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.

5.  Online Shopping

Of all the relaxing activities I enjoy, I especially love hunting down a good bargain or coupon code online. Makes me feel like I have somehow beaten those greedy retailers who love to jack up prices by 500%. I also love being able to tell my husband just how much I saved by buying those “insert colour here” “insert shoe type here” now online than had I found them 3 months down the line in an actual shop. Which leads me to my next point…

6.  Black Prada Knee High Boots

So, as I was saying, if I had have found these boots in store somewhere in Australia, I would have been slugged three times the amount I paid for them online. And the shipping from Italy was free! Purchase history aside, when I am in need of a little boost, these boots do the trick. I slip the soft leather on over my feet, do the zip up over each leg, and all of a sudden my bed hair looks like it took me 45 minutes to perfect with rollers, a blow dryer and some serious hair product. I don’t mind saying that I feel good, and I feel a little special too, when I wear these boots.

7.  Celebrity Goss

This is probably related to my reality TV obsession but since anything I say here won’t come back to haunt me, I can admit that one of the first things I do in the morning is switch on the lap top, and check out the likes of Perez Hilton, Hollywood Life and E! Online. Hey a lot happens when our side of the world goes to sleep, and if I can get five minutes of quality reading time in before the kids wake up and hit me with the day…and reality…then so be it.

8.  Moccona … with a hint of chocolate

And speaking of being hit with reality, there’s my morning cup of coffee, specifically my morning cup of Moccona Chocolate Flavour Infused Coffee. It somehow makes the jolt into the Land of the Awake a little less bumpy, and far sweeter too—no one has ever told me off for having my morning coffee flavoured with a hint of chocolate! Pre coffee, I may be home, but the lights definitely aren’t on. Post coffee, the world is a better place, and I am ready to face it.

Modern life is super-busy – it’s a thousand jobs rolled into one. We know you wouldn’t change it for the world, but wouldn’t it be nice to pause for a little bit of ‘me-time’ every once in a while?

Introducing new Moccona with a hint of chocolate – Infused with subtle, velvety hints of cocoa flavour, experience the perfect way to enjoy that special moment of indulgence you so richly deserve. Add a jar of Moccona’s new Chocolate Flavour Infused Coffee to your shopping and indulge in a little bit of me-time… anytime.

What relaxing activities help you unwind?