As a summer baby it’s always been one of my favorite seasons. There’s always something going on, the days are longer and the sunshine just makes you feel good inside. On the downside, there’s always something going on. I hate missing out on a good time and therefore rarely say “no”. This year I’m joining Tommy Bahama’s National Relaxation Day on August 15th. Even though it’s on a Friday, I’ll be kicking off the weekend enjoying myself with a girls trip to Chicago.
Since I spend a good portion of each month traveling, I wanted to share a few of my favorite ways to stay relaxed and avoid stress:
+ 1-2 times a week (often Sunday & Thursday) I like to have a mini ‘spa’ night at home. I light candles, pour a glass of wine, put on a face mask (favorites: this, this and this depending on what my skin needs) and paint my nails. It may not seem like much, but it really helps me!
+ Pure Barre or Hot Yoga are my favorite ways to work out stress and take ‘me’ time. My cell phone and emails aren’t disrupting the time and I really get to focus on my body. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.
+ I’m trying to get better about ‘unplugging’ an hour before bed and reading instead. I find I can fall asleep quicker and sleep better if I’m enjoying a book before bed instead of being on Pinterest.
+ Being outside. It doesn’t matter how stressful my day was, sometimes all it takes is a walk outside or bringing a stack of magazines to the park to unwind. If I can be by the ocean that’s the jackpot.
+ For some people this would cause stress, but cooking always helps me unwind. I have a backlog of hundreds of recipes I can’t wait to try. Turn on Frank Sinatra Pandora and I’m in my happy place.
Now it’s your turn! Tommy Bahama is giving away tons of great prizes all in celebration of relaxation! Weekly prizes include airline tickets for 2, 3 nights stay at a Fairmont property (swanky!) and a ‘summer of go’ travel pack to take with you amongst others. The big time prize is a trip for 4 to Hawaii (yes please!) and so much more. Head over here to enter and you could be lounging in Hawaii! It’s a no brainer and who knows, this could be your lucky day!
Many thanks to Tommy Bahama for sponsoring today’s story and for encouraging me to “Make life one long weekend”
National relaxation day?! That’s something that I can’t get behind!! 🙂
Yay for a Chicago trip! Marking August 15th down on the calendar… that’s my kind of holiday 🙂
What a great post Ashley. During the middle of the summer I feel like I sometimes get a little bit stuck because I have had a great summer, and said ‘yes’ to so many things..but then I find that I am tired and worn out. The summer months are some of my favorite, but I am still working on finding the right balance.
Love your idea of mini spa nights, what a great way to relax and have some me time!
xo Nan
Simply Elegant Blog
Great post girl! Being outside totally relaxes me too. Even when it’s ridiculously hot out just being in the sun and getting the fresh air makes me feel better. I really need to get back into hot yoga. That used to be my main way of relaxing and then I stopped going and I definitely can feel a difference.
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
I’ve already booked a girls’ weekend that day so it’s perfect 😉 Seriously, on your IG you are someplace new everyday! I don’t know how you do it girl and always look so put together!!
Ya Ashley – I am so with you on all those ways to relax. Love reading your blog!
I love the shot of you in the water, it’s beautiful! Also, I am with you when it comes to unwinding whilst cooking and blaring tunes, but I think I am also going to try to commit to one night of your mini “spa” idea/week, sounds good for the soul. Have a great one!
-Shi
Life On The Run