Monday Memo

Hello and happy Monday!

The Monday of a three day weekend definitely “hits different,” and while I know we had some time off recently, I always appreciate a Monday off from school.

I think I do a pretty good job not being on my phone too much. Of course, I’m on my phone for a variety of reasons like checking emails, answering texts, etc., but I try not to “doom scroll” too much!

Speaking of scrolling (ha!), I was on Pinterest, and saw this graphic and thought it was a good reminder of other ways to use our time in both creative and useful ways.

Creative:

Here are a few ways that I use time time in a creative way:

• Journaling – This blog is my journal!
• Drawing/painting – I don’t draw or paint, but I still like to color when I have the time.
• Cross-stitch– I had so much fun cross-stitching a few ornaments over Christmas break. I hope to continue with that hobby!
• DIY home decor – I’ve completed quite a few projects through the years, but not many lately. That being said, I do like updating spaces in our house with little touches like new candles and pillows.
• Flower arranging: I buy more flowers in the spring and summer months, but I always love putting them around the house. Also, our limelight hydrangeas are always so pretty in the summer, and it’s fun to pick some and put them in vases.

Useful:

Here are a few ways that I use time time in a useful way:

• Reading physical books: Ok…well, as you know, I love to read. That being said, I don’t read as many physical books as I used to. My Kindle is just more convenient for me to read (as well as audiobooks). But, I think reading on my Kindle shouldn’t count against me since reading is a good habit 🙂
• Cooking new recipes: Well, if I don’t cook, how will we eat dinner? haha But, really, I do enjoy cooking…I just don’t love meal planning. Anyway, I like to try new recipes, and I actually probably make one new dinner a week.
• Organizing and decluttering: Well, I do this all the time! I will say I do bigger “purges” after Christmas and during the summer when I have more time to do so.
• Hiking/walking: I don’t get to go on nature walks or hike very often, but I do a good job getting my steps in outside…especially in the spring and fall.
• Practicing mediation: I know it’s not exactly the same, but my quiet morning time is similar to meditation to me.
• Self-care routine: I try!
• Listening to audiobooks and podcasts: I’ve been listening to podcasts for quite some time, but audiobooks are still somewhat new to me. Audiobooks have been a way for me to read at least one more book a month.
• Meal prepping: I do this in phases, but it’s always worth it when I do it. Meal planning/prepping just isn’t one of my favorite things to do.
• Planning: Are you even a mom if you aren’t always planning something?!

What is something from this list that you do that’s a screen free hobby?

Have a great Monday!