Simple pleasures in life
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This week has been a little bit crazy, although to be honest, that is no different than most weeks in our household. So often our life gets dominated by our own commitments - may it be work, our family or our kids - that we forget to dedicate time to ourselves.
Does it happen to you too? To arrive to a stage when all you keep thinking about is what everyone else wants and not what you want? I guess it is part of the “job” description of being a woman, and especially a mother.
It's funny though that is seems only as you get older that you realise the best pleasures in life always come from the smallest things that help us enjoy each and every moment. I genuinely believe that if every day we could manage to find some small things that really give us satisfaction, it would make such a positive impact on our mood and on our life. Doesn’t it feel good when someone makes you an unexpected compliment, or when you see someone smile because of something that you said or did?
So I sat here and though about the little things that can bring make a difference and make each day a bit brighter.
Make a DIY gift for a friend
Giving something to a friend that you have made with your own hands gives you a certain satisfaction that is difficult to explain unless you have done it before. Plus, DIY is a great way to release tension and express your creativity. I can be creative but I have nothing on my girls with some glue and glitter!!
Take a relaxing bath
If you can’t have a week-end at the SPA, you could turn your bathroom into one! Prepare the room with candles, put on some relaxing music and take a long boiling-hot bath. (This is a particular favourite of mine ..... when I can finally get the bathroom to myself)
Enjoy the great outdoors
The days are getting longer and warmer, so what better time than this to spend some time outdoors with your kids? Take the family to the park or the beach and spend some quality time together that you will all love. Alternatively, you could turn your back-garden into a great place for you to play together with your kids!
My eldest has a love affair with the Argos book and loves to go through it picking things she would like for the garden, or her bedroom. You can find amazing deals on outdoor toys that you can enjoy with the children and the savvy part of me knows you don’t need to spend much on them, especially if you go for vouchers (I often find great deals on My Voucher Codes).
Treat yourself to great food (and rekindle your relationship!)
Call a baby-sitter and take a night off to go to a very nice restaurant and order all the things that you like. Great food makes you feel happier (especially if someone else is cooking and washing up), plus, you would have some alone-time to dedicate to your relationship which should not be overlooked. Getting a babysitter isn't always possible but you could create a bit of "you" time by buying a treat for you to share, like a scrumptious cheesecake or a luxurious box of chocolates.
Read a good novel
I am a book-addict. I absolutely love reading but it is not always something I make enough time for. My idea of happiness is sitting down with a great book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. If it’s winter, you can snuggle up on the sofa with a cosy blanket, whereas for the summer the best thing is to sit in the sun and also get some suntan whilst you are at it. It’s a win-win situation!
What simple things do you do to relax and take time out?
Disclosure: This is a guest post.
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