In a world that is always “go go go”, it can be incredibly difficult to rest well. Despite best efforts, my mind is often whirring through several different plans, expectations, goals and to-dos each minute. It very quickly becomes overwhelming and I can become caught up in the grind and drive of just getting it all done. With Christmas and the end of 2020 around the corner (finally!), it is even worse and my priorities are a bit skewed. With your wedding planning, I’m sure you can relate; flowers, cakes, DJs and celebrants – on and on it goes! And so, I am slowly working towards making time to rest well.

What do I mean be resting well?

I mean intentionally switching off; choosing to refocus my mind off of my to-do list of wedding plans and house chores and onto the moment I am currently in. Sometimes that’s sitting with a good book and allowing myself to ignore the laundry that needs doing. Other days it’s leaving my phone out of reach or even passing it to my husband to hold onto when we watch a movie. It’s choosing to linger in conversation with friends rather than rushing to the end when it starts getting late and there’s a meeting tomorrow. It’s making the choice that taking care of myself and being present in the moment is more important than getting to the next thing.

So the question is, how are you resting well?

Everyone is different and it’s important to take the time you need to find out what is going to leave you feeling refreshed and energised afterwards. Here are a few of my favourite ways to rest and refresh:

• Reading a book
• Watching a favourite movie
• Spending time with friends
• Baking sweet treats
• Painting
• Camping

But we can build on this even more.

I’m working towards a personal goal to create small changes within myself that will ripple outwards to the rest of my life; care to join me?

Here’s the plan:

• Exercise at least three times a week (even a walk or 10-minute dance party)
• Journaling
• Meditation (gotta be careful here and meditate on positive things rather than letting my mind wander down
  negative thoughts)
• Noting three things I’m thankful for each day
• Performing one random act of kindness each day (as simple as holding the door for someone)

It looks like a long list to do each day, but I think it’s important to start small and build up as you go. Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve this straight away; we’re heading into Christmas holidays! The perfect time to begin choosing to intentionally rest well.

So take a break over the break; rest well and start building those habits to carry into the new year. 2021, here we come!

Until next time, keep making your special moments unforgettable xx