It's all about me

The last two weeks have been a bit different for me, but I've learnt a lot about myself and the importance of taking time out to relax. 

On 25 November we took some time out from our normal routine to travel to Brisbane and spend some quality time with family and friends before Christmas. 

Normally when I'm working on a new post I will start on a Monday afternoon and add to it all week, making changes and adding or deleting things as I go. I do a final check on Monday morning before posting it for you all to read. I usually have at least two or three drafts on the go at once because I think of an idea that might be better suited to posting another time, so I'll work on it when ideas come to me and then leave it for a later date. 

Over the last two weeks I haven't really been doing any writing, which means just a short post last week and now this post being a day later than I would usually post it. 

With Christmas fast approaching and lots of social commitments I've been focusing my attention on other important aspects of my life instead of writing. 

I've also been taking time to rest and relax this past week because I've felt as though I need it. It's been such a busy year and we have a very busy couple of months coming up with Christmas and our overseas adventure at the end of the month that I knew now was the right time to focus on getting in some rest. 

'Me time' can mean so many different things depending on each individual. It might mean sitting on the couch to watch your favourite program, going for a run, laying in the sun to read a book or attending a yoga or pilates class to enjoy some meditation... The list is endless. 

My 'me time' means all of those things and so much more. 

While we were in Brisbane I took a step back from exercising and eating healthy 24/7 and enjoyed eating chocolate if I felt like it, or having dessert after a meal out. I still walked lots but I didn't do any other exercise and really just took some time to relax. It's always harder to do your normal workouts and stick to your normal eating habits when you're on holidays, so I took the chance to be a bit more flexible. 

We had a busy week visiting family and friends and being tourists around Brisbane. I wanted to make the most of the quality family time we were having so I didn't want to take away from that by putting time aside for my blog. Whenever we're with family it usually means late nights and early mornings so that we can make the most of our time together. 

Once we arrived home I wanted to continue with my relaxed routine leading up to Christmas. I went back to my healthy eating, but I'm still having some time off from the gym and just doing workouts at home and enjoying walking in the beautiful sunshine. 

It's so important to take time out each day from your busy routine to just relax. It might be for 5 minutes or for 30 minutes, but make sure you have some 'me time' every day. It might be as simple as sitting down and taking a few deep breaths in and out and clearing your mind of everything that's buzzing around in your head for a few short minutes. This will make you feel calmer and more relaxed and you will be in a better frame of mind to take on the rest of your day. 

Last term I was far too busy and never took time to relax. I would work in the morning, go straight to the gym or for a run (or both), get home and have lunch (or meet a friend for lunch) then quickly shower and get ready for work at 3pm. I also had to fit in catch ups with friends, visiting my sister and nieces and having quality time with Scotty. I literally wouldn't stop from the minute I woke up to the time I went to sleep.

This term I've cut down on my training so that I've had time to enjoy other things. But of course this hasn't meant being any less busy, my time has just been transferred and re-prioritised. I've tried to make more time for relaxing and having some 'me time', but I'm still trying to master that. 

As our days get busier leading up to Christmas I want you all to try and take at least 5 minutes each day to do something that you find relaxing. Look after yourself first so that you are feeling fresh and ready to take on the festive season. Of course this isn't just something you should do when you're busy or leading up to a busy time in your life, it is something you should do every day, all year round.