At the end of last month, I celebrated my birthday.
It had been a big 12 months since the last one. From moving countries (twice) and changes in working conditions to having a second baby, and dealing with life-threatening illnesses within the family, it had been one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
While I can definitely say supportive family and great friends got me through, there were also a few other things that helped lift the weight off my shoulders. These are my 8 favourite relaxing activities for when you need a break.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Moccona Coffee. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.
1. Massage
I simply cannot go on without regular massage. I tell my husband it’s necessary as part of ongoing treatment for a back injury sustained from a horse fall years ago. Truth be told, I probably don’t need to go weekly, but it’s one of those relaxing activities that needs to be done.
2. Reality TV – and lots of it
From watching the likes of the Kardashians, the Real Housewives of Every City You Can Think Of, and all Jersey Shore type spin offs, I get to live the highlife—and some might say the low life—I was never destined for. And I am not apologising for that.
3. Long hot baths…on my own
It is very rare that I actually get to complete a long soak in a hot bath on my own. I usually get about 30 seconds in before the two-year old is at the edge trying to get in, or there has been some nappy related emergency in the lounge room that requires my assistance. So when I do get the water to myself, It. Really. Is. Bliss. Surely this one is one everyone’s relaxing activities list?!
4. Flannie PJs
At the start of every winter, I buy myself a cheap pair of flannel PJs that are two sizes too big—every year because I inevitably shrink them over the next 12 months. There is nothing better than changing into a cozy pair of flannies on a cold evening after a hard day of kid wrangling, work or massage treatment. It hits a spot in my soul that says, “Chillax.” Also goes well with watching reality TV.
Top Comments
Um, knee high Prada boots as a 'little indulgence'? Its an obvious device to make the writer appear sophisticated, as all Moccona consumers must be (and not overworked, underpaid office workers with skin as dried out from the AC as a spoonful of Moccona 'Coffee').
I would love to say that I only have a "few little indulgences" I can't live without, but my problem is that I kinda like to indulge in everything! I have to try to justify it to myself and to my partner, haha. But if I had to narrow it down, my indulgences are:
1) Good skincare. You only have one life and you only have one skin. I take good care of my skin hoping that my efforts will be rewarded later in life.
2) Good linen/bedding. I could spend so much money on linen. I could head to Myer or David Jones and buy a complete new set of sheets, doona cover, cushions etc every week. Just adore it.
3) Fragrance. Not only perfume, but home fragrance too. Not a day goes by that I don't spritz myself with a fine fragrance (and yep you guessed it, no "$30 on the pharmacy sale table" buys for me) and whenever I'm at home, I always have candles, melts and reed diffusers on the go. Aaaaaand again - no cheap ones. Glasshouse, Voluspa, Aquiesse, Diptyque, and Circa Home are my loves.
4) My dog. He's a jug - half jack russell, half pug. He makes my heart happy.
5) Nespresso. I could drink twelve cups a day. I prefer it to cafe coffee!
I'm really not a clothes/shoes/bags girl strangely enough.
I really should add my partner in here but he's in my bad books at the moment so he doesn't get a mention!