Even as the kiddos get older it still feels like life is just as hectic as it was when they were younger and one of the things that I have struggled with since going back to work full time, is finding time to relax. A bit of me time to reflect and decompress.
This summer holiday has been much awaited after a long and busy year in school and I was determined that in between the long list of jobs that have been building up through the year, I am going to take that all important time to unwind. A time to focus on myself, to lower my heart rate, to think about something that isn’t work. These are a few of my favourite ways of wiling away some me-time.
Time with the dog
One of the biggest advantages of having a pet, in particular a dog, is they are really therapeutic. Whether you are out walking and taking in some fresh air and exercise or sitting on the sofa and stroking their soft fur, they definitely help you to relax and lowering your blood pressure.
Going for a walk
Weather allowing, walking is always a good way for getting some perspective. Whether with a dog, with a friend or family member or just a solo trek, it is a great way to switch off and unwind. If you are lucky enough to be by the sea, even better. We have to make do with a river but I love nothing more than a bracing stroll by the sea, watching the waves. It is mesmeric and calming.
Taking up a hobby
I decided to take up crochet a few years ago. My mum is a whizz with all things crafty and her sewing and knitting skills are something to behold. I didn’t really inherit those skills but I had always wanted to try my hand at crochet. It didn’t come easy but eventually I got into it and I have made a couple of blankets. They are rustic but I am really proud of them. They take me a couple of years on average as I hate sewing in the ends but when I start a new project, it is the best way to unwind.
Switch off the screens
When was the last time you sat in absolute silence. There is always noise in our house, someone going up and down stairs, someone watching TV or gaming, someone on the phone or headset, the much used appliances always on the go in the kitchen. Then there is the call of the screens, it is so tempting to sit down and get sucked into social media and before you know it, you have lost another hour of your life. It is good sometimes to just sit in those moments when everything is calm. Just sit, without a phone, without a screen and maybe enjoy a cup of tea. For me those rare moments are my version of mindfulness.
Do some exercise
I am not a natural when it comes to exercise. I never have been. About a year ago, I joined the local gym as I was able to join my daughter too and we then inspire each other to go every week. We go every weekend and most days during the holidays and I must admit that plodding away on the treadmill or other machines is another good way for me to unwind. It is a different type of unwinding but with my headphones in, I listen to my favourite music or a good book and it is a time to reflect, time for myself. Along with the health benefits, it has become an important time for me every week.
Listening to an audiobook
I have always been an avid reader but as life became busier with family and work, I found it harder to fit reading into my life. I then discovered audio books. Often I listen to books on the way to and from work or sometimes in the gym or on the train. I have some key books that I return to when I am waiting for a new book to take my fancy. I love it and it is truly relaxing.
Journaling
This isn’t my way of relaxing but my daughter enjoys journaling and I often find her with her journal open, as variety of pens and highlighters filling her journal with ideas and thoughts and I know that she finds it therapeutic. My mum has also written a diary for many years and she likes the routine of writing down key points from each day in a diary. Journaling or writing a diary can be a really good way of dealing with stress and research has shown that it can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health.
Listen to music
The power of music is incredible when it comes to destressing and it can work in a number of different ways. Calming, soothing music can help you to physically relax and unwind and give you a chance to sit or lie and calm your breathing as you listen. Music can also help you to reflect on the past and evoke memories – I have a memory playlist and it has songs that remind of different times in my life and I love listening to it as it reminds me of so many key events. However, top of my list is music that makes me move – I love nothing more than playing music that makes me dance around, sing and laugh. That is so good for you and although not necessarily relaxing, it definitely distracts you and makes you feel a lot happier.
Close your eyes and breathe
I have to admit that I have never found meditation something that helps me personally, but just closing your eyes and concentrating on your breathing can be really effective and the joy of that is that you can do it anywhere. If I feel myself getting anxious or stressed, I will find a space where I can just sit, close my eyes and really focus on deep breathing and this just calms me down and enables me to carry on with my day.
Tea and biscuits
A nice cuppa and a few biccies are always good. You have to stop, sit and just take some time out from your day and whether you dunk or not, this is a winning combination for me.
