Taking A ‘Me’ Day – My Top Five Tips

Eek with only 8 weeks to go until the big day the last couple of months have been so busy with wedding planning and organising (casually known as ‘wedmin’!) so thank goodness for the end of term! A couple of weeks to fit in all of those appointments (hair trials, dress fittings, planning meetings with our suppliers) and also to have the chance for a little ‘me‘ time. I think it’s so important in this time of busy careers, social media, and feeling as though you have to ‘have it all’ that we can take a day out now and again to just ‘be‘ and indulge in those little relaxing luxuries that can so easily fall by the wayside.

This week I decided to have a ‘me‘ day and I thought I’d share with you my top five tips on how I like to switch off from the outside world, cosy up and de-stress. If you’re currently planning a wedding or have done in the past I’m sure you can appreciate exactly what I’m talking about – sometimes it can all feel a little overwhelming and as though it’s constantly on your mind (that may also be caused by my Pinterest obsession though, I admit!). But, whatever is keeping you busy at the moment it’s so important to clear your mind and take a few hours to yourself.

Tip 1 • Pop on cosy slippers and dip into a good book

I just have to be cosy to feel relaxed and these beautiful pink sheepskin slippers are just the ticket! They are from the fab Celtic & Co who have a whole range of women’s sheepskin boots to keep your toes snuggly when inside or out. Even though we’re now in the throes of Spring the weather didn’t quite seem to get the memo so I’ve not quite put away the winter wardrobe and blankets just yet! I also find I have to be feeling comfortable to switch off and really chill out so stretchy jeans, leggings or soft pjs are always my go-to.

Tip 2 • Treat yo-self!

Think about something that you love and give yourself a little treat now and again to make you smile. For me, I just adore having fresh blooms in the house. These bright pink roses caught my eye and have been the perfect little addition to the fireplace. I picked up two bargain bunches from Aldi (heads up – their flowers last just as long as any others I’ve bought and are a fraction of the price!) to bring a pop of colour to our living space. For more unusual flowers I’ll usually head to a local florist our flower market – I find wandering amongst the petals is such a lovely way to unwind!

Tip 3 • Pampering!

Now I can’t profess to being a well-versed beauty blogger but I do love to keep up-to-date with skincare, make-up brands and new launches. I particularly love a quality dupe though and in the run up to the wedding I’ve taken a more strategic approach to my skincare routine. I picked up this charcoal mud mask from Aldi a few weeks back (not only are their flowers fab – their skincare brand Lacura often gets rave reviews!) only to spot the gorgeous Catherine from Peonie Cole chatting away on her Instagram stories a few days later about what an amazing dupe this mask is for Glam Glow (twice the price of this version I may add). Whether its a face mask, painting your nails, a whole body moisturise or popping on some fake tan – giving your body a little TLC is definitely going to help with your de-stressing ‘me’ time! Also if you fancy a grown-up women’s magazine that isn’t jam packed with ads and airbrushed models to read whilst indulging – pick up a copy of the fab Lionheart.

Tip 4 • Run a bubble bath!

Whilst we’re hovering around that topic – run yourself a lovely warm bath with plenty of bubbles! Dig out the fancy bath salts or that bath bomb that you had for Christmas and whack it in the water. I recently read that taking a hot bath can have the same effects on your body as a brisk 30 minute walk – who’s going to argue with the BBC?!

Tip 5 • Switch off from the world!

This is one of the tips that I find the hardest and yes, I’m aware that it’s ironic that I’m using social media to ask you to spend time away from a screen but taking some time away from your phone, tablet or computer is needed! Turn off your phone, close down the screen and head outside for some fresh air, have a conversation, cook your favourite meal – whatever makes you just step back into reality even for half an hour. As much as we may all love social media it’s important to sometimes take the opportunity to connect with the world around us without a screen blocking the way.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my tips for a relaxing ‘me’ day. In the run up to the big day I’ll definitely be trying to switch off and fit some de-stress time into my week – wedmin can always wait a while! I’d love you to let me know your top tips for taking some needed ‘me’ time in the comments!

The Blonde x

*This is a collaborative post with the lovely folks at Celtic & Co but as always all opinions are my own and I only feature products or events that are fitting and in keeping with the tone and content of my blog or Instagram page.