Paris, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, New York, Miami, Kissimmee, St Pete's Clearwater, Paris, Crete, Cannes, Amsterdam, Belfast.
That is the amazing but absolutely ridiculous list of trips that I've been on this year. I look at that list and the complete and utter sop drip in me wants to have a little happy, grateful cry. My 16 year old self is like Yasssssss Queen (disclaimer; I was actually not a total tit at 16 but I'm sure I would've been impressed), the worker in me is like "Jesus christ, how are you still working and managing and actually a functioning human?" and just normal, boring Elle is like "Can I just have a cuppa and chill for a moment and take it all in. Please. Pretty please"
I am so aware that with this post and one of my recent ones being all I'm a rubbish blogger and haven't posted much because I'm a busy bee that it might seem like this blog is turning into an ode to my busy life/general moaning and I promise it isn't. This post, which started on the plane home from a trip away with my favourite human Ally because plane journeys are the best time for me to switch off and just note down all the feels, is actually me just sitting back and thinking, fucking hell... how is this my life?
But also with that, realising that the best way to appreciate the rollercoaster, crazy, mental, breathtaking things in life is to take a step off of the neverending treadmill to sit back and actually enjoy them. So that's what I am intending* to do from now.
*I say intending because everyone around me knows that I am absolutely useless at this!!
I think what it all boils down to is that I would like a day off. Just the one. One day off in 2 years would be an absolute bloody dream!
So, for anyone else as useless as me when it comes to taking time out, here's a few things that I've found to be really bloody useful lately;
- TV Series. Yes, yes I know, I am the queen of binging a million episodes after I finish working at silly o'clock to unwind, but it's one of the only things that actually truly helps me to switch off and get into "I'm relaxing-ish" mode. Grey's Anatomy, Suits, New Girl and yes I know it's not a series but OMG LOVE ISLAND WAS THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO ME. Ok, slight exaggeration but every night I would switch off at 10pm and watch it on +1 and then that was me done for the night.
- Walks. Lol when did I get so old. But my favourite thing is to jump off of the tube a stop or two early and have a wander instead. I whack my headphones in, play some tunes (and by tunes we all know I mean Take That/something equally horrendous but oh so catchy) and I just totally zone out. My fave!
- Reading. I used to read all the time when I was younger but ever since I started work, and especially now, I very rarely get the time. Plane time is usually editing time but when I just can't handle working on a flight then that's when the books come out and honestly, it is my idea of total bliss. And when I say reading, I don't mean anything classic or classy, I'm talking cheesy as fuck, trashy chick lit that takes no brain power to digest. That's always my favourite.
- Friends. I am so incredibly lucky to have Ally at the end of the phone (usually for 3 hours a night) and Jess in London/doing the same job as me so I get to see her numerous times a week, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. Talking to the girls, laughing until I cry and creating abs - lol, a girl can dream - completely takes me away from all the stresses in life and just gives me so much perspective.
I mainly just always want you to know that no matter how much I may talk about being a rubbish blogger because I haven't posted much - although can we appreciate 3 blog posts in a row? ;) - or that I've been so busy and I need a break... I adore what I do. I am genuinely the most grateful girl alive that I do a job that I have so much passion for and love so much and as much as it's so incredible cliche and cheesy and semi cringe-tastic, I really just wouldn't be able to do it without any of you that reads this blog. So, thank you.
But also, lol that you all think I'm about to massively contradict myself, no matter how much you love what you, never ever underestimate the importance of taking time out. Because your health and your wellbeing is so much more important. Plus you won't be able to carry on smashing life being the girl boss you are without taking some time to look after yourself!
*Takes this as a cue to pour a glass of wine, run a bath, grab a book and chill*
P.S I wrote that at 10pm last night, I'm not actually drinking wine at at 8am.
Well, not today anyway.
I would love to know what you do to chill out and take time out? Please chuck all of your suggestions my way because I could always do with some help!
As always, thanks so much for reading!
xx
Labels: Fashion, Lifestyle
