I simply can’t understand where the time has gone!

I say this quite a lot actually, but over the last 2 months time has really flown by.  You may have noticed that you didn’t receive a newsletter for the last couple of months – apologies for the lack of pre-warning on that!

I moved house at quite short notice and my utility company were so keen to help me move that I was unexpectedly cut off from my virtual world a week too soon; and as you may already know, getting everything set up again takes a little while.

As well as that I just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Dordogne region of France.  This holiday was well and truly overdue and for a whole week, I actually switched off – literally.

I don’t do this very often; in fact I’m the first to admit that I find it hard to 100% switch off and relax. Normally, even on days off I’m up and about early – find it very difficult to just lounge about as it just feels like a waste of time.

I think I may have changed my mind (just a little bit).

I slept so much during the first couple of days – mostly in the sunshine by the pool and having all this quiet time really helped my mind to be more still.

I noticed that my thoughts would wander all over the place and I just let them.  It was so liberating not to have to think of anything in particular.

I solved a few issues that had been occupying my mind for weeks before I came away – just having the clear mind space allowed new ideas to come to the fore.

Tension in my shoulder s was released, and I feel healthy from having a bit of warm weather exposure!

I’m not trying to create enemies here by telling you how wonderful my holiday was, I promise.

I really wanted to say that even if you are the busiest, most stressed out person, who hates sitting around (seemingly) doing nothing and you find it hard to switch off from the world around you – you can!

Top tips for switching off:

ü  Get some me time – reading, listening to your music (I find using a personal MP3 player great for this as you can simply block out everything around you.

ü  Let your mind wander – allow your thoughts to come and go as they please and this includes ‘day dreaming’, or making up scenarios in your head.

ü  If you get a great idea make a note and then be curious about what can be

ü  Stay in touch with people if it energises you. Much as I like to have time to myself, I get very bored (and a bit lonely) if I’m completely out of touch with people

ü  Sleep! Many of us don’t allow ourselves to sleep in or snooze on days off, but it’s ok! In fact, it’s better than ok – it relaxes you and helps you to pick up your energy levels

ü  Learn how to use breathing or exercise techniques to help you switch off.  

     I'm sure you know what works for you, it may or may not be listed here - whatever works for you, keep doing it!