From Chaos to Calm: Life Updates & My Best Hacks for Staying Sane
Hey lovely people! Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately — some days I’m absolutely smashing it, other days I’m just proud I remembered to feed everyone (including myself). You know how it goes! So I thought it was time to share some life updates and a few hacks that have kept me from totally losing my mind.
First up: Liv. She’s absolutely smashing school right now — nailing her spellings every week like a pro! She’s loving gymnastics, drawing like there’s no tomorrow (wonder where she gets that from?!), and we tried kids' yoga, which was hilarious and actually super fun!
She’s also gearing up for a sponsored fitness circuit at school with Activkids UK. I love that they’re involving former Olympians and para-athletes — talk about inspiring! If anyone wants to throw a few coins Liv’s way, just drop me a DM. We’ll do a happy dance in your honor!
On my side, half-marathon training is ticking along (slowly but surely). I had a few lazy days when I was feeling a bit under the weather, but I’m back at it. Six weeks to go — gulp!
Oh, and the horses are finally back in work after their eight-week holiday. They’re just on the walker for now, but Liv and I can’t wait to go riding together this spring. We’re already talking about shows and maybe even tackling a one-day event. Fingers crossed!
With life being as bonkers as it is, I’ve had to get pretty creative about keeping myself sane and healthy. It’s not always pretty, but I’ve found some tips and tricks that work for me, and I wanted to share them with you.
Firstly, here are a few life updates, followed by my top tips for all you amazing, busy women:
1. Meal Prep Like a Pro (Even If It’s Simple)
I’m not talking about spending your entire Sunday in the kitchen. Just prepping a few basics like grilled chicken, washed veggies, and overnight oats can make weekday meals a breeze. Keep it simple and think of it as setting your future self up for success.
2. Morning Movement for Energy
Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching, a quick yoga flow, or a brisk walk, moving in the morning sets the tone for the day. It boosts your energy and helps clear your mind before the chaos begins.
3. Time Blocking for Sanity
This has been a game-changer for me. I block out specific times for work, workouts, horse time, and family activities. It helps me stay on track and prevents that overwhelming feeling of not knowing what to tackle next.
4. Involve the Kids in Your Fitness Routine
Kids love to be involved! Whether it’s a fun dance session in the living room or having them ride their bikes alongside you while you jog, making fitness a family affair is a win-win.
5. Say Yes to Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for or accept help. Whether it’s carpooling with another parent or having someone watch the kids so you can squeeze in a workout, it’s okay to lean on your friends and family.
6. Mindful Moments for Mental Health
Even five minutes of deep breathing or journaling can make a huge difference. Life is busy, but taking a moment to check in with yourself helps keep stress at bay.
7. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
A tidy space makes for a calmer mind. I’ve been doing 10-minute decluttering sprints, and it’s amazing how much lighter I feel afterward.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
Whether it’s hitting a new personal best on a run, completing a week of healthy meals, or simply surviving a hectic day, celebrate it! Those little victories add up.
Life will always be busy, but with a few intentional strategies, it’s absolutely possible to prioritise your health and happiness. I hope these tips inspire you to carve out time for yourself and find balance amidst the beautiful chaos.
Love,
Hannah x
