I start each morning with...
A cup of black coffee (hopefully brought to me by my husband) and a cuddle with my son, Arlo, who is 3. Although he invariably nudges open our bedroom door a little earlier than I would like, I actually relish having a half hour or so like this when I can sit with my arms around him and his head on my chest and just enjoy the feeling of being still together. That and actually managing to have a hot cup of coffee, of course.
Everyday, without exception, I...
Try and get out in my garden. It’s not huge by any means and could definitely do with a little more love and attention than I give it but over the last three years that we’ve been in the house, we’ve tried really hard to become more green-fingered and create a space to enjoy. Even in the depths of winter I like to stand on the deck at the back, breathe deeply and take it all in. Then I’ll invariably spot some tomatoes that need picking or some flowers that need deadheading and I’ll take off for a little wander.
My #HappyPlace is…
Being with my children. Earlier in the year I gave up my office job to go freelance and get back a bit more of a work/life balance and it was the best decision I could have made. Just being able to be there to drop off and pick up the kids and spend time doing homework with them – all those mundane that things I mostly missed out on when I was working full-time. As a result of being able to do things of my choosing at my own pace I’m much more relaxed and chilled out and, I’m a little ashamed to say, the kids get a much better version of me than they used to.
Last thing at night, I follow a little ritual…
I really value my sleep and know that I function better when I’ve been able to get a decent night’s sleep, so I usually try to head upstairs between 9-10pm and get a good 8 hours. I really love taking time to potter about my room. I find it a really calming space and enjoy sorting things out and tidying up – usually my large stash of beauty products, which I love just going through and stroking! Right before bed I take 5 mins to fill out a gratitude journal – just 3 things that I’ve enjoyed, noticed or am grateful for that day and then I always follow that with a spritz of Aromatherapy Associates’ Sleep Mist on my bed linen. The cedarwood and vetiver blend is truly soporific and one I definitely associate with a good night’s sleep.
I take things slow because…
I got to the stage about a year ago when I felt like I came very close to burning out. I was working too hard and dealing with the many stresses of a high-pressured job, I had a 4-hour daily commute to and from the office and then on top of all that I felt like I was half the mum, wife, friend, daughter and sister I wanted to be. I was so tightly wound and doing everything at a million miles an hour and it began to manifest itself physically and mentally until it got to a stage where I thought, I have to change something now otherwise things will really start to fall apart. Realising that I couldn’t carry on as I had been was a real turning point and being able to take charge of my day, change the pace and importantly, slow right down has been truly life-changing for me. Now, I say 'no' if I need to and prioritise the things that make me happy. If that means stopping and taking time to read a book to my son while laundry and work deadlines pile up around me, then so be it. Really, when you think about it nothing is so urgent that it has to be done right away; I’m just enjoying going slow.
I have a bath whenever I can…
I don’t take a bath as much as I’d like simply because by the time the end of the day comes around I don’t have the energy to move the 3 million toys that have accumulated in the bath! I know it’s a fantastic tonic for my body and brain though, so when I can be bothered to make the effort I really love the ritual of soaking in the tub. I light tons of candles and load it up with all manner of salts, oils and milks and just sit peacefully in there for as long as I can stand the (probably too hot) water. I try not to bring my phone or even a book in there with me so that I don’t have any distractions at all.
Former Head of Editorial & Content at Space NK, Georgia Day is now a freelance beauty journalist and brand consultant.