Oh, good day your Majesty!
What a fine and dandy Queens Birthday holiday it is indeed!
One thing that springs to mind as the Queen’s Birthday re-appears is that we are at the hump of 2013!!!! WOWZERS! Halfway through the year, How CRAZY is that huh? Hasn’t this year just flown by! I feel like I have blinked and it has flashed before my eyes.
As I take a moment now to tear myself away from life’s obligations, just to stop and take a breath, I can see that in my own world and in the lives of those around me – we are all such frenzied folks leading intensely busy lifestyles that demand so much from us.
There is no point sugar coating it, we are mid through the year, and it has been exhausting right? Sure, we are finding ourselves successful, proactive and getting by, but would I be correct in saying that beneath all that, we are feeling rather tired and puffed out to say the least?
Between juggling the duties of life, wouldn’t it be nice to just take a moment to stop and pamper ourselves for once? I know that I am in a place that even when I see the word “pamper” I start to feel excitement rush through me! Haha.
In regards to last weeks Monday Motivation, I wrote about how to seek solitude and how having time for ourselves is vital in keeping a healthy balance (without lugging around the guilt monster), and how appropriate that the Queen’s Birthday rolls around a week later, giving us a public holiday and the wonderful opportunity to take some time out for YOU! NO excuses now ladies!
If you don’t already have every moment of this public holiday filled up with chores and obligations, and even if you do, find time today to treat and pamper yourself like the princess you are. Try not to get caught up in the frame of mind that assumes that you need to have money to be able to pamper yourself, because no matter how busy you are or how tight your budget is, there are some amazingly fun and relaxing things that you can do to restore and replenish yourselves, making you feel like you’re in the lap of luxury – even if it is for a few minutes.
Here are my 8 ideas for pampering yourself on this day fit for a princess…
Visit a beauty salon
You may want to get that cut and treatment that your hair is longing for, maybe an eyebrow wax and tint or your nails and feet cleaned, getting rid of the dry and flaky cuticles and skin… maybe even a colour to top it off?
Take yourself to lunch
How often do you take yourself on a date? If you don’t want to fork out money for a restaurant then pack a salad and head out for a picnic under a tree with a good book and some music to listen to. This sounds so blissful doesn’t it!?
Draw yourself a bath
This is such a simple and rewarding way to treat yourself. Running a hot bath, adding some Epson salts, scented oils (bio oil will do) or an oat bath if you want to go all out. Don’t forget to grab a face wash to rest over your eyes so you can really ease yourself into relaxation mode. If you have a face mask, this is the time to pamper yourself with it and if you have some cucumber at hand cut a couple of slices for your eyes. Silence is absolutely beautiful in a time like this but if you’re feeling like you need something, put on some nice calming and relaxing music. That would be the cherry on top and if you are using your phone, slide it to “don’t disturb” or “flight mode”, c’mon…. just this once!
Playtime
If you can’t bear to have down time like the ones explained about, then burn your energy by moving your temple. If you are an avid mover, why not do something different? Go on an adventure! Get lost in nature, head down a beaten track, climb a mountain, roam new parts of a city that you haven’t experienced yet, frolic on a beach and just enjoy yourself in whatever you find yourself doing. Maybe you want to go on a bike ride or take that Pilates class you have been aching to try, or have an attempt at Crossfit or simply go on a walk with your girlfriends and throw yourself into some cartwheels and handstands for a bit of a giggle! Be spontaneous and try something new.
Let it all out
If you don’t already have one, buy a notepad and a nice pen and write everything that is rolling around in that gorgeous head of yours. Light a comforting scented candle or incense, brew yourself a pot of tea, play some acoustic music in the background and let it all go girlfriend, and I am talking EVERYTHING. Do not be ashamed; don’t try to dismiss issues that your subconscious is wanting to raise. This is for your pretty peepers only. This investment into yourself is so releasing and provokes clearer thinking. Putting pen to paper is a great way to set yourself up for the week ahead and also an opportunity to wind things back and reflect.
Reminisce
Who doesn’t love wasting time on YouTube from time to time? Why not use it to discover some funny videos to giggle at or search your favourite tunes. Pump up the volume and have a little boogie in your lounge room. Be surprised, or even shocked, that you somehow remember all the lyrics even though you haven’t heard the music in years! The memories will flood back as you are reminded of all the good times you shared with others while listening to it back in the day. It may even inspire you to call an old friend, wouldn’t that be cool?!
Watch a movie
Since the Gatsby has come out, I am finding myself keen to have a Leonardo Dicaprio movie marathon. Romeo and Juliet, The beach, Titantic… Ohh stop it! He is such a saint isn’t he haha. But seriously, get out those old chick flicks that are easy to watch and will bring a smile to your dile. If movies aren’t your thing, why not immerse yourself in a good tv series? For those of you who are always hunting for a new series to treat yourself with every now and again… I highly recommend “Suits”. An effortless way to relax yourself, and why not make yourself Rhi’s popcorn to go with it wink
Hang at home
Get creative! Buy some paints and express yourself, you don’t have to be Picasso… you just need an imagination and we all have one of those right? Maybe try some fun DIY ideas that you got from movenourishbelieve.com or Pinterest. Give a new recipe a go and bake yourself a delicious treat or splash out and purchase yourself a tender bit of meat and dust off the slow cooker! We all know that any meal made in a slow cooker cannot fail. Add some deep flavours and herbs and get excited for the leftovers that you will have for the week… YUM!
There are so many different ways to pamper yourself like the princess you are!
Your majesty, please make sure that you use today to treat yourself in some way shape or form. I want you entering your week knowing that you have taken care of yourself and are feeling replenished, rewarded and nourished for the week ahead.
I would love to know if you end up doing any or ALL of these things so please share with the MNB team and myself below.
Oh, and I nearly forgot, Happy, Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II
Much Love, Bec xx