Until recently I had never worked a full-time job and in my youthful naivete I could never quite understand what people meant when they said that they literally don't have time for anything. But now I fully comprehend the struggle of working 9 to 5 everyday. When your work isn't conveniently located next door it is likely that you are stuck in traffic or have to commute on public transport to work and back each day as well, which leaves practically no time to take some time off for yourself. It really is: work, sleep, repeat. But it is so very important to still have some me-time integrated into your work week to not completely go insane. So I wanted to share some of the ways that helped me do that.
1. Make your bed
The first thing you can do in the morning is making your bed. It only takes five minutes and will give you motivation for the day ahead after you already sucessfully completed one task. Not to mention the glorious feeling of seeing and falling into a nice, freshly made bed when you come home after a long day. It feels so much better than climbing into rumpled sheets and resting your head on a flat pillow, trust me.
2. Consider journaling
I know that journaling isn't everyones cup of tea but reflecting on your day, your goals etc. is a great way to practice self-care and gratitude. You don't have to write whole pages each day to do that though. A few lines a day are completely enough and it is nice to one day look back on how you felt on a certain date. If you feel uninspired as what to write there are many journal options to help you make it a bit easier. Check out these ones:
3. Listen to a podcast on your commute/ while getting ready
I feel like podcasts are an underestimated artform but this was my absolute favourite way to decompress and relax after my day at work. The minute I stepped out of the building and started walking to the tube station I put my earphones in and listened to one or two podcasts. This way the mostly annoying and anxiety-evoking commute just flew by and as a bonus I've learned something each and everytime. I also listen to podcasts when I get ready in the morning. I find it much more relaxing than music and it helps you to get focused as well. Here are some of my favourite podcasts:
4. Cook a nutritious meal
Of course it is way easier to just stop by at McDonalds and not make a fuss about your dinner but if you take some time to think about what you could eat ahead of the week, you can prepare some nutritious and healthy meals throughout the week and as a bonus can take the leftovers with you to work the next day. Try to plan out some meals on Saturday before you go food shopping. (You can always look to Pinterest for recipe inspiration) It doesn't have to be a five star gourmet dinner whose cooking process will stress you out but it should contain some fresh vegetables, some fibre and a healthy fat source (salmon, avocado etc.). But even if it's not that healthy (Not that I eat all that healthy. Cheese is life.) any home cooked meal is better than fast food or a microwave dinner. Having a home cooked meal on most days of the week will make you feel so much better and give you much more energy to function. Saying that, sometimes all you need after a long day is a burger or a pizza so don't forget to treat yo self from time to time.
5. Light some candles
This is such a small thing to do but having some candles flickering in the background while you watch Netflix or read a book is so cozy and aesthetically pleasing to the eye after a day of seeing dirty tube stations and people screaming into their phones.
6. Take a bath
Taking a bath obviously is my answer to everything but please take a bath and tell me that you don't feel like an angel descending from heaven afterwards. Of course it is way quicker and effecient to just take a quick shower and hop into bed but sometimes a bath can be the thing you just needed. Especially when your struggle with sore muscles, muscle tension or are coming down with a cold the hot water will be a life saver.
7. Make time for your skincare
My favourite time of the day is the moment I take my make up off. I put on some music or a Youtube video and take my time to do my whole skincare routine. This has become my way to end the day. All in all it only takes me fifteen minutes but it is pure heart-balm for me. Even though I do it every night it feels like a little Spa-treatment each time and just has this sense of 'This is just for me'. Highly recommend!
8. Seize your weekends
'A Sunday well spent brings a week of content'. I truly believe in this. On the weekends we tend to do some life admin, clean our flats, do the grocery shopping and the laundry and oftentimes forget that we only have those precious 48 hours to make the most of it. How you spend your weekend is completely up to you and depends on personal preference. I like to meet up with friends on Saturdays, go shopping, have a coffee together. On Sundays on the other hand I hardly leave the bed. I don't wear make up, read a book, watch 'Friends' all day or go for a walk.
How do you take some me-time in your day to day life?
xx Laura
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