OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS HAS ALL THE ANSWERS WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH, FITNESS, AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
JENNIE GADSBY
FITNESS EXPERT
DR NAOMI POTTER
GP AND HEALTH EXPERT
DEBORAH SMITH
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGIST
ZOE GRIFFITHS
HEAD OF PUBLIC HEALTH AT WEIGHT WATCHERS
SOPHIE STEVENS
FASHION EXPERT
Q
As I get older I find the need to take more time out for myself, but when I do, I feel selfish. How can I stop feeling like that? Lilly Howard, Norwich
A
Self-care is a buzzword right now, and for good reason. We all need to make the most of life and take time to look after ourselves, and as with most things, it’s all about finding the balance.
Think about how much of your life you have spent doing things for other people and how much time you have actually spent on yourself. Of course, if you have children you will naturally devote a lot of time to them, but their needs aside, do you spend a lot more time doing things for others than you do for yourself? How often do you put your own needs first? Try this exercise: think about the past year and how much time you’ve taken as me-time, then how much time you have dedicated to others. Look at it as a percentage – it is a 50/50 split? For most people it will be nowhere near. Decide to reclaim some of that time for yourself.
Once you’ve looked at it like this and seen how much time you spend caring for others, it will be much easier to let go of the guilt. Your next step is to start saying no to things that will eat into your precious me-time, and start doing more of the things you want to do. Even if it’s just taking an hour to sit by yourself with a cup of tea as you flick through a magazine, schedule it as you would any other important activity and make it happen. And remind yourself – you deserve this time!
TALKING POINT
THREE WAYS TO FEEL IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
1
PLAN YOUR TIME
Simply planning your day/week/month will help you manage your time more effectively and feel more at ease. Sunday might be a good day to sit down and plan your meals, exercise schedule and work and social commitments for the week ahead.
2
DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
It’s amazing how much a cluttered environment can affect our mood and thinking. Notice how as you tidy things away, you also clear your head!
3
GET ON TOP OF YOUR FINANCES
Financial pressure creates huge amounts of stress and it’s something many of us ignore. Work out a realistic budget so you feel in control of your finances.
Mantra: Learn with pleasure
What we learn with pleasure, we never forget. And as we tend to get a renewed sense of enthusiasm in spring, now is the perfect time of year to enjoy learning something new.
Q&A for Weight Watchers Magazine, March 2018