A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: How To Feel Relaxed & Energised For 2022

Nobody ever said that January was a good month. Motivation and focus often as empty as your wallet after an over-indulgent festive season, it’s the month of the year where it’s easier than ever to find yourself slumping into a pile of blankets and biscuits. Although a fresh page can bring with it a fresh opportunity, it can also bring with it a sense of anxiety that you should be doing more / trying harder / making up for lost time. January can become a pressure cooker of expectation, when actually what we should be doing is being kind to ourselves; ensuring we feel relaxed, energised and have a sense of wellbeing pays off to a far greater degree as we emerge from the sofa and back into the world.

If you’re feeling the strain already, here are my four top tips for taking back a bit of ‘me time‘ and ensuring I feel relaxed, energised and focused.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

DRESS THE PART


If you’d told me a couple of years ago my wardrobe would be bursting at the seams with loungewear sets, comfy tracksuits and PJs that get worn from 5pm, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! (One of the few benefits of lockdown is how we all embraced comfy clothes…) Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good, so switch up those mismatching 15 year old pyjamas or paint splattered joggers for a set or two that helps you to feel great. There’s something about changing out of the days clothes into something altogether more relaxed, not dissimilar to that feeling of slipping into freshly laundered bedsheets. Trust me – new PJs are life.

SCENT YOUR HOME


Behavioural studies have revealed that smells can trigger intense emotional memories, as well as helping to either enhance or hinder our mood. There’s no better way to set the scene than to light a candle, or even better, invest in an Aroma Diffuser that gently and effectively diffuse essential oils into the air. I’ve been using one of these for the past couple of years and adore it so much that every family member has since recieved their own for Christmas; they delicately fill the air with a scent of your choosing, helping to relax the mind or energise the senses when you need it most.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

TREAT YOUR SKIN


Skincare is more than just functional. It can be an emotive and relaxing experience, if done right. Taking your time to indulge in some of your favourite products and thoroughly massaging them into skin will not only benefit your complexion, but your mind too. Don’t skimp on your bedtime skincare regime: dedicate half an hour to effectively double cleansing (with something beautiful like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm,) steaming (I swear by a facial steamer to clear and refresh the skin,) massaging and lifting, before adding a night treatment (such as Elemis Plumping Pillow Facial) that will leave you looking and feeling amazing.

HAVE A PAMPER


Making time for regular pampering really does make all the difference, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to book in a spa day or pop to the salon. That’s where handy at-home solutions come in! My mum had a foot spa in the 90’s and it was the absolute height of sophistication, but did you know they’re making a comeback and better than ever? The Homedics Luxury Foot Spa is the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of the day; jets relieve tension in your feet, while massager rollers soak away muscle tiredness, leaving your tootsies relaxed and your mind at ease. A session in this followed by some great foot cream and even a cheeky polish paint is sure to leave me feeling so much better.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Remember: the last couple of years have been hard on us all, and you can’t be the best version of you if you don’t stop to have a little ‘me time’. Taking time out isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength and should be celebrated. My resolution for 2022 is to focus on the wellbeing of my body and mind just as much as my career, family and social life. What will yours be?

Feeling inspired? Check out all the beauty treats and wellbeing must-haves over on www.very.co.uk

How do you feel relaxed and energised? Let me know below!

This is a sponsored feature on behalf of Very; all opinions my own.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Oh Floral Midi Dress, Oh Floral Midi Dress: My Go-To Effortless Outfit

I’ve been facing a bit of a fashion identity crisis. After spending so many long months wrapped up in loungewear, with nowhere to go but the supermarket, it’s taken me a while to remember what it’s like to dress to impress. I got out of the habit of coordinating different elements, of integrating accessories and channeling a ‘vibe’, and I found myself reaching for the same jeans-and-a-jumper combo day after day. Yes, it’s comfy and is more than acceptable as a work attire when you only see people face to face every couple of weeks, but this fallback option isn’t exactly exciting.

What did I actually wear before all of this began?

Without question, floral midi dress after floral midi dress.

Like a uniform in a Simpson character’s closet, my floral midi dress collection is somewhat extensive and somewhat repetative. No I probably don’t need as many as I own, but they make me feel good and they take no more effort to pull on than that faithful jeans-and-a-jumper combo.

Want a casual weekend look for bimbling around the shops? CHECK.


After a ‘I’ve made an effort but don’t want to look like I have’ outfit? CHECK.


Not sure what the dress code is? CHECK.

A floral midi is the chameleon of fashion; all you need is the right accessories and you’re sorted every single time. There’s a reason why it was my default for so long, and there’s a reason I’m happy to rediscover my love for the faithful floral midi – starting with this gem of a find from New Look, with the most beautiful tones that will see me right the way through spring, summer and autumn.

Thank you faithful floral midi for reminding me who I used to be before the world went to pot. Like an old friend, you’ve greeted me with open arms and will see me through 2022 with ease.

SHOP THE LOOK

New Look Orange Ditsy Floral Midi Dress | £25.99 | LINK


Converse Peach Trainers | £55.00 | LINK


Mulberry Medium Lily Black Bag | £795.00 | LINK


Marks & Spencer Headband | £8.50 | LINK

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea?

The idea of living near the sea and the coast is very appealing to many. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and many say they need to get away from it all, and escaping to the coast is the perfect solution for those wanting to escape their hectic, fast paced lifestyles. Not only does the coast offer appealing scenery, and a slower pace of life, but there’s many benefits of living near the sea.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

People like to live near the sea and coast because of the fresh air and natural beauty. The coast provides calming and peaceful scenery, as well as a place to unwind. The sea has a number of benefits for the human body and mind. Being by the sea has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase energy levels.

Living near the sea can be an important factor in your health, and there are many benefits of a coastal life, which can help in all aspects of your health, especially if you suffer with respiratory illnesses, as the air near the sea is cleanser than in other more built-up areas. You also find that typically, there’s better pollution levels, which might be something you struggle with in larger cities.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

Research has shown that people who live near the coast or by lakes and rivers have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. You may be more likely to exercise if you live close to a beach or ocean because it’s easier and more enjoyable to do so in these environments.

Living near the coast is one of the many perks of living in a coastal city. Some of these include a longer lifespan, a lower risk for heart disease, and a lower risk for strokes. With all the health benefits that come with living by the sea, it’s no surprise that an estimated two-thirds of Americans live within 50 miles from salt water.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

In addition to physical health benefits of living near the sea, there are also psychological and emotional benefits of living near the sea. Residing near the sea can help to reduce stress levels, improve the moods, and increases self-esteem.

People who live nearer to the sea are more likely to be happy and optimistic than those who live inland. This is because living near the sea can provide a sense of peace and tranquillity that is difficult to find in other places. Living near the sea can be more enjoyable. So, it’s easy to see why coastal living is soaring in popularity, and more and more people want to live there.