"Life gets like that sometimes"
The most annoying thing about the Internet is how perfect it all looks, if you didn't take the time to read my posts you might actually think I had my life together and what a huge misconception that would be. It's the reason I love following people with some personality, the people who let you know it took 100 takes to get that good pic or the person who tells you they've had a sh*t day, those are the people who make me feel a little bit more human.
Life isn't always pay rises, sunny days and mimosas actually it's almost never all of those things. Real life can get you down, it's frustrating and tiring at times no matter who you are, where you live or your bank balance.
It can be hard to admit that you need a pick me up sometimes. Right now I am practising walking on a very fine line juggling all of the factors in my life, a social life, career, chill time, family, friends, relationships, making money and mental health, It's really only so long before you start to slip.
So far this summer I have felt nothing but positive and care free. Now to be completely honest I'm not sure if that's down to the UK actually having a summer for once or if the Universe just thought they would give me a break this year, either way there are little complaints over here and it feels great on the surface but I need a pause button and I need a Pick Me Up or 10.
The reality is that usually when one area of your life is flourishing (currently my mind-set, relationships and social life), there's an area or two that needs a little TLC. It's so hard to even find the time to figure out what that is when you're on auto pilot.
Although I'm working like the busiest of bees and balancing a social life pretty well, I could do with a real good Netflix session like the one's where they have to ask if you're still watching, a long bubble bath, more frequent yoga and long walks in nature.
Here's how I'm planning to give myself a Pick Me Up
1
Spending time by myself. I'm not mad I promise, alone time is probably the only thing that keeps me sane. I was an only child for 9 years and with that came a lot of solo play dates, I played alone often but I was far from lonely. It really enhanced my imagination. Alone with my thoughts is where I imagined my future, it's where I discovered my desire to be a teacher and it's where I came up with my most mind-blowing ideas. I spend a lot of time alone in the week working and a lot of time on the weekend not being alone.
When I know I'm craving that solo creative time I just spend the day in my bedroom, not working, not talking to anyone but just being. Sometimes people will want your energy but never feel bad not picking up the phone or just saying 'I don't want to talk right now'.
2
Gathering all of my favourite things. As girls I feel like these are all quite similar right? Candles for our bubble bath, fairy lights, our favourite scents, maybe a little motivational book or blog (for me it's In the Frow) and some our favourite snacks (flapjack bar me for me please).
What would you say if I told there a subscription service that can put all of the things you need for a Pick Me Up in one parcel?
Kiss My Parcel is a parcel service that offer bespoke care packages full of quality gifts. The Pick Me up parcel stood out to me the most because let's be honest sometimes you just need a little life lift and this parcel does exactly just that. The Pick Me Up parcel includes...
• Terramundi ‘Think Big’ Money Pot (much needed petty cash, perhaps for the next time you need a pick me up or a pick me shop)
• The Raw Chocolate Company Vanoffe Bar
• Organic Ginger Zinger Intense Pick Up Shot
• Lily Flame Silent Night Candle
• The Little Book Of Affirmations By Gilly Pickup
• Handcrafted Humorous Mug And Coaster Set
• Gift Republic Grow Your Own Sunflower
• Kiss My Parcel Stress BallKiss My Inspiration Notebook
• Teapigs Up Beet Tea Temples
•Absoloute Aromas Bath Salts
The Pick Me Up parcel sounds like an amazing gift idea for anyone you know who may need a little boost and Kiss My Parcel has many other parcel themes for you to check out.
3
Make Lemonade. I love that saying 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade' because you should. Be creative, turn a bad situation around, make something of nothing. I like to solve problems and I think that everything can be saved by getting creative and finding ways to fix things, it sounds difficult but it isn't, the answer is always staring you right in the face.
If you aren't feeling great, try something new, try a new hobby, create something, even if it isn't the best you'll feel proud that you tried something and after time passes you probably would've already picked yourself up.
Starting a new hobby doesn't have to involve joining a netball team or signing up for a class and being on the waiting list for 6 months, it doesn't have to cost very much either. Use what you have around you, try baking, pick up a cheap paint set, try meditating or journalling, hobbies do not have to cost a lot of money.
Now let's talk problem solving, If you are facing financial problems try and find alternative incomes, what are you good at? Baking, writing, sewing, hanging with kids? Most hobbies can be turned into a profitable business or a side hobby that generates income, it's up to you to make it happen.
If you just want to get better at something then keep practising, channeling your creative energy can really help to give you some guidance and inspiration for your next life steps.
I hope you have found some inspiration for how to pick yourself up in this post. Just to be clear, take that well needed alone time, indulge in all of your favourite things (guilt free) and get creative. How do you pick yourself up? Leave me a comment below, maybe you can inspire another reader.
Love, Shay.
* This blog post was a collaborative post but all content and opinions are my own.
