11:42

Switching Off

I think my off switch is faulty. The problem is my life has no real routine. I am a full time student during term time, I am the treasurer of two university societies, I'm on the Victoria's Secret PINK campus rep street team. My brain is constantly trying to juggle 1000 different commitments, and even when I am not working through coursework, revising for exams or organising and attending events for my other responsibilities, my brain is constantly working at 100mph thinking up new blog post ideas, photographing products, editing photos, writing content. I wake up at 5A.M. every morning no matter what time I get into bed the night before. There is very little time in my day that I can commit to nothing but myself and my own wellbeing. 


Recently, I have made a conscious effort to put aside at least one hour every day for myself... An hour where I try not to think about the long list of things I need to achieve that day, I try not to touch my phone, I try to switch off and not worry about anything at all. Below are a few of the little things I do to switch off, I hope they work as well for you as they do for me;

1. Take time away from technology - find something you can do where you literally have no temptation to touch your phone, tablet, laptop etc. For me, I like to go and sit in the sauna at the gym. I lock my phone away in my locker and become completely disconnected- no one can contact me even if they want to. Sitting there gives me time to think and collect my thoughts. In fact the majority of my blog post ideas are thought up either in the sauna or in the bath (another fantastic place to disconnect from technology for a while).

2. Make your bed somewhere you want to spend time - I love sleep. The best part of my day is when I crawl into bed at night time... Unfortunately, me and my bed seem to have a love-hate relationship. I love being there, but my body doesn't really like sleeping there. Or anywhere. Sometimes I wonder how I manage to actually function everyday off the lack of sleep I seem to acquire. However, if you make your bed as comfortable as it can possibly be, even when sleep is a struggle, at least your body can enjoy some form of relaxation. For me, this comes in the form of fairy lights, candles and scent diffusers. I always have a book and my diary in my bedside table, and try to reach for these at 2A.M. when sleep has escaped me.

3. Make your mind clock off at the same time as your body - Whenever I am finished working for the day I get straight into my dressing gown or pyjamas, to try and teach my brain to make the mental association that now it is officially 'down time'. Putting loose and comfortable clothes on can go a long way to helping your mind feel much more relaxed, as feeling physically comfortable and at ease will help your mind to feel the same.

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49 comments

  1. I have a really hard time switching off too, luckily though I end up exhausting myself throughout the day that as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm completely dead to the world.
    I got some pillow sprays from This Works for Christmas that are meant to help you sleep and they've helped me on the few occasions that I couldn't - might be worth having a look!
    Aimey xo

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    1. Sometimes I am the same and manage to fall asleep straight away, however I still wake up super early so never actually manage a 'proper' nights sleep! Ooh they sounds amazing, thank you for the recommendation xxx

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  2. Those are really good tips for switching off and taking some time for yourself. Sometimes we get caught in our techno world and we don't even realize how much it influences us and our lives.

    Erika
    http://whaterikawears.com/

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    1. Thank you! I know, it's so nice to actually spend some time away from our phones every once in a while! xx

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  3. Ohh I have trouble disconnecting occasionally too~ ^ ^
    But I always feel so fresh and uplifted once I do! ^ - ^

    www.thedailydollyblog.com

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    1. It's so rewarding when you actually manage it isnt it! xx

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  4. These are such great tips!
    xoxo

    www.randomindistilling.blogspot.com

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  5. That is amazing! I hope that helps you not stress out so much, because I know how hard that can be. Love the idea, and I think I need that too.
    xx

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  6. This is a really great post. I think society keeps us moving way too quickly, and it lets life pass us by. Taking time to yourself is important. I usually give myself one day of the weekend to unwind and do whatever I want without worrying about anything. It helps me to prepare for the upcoming week :)
    xx
    Jenny // Mish Mosh Makeup

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    1. Thank you! I love that idea, today I've tried to do just that xx

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  7. To be honest, I am too far the other way in that I find it hard to motivate myself to get up that early but I would love to. How do you do it, and not feel exhausted?

    Emma Louise xx

    theemmalouise.blogspot.co.uk xx

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    1. In fairness, I do find it's a great way of getting all your work done on time haha! I am exhausted all the time though, I really wish I could sleep more! I am a walking zombie half the time! xx

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  8. I always seem to get great ideas in the shower!? :-D It's so true that we're all addicted to our phones & technology. Sounds like you're doing the right thing by hitting the gym! If you're struggling to stop your mind from racing at night, definitely try yoga / meditation. It works for me!

    Holly x
    www.rockonholly.com

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    1. I do pilates and love it and keep meaning to go to yoga! I definitely think I'm going to start going xx

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  9. I often find it hard to switch off by bed time and it's so frustrating as I'm so tired! Having an hour to yourself every day sounds like a great plan xx

    MissyRed.co.uk

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    1. You should try and avoid phones etc before you go to bed and hope it help you to get off to sleep! I sometimes find a nice long bath before bed is lovely too xx

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  10. These are great tips :) I've got the getting off to sleep bit down now but I still often find myself waking up to jot down notes for articles on my phone a stupid o'clock in the morning!

    Milly

    xxxxx

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    1. Thanks lovely! Thats exactly what I do! and then i find it so hard to actually fall asleep again! xx

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  11. Keeping technology away from me is something I definitely need to do more of! X

    owlsinthesummer.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I think we could all do with taking some time off haha! it becomes such a habit just checking your phone for no reason! xx

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  12. I love this post, I often find myself stuck on technology for hours. I start playing a game at 1pm and before you know it, it's dinner time. Maybe I will try shut down all my technology and do something else. Thank you for the inspiration! xx

    http://lychee-bubbles.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. Great post!! It's so hard when you're a student to find time for yourself!! When I'm have trouble sleeping I use a lavender body cream on my arms (the scent helps relax you)!! Good luck with everything!!!

    http://haileysworkshop.blogspot.ca

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    1. oh that sounds so lovely I may look into that xx

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  14. These are great ideas for having chill-out time - it's so important to have down time, otherwise you could burn out! Personally, I'm learning to meditate! I'm taking it slow, only five minutes a day at the moment, but I'm hoping that as I get better I'll be able to switch my mind off for longer.

    Claire // Technicolour Dreamer // Bloglovin'

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    1. Thank you! I've tried that before but I always struggle to let my mind relax xx

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  15. I'm always thinking about or doing something, even when I watch films or tv I'm usually doing something else. I really need to learn how to switch off!

    vvnightingale.blogspot.co.uk

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  16. Great post! I definitely need to have time away from technology more often, I think it's good to put an hour aside to relax and clear your head, especially at night where you might find it difficult to wind down and sleep!

    Kate x
    www.theoriestosuitfacts.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks lovely! It's so much easier to fall asleep if youve spent sometime away from your computer first! So much easier said than done though ahha xx

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  17. Would reading on my kindle count?? I hope so because that's one of my favourite switch off routines :P

    Alice x
    alzgalz.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I always read on my kindle, apparently its a different type of light to a phone or computer screen so still allows your mind to relax xx

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  18. Turning off technology before bed is definitely a great idea! It's less distracting and I won't find myself up until late scrolling through tumblr! x
    http://www.charlottebehappy.com

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  19. these are great methods! I always try to give myself one hour before sleep to relax... no matter how much i did in the day xx
    emilyjanewebb.blogspot.co.uk

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  20. I always have this problem too! Some really useful tips :) Definitely going to try the mind and body clocking off at the same time tip.

    http://mind-thebrain.blogspot.co.uk

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  21. Oh Amy I'm so sorry you have to go through so much! Sometimes it isn't good to be over worked and even though you love everything you do I think you might have to step back from a few things so you do have time for yourself and there is a time of relaxing! Talking from experience here :) xx

    http://lilliemysel.blogspot.com

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    1. aww thank you! I completely agree, I'm trying to cut down on my commitments so i can focus on myself too! xx

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  22. Great tips :) I work from my bedroom sometimes which does not help switching off at all!

    Cheryl
    http://daisycandle.com

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  23. I hope your mind starts to settle soon! Just know that all these commitments are working towards great experience and will help you grow (cheesy). Never let any of your commitments dull your happiness though! And don't be concerned about your blog content! It's still lovely as ever :)

    Thanks for your comment :)
    Charlotte x

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  24. I think that's a good idea. Sometimes I get so stressed that even sleep doesn't do justice for me. But then I remember I have to be take a break from things and that's perfectly okay

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  25. These are such great tips though, I find it really hard to "switch off" from technology! I guess it's just something I'll have to teach myself to do. Great post!

    TFM BLOG

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