In the days of working from home, it can be difficult being able to switch off in the evening; take the time to slow down, unwind and enjoy the end of the day. Even with a busier schedule, it's easy to fall into the same routines that don't allow you the time to really relax at the end of the day or even at the weekend. Everyone has their own ways of unwinding at the end of the day or at the weekend, here are just a few things I do to help me unwind.
Tidy the day away
Where you can, tidy away anything work-related. I tidy up my workspace of any mugs, rubbish from the days and make sure it's reset for the day tomorrow. I try my best to treat it as though this is my business, and I'm closing down the day - giving the kitchen a quick clean, putting my clothes away etc. Nothing too time-consuming but just 5-10 minutes to get everything in order, so it isn't weighing on my mind.Cosy vibes activated
Candles lit, diffuser diffusing, electric blanket warming up, chilled playlist on, hot chocolate in hand. Just of the ways to up your cosy vibes. For me, a lot of it comes down to setting the mood and giving myself that relaxing environment.Avoid the zombie scroll
There was a period of time when the main thing I did in the evening was just scrolling through social media, but now I try to find other things to do instead, putting my phone to the side and enjoying the free time.Do something for yourself!
Do something you enjoy doing; it doesn't have to be a big task but could be reading a cosy book, watching a new film, having a long bath, picking up your latest craft project. This is the time for you to make sure you take for yourself. Not sure what kind of thing you enjoy doing in the evening? Here are 5 hobbies I love! I wouldn't underestimate the power this can have on how you feel going to bed and how you feel waking up the next day!What's your favourite thing to do at the end of a busy day?
Thanks for reading,
Sarah x
It's easy to get caught up in the trivial, everyday aspects of life, living on autopilot and not taking the time to step back, assess, adjust and celebrate what's around you. It's something I've been thinking a lot more about over the last few months, and I'm trying to live a more intentional life - here's how.
But first, what is intentional living?
To me, there's no true definition, and it's very subjective as to how you live an intentional life. What I feel is that it's living with a clear purpose and focus; being self-aware and making adjustments in your life to make it even better! This can be from changing a small aspect of your every day to planning a vision for your future - it really is what you choose to make it.
5 ways I live an intentional life every day
Celebrating the small things
Don't live life passively but discover the joy in the mundane, enjoy the everyday moments and be happy for what you accomplished each day. Did you have a fab breakfast that morning? Did you have a nice walk outside? Did you meet up with a friend? Celebrate the joy these small interactions give you!
Treating every day with care
By this, I don't mean planning every day down to the hour but, again, finding those small pockets of positivity, embracing the daily tasks and making the most out of this time. From taking the time to make your coffee just the way you like it to making sure you're looking up and at your surroundings on your walk. Paying attention to these small moments will bring you more joy than you realise!
Practising gratitude
This has become part of my daily routine. It takes some getting used to, but it's been a really nice exercise to do in the mornings - I use my planner from Mal Paper* which includes a section in their daily spread to share 3 things you're grateful for. It's a nice thing to do first thing in the morning to help me reflect and be thankful. This is just one way to practice gratitude, read about more ways you can practice gratitude!
Romanticise the heck out of your own life
Give off that main character energy - live that morning routine montage from the Disney films, take joy in the small details of your workday from how you reply to your emails to the stationery you use. The characters you envy in your favourite rom-com, coming of age films, that can be you!
Finding ways to focus
It can be difficult when we are surrounded by constant distractions; zombie scrolling social media, getting distracted and overwhelmed by the news you see when you switch on the TV. Even if it's for a few hours, find ways to eliminate these distractions: turning off the TV, putting your phone on do not disturb. You'll be surprised how much time you'll now have to focus on the things you enjoy, even time to pick up a new hobby and work towards your goals. This will really help you live more intentionally and make the most out of the day-to-day.
What do you think about intentional living?
Thanks for reading,
Sarah
*Mentions previously gifted products but all opinions remain my own!*
Spring is well and truly here and summer is right around the corner. That means the season full of light, fun, uplifting reads to enjoy sunning yourself in the park, relaxing on the beach or enjoy with an iced coffee in hand. Here are just a few books that are sure to put a spring in your step as the sun starts to shine!
The Switch by Beth O'Leary
If you missed this one last summer, it's the perfect easy read to feel all warm and fuzzy inside! A simple romantic- comedy book to make the perfect beach read!
When Leena is given a two-month sabbatical after a presentation at work doesn't go to plan, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house in a quiet village in rural Yorkshire. Eileen has just turned 80 and is looking for a second chance at love but, there's no luck in her quiet neighbourhood. It's here that Leena and Eileen decide on a two-month house swap - Eileen moves into Leena's flat in London and Leena moves out to her grandmother's to give her the break she needs.
Everything about this book is wholesome and light - exactly what you need this summer! If you've already given this one a read, keep an eye out for Beth O'Leary's new book, The Roadtrip!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Speaking of beach reads, this is another easy-read romance to enjoy this summer. I read this one last summer and if you haven't got round to this one yet, this is the ideal time.
January Andrews is a bestselling romance writer and Augustus Everett is a literary fiction author. When they end up as neighbours at their beach houses, both struck with writer’s block, they strike a deal - January will write a literary novel and Augustus will try his hand at romance writing. They spend their summer, researching and writing while learning more and more about each other in the process.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Hilarious and heartfelt, this is definitely worth the read! The audiobook is also a fab option for this one - great to take in a few chapters while you're walking, enjoying the sun to really put a spring in your step! And it's not just about romance, I loved the storyline of an election and a royal wedding all rolled into this read!
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry have been long-standing nemeses and when their confrontation at a royal wedding is leaked to the tabloids, staging a fake friendship seems to be the only thing they can think of to prevent any negative fallout that could damage the relationship between Britain and America. When President Claremont is getting ready for reelection, Alex finds himself in this relationship with Henry that could derail the whole campaign. How will this all end happily?
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune
Sweet and wholesome, what more could you ask for? While it covers some heavier topics like child abuse and targeted hate, it doesn't take away from the happy storyline filled with heart-warming moments, an unexpected family and magic. This is a great summer read, but also the perfect cosy read for all year round, whenever you want to fill your heart with all the fuzzy feelings!
Linus Baker is a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth where he oversees the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management, he's given a highly classified assignment: travel to the Marsyas Island Orphanage where six dangerous children reside. But when Linus arrives, the children aren't the only secret kept on the Island. The charming caretaker Arthur Parnassus will do anything to keep his wards safe. As he and Linus grow closer together, Linus must choose what to do; destroy a home or protect the world.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I remember the summer of 2017 like it was yesterday; everyone and their mum had read this book, but I thought it's still worth the shout-out for anyone who missed out!
Eleanor Oliphant struggles with social interactions. She avoids unnecessary human contact and tends to say whatever is on her mind. But when Eleanor meets Raymond, the IT guy from her work, and Sammy, an elderly man named who they save after taking a tumble, things start to change for Eleanor. This is a slow burner but a truly uplifting read of unexpected friendships and an out-of-the-ordinary heroine. I remember loving how this book was written, and all the quirks of Eleanor's character, I think you will too!
What's on your summer TBR this year?
Thanks for reading,
Sarah x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons