Taking Time Out

We're almost halfway through the year and, like most people, I can't quite beleive it. The first half of the year has been a busy one and May in particular was possibly one of the busiest months I've had in a very long time. I ended up spending more nights away from home than there and didn't have a single day with no plans. I'm certainly not complaining, it was great. I had so much fun, got to see some of my favourite people and got to explore new places.

I ended the month more exhausted than I had been in a long time and ready to take some time to take care of myself. In the past I'd just power on through, thinking any time out would frankly be a sign of weakness but all that's ever done is leave me more tired and often getting ill, no one wants that. This time I've taken a step back, worked out what I need to do and even just done a couple of simple things to help me feel a little more enegerised and like I have my life together.

Get life admin sorted: Unpacking from being away is never fun but doing it straight away and getting your clothes washed and put away always helps to make you feel that bit more organised. Same goes for paying any bills, doing a food shop and a bit of cleaning. Get on top of all of that boring life admin and you'll feel back in control in no time. 

Get back into your routines: When you're here, there and everywhere all of those good habits you normally have can go out of the window. Maybe you're not cooking quite as much, your exercise pattern has slipped or just the mere idea of a bed time is a distant memory. I find that getting back into these routines can be so valuable though. By default it means I'm eating better so feel better, moving more so often sleeping better and I'm not spending every day quite so tired. It can take a bit of time to readjust so I like to ease myself back in. Instead of a sandwich on the train for tea, no movement and crawling into bed at midnight I'll cook a meal (even if its just some kind of pasta with vegetables), do a little yoga and aim to be in bed by 11.

Schedule in some time for yourself: If you're in the midst of a busy time it can be so hard to make any time for yourself. Most of us have heard of the tip that you should diarise your exercise plans, we'll I've started to do the same with my self care time. At least a couple of times a week I block out an hour to do something to take care of myself (currently I'm using that hour I'd usually watch Love Island in). It might be some yoga or meditation, maybe I prep some meals for the next few days or sometimes it's just snuggling up in bed and watching a couple of episodes of friends. Even if you can't make an hour, just 10 minutes to do something for yourself can make a huge difference.

Be kind to yourself: Yes, everyone is busy and yes, life has to carry on but you'll be so much more productive and feel so much better if you aren't beating yourself up for needing to take a little time. We're only human and sometimes we need to take that time to recharge, and that's OK.

I know I'm not alone in loving that feeling of being busy and having a lot to do. But even the most on-the-go people need some time to decompress and relax once in a while. Prioritising that time doesn't make you weak or lazy (a revelation I've only recently had), instead it's an essential part of being productive and being able to perform at your best.