Sometimes you just need to relax

Do you ever feel that way?  I know I do.  Of course each week is different depending on what I have going on at my 0 to 5 and course depending on my freelance workload.  Typically the last week of the month is a lot more hectic than other times of the month.   Then there’s also BF, of course I have to make time for him and then last but not least there’s myself.

That seems to be the priorities in my life right now: regular job, freelance work, BF and me.  I think it’s very important to take some time for myself each and every week so I don’t feel like I’m just working all the time.  Sometimes a girl just needs a break, you know?

Is a busy life a normal life?

This week I was on a conference call with my boss and another one of our co-workers.  While we waited for the other participants to join they were talking about how they’re trying to find a happy work life balance.  One woman said “I don’t know how I’m supposed to get any work done when I’m in meetings all day.”  My boss replied jokingly “That’s what evenings and weekends are for.”  The woman said “How are your kids?  Are they eating frozen dinners.”  Then it suddenly dawned on me, everyone is busy.

How do you get everything done?

I don’t know about you but it just seems like there’s not enough hours in the day.  I’m 34 years old and I have to consciously make an effort to relax.  I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, maybe it’s just how life is supposed to be.

Sometimes when I take a minute to relax I don’t actually settle down because I’m thinking about all the things that I should be doing, but aren’t.  This was an unhealthy habit as it just made me more restless.

I still try to take 30 minutes for myself 2 to 3 times a week but I’ve eliminated watching TV as one of my activities.  First of all it seems that 30 minutes just isn’t enough for TV; that short time can quickly turn into hours.  Secondly it doesn’t clear my mind.  I need “me time” activities that occupy my mind to help take my thoughts off work.

What do you do to relax?

Get reading.  I love a good book.  I can just get lost in the characters and the places.  Reading, especially in a bubble bath, is a great way to relax for 30 minutes.  Right now I’m reading The Postcard Killers by James Patterson.  I just picture myself walking along the streets of the European towns in the book, it’s a good time.

Go for a run.  This is the best way to clear my head.  If I want to do nothing but think about the task at hand I head to the gym.  I am so worried about keeping the rep count and focusing on my posture trying not to get injured I can’t think about anything else.

Cook dinner.  This is my least favorite activity of the three, but it does the trick.  Focusing on a healthy, home cooked meal definitely one way to relax.  Then of course you get to sit down, relax and enjoy a good meal.  That’s definitely an added benefit.

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