If you know me at alllllll by now, you’ll know I don’t relax. Ever. I just find it so incredibly difficult and I have this incessant need to be constantly productive, 24/7. I love how I’m able to get so much done. I love that I’m a goal orientated person. I love that I can get through my daily to-do lists and go to bed knowing I’ve physically done everything I could have possibly done that day. My organisational skills and my Type A personality is one of the only things I actually like about myself so I’m not going to go and start putting myself down for it! But…. I know that it can get unhealthy. We all need down-time. Every single one of us.
However, it’s all very well and good everyone harping on about down-time and how crucial it is but we’re all wired very differently and we have to take that into account. Whilst some people reading this might think, “Jesus Christ Jenny, that’s sooooo unhealthy!” others will find something relatable in what I’m saying. Over the last few years, I’ve had to adapt my down-time to suit me and the way I’m wired. So for anyone who finds it incredibly difficult to wind down or get out of work / blogging mode, this one’s for you!
Have a bath and read a book whilst you’re in there
Obviously we all need to wash (duh) so I’ve started taking long ass baths and killing two – no THREE – birds with one stone. I can get clean, relax in the warm water and the bubbles and get a good chunk of my book read too. A productive bath. Next.
Practice yoga
We all know I love yoga. Love, love, love it. And it’s the only exercise I do where I don’t feel like it’s a waste of time and I’m eager for it to end so I can get back to work. Yoga is so beneficial to me; both physically and mentally. It can even set you up to have a more productive day if you do it in the morning!
Watch a documentary
I can’t for the life of me sit there and watch a film by myself. If my boyfriend is home or off work then sure, we’ll get through a few movies. But when I’m on my own? No chance. Not when I could be doing something more productive instead. But even I know when I need a break and I find watching an informative documentary a really worthwhile way to do that. I love learning something new. I wrote a blog post last month about some Stacey Dooley documentaries which are well worth watching – so start with those!
Sort out your room or space
Whatever needs tidying the most! I find tidying, cleaning and sorting things out sooooo relaxing and therapeutic. You can bet your bottom dollar that if I’ve spent the day de-cluttering my room then I’m going to be in a good mood! If that’s something you enjoy doing, then use it as your down time! Don’t over cook it and wear yourself out. Take breaks. Stick your music on and you’ve got a relaxing but productive day.
Bake something
Baking or cooking things is a funny one for me because although it’s like, necessary sometimes so y’all need to eat, I still find it a productive activity to do – especially if I’m trying something new and learning something from it! I think a lot of people will agree that cooking or baking can be really relaxing so when I know I need to just chill the f*** out but don’t want to, I’ll probably bake something!
Write something
Writing is amazing because it’s so versatile. Depending on how you’re feeling, write a blog post, a short story, a poem, a list, your feelings – anything! There’s always some benefit in writing things down so I find this a really relaxing but worthwhile exercise. Which is probably why my blog is scheduled so far in advance! (I’m writing this post in February…)
Where do you stand on this? Are you like me and find it difficult to wind down? Or are you the opposite and find it harder to get going? What do you do to tackle it? Let me know!
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I definitely find it hard to wind down, but I do find having a bath helps as I usually soak in there for at least an hour and read or catch up with some YT channels I subscribe to that I wouldn’t usually just sit and watch and do nothing else. Great ideas 🙂
I do EXACTLY the same! It’s a great place to watch YouTube xxx
Taking time off is so damn difficult when you’ve got so much going on creatively, but it is worth it to shut off everything for a bit and relax.
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
Even creatively it can get too much and you need a break from it I agree!
I completely relate with you on this front – I’m the kind of person who feels so guilty if I’m not doing something productive all of the time! I love having a bath and reading though, it’s one of my favourite ways to unwind xo
Sian | http://www.siankathrine.co.uk
Feeling guilty is the worst! Like we literally feel guilty for relaxing when we need to what the heck!
I always say that you and I are opposites in this regard, but it’s so true. If anything, these are the perfect tips to help ease me into being MORE productive haha! I really want to channel a bit more of your energy over the next few months, cause you’re smashing it – even when you’re having a relaxing time reading in the bath!
Beth x
Hahaha we literally are polar opposites aren’t we? I do need to learn to chill the F out and ACTUALLY chill sometimes. Not watching a film whilst sill doing work on my phone type chill 🤣 I hope these help! xxx
I always try to find time to relax each day, by reading or drinking tea. But, I actually find it really hard to slow my brain down at night. So I try to do a bit of meditation in the afternoon/evening.
Reading a good book with a cup of tea is literal bliss! xxx
Great suggestions. I always take a book in the bath with me, it allows me to lose myself in another world, also makes me stay in the bath longer as I tend to just jump in and out again without relaxing properly! This post was definitely for me hehe!
Xxx
Omg same! If I’m not doing anything in the bath I get bored! xxx
Cooking for me is what helps me relax – I find it simple yet mindful which helps to calm me down – and you get a delicious end product! I totally agree with with all of your ideas – but especially the versatility of writing something; I love the calming nature of lists but also being able to write everything out in a diary or blog post is so helpful! Lovely post hun.
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
Thank you lovely! I love spending some time just making a nice meal for myself xxx
Downtime for me is time spent in the garden. Or browsing plant catalogues. Or ordering stuff from gardening websites. You get my drift! And actually I’m also killing two birds because doing stuff in or for my garden is productive too – we’re actually alike on this one 😂 xx
Oh absolutely! That’s why I’d love to get into gardening cos it seems like such a productive and satisfying hobby xxx
A Lush bath and reading definitely help me x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
I haven’t had a Lush bath in forever x
Brilliant post, Jenny! I always find tidying and organising my room so relaxing, especially when you see how tidy and spacious it looks when you have finished. I can’t really watch films by myself but I will watch a tv series by myself but having said that I’m constantly doing something while watching it!! When it’s with family or friends I try and switch off and do nothing to concentrate on the film or series and have a bit of fun! I’ll definitely try the rest of your tips. Thanks for sharing.
I’m exactly the same! When I watch anything by myself I’m always on my phone
Yes, definitely! Glad I’m not alone in this!! 🙂