After the chaos of the school holidays, it’s nice to be able to carve out a little ‘me time’. Jaspreet Shergill has some top tips for taking time to relax
Ironing uniforms, packing lunches and going through homework, sounds all a little familiar right? After we return back to the busy school schedule, it’s still important to make sure you’re not forgetting about yourself and getting in that very much needed ‘me time’. So here are our top things you can do, all from home, to help you relax and unwind before the alarm goes off for the school run.
Neom Candle
Candles can do so much, they bring a warm light, set the mood and fill the room with a beautiful scent. Try out the Happiness Scented candle from NEOM Organics, made with a burn time of 35 hours. Let the refreshing fragrance of white neroli, mimosa and lemon clear the mind and balance emotions. The NEOM range is made from a blend of natural vegetable wax, pure essential oils and completely free from toxins. Perfect for any evening in, so sit back, put your feet up and let all its natural goodness help you unwind.
The Bottled Baking Co
There isn’t much that can beat a little sweet treat in the evening. Now picture this – fresh, warm, gooey cookies, straight from the oven. The Bottled Baking Co. have an easy, mess-free Seriously Smart Cookies Kit, all you have to do is add an egg and butter and voila, deliciously sweet cookies ready to devour. These also make a great after-school activity for the kids to get involved with but if you’re not quite feeling in the sharing mood, it’s okay we won’t tell anyone…
Cocktail Party Hat Box
Who said you can’t have a tipple on a school-night?! This cocktail and nibble kit from Harvey Nichols, is the ultimate weekday treat, with fuss-free, bar-quality, single-serving classic cocktails and snacks alongside, there isn’t much that can go wrong. To enhance the evening, we recommend putting on a film such as a classic James Bond which is quite fitting, you just can’t say no to a bit of 007. This box also makes a great gift or night in with friends – we’ll have ours shaken not stirred, thanks!
OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs
An oldie but a goodie, taking a bath has been around for centuries and is known to relax the mind and body, there really is nothing like it. So, to add that extra bit of bliss to your ‘me time’ try the OUAI Chill Pills bath bombs, made with softening jojoba seed oil, hemp seed oil which helps to regenerate your skins protective layer and safflower oil to lock in the moisture. Just in case that wasn’t enough, they are rose and jasmine scented, they’ll get you feeling chilled in no time – exactly what they say on the tin.
CALM Book
Reading makes a lovely wind-down activity and if reading books isn’t your usual thing, it will be after this! The Calm book by Michael Acton Smith gives great advice on how to reduce stress, be in the moment and manoeuvre in what sometimes can be a rather chaotic life. The beautiful presentation alone instantly calms you as soon as you pick it up. Before bed or waiting for the dinner to cook, ten minutes of this little book of goodness can do wonders.
Journaling kit
The power of journaling is pretty extraordinary, think about releasing all your thoughts, getting rid of any tension or emotions that you may be carrying through a pen and some paper. There are so many ways you can do this and it’s about what works best for you, we recommend the TOMBOW Creative Journaling kit which comes with everything you need for your new writing journey. It’s time to put on that instrumental playlist, get cosy and clear your mind. You can also make a night-time routine of this and get the kids involved with their own mini journals.
Declutter
You have to try it before you knock it, trust us on this one! Decluttering the spare-room, the random drawer that seems to have everything in or clearing out the cupboard under the stairs. Sometimes it can feel like there is so much to do but if you tackle one drawer at a time, put some light music on in the background or your favourite podcast, you would have blasted through it all by the end of the week – and it’ll feel great! Getting rid of excess stuff can make you feel calmer, happier, and more in control so a tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind.
Colouring
Colouring isn’t just for kids! Adult colouring books are a thing too! Let your creativity flow and relax for the day. We love The Mindfulness Colouring Book by Emma Farrarons for its pocket-sized pictures depicting soothing waves and geometric patterns. This also makes a great wind-down activity to do with the kids after dinner or before bed.
