Like many parents, I have a lot on my plate.

To prioritize the shifting schedules of our four children, I have taken on multiple freelance opportunities. While this gives me the flexibility I need, it also adds more to my plate than having only one job would. We also have a new small business that we are still getting off the ground.

Compounding this hectic schedule, I recently learned that I suffer from both ADHD and anxiety, which manifest themselves with elevated temperatures…not technically fevers, but high enough to make me feel run down and lethargic when they occur and strike in the late afternoon, recede by morning, and appear again the next afternoon. They can last weeks or even months and are somewhat debilitating.

I am still learning how to manage both of these, but there are a few things I do to help me reset and start each day in the best way possible.

**Exercise**: For me, fitness is about my mind more than my body. I alternate running with a CrossFit class at Warrenton Functional Fitness throughout the week.
During my runs, I let my mind wander. I think all the thoughts and tend to solve most of the world’s problems. I’ve come back from more than one run with a list of things I need to say before they are lost forever.

Conversely, on my CrossFit days, I think about nothing. I focus on the workout of the day. I focus on my form, breath, and body during weight-lifting and cardio sessions. This helps me block out all the “noise” constantly whirling through my mind. After each run and workout, my mind is more settled and quieter.

Mental Fitness: I also enjoy doing things that keep my mind sharp. With our newly launched maker space, Liv Creatively, we are always creating something and thinking up new additions for the small space. Running a small business also keeps my mind busy thinking of creative ways to promote it and partnerships that will help drive business.

Reading: When the workday is over, the exercise is complete, and the business hours are closed, I find a few quiet moments to read. I am a tactile reader. I prefer to read from a physical book and often carry one with me, in case I have a few minutes to open it up.

Sleep: This may be the most important one! I get my sleep! I wake up early, so I make sure I get to bed at a decent hour. Too much sleep makes me feel slow and groggy all day; too little sleep has the same results. For me, around 7 hours is the right amount. With maybe a nap here and there when I can.

I know there is more that I can do to protect my mental health. Probably the biggest thing I continue to struggle with is having free time. I feel an overwhelming urge to fill any available space in my schedule.

Maybe I will volunteer somewhere, or sign up for a field trip, or plan a massive painting project at home, or clear out a closet, or schedule an interview for an article… empty time for me is always begging to be filled.

I’m going to work on filling that empty time with those naps that come around too infrequently!

Start each Day in the Best Way Possible

The Power of Small Shifts,Honest Conversations, and Holding Space for Someone to Grow