When I was younger and would go on holiday I would spend the whole fortnight lying on a beach doing absolutely nothing and I loved it. I could also spend weekends sitting on the couch reading, letting the hours pass by without a second thought. Fast forward 10 years and doing nothing is something I really struggle with. Obviously life is different, I’m a Mum, I have my own home and there is always so much to do and plenty to worry about. Like a lot of people I feel I am always chasing my tail so even if I do have a moment without my girls I have a list as long as my arm of chores that need to be done.
A friend recently asked me to join her for a spa day for her birthday so, with my now hectic life, I thought, why not. We booked into the Doubletree Hilton in Chester which was actually the place where I got married so it’s a place filled with lots of lovely memories. Armed with my magazines and some nibbles I put on my costume and settled into a lounger with some calming music in the background, it was bliss at first but, 15 minutes in, I was restless and thinking of the pile of ironing back at home and the dishwasher that needed emptying.
I don’t know why but since becoming a Mum I really struggle doing nothing. Obviously I have very little child free time (most weeks I have none) so I guess when I do I feel that I have to spend it wisely. Doing nothing feels like such an extravagance, I just can’t seem to allow myself it. Even when I meet a friend for a cuppa my mind is still racing away thinking of what I should be doing or how long I have been away from the girls.
Luckily, I had a facial booked for the afternoon, it was 55 minutes long and I was starting to worry how I would be able to lie there switched off for the whole time. It actually was lovely and the time went really fast, it was nice being forced to do nothing, just alone with my thoughts – I have never felt so calm and relaxed.
Doing nothing is something I definitely need to work on so I’m going to set myself a challenge of an hour a week of doing nothing, no chores, no blogging and ideally no worrying.
How do you switch off? Do you manage to have time out regularly?
hiya ive recently started yoga, although very much a beginner I do enjoy the hour or so it gives me of ‘me time’ #bloggerclubuk
Thanks for your comment, I am starting yoga on Sunday so I’m hoping it will help me switch off x
I have to admit I am good at doing nothing but not until it’s evening time. Once Baby is asleep and I’ve got all the days jobs done I can disappear off for a bath and relax! Its often easier said than done xx #BloggerClubUK
Oh I am so jealous of your relaxation time!! I used to read to switch off but my brain is always going ten to the dozen and I struggle to relax even when I get the chance!! I do miss my baths though! #sharewithme
I really struggle to switch off too. Many a time I go to bed early just to read my book, but then I find myself looking at my phone, or planning things I need to do etc. I just find it so hard to switch off. We are off on a spa day on Wednesday so I will be hoping that I can do the same! x
Oh my goodness me too! And doing nothing used to be my jam! I have to book doing nothing time in my calendar #marvmondays
I know just what you mean. I have a hard time switching off too. Something like a facial where there’s no phones handy to send a quick tweet is a big help towards relaxation. I’m glad you enjoyed your time. We could do with more of it! Thanks so much for joining us at #bloggerclubuk
Oh my goodness I am glad its not just me. I love a good day spa or two but I find it the same when I am given the time to relax I can’t and my head spins with to dos. Ever since becoming a mom it really has made me so much worse I just can’t sit and do nothing its almost frustrating even to myself. lol 🙂 You aren’t alone. Glad you enjoyed it. Facial are easier to sit and relax with than just sitting reading a magazine with music. 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme