Let me tell you about the day when I thought I had it all together and then realized I didn’t.

I was going to write about something else today, but this occurred to me a couple of days ago and I wanted to share it with you. It was late morning, both kids were loaded up in the pram, they were in fresh nappies, fresh clothes, I had packed everything I needed for them, toys and a lunchbox and off we went to the playgroup. It all looked very organized and I felt very accomplished.

As I was pushing the pram along, all smug and happy with myself, I realized something:
I hadn’t had a shower, I didn’t have breakfast and I hadn’t packed anything for myself – drink or food – yet wasn’t going to be out near shops and wasn’t going to be back at home until the afternoon because after the playgroup we would go straight to a doctors appointment for my son.

All of a sudden I felt a lot less accomplished. I most certainly did not have it all together. To be honest I felt rather stupid because I write a lot about how important it is to look after yourself.
It felt a bit like a failure to me right then and there.

So I kept pushing the pram, now rather annoyed, trying to think of ways to look after myself better when things got busy.

Here’s what I came up with:

Make sure to stay hydrated

Ok, not very revolutionary, I know. But the one thing I easily forget is to drink water when I’m stressed. Staying hydrated does so much good for your health and wellbeing. Nothing could be less fussy and more easily done. The second I got to the playgroup I drank two large glasses of water and it made me feel a whole lot better.

Keep sliced loaves in the freezer

This is such a good standby to have. Sometimes I’m too busy running around doing other things in the morning and I just don’t feel like sitting down and having breakfast. If there’s a loaf of something wholesome in the freezer, all you need to do is pop a slice in the toaster and then take it with you when you leave the house.
I like this vegan banana bread, or this very wholesome banana bread. Grab a coffee on the run if you can and there’s a good start to the day sorted.

I didn’t have any such thing in the freezer that day, but after this experience I will now try and have a little emergency stash for myself!

Alternatively, keep bliss balls in the fridge

I love these raw choc chip bites, or these raw lemon truffles, or cacao, brazil nut and flaxseed bites. But you’ll find many more options online.

No, it’s not a meal. But when you realize you haven’t eaten, a couple of bliss balls and a piece of fruit will keep you going.

I had packed one in Finn’s lunch box which he didn’t end up having. So that kept me going! More than a cheese stick would have anyway. #winning
Next time I’ll remember to take a couple for myself!

Have some easy dinner options on hand

After a day when you feel you (accidentally )put yourself last, you really don’t need to stand in the kitchen and whip up dinner. Have a few things sorted that make you happy but don’t require much effort. My recent discovery is Aldi’s frozen feta and spinach gozleme. You pop them in a fry pan from frozen and give them a couple of minutes on each side. A squeeze of lemon on top and they’re absolutely perfect!

Or you could set up an emergency dinner capsule. But to be honest after a day without a shower, breakfast , proper lunch and chauffeuring the kids around (or anything else along those lines), you deserve not to set foot in the kitchen at all.
Own it!

Much love,

Katrine x