And in the blink of an eye Christmas is over for another year. I’m not sad though. There may be toys everywhere, and I’m not sure I can look at any more turkey sandwiches, but I really don’t mind. We’ve had the most wonderful few days with family and friends and the girls have inevitably been ridiculously spoilt. Father Christmas was also rather good to me. I’m one lucky girl.
It really has been the most wonderful Christmas and I truly hope each and every one of you have had a day filled with magic, love and laughter.
I love these next few days where there is no pressure of last minute shopping or massive roast dinners to cook. Instead I can sit down, relax and work my way through the wonderful box of Hotel Chocolat truffles I received! Well, in theory anyway.
I definitely need these next few days to put my feet up and make the most of Edd being off work. I might not have him trained to do the washing and ironing yet (who am I kidding, it’s been 17 years so I don’t hold out much hope) but he’s amazing with the girls and has been whizzing them off on their new bikes and keeping them amused with endless tickles and piggyback rides around the house.
The problem is I find it difficult to relax nowadays though and can’t just sit on the sofa. I always seem to have a hundred and one things on my mind or am frantically cleaning/tidying/sorting whilst the girls are in bed. Then there is the small matter of work and making sure I have remembered everything on my increasingly long to do list. I also find I spend a lot of time looking at my computer. There is a lot of sale shopping to be done at the moment. The girls really did need another cute dress from Boden and I’m pretty sure I needed the new Charlotte Tilbury lipstick with my John Lewis Christmas vouchers.
I like to think I’m quite organised but it’s the sheer volume of things flying through my brain that stops me fully switching off. Even sat here I am thinking of how to convey this to you lovely readers whilst simultaneously wondering how long is left on the washing, that I’ve forgotten to book Alice’s swimming lessons in and what I’m cooking the girls for tea. Not sure they will fancy bubble and squeak again.
I need to find some new ways to switch off and relax. In reality I’m not always going to be able to escape the kids and head to the spa (although that would be nice) so I need some new suggestions. I love reading so try my best to read a chapter before bed but I’m normally falling asleep. Perhaps I need to take myself off to a quiet corner and snuggle down for 20 minutes peace and quiet. I do sometimes feel like Mrs Large from Five Minutes Peace in my house! I’ve also tried my hand at knitting in the past but never quite seem to have time to finish anything anymore. I did buy one of those colouring books but tend to sit down and check emails rather than sit and colour.
So what I need to know is what do you lovely lot do to relax? Do you head for a deep bubble bath or plonk yourself on the sofa with a digestive and a bit of trash tv?
Hi Lottie, glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas! I started practicing mindfulness this year when I realised I could never properly relax or switch off. I read Ruby Wax’ book which got me thinking about it and then I did a one day mindfulness course. I have to say it’s been brill! I might not get the time out every day but when I have 10 mins here and there a few times a week, I can properly switch off and it’s really relaxing – sometimes in the bath, lying on the couch, out for a quick walk… The few minutes focusing on my breath rather than on my phone or endless to do lists does wonders for me! Can highly recommend it. Good luck and happy 2017! xxx
Merry Christmas Lottie and family. I can really sympathise with you hear I have a3 year old and one on the way and I really do feel like I have forgotten how to relax. Any spare time I do have is usually spent tidying toys, checking emails or just pursuing Instagram. Bloody phones!! I would love to switch off too. I do find now I have to have a read before bed otherwise my mind is going ten to the dozen and I don’t sleep anywhere near as well.
I will be looking out for the tips too.
Enjoy the rest of the break.
x
Not to be a judgey pants but Mrs Large is one silly elephant though- morning baths with three little ones is asking for trouble ? Then they go and have another one by the time you get to A Piece of Cake. That’s the version I’m channelling at the moment… cuddly Mummy with wobbly bits!
Yoga? You can download some great apps on the old phone for quick little sessions. Running also always does it for me, moving meditation. I haven’t run since being pregnant as I get awful stitch (it’s almost my first pregnancy symptom!) but I miss it terribly.
Or just more chocolate. Hope it’s been wonderful for all of you ??