If you’re like me, and find it very difficult to switch off and unwind, here are three ways that I am currently finding time away from work and taking a little more me time.

If you’re the type of person who prefers to switch off entirely, and you want to give your brain some moments to think about absolutely nothing, have you ever thought about meditation or guided relaxation. After my old flat mate used to take thirty minutes a day to meditate and really felt his energy and positivity increase leaps and bounds, it is a skill and practice that I know that I should really take more time to develop.

If you’re a newbie to the whole idea, I have found that the Rituals App, completely free to download from the app store, is a great place to start.

There is a section named ‘Relax’ which offers three potential relaxation opportunities. Relaxation for the Body, Mind and a guided meditation through the present to take a second to bring your body and mind into this moment. Each section offers a 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute relaxation guide, where a lady helps to calm and talk you through the meditation.

It is so helpful and such an easy way to start calming the body after a stressful day at work. The Rituals app also includes Yoga practices, a wellness magazine as well as the ability to purchase Rituals products directly.

Put down your work, papers, laptop, phone, and take a little time to sit down and de-stress. What I like to do is take myself off to my bedroom, where I can have some time by myself. I quickly spruce the pillows, spritz some room spray into the air or onto the cushions, and I’ll sit and find something completely different to do. Here are a few options:

1. Read a new book. Immersing yourself in fiction, or researching a topic you are really interested in can help you focus your mind and energy on something new and exciting.

2. Read a Magazine. Similarly, if you prefer to read about the latest gossip and news in the press, then take some time to do so. Reading a magazine isn’t something you can only do on a flight to Ibiza, instead it could be a good way to completely empty your mind and gain some new inspiration.

3. Listen to some music. Either on your headphones, chilled out in your room, or put it on your stereo. Something completely chilled out and the type of music that keeps you calm and reflective.

The one thing I definitely don’t do often enough is to just sit and do absolutely nothing. And one of the easiest ways to do that is to get comfy on your sofa, brew yourself a hot peppermint tea or hot chocolate, find your favourite blanket and cushions and just cuddle up on the sofa. Throw on a movie, catch up on the latest episodes of your favourite reality TV show or start a completely new programme. Just something that can take your mind off of your reality and onto something fun and entertaining.

If you’re more of a Youtube lover though, I know that I often watch Youtube more than TV these days, then I also love just going lying on my bed and watching Youtube videos on my iPhone. I have all of my favourite Youtubers in my subscription feed, and I go through each video, often getting immersed for hours in beauty, fashion and daily vlogs. If you don’t watch my Youtube videos already, you can subscribe for free, right here, and I will be in your subscription feed for next time you head over to Youtube!

Alex loves watching movies, so on other nights, the two of us cuddle up on the sofa with drinks, and watch the latest releases. I don’t do it as often as I should, and Alex definitely deserves more of my time, but this is such a nice way to just be in each others company, in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

If you’re looking for something new, or old, to watch, here are my top recommendations…