Since I was a little girl, I was never big into films. Don't get me wrong I love going to the cinema but I rarely go, I say at a push I go 5 times a year. I think it's that I never like missing out on anything, so sitting watching a film for two hours, not checking my phone or talking for that length of time never really appealed to me. However, the past few weeks I have been looking at a few of my close friends who absolutely love films or watching tv as a way to chill and relax before bed, by themselves. They have a routine, something that I have never ever had! I used to mock my sister for running off to her "lair", i.e her bedroom. Once she comes in from work, college or dancing she sneaks off upstairs and we won't see her unless she is raiding the fridge for snacks or diet coke! She always has some sort of film on and although most of the time she is multi- tasking doing her nails or a face mask, she does sometimes just switch off from the world watching a film from start to finish while in her own little bubble. I always slag her over this, calling her anti- social however last night I decided to try it for myself. I didn't know what to do with myself, but I knew I just wanted to be alone. I wasn't feeling down or anything I just wanted to be on my own, enjoy my own company, something that I rarely want to do. So I cleared away my ironing etc., put on a candle and searched for a film. I rarely use my TV, I usually just put something on Netflix, but for some reason last night I just wanted to separate myself from both my phone and laptop. So I went through the various DVD's but nothing seemed to catch my eye until I saw The Grinch. Yes I know it is August and yes I know you are all screaming at the screen now BUT for some reason I just wanted to watch it. It wasn't the fact that it was a Christmas film that appealed to me, it was more so that I knew it was a good lighthearted, easy to follow film with some humour mixed in there. It is by no means the best film ever or my favourite film, as a kid I actually hated the film, but for some reason last night I was drawn to it. So I put it on, got out a face mask and for the first time in a long time I watched the film from start to finish while not moving about or cleaning my room. Afterwards I went to bed having the best and longest sleep I have had in a very very long time. I really really enjoyed it and I woke up in such a nice, relaxed and calm mood this morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day. It seems so simple and silly to say, but I never really mastered the art of learning how to relax or how to have a routine at bed time. Don't get me wrong, I used to slag my sister over it but now I really want to do the same tonight, relax by about 9/ half 9 and chill by myself. I know you can't always do that, but after seeing how much it made a difference to take some time to myself last night, I really want to try and make a habit out of it. Maybe not watching a film every night, as I know from reading The Calm book by Michael Action Smith, that using phones or watching TV too close to bed time can sometimes keep you awake, more so learning how to get into a routine. I suppose there is a reason why when we were kids our parent's seemed to be 'evil' sending us to bed at the same time every night, but it was what was best for us, so why should it be different now that we are older? In fact we need for energy to deal with everything that is going on including our thoughts and emotions. So give yourself a fighting chance at being able to cope with day to day life by learning how to switch off early and forming some sort of a routine that suits you. Don't force it, just let it happen. The first few times you try it you may find it difficult to relax and go to sleep but just take out your notebook that we talked about last week, write down what is going through your head and then try again! A good night's sleep and some me time before it will definitely help you to relax, be happy and your mind will be able to cope with a lot more. In fact, for me I find when I have a good night's sleep I am able to practice mindfulness or meditate a lot easier the next day! So try a few things this week, test a few ways to relax before bed that suit you and your day. Over the next few days I will keep you up to date with the things I am trying and how I am getting on. I would love to hear how you guys relax before bed so comment underneath or message be on Facebook or Twitter! Love as always, Em X
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The best medicine for when you are feeling low is some me time. Whether that is a nice long bath, a jog to burn some energy, some alone time playing an instrument, a facial, reading a book or painting, it is so important to have some relaxing me time. Sometimes we get so caught up in our crazy hectic lifestyles that we actually forget what makes us happy, what our interests are and what our hobbies are. As we get older, it is vital to discover yourself, your likes and your dislikes and even more important to make sure you don't lose yourself.
December 2017
It's all about me, me, me...Categories |