216/365 Computer Free

Like most of us I really love my computer and probably spend too much time on it if I am being honest.  I never used to spend a lot of time on my computer I think once I discovered blogging and then when internet access started to become more affordable then being on the computer weaved it's way into my everyday life.  I don't like the amount of time I spend on the computer and would rather spend more time with my family and being creative and giving my mind some space.  So I have recently, say in the last few months, implemented a computer free day every week.  At first I was just reserving it to instagram but the last couple of weeks I have also added the computer to it.  I still find it a little hard, it's like an itching feeling that you really want to check your phone to see what exciting things have been happening but you can't.  When I do log on Monday morning quite often there isn't anything in particular that has happened that I have missed out on which I knew would happen.  Isn't it interesting these feelings that you have, that technology is designed to make you want to keep looking for the next thing to interest you.  I think in time I will try and reduce the amount of time each day I spend on my computer and still keep the Sunday free, it seems to be working for me.  Do you have a computer/technology free day each week?

214/365 Meditating

My first introduction to meditating was when I started yoga probably 5 years ago.  My lovely neighbour encouraged me to go along with her and I am so glad I did because I still do yoga.  I didn't meditate at home regularly until last year when I did an online course.  I had read many books that spoke of the benefits of meditation but it was the course that prompted me to form the daily habit.  So I looked on my phone and bought an app that suited me best, found a guided mediation and just started.  It was hard at first making the time in my day but once I found a time that suited me and each day made the effort to meditate it became a habit.  I must confess that since the school holidays I haven't been sitting in my usual spot to meditate.  It is a little cold and I have formed a bad habit of lying in bed and meditating.  The benefits of mediation include reducing stress and anxiety; improves sleep and improves concentration to just name a few. So I will be getting back into a good habit of sitting down in my sacred space to do my meditation because the benefits too important not too.  Do you like to meditate?

212/365 Books and my favourite reading material

When I was young I loved to read.  I remember getting book club at school and the excitement of choosing a book from the catalogue which was a bit of a treat.  As I went through my teenage years I don't recall my love of reading fiction continuing only my love of teen magazines.  As I grew older I continued to read magazines and lacked the commitment to reading a novel.  I'm not sure what started my love of non-fiction books but I am hooked.  It's funny to purposely choose a book to learn from but I feel empowered by what I read.  I love to learn about my physical health and mental health.  I have contemplated doing another degree relating to health but the assignments.... With this new knowledge I share and apply it to my family which they mostly love... As a nice calming routine each evening, 30 minutes before bed, I like to read and sip on a night time herbal tea.  It helps to wind me down and even though I am learning I still feel relaxed.  Do you have a reading routine?  Are you predominately a fiction or non-fiction reader?