Healthy Boundaries

Hi there! I just answered a survey question and wanted to pop it in here too.

I have a set of changes I want to make that, when I’ve made them in the past, have a profound impact on my life. Simple health habits I’m strict on with my kids: no sugar before bed, early bedtime, reading no screens, gratitude list daily and veg first diet.

I had a baby this year and being up every two hours, I relaxed and went with the flow of my wants and needs. Now, I feel like I’m pacifying myself all day- with my phone or tv, putting others needs above my own, and being on autopilot all day. This leads to haphazard snacking instead of real meals, being up all night watching tv instead of sleeping between feeds. I feel like the days are passing by and I’m sleepwalking through them, giving myself the equivalent of a dummy or biscuit to shut myself up and keep content. I’ve thought about and planned better structure for months but the second I put something in place, it feels challenging. It reminds me of strict diets I’ve put myself on in the past and I urge myself to “be kind” and not militant. When I’m honest with myself, using the pelaton for 20 mins on little sleep can feel like a bad diet but it’s “kinder” than eating chocolate for breakfast and avoiding work. How do I break the cycle of “comfort” vs “structure”, and make better choices? (Excuse the long question!)

 

Answer:

The first year of life with a new human is unique experience. Kindness is key. Knowing this, let’s start by getting curious about comfort vs. structure. What do you think about comfort AND structure? Do you think that it’s possible for you to have both in the same space? If you think it is, what would that look like for you? If it’s not, why not? Come back with what you discover to AAC with “Healthy Boundaries pt. 2” as your subject line and let’s see where this leads you!