Life can be super busy and super stressful, and every now and again it is important to take some time out to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries – have some ‘Me Time’ as I like to call it.
There are several things I like to do to help me unwind and relax and recharge my batteries again. I don’t do all these things at the same time, but I mix it up depending on what kind of mood I’m in.
1. Have an Early Night
During the week I try and have at least one early night. I like to have a shower, pull on some fresh PJ’s and climb into bed with a good book, or a magazine. We have a TV in our bedroom, but I try not to watch TV, as that for me defeats the whole point of having an early night – which is to relax and catch up on some much-needed sleep.
2. Have a Pamper Night
I really love having a full on pamper night, but I very rarely get the time now, but I do try to have a form of a pamper evening, usually on a Sunday night – to get myself all nice and relaxed and chilled before starting the week again. I do everything from a face mask to painting my toenails – which is a really nice way to spend a few hours on a Sunday evening, before the mayhem off another week starts.
3. Read a Book
I love reading, and have always found curling up on the sofa (sometimes cuddled up under a blanket) with a good book so relaxing. I can happily stay like that all afternoon – and may include a little nap as well!
4. Spend Time with my Boyfriend
When I’m feeling tired and stressed, there is nothing better than cuddles with my lovely man. This instantly makes me feel less stressed.
5. Cuddles with my Cat
I love my little kitty so much, and no matter how tired I am feeling, 10 minutes of cuddles and snuggles with him makes the whole world a better place again.
6. Meditation
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not full on into the meditation thing, but I have downloaded some fantastic apps on my phone – Pacifica and Relax Lite – which provide short guided meditation sessions – I find this so helpful to allow me time at the end of the day to empty my mind, think about nothing, worry about nothing, and just purely relax.
7. Have a Night Out with Friends
I’m not really into going out for a full on night out anymore, but I do love catching up with friends for dinner and a good old gossip. There is nothing better than having a good gossip with friends to help unwind and relax – even better done over a glass of wine or two!
8. Be Grateful
Even if I have had a horrible week at work, I’m stressed and tired and just feeling super sorry for myself, I try and remember all the amazing things I have in my life. I have started keeping a gratitude journal – I don’t write in it everyday, but it really helps when I’m having a down time to just know that my life really is incredible.
9. Let It All Out
Does anyone else feel better after a good cry? Or is that just me? Sometime having a good old cry and getting all that pent up stress and emotion out just makes me feel so much better – my boyfriend struggles to understand this, and thinks that something is always wrong with me!
10. Make Plans and Goals
I find one of the best things for me when I’m feeling a bit down and stressed, is create some goals and plans. It could be personal ones, work related and blogging related – but writing down some achievable goals helps me to focus a bit more.
Do you have any specific ways you relax and unwind? Leave me a comment and let me know.
