GimmeThatHappy

Happiness in Cats - Cappiness! Let it bring a smile to your face! facebook.com/share/r/49LBfnB…

Boost your happiness with these powerful tips! I was dubious to begin with, but these tips genuinely helped me. Embrace Affection: Hug more, smile often, and connect deeply. Physical and emotional connections can significantly improve your well-being. Cultivate Gratitude: Take a moment each day to appreciate the small things. Writing down what you're grateful for can shift your mindset positively. Stay Organized: Keeping your living and workspaces tidy can clear your mind, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Happy, supportive friends can elevate your mood and provide a positive influence on your life. Exercise Outdoors: Combining the benefits of physical activity with the calming effects of nature can double your joy and enhance your mental health. Set Personal Goals: Striving for growth and accomplishment, no matter how small, can give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Smile/Laugh More: It's contagious! Smiling and laughing can lift your mood and the moods of those around you. Watch a comedy or two and get your laughing cogs working again. This was the biggest breakthrough for me. Try incorporating these tips into your daily routine for a week and see the difference they make! #HappinessTips #WellnessJourney #PositiveVibes

-For a long time, it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life! But there was always an obstacle in my way. Something I had to get through first, some kind of unfinished business, or something to overcome. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life! - **Alfred D'Souza**

Make it happen!

Gm legends.

'Some doors only open from the Inside' - Max Strom #Breathing #Calmness

Gm legends Struggling for time? Let’s make #Parenting a team sport! Transform boring daily chores into something a little more fun, and empower your kids with responsibility! Here’s how to get everyone involved: Ages 3-5: Little organizers! Have them sort toys or socks by color—it's like a real-life game of matching! Ages 6-8: Sous chefs in training! They can wash veggies or set the table, turning mealtime prep into their very own 'restaurant’!Try to make this a routine for them so they realise it's their task. Ages 9-12: Laundry pros! They can help fold clothes or even learn to operate the washer with some guidance—hello, mini adults! Great prep towards their independence, and frees up your time in the long run. Teens: Household managers! Let them take on vacuuming, food shopping, or even meal planning. Perfect for future CEOs! Remember, we all have our own issues, so whilst the tips above may be helpful for some, they won't work for others. The key thing to take away is: Work out what works for your family to help your children gain important life skills whilst at the same time giving you that bit more time and flexibility in life. Every task they tackle boosts their confidence and independence and chops down your to-do list. 📋💪 Start simple, celebrate their successes, and watch them grow into capable, independent beings whilst you free up some much needed time. #FamilyPower #ChoresCanbeFun #ParentingHacks ***When you replace ‘why is this happening to me?’ with ‘what is this trying to teach me?’ everything shifts."*** Thanks for reading. 🙏

Get me out! I can't take it. Have you ever felt like this in your own home? Your home is supposed to be your place of comfort. Somewhere you feel safe and calm. I'm also talking about safe and calm in your mind too. Imagine coming home from a stressful day at work to clutter and disorganisation everywhere! - Over and over again! Where is your place to calm, reflect, de stress? There won't be anywhere! - Not good. This used to be us. Full time parents, full time jobs, 2 children. No Time for each other, arguments, stress, anxiety, tension. You can help yourself by following a few straightforward tips. 1) Zone Your Home: Assign specific activities to designated areas in your home to streamline daily tasks and minimize clutter. Create a study space for work and a cosy corner for relaxation. This strategy not only keeps things tidy but also psychologically prepares you for the activity intended for each zone. 2) Daily 15-Minute Blitz: Implement a daily decluttering session where the whole family participates for just 15 minutes. Make it a fun, fast-paced challenge—maybe even play some lively music to keep the energy up. This daily habit not only keeps your home tidy but also teaches everyone the value of maintaining order. Key tip- Make it fun. This was a gamechanger for us. 3) One In, One Out Rule: Maintain balance in your home by adopting the "One In, One Out" rule: for every new item that comes into your home, ensure an old one is donated, sold, or recycled. This practice helps curb excess and encourages thoughtful consumption. We are pretty ruthless, so this was easy for us. 4) Use Vertical Space: Make the most of your home's vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, and racks. This is especially effective in small living spaces where floor space is at a premium. Hanging items up keeps the floor clear and makes cleaning easier. Another game changer. Really helps for those living in places with less floor space. 5) Label Everything: Take the guesswork out of storage by labelling bins, baskets, and shelves. This simple step ensures that every item has a designated place and makes both cleaning up and finding things a breeze. We went one step further and leballed things like medicine boxes, cereal boxes. Family members treat boxes. It's up to you how far you want to go with this. These five tips helped us massively. "Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect" 💪

In the whirlwind of parenting, finding moments of peace can sometimes feel like searching for a quiet corner in a bustling city. Yet, the practice of mindfulness offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos. Here are some encouraging and educational tips to help you stay present and grounded, making your parenting journey both enriching and transformative. 1) Set Daily Intentions: Each morning, take a moment to set an intention for your day. It could be something like, "Today, I'll find joy in little moments," or "I'll patient with myself and my children." This helps create a positive mindset that guides your interactions throughout the day. 2) Engage in Single-Tasking: In a world that praises multitasking, choose to do the opposite. When playing with your child, just play. When eating, just eat. This practice helps you savour the moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. 3) Take Mindful Breaks: Just as we recharge our phones, our minds also need recharging. Throughout your day, take short breaks to meditate, stretch, or simply do nothing for a few minutes. These breaks are not a luxury—they are essential for mental clarity and emotional resilience. 4) Practice Gratitude: End your day by reflecting on three things you are grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s present and fosters positivity in your life and in your home. 5) Be Kind to Yourself: Who said parenting is easy! Remember, mindfulness is not about being a perfect parent; it’s about being a present parent. Be kind to yourself on the days when you feel you could have done better. Self-compassion is a core teaching of mindfulness and something that your children will learn by example. These can be applied in all areas of life, not Just parenting! And remember, the practice of mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding bits of peace along the way, not eliminating the chaos. Each moment of mindfulness, no matter how brief, is a moment where you are fully present in your life and with your children. These moments build, layer by layer, a profound connection to the life you are living and the little ones you are guiding. It's a tough gig, but you can do it! 💪

Change fundamentals and let what you're searching for find you!

Finding Balance in the Parenting High-Wire Act Working full-time and coming home late? Bedtime battles? Meals that need to cook themselves? Hobbies collecting dust? Let’s break it down and breathe some life back into these routines. Honestly, I've been there! • Coming home late from work? It's tough walking in when the day’s almost done. But, shifting perspective is key and definitely helps. Treasure those late-night cuddles or stories, as they count just as much. Make every minute meaningful rather than just counted. You'll probably be tired and stressed depending on the day you've had. Listening to motivational podcasts on my commute back from work helped me de stress, ready to deal with whatever came my way when I walked through the door. • Kids Won’t Hit the Hay? Kids turning bedtime into game time? The last thing you need as you walk through the door, right? Keep a consistent routine that includes winding down with quiet activities like reading or soft music. Make bedtime predictable and calming, even if it’s later than you’d wish. Although my wife works full time, she is often back before me. She will make dinner, and I'll do bedtime, depending on when I get back. (Very important to split tasks as evenly as possible) My kids are 7 and 9, so our battles are mostly the kids arguing as to why they have to go to bed. I'll remain calm and ask them about their day. I'll give each of them their one on one and we'll have a quick story. It doesn't always go to plan, but it's definitely improved. A big change came when I learnt to help myself and remain calm in certain situations. • No Time to Cook? The drive-thru can wait. Definitely opt for meal planning and simple, nutritious meals that can be prepped ahead over the weekend. Slow cookers can be your best friend, churning out dinners while you work or play. Air fryers are also a god send (Watch this space as I'll be giving some healthy, quick meals that we use) The key here is to plan in advance - 1) Write down a meal plan for the week ahead 2)Make decsions based on who's available to cook for that day and their strengths, busy after-school schedule, etc (If you have to alternate between the same 5-10 healthy meals over and over, then that's fine. That's what we do, although my wife gets bored easily with similar meals) 3)Try to vary between ingredients and keep it nutritious. •Hobbies? What Hobbies? Schedule, schedule, schedule. Block out time weekly, even if it’s just 30 minutes or an hour. This isn't selfish—it’s self-care, and I can't stress enough the importance of this. I use my time from around 8.30pm to 10.30pm when i go to bed, to do what I want. That might be 20/30 minutes of exercise, 30 minutes of reading, 30 minutes of creating art or designs for my business on the side of work. Regardless, it varies each evening, but I make sure it de stresses me. •Housework Never Ends? Divide and conquer. Assign everyone in the house a task, even little ones! Make chores a family affair and knock them out with some music and teamwork. (Maybe do this over the weekend) My wife has weekends free, and I work 2 in 4. We divide the household chores over the weekend. We set aside an hour or so where we listen to music and do what needs doing. This was a big turning point for us. Tasks we give to our 7 and 9 year old to help: 1) Empty dishwasher 2) Empy bins 3) Tidy rooms 4) Make beds 5) Help in the garden - pull up weeds •Partner in the Work Grind Too? Every families situation is different. If both parents work FT like the case with me it's vital to communicate and sync calendars. Know each other's schedules and plan who does what. Communication is key, and sharing responsibilities equally can strengthen your bond. Don't let your partner feel like you are taking advantage of them. You do what works for you as a family-but It needs good communication. Thanks for reading. 🫡

Gm legends.

Hey legends. I know you're out there juggling work deadlines, toddler tantrums/teen dramas, and house chores like a superhero without a cape. But even superheroes need a break to recharge. So, let’s dive into keeping you not just surviving but thriving in the chaos of parenthood and full-time work! 📘 Snippet of Sanity Yes, life’s crazy, but find those golden moments for a quick read. Whether it's a blog post, a chapter of a book, or an online article, make this your guilt-free escape pod. Ten minutes of reading can be like a mini-vacation from the daily grind—totally refreshing! 🧘‍♂️ Zen in Ten Incorporate a quick meditation or deep-breathing session during your coffee break or in those quiet moments before the morning rush. It's like pressing a reset button on your stress levels. Even just ten minutes can shift your whole day’s perspective! 🎨 Get Crafty with Your Time Reignite that old hobby or start a new one. Maybe it’s gardening, art, or strumming some tunes on a guitar. Whatever it is, let it be your creative outlet. It’s not just fun; it’s a way to demonstrate to your kids (and remind yourself) what joy looks like, firsthand. 🥗 Smart Eating Take an hour or two on the weekend to prep meals and snacks. Trust me, your mid-week self will thank you as you breeze through hectic days with ready-to-go healthy bites. It’s all about fuelling your body to keep up with your bustling life without compromising on nutrition. 🌜 Sleep Like a Boss Never skimp on sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality shuteye. Good sleep isn’t just about catching Zs; it’s about resetting your brain and body. The better you sleep, the more patient and energetic you'll be—both at work and home. 🗣️ Positive Vibes Only Start your day with positive affirmations. Look in the mirror and remind yourself of your strengths and the incredible job you’re doing. Positive self-talk can boost your mood and your day! 📞 Connect Never underestimate the power of a quick call or text to a friend. Sharing a laugh or a rant can be incredibly up lifting. Plus, it keeps you connected to your identity outside of work and parenting. 🤹‍♂️ Delegate Like a Pro Teach your kids to handle age-appropriate chores. Not only does this reduce your load, it also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and teamwork. 📆 Schedule Downtime Schedule weekly downtime for yourself—no if's, and's, or but's. This could be anything from a solo coffee date to a yoga class. Make it as important as any meeting in your calendar. 🎉 Make Fun a Routine Plan regular family outings or game nights. It’s about making memorable moments and laughing together. Plus, laughter is a fantastic stress reliever! By integrating these self-care strategies into your daily routine, you’ll not just cope—you’ll thrive. You’ll find that balance between being an awesome parent and an effective professional, and you'll do it with a smile. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. You’re not just doing this for you, but for your family too. They need you at your best, and so do you. You've totally got this #ParentingWin #SelfCare #FamilyFirst