Hello Reader,

Happy Friday, my sweet.

I should probably be less honest, but SCREW IT.

SO I'm in Canada for five whole lucious weeks. I'm extremely fortunate to be here. I love that I can work while I'm here and spend time enjoying the outdoors, as well as seeing my friends and family.

You know what they say, a change is as good as a rest.

And as much as we want everything to be perfect all the time, contrast provides clarity.

Changing my routine and environment has provided clarity about how beneficial my routine is in the UK.

Here is a list of what I like and what I don't like, and what I will probably change when I get back:

1. I need movement first thing, otherwise my brain is fried. I have a very active brain, going for a walk, or riding, or SOMETHING first thing for 30 minutes sets me up for success. And I'm noticing the difference 😅
2. I need to schedule time to be creative. Although my brain is busy as I'm moving a bit less than my chaotic lifestyle at home, being in nature more, I am bursting with ideas. And I think I'd really benefit from having a consistent creativity practice. Painting, writing, doing comedy, whatever. I don't have to be good, but I need to let my brain play.
3. I need to slow down. I am really good at cramming my schedule full, and work, etc. But I rarely ever slow down and chat about nothing with nowhere to go. Spending time with retirees makes this easy to accomplish, and I like it; it's a special kind of emotional intimacy.
4. I need to swim more. I live at one of the furthest points from the sea in the UK, so that's cool. But there are pools and lidos near me, and I miss swimming. It's good for the body and soul, and as a water baby, I have been letting myself down by not scheduling this in.
5. I need to clear out my flat. I'm sleeping here like I've been snorting melatonin (I can't use melatonin, it makes me feel like bugs are crawling under my skin), and I'm a fairly good sleeper. HOWEVER, being here, I am clocking 9/10 hours consistently, and I feel GOOD. Maybe it's being in the middle of the woods, maybe it's the lack of clutter around. I can't plonk my flat in the middle of the Canadian wilderness, what I can control is trying to make my environment more relaxing for better sleep.
6. My phone next to the bed is bad for me. I've been charging my phone next to my bed whilst I'm here as I'm staying with friends, and boy oh boy do I notice the difference to having it in my kitchen at home.
7. I watch too much TV. I haven't watched TV once. And it's nice, I quite like it. Maybe I watch a bit too much TV at home when I feel more relaxed, reading more, and reducing my 'big screen' time.
8. I need to eat more fruit. Yes, fruit, a bit more readily available here, but I definitely wouldn't say its cheaper (nothing is cheap in Canada, ever, definitely not food and not right now) Eating some fruit every single day has been lovely and I don't think I quite realized how much I've gotten out of the habit at home.

I think on one hand, it's reassuring to know that some of the things I do to ensure I'm looking after myself are working really well, and it's nice to have a bit of contrast to show me where I could be doing better.

Self-care is not bubble baths, it's looking after all parts of your wellbeing (psychological, physical, relational, and semiotic wellbeing)

Having the contrast of being taken out of my normal routine and life and dropped into a completely new environment, seeing what works better for me, or what is actively working against me (phone close by, bad, bad) is interesting.

And if you're keen on having some help rounding out your self-care so that it's more than trying to convince yourself that using Headspace will solve all of your life problems, go ahead and apply for 1:1 coaching. No pressure, it's a chat with me ☺️

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Love you, mean it.

PS-Send me what you're struggling with here so I can give you free coaching on a podcast

PPS- There will be no newsletter the first two Fridays of August!

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xx Rach ​ ​​​​

Portland House Westfield Road, Leighton Buzzard, England LU7 9GU
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