Day 10/366

Flower for the day is Aster, named after the ancient Greek word for star, there are around 180 species of this flower in the same family. They usually bloom in the late summer and early autumn. The various pollinators such as birds, bees and butterflies are attracted to their bright colours. Purple is my older daughter's favourite colour and so she really enjoyed making this one with me. What is your favourite colour? Mine is Green.

The day was very relaxed. I see that my girls are slowly settling into this new routine and quite used to just playing (and obviously fighting with each other) at home. I have now given them the freedom to decide at what time they would like to step out of the house for a stroll or even some grocery shopping. They have their plans for the day once we leave the house and I'm also enjoying the new adventure each day. Today my younger one asked my older one and me to follow her and we kept going around the mall nearby until she said she was done and we could go back home. They sometimes ask for some treats and usually its sweet stuff. I have been very relaxed the first few days we came into the country as it was Christmas time and there was just too many things that my girls have never got to see before. But now since we are slowly settling into this new place, i have started bringing about certain restrictions on consumption of sweets, especially when it is asked on a daily basis. Thankfully, my girls have been very understanding and co-operative. Just need to wait and see how long this will last.

When we were in Brunei, one thing I was very particular about was my afternoon naps. It maybe only for 30 mins or sometimes an hour. But that nap was very important for me to survive the rest of my day. My friends would make fun of my naps quite often and it just happened to be a part of daily routine. But after coming here, with the girls and the endless chores that have to be done at home, I hardly get the time, but today was one lucky day! I got 30 mins of nap time while the girls played with their lego.

Do you know the benefits of mid-day power naps? Here are a few,

1. Increased productivity: Taking a mid-day power nap can help to refresh your brain and increase your overall productivity. It helps to combat the mid-day slump and regain focus and alertness.

2. Improved cognitive function: Power naps have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. A brief period of rest can help to consolidate and solidify information in your brain, leading to better cognitive performance.

3. Stress reduction: Power naps can help to alleviate stress and reduce anxiety levels. The short relaxation period helps to calm the mind and promote relaxation, leading to a more balanced and calm state of being.

4. Enhanced mood: Napping can positively impact your mood by reducing irritability and boosting feelings of happiness and well-being. It can help to rejuvenate your energy and improve your overall mood throughout the day.

5. Increased creativity: Taking a power nap can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. It allows your brain to rest and recharge, leading to enhanced imaginative and innovative thinking.

6. Improved physical health: Regular power naps have been associated with improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Napping helps to relax the body and promote physical recovery.

7. Enhanced immune function: Adequate rest and sleep are important for maintaining a strong immune system. Taking a mid-day power nap can help to boost your immune function and improve your body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.

8. Increased alertness and safety: Fatigue and drowsiness can impair your alertness and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Taking a brief power nap can help to combat drowsiness and promote wakefulness, making you more alert and focused, which can contribute to improved safety at work or while driving.

9. Improved memory consolidation: Power naps play a role in memory consolidation, helping to solidify and retain information learned throughout the day. It can improve your ability to remember and recall information.

10. Rest and relaxation: Besides the specific cognitive and health benefits, power naps offer a chance to recharge and relax. Taking a break from work or daily activities to rest and rejuvenate can contribute to overall well-being and stress management.

Do you guys take power naps too? Let me know.

Later in the evening, we decided to paint our nails. These are the kids friendly, water-based nail polishes. I love these cos they do not contain all the toxic substances that are present in the once used by adults. My older daughter has a habit of biting her nails often, so this is another reason I'm not a fan of the other commercial nail polishes. The girls had a great time.

The day ended on a good note and the girls went to be happily and no tantrums. One of those days, I say.

How was your day?

Love

Ammu