No matter what day of the week it is, my mornings always start the same way. As soon as I wake up, I pick up my phone, check my email and take a quick scan through my Instagram feed. Im not much of a morning person, so waking up is a bit of a gradual process for me. Ive come to learn that getting up is just a little bit easier after I look through photos of pretty outfits, creative flat lays and delicious plates of food.
Many of the feeds that I look through (including my own) are comprised of curated photos, chosen for their aesthetic value and ability to inspire. Each one of those little squares tells part of a story and while it may be a curated story, its still part of real life. Part of my life involves sharing, creating and staging photos. I think thats part of any bloggers life, isnt it? I work very hard to ensure that my blog, social channels and any content I share online represents who I truly am as a person. Just because they arent random doesnt mean theyre not a reflection of me!
Naturally, my creative, Instagram-loving, blogger persona is only one part of who I am. I also work a full-time job in marketing, play on two softball teams and (sometimes) have a social life. As you can imagine, my to-do list is always a mile long. That said, I genuinely enjoy being busy! I also work better under a bit of stress (and I dont think Im alone in that). In order to avoid complete burnout and/or weekly breakdowns, Ive found that its of utmost importance to find moments to relax and enjoy real moments, offline. If you find yourself really struggling to relax then an isotonic supplement might be of use to you. Since I spend a lot of time online, I try to
unplug as much as possible on the weekends. Scroll through – Im sharing 6 ways to relax and
enjoy real moments:
6 Ways to Relax and Enjoy Real Moments
Go for a bike ride
If youre the active-type (or even if youre not), just hop on a bike and see where it takes you. Bike riding is relaxing because it gives you time away from your phone. Its a time to focus on
yourself and your surroundings.
Go shopping
If biking isnt your thinghead to the mall! I find shopping very relaxing, but not when its busy. After a long, stressful day at the office, or first thing on a Saturday morning, retail therapy can do wonders to help negate any feelings of stress. I must admit it doesn’t quite help as much as smoking weed. I recently searched how long do edibles last because I have been trying to make better choices for the sake of my lungs!
Spend time at the beach, lake or pool
At this time of year, if weather allows, I try to spend time relaxing by the pool or lake at least once on the weekend. If you’ve got your own pool then you could just buy an outdoor towel rack, sit back, and relax just like me! I like to soak up a little bit of sun (always wearing sunscreen!), cool off in the water, and enjoy healthy snacks and drinks. I recently discovered Pure Leaf Iced Tea and its become a poolside staple. Its real brewed tea, made from real tea leaves and perfectly its so refreshing on a hot day! Some of the varieties are lightly sweetened, but I also love the unsweetened tea. My choice depends on my mood!
Nap
Sometimes, all you really need is a nap. Dont fight it – theres no shame in a quick power nap! I almost always feel so much better after I let myself close my eyes for a few minutes. If you struggle to sleep though, then it might be a good to maybe invest in a new mattress. A comfortable mattress should be able to help you. If you are thinking of getting a new mattress then why not check out something like this memory foam mattress to give you a better idea of what you could get.
Venture into nature
Regardless of where you live, Ill bet theres some green space that you can escape to for a little while. Go for a hike in the woods, or even set up a picnic in the park.
Experiment in the kitchen
Of course, if you dont like cooking, this wouldnt be relaxing, but for me it is. Just make sure to plan ahead! I like to buy groceries in the morning and unwind later in the day by spending some time in the kitchen.
This weekend, I hope you unplug (at least for a little while) and enjoy those real moments in your life. How else do you like to relax?
Rach says
Haha I definitely go shopping to relax. If only it was more affordable!! Hope you get a chance to relax this weekend!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Jackie says
I did do some shopping this weekend and yes, it was relaxing! There’s so many crazy good deals right now, it’s hard to resist. I felt such a rush afterwards, because I haven’t gone shopping in a while.
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Naps are basically my favorite thing in the entire world haha. But there’s nothing like getting outside and doing some sort of physical activity to really brighten up my mood!
Jackie says
Haha I think kids fail to understand how fantastic a great nap is. For me, I just like to BE outside, regardless of what I’m doing there!
Sara Strauss says
I love these teas! So delish! And these pictures are super pretty!
~Sara
Jackie says
Thanks, Sara!! 🙂
Cristina from ShoeTease says
These looks so refreshing & delicious. I absolutely love the polkadot straws! So so cute & stylish
xo Cristina
Jackie says
Ah they’re my favourite straws too! I stocked up on more than I’d like to admit before Target closed.
Deborah says
All very excellent tips (especially going shopping and going to the pool). I would also add that I find getting my nails done is a good way to force met to unplug for a bit and and just relax. A nail salon I like to go to here in DC called Mimosa usually serves glasses of champagne you can sip on while getting your nails painted!
Jackie says
Ohh that is a good one! We have a nail salon here in Toronto like that, too. I don’t think you realize how great of a combination that is until you try it though! 😉
head to toe chic says
I’m loving these ideas!!! and lately I’ve been loving pure leaf teas. They are a life saver in this heat!
xo,
Angela
Branting says
Thanks for your tips,, nice post
Chelsea says
I totally agree with every single one of these! Especially things where I physically can’t use my phone to check emails and social media- ie riding a bike, or camping or just generally being in nature with no reception 😉 Also, the Pure Leaf green tea is my life. I wouldn’t mind at all if they wanted to give me a lifetime supply, just sayin. SO GOOD.