Treating yourself

We all need to remind ourselves sometimes we need to be kind to our self. Often we are keeping a tight schedule not allowing our self a lot of time to relax and ease back. A moment of mindfulness may offer an excellent opportunity of reflect on our day and take a step back to review our life. Everyone has different ways to take some 'me-time' one might get lost in the pages of a good book somewhere on the couch with a nice, warm blanket and a hot cup of tea. While someone else might find great joy in acting crazy and dancing and singing along with golden oldies. Getting lost in an activity you love doing, not worrying about being productive. If you are absolutely clueless and getting stressed about how you could relax, STOP. Don't overthink the activity itself, it is all about getting rid of the stress instead of causing any extra. Therefore I have come up a few example to help you get started!

• Take a long stroll in the woods just by yourself ( and take some beautiful forest shots). Being outside and spending some time in the nature can be very refreshing. The fresh air, blossoming flowers and beautiful trees can inspire you and let you clear your mind. If you like taking photographs it is an excellent hobby to combine while being outdoors. Make pictures of different types of flower you had not seen before or small animals which hop across your path. Make a collage from different hikes you have taken and frame it in your room.
• Paint your nails (don't forget your toe nails). Well this is one for the ladies, although I would also recommend it to guys out there who are not afraid for a challenge. It is very therapeutic. One way to shut up the perfectionist in me is to opt for sparkling nail polish so you won't notice any mistakes very easily and won't get frustrated so soon is it need a touch up. Go for a fancy disco mix to make it extra cheerful.
• Create your own mini spa ( buy a mask, create your own body scrub, buy some scented candles and take a nice, hot shower with your favourite music album playing on the background). Taking yourself to an actual spa might be somewhat expensive, treatments are often very pricy or you might be ashamed of walking around in a towel with strangers around you. Therefore making your own retreat is a very suitable alternative. You can also invite some friends and make it into a girls night.
• Cook your favourite dessert or dinner (not just for one person, but a whole recipe and enjoy it all by yourself!). Something you can have a cheat day. Because you have been busy all day, your boss has been yelling at you, you received a good grade or just because! My guilty pleasure is my home-made tiramisu. I make a whole batch and go binge hanging on the couch watching my favourite series. Or when you are not really a dessert person you could choose to get fancy by treating yourself to a good quality piece of meat or fish and having a chic meal.
• Get in touch with an old friend (and revisit your best childhood memories together). connecting with your inner child might bring you back you places you have not visited in a while. See how they have changed and evolved. Remember how you used to spend your time there hanging out with your friends. Consider how you have grown as a person since that time and be proud of it. It could even rekindle some old friendships which were buried away.

Find out your own little pleasures and share them if you like! Inspiration is always welcome!