It’s safe to say that having time to ‘relax’ these days can be a struggle. Monday to Friday is usually work and the weekends are crammed with all the other things you want to do and people you want to see. Even though that nice brunch by the harbour or that casual bit of window shopping on the way home from work all seems very ‘relaxing’ I don’t think it really constitutes ‘you time’. Something I really struggle with!

Being quite a restless person, bad sleeper, worrier and someone who would much rather be ‘on the go’ than live inside my own head for a day means the thought of doing ‘nothing’ and actually enjoying it is an alien concept to me.

I basically live on my phone or computer (as most of us do) and this is another reason I identified that maybe (just maybe) having some downtime and detox from your own life might be beneficial.

I’ve constructed some things that I have learnt to implement into my weekly routine that help me ‘relax’ in the most authentic way possible:

• breathe: sounds obvious but giving yourself a few minutes to notice your breath and bring your awareness back to yourself is really beneficial. I am no yogi or expert on this but it’s something I’ve learnt on my limited yogi path.
• step out of your comfort zone: in my case I knew I had to do something I probably wouldn’t be that excited about! Last year at Flow Athletic I started Yin Yoga with Jacqui. One hour of holding poses for five minutes at a time and being ‘present’ sounded like a challenge and it was (it still is!) but I really started to notice how much calmer, less agitated and generally at peace I was.
• schedule in some ‘you time’: I usually plan a hot epsom salt bath with a cup of tea and candles. Not only do the salts aid with muscle recovery it just gives you some time to close the door and block out the rest of the world for a while (no phones allowed)
• create a sanctuary: I’ve mentioned this in one of my other posts but it makes such a difference if you create a calm, serene sleeping space. Somewhere you are longing to go to at the end of a busy day.
• use positive strategies: I always buy fresh flowers and have them near my front door, I don’t know why but it makes me feel calm and happy as I’m leaving the house into the big wide world and as I’m getting home. You could try this or maybe write some positive affirmations and scatter them in places you know you’ll find them (in your handbag, in your clothes drawer, on your bedside table etc). Its amazing the power of positive words and actions.
•  don’t feel guilty: strangely I felt guilty giving myself this time to zen out, i mean I need to go to the supermarket, schedule my hair appointment, pick up the dry cleaning and update my website……..really all those things can wait and they are not life threatening so don’t be a control freak and start sweating the smalls 🙂 soon you’ll be revelling in your own company!
• enjoy it

x x