Time. It seems to be the topic of every conversation these days, doesn’t it? No one has time to do anything. No one seems to be able to make time for anything or anyone. Everyone is running out of time to get where they need to be. Everyone is in a rush to do whatever it is that’s next on their list. But what everyone seems to forget is to find time for themselves; to ‘make’ time for themselves.

Wellness is something that we focus on at the Plan A office. We all work so hard and believe that personal wellness and taking time to focus on ourselves is one of the most important things we can do. Work, no matter what the task is, is tiring. Depending on the work, it can be very stressful too. If you don’t take time to focus on your own personal wellness, who will? Focusing on my own personal wellness is something that I’m learning to do more of. I’ve learned to say no to things that I don’t want to do. I’ve learned to say no to people that don’t benefit me in any way. I’ve learned to put myself first. Aside from learning to say no and putting myself first, there are also a few activities that I’ve tried out recently, many of which help me relax and de-stress when I’m just having “one of those days”.

Coloring.
I know. It sounds silly, right? Adult coloring books are a new fad that I’ve been hearing more and more of recently. My boss bought me a coloring book and some fine-tip markers for Christmas (apparently she noticed I was stressed too!) and I finally got the chance to use them this weekend… I loved it! It was so relaxing. I sat down with a glass of wine on Monday afternoon while my other half was at work and I colored. For two hours. It passes the time without you noticing, and all that you focus on is what color to use next. I encourage you to check out Coles or Chapters and buy one for yourself!

Take a Long, Hot Shower.
I LOVE taking baths or long hot showers. When I have some time before bed, I will often bring my iPhone and portable speaker into the bathroom, turn the shower on as hot as I can stand it, and stay in there until I drain the hot water tank. I blast some of my favourite tunes and sing each and every word (I sometimes have a dance party too!).

Make “You Time”.
When I have time off from work I often find myself making plans with friends; dinner plans, going for drinks, or going to the movies. Sometimes I find myself exhausted at the end of the day and I still have to go home and get dressed to go out and hope I get my second wind to make it through the night. Now, when I have a weekend or a few days off, I leave time for myself. If I have a Saturday afternoon with nothing planned, I leave it that way. I leave the laundry, I ignore the dishes and I just spend time with myself. I stay in bed until noon with hot chocolate in my pajamas and I catch up on my shows that my boyfriend doesn’t like watching when he’s home. In the summer I like to take a cold drink out to the balcony in the sun with my music.  Do whatever you need to in order to put your mind at ease.

Run Errands by Yourself.
This is something that I’m notorious for. It’s probably the most productive “personal wellness” technique that I use. Throughout the week, as I think of things that I need to do, I make a list. On a day when I have nothing else to do, I cross out those items on my own. I take my time and get the errands done alone. I don’t like to feel rushed, for me that adds stress, so I prefer to go about them alone. I don’t have to worry about dragging someone around to places that they don’t want to go, I don’t have to focus on anyone else’s time constraints, I just focus on myself and what I have to do.

Do What You Love To Do!
For me, this is cleaning. I absolutely LOVE to clean. I find it so therapeutic and I love the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I’m done. I put in my headphones (can you tell I love music?), I blast my favourites tunes and I go to town. I love doing laundry, doing the dishes and cleaning the floors. I love to scrub down the bathroom and lint roll the couches. If I’m feeling really ambitious, I’ll clean my fish tank completely and change the water. If this is what you love to do, do it! If what you love is taking an afternoon nap or binge watching the Harry Potter series, take time and do it. There’s no shame in doing what you love!