Spring is in the air...

With the extra sunshine and longer daylight hours, we can begin to feel pressured to achieve more.  While spring cleaning is important, it is equally beneficial to take the time to nurture ourselves.  It is easy to put others before ourselves, but we need to remember that we cannot pour from an empty vessel.  If we are not looking after ourselves, it becomes quite difficult to have the energy to assist others.

I invite you to add your ideas below, but my favourite ways (in no particular order) to relax and take some "me" time are:  

• ​Colouring in - even though the pictures for grownup colouring in, are so much more detailed, I find they still transport me back to a time when life was simple.  
• Sitting in meditation for a few minutes
• Diffusing essential oils at home for an atmosphere of peace and upliftment.  My favourites are lavender, peppermint or frankincense
• Playing games with my son - taking the time to just be a kid is quite freeing
• Reiki - I have a regular 15-20 minute daily practice, I find it works wonders for me keeping me balanced, and centered, and able to handle life's ups and downs
• Sitting and reading a book.  I found it doesn't really matter what type of book, for me it's taking the time to sit still and do something I enjoy 
• Cooking - just for fun.   A bit of baking, or experimenting with a new recipe is relaxing for me.  Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy cooking dinner, but here I'm talking about the cooking you do because you want to
• Spending time in nature, either walking or cycling.  There is something about the native bush, the fresh air that is oh so rejuvenating

When I have taken time for me and it's time to get on with the spring cleaning, I like this homemade household cleaner.  Please dilute it for using on varnished/polished surfaces as it can strip varnish if you are too rigorous!  It's really simple, just mix together:

• 1 Litre water
• 200ml white vinegar
• 40ml dishwashing detergent
• 40 drops essential oil (I use tea tree, as it is a good disinfectant)
• 2 dessertspoons of washing soda

Decant into a spray bottle and away you go!