We all know that now and again life can feel like it’s too much and we can feel stressed and exhausted. We may find ourselves feeling utterly drained and feeling quite low. One thing you should remember is YOU’RE NOT ALONE. The truth is-life is tough, and sometimes things can get on op of us. We aren’t superhuman (though powers to get the house clean in seconds wouldn’t go amiss!)
When was the last time you went and read a book, or just went out for a walk? How often do you get some “me time”?
If the answer to the above is “errr, I’m not sure” then you’re in need of a break. You’re not giving yourself the time to escape your busy life! If you’re often overwhelmed and drained then you need to read a few of my tips below and make time for yourself-before you hit burnout!
Natasha’s top tips:
- One of the most overlooked things to do is to have a bath. It may seem like a lot of effort at first to go run the water, keep an eye on the temperature etc etc; but once you’ve thrown in some lovely bath salts, lit some candles, and put on some music then you’ll soon realise how much you needed to just sit warm and relaxed and feel your troubles melt away. For me it’s a time to just lay and to just take some time for myself, rather than getting a quick shower then continuing running around doing everything else, a bath gives me a chance to just stop. Be it 20 minutes to an hour a bath can work miracles believe me! If you fear you’ll start thinking about work or other troubles then put some soft acoustic music on as a distraction.
- Another thing to do is to actually get out the house. I know we may not all be able to go and have a full day out shopping then drinks and a meal etc, but you can still have fun out and about and actually makes you feel like you’ve done something with your weekend. When I want to do something but don’t have the cash to go out and spend I think of other ways to do things. For example I try and go to the park for a walk, it’s exercise, plus I can take some pictures and have a change of scenery. Other times (if the weather’s nice) I may try and have a little picnic, or something. It’s a chance to see friends or have a little date with your partner and it costs nothing. Try it, you’ll be surprised how much fun you will have
- In addition to having a healthy mind there’s also a healthy body. I know that exercise can be the last thing you want to think about when you’re flustered and have a million and one things on your mind but exercise can help. I know people who find running, or boxing a great way to let out stress. To be honest, I’m still working on my relationship to exercise right now but I have to admit, I do feel pretty good when I come out. If you don’t want a big heavy cardio workout then why not give yoga or pilates a go. There are actually some free classes in some local communities so scour twitter and facebook for pages. Remember-healthy body, healthy mind.
- I know that when you’ve got a lot on your mind it can be difficult to sleep so I find having a notepad and pen near the bed quite helpful. By writing things down it almost puts my mind at ease that I won’t forget it. I also find using dimming lights really useful; the closer it is to bedtime the lower I dim the lights to try and get myself ready to sleep. Why not give it a go?
- Talking. You often may think you don’t want to burden your friends with your worries and seemingly ‘boring life’ but unwinding and venting a little can actually make you feel so much better. Well, I find it does for me. If you can make the time, schedule a catch up over coffee, or a girls movie night or something to give you the chance to talk with people you’re close with and the chance to hear other people’s problems and help them. I find a movie night a really good way to see friends and just help give each other advice. Even if you don’t have a big group, unwinding and talking to just one person is enough. Think of someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and was meaning to catch up with, or a person you feel yourself with, and then try and arrange something. Don’t worry if you don’t know whether you’re gonna laugh or cry-it doesn’t matter. As long as you feel at least a little better then that’s all that matters. Your diary may be filled but MAKE time-you won’t regret it!
I’m no life coach or psychologist, but I strongly recommend giving these a go. Despite how tough life can be at times, remember you’re never on your own. If any of you ever need someone to speak to then I’m happy for you to get in touch.
Take care and remember to love yourself! You’re pretty awesome!
Speak soon
Tattiexo
