Putting Yourself in the Picture: A Guide to Mid-Life Wellbeing

Excerpt from A Grown Up’s Gap Year:
“It wasn’t just about running away from the daily grind. It was about running toward a version of myself I had forgotten. I didn’t need to ‘escape’ – I needed to create space for the me that had been buried beneath the needs of others. And that’s when things began to shift.

Introduction:

As a mid-life woman, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless loop of obligations, responsibilities, and expectations. Between caring for family, running a household, and juggling work, it’s common to feel like there’s little room left for your own needs. But as I discovered during my A Grown Up’s Gap Year, putting yourself back in the picture isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for your mid-life wellbeing.

The Importance of Self-Care in Mid-Life

In my book, I share my journey of reinvigoration, which began with the simple, yet profound, idea of putting my own oxygen mask on first. So many women feel compelled to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. But the truth is, when we neglect our health, happiness, and wellbeing, we risk burning out.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are nice!). It’s about creating daily routines that prioritise your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether that’s through nourishing your body with wholesome food, setting boundaries, or embracing mindfulness, these small actions add up to big shifts over time.

Small Steps to Improve Your Mid-Life Wellbeing

You don’t need to entirely overhaul your life to see results. Start by incorporating simple habits into your daily routine. In A Grown Up’s Gap Year, I share my morning “Kind Start” ritual – a series of small steps I take each morning to ensure I’m giving myself the space I need to thrive. These include waking up at the same time, getting outside in the morning light, and getting a decent lunch packed. It’s all about setting yourself up for success and feeling grounded before the day takes over.

Conclusion:

Making time for yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. When you start taking care of your own wellbeing, everything else in life falls into place. It’s about reestablishing a connection with the person you were before life got busy. When you put yourself back in the picture, you create space for the life you truly want to live.