Wind Down with Me.

As I write this all snuggled up in bed, covered in cozy blankets, warm vanilla candle flickering, watching Season 2 of Outlander, Sour Skittles and popcorn at arms reach—I think to myself "wow, if only this could be how every night goes". And for the most part, I do have a pretty set evening routine because winding down is important to me, but lately I've been in limbo with making the most of my evenings, namely Sunday evenings, because I just want to make sure I can check everything off of my to-do list before I can settle down for the night and feel reset for the week. 

I've also had days where—Sunday scaries are real—but I'll also get so much done on Sunday and be so productive with working out, chores, errands, and resetting everything that by the end of the night I'm worn out and haven't actually relaxed so then my headspace is flooded with anxiety about the day to come. My mind ebbs and flows and even mid-afternoons I'll get very overwhelmed with how I want to spend my Sunday and I've just decided that Sundays are sacred to me. 

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But they also aren't. Sundays are probably my least favorite day of the week because I find myself in dread of Monday. But then Monday turns out to be not so bad after all. Because who loves Mondays? 

As much as I plan out my week days, I also plan out my weekends. Balancing social events and going out with friends to playing open gym volleyball with Ben or doing chores—I try to make a list of things to do so that I do feel like I can balance everything and tackle what needs to get done that didn't during the week. Even if it's as little as getting my nails done or taking some clothes to Goodwill, I plan out my errands and it also gives me something to look forward to as mundane as these tasks may be. 

I like to be busy. I'm always on the go and being productive makes me able to relax soundly, but I've also come to the realization that there will always be dishes to clean, laundry to wash, books to read, etc. So sometimes I get so overwhelmed for no reason because I can't sit still and just relax. Even blogging for example has been a part of my evening Sunday ritual. 

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I definitely think I am a weekend warrior at best because during the week I am locked in on work and just want to go to the gym, eat a nutritious meal, and watch Netflix and go to bed. Side note: I have been loving Gretchen Geraghty's vlogs on YouTube lately. They're the perfect dose of serotonin and all things happiness (she has a golden named Brody so I am obviously a big fan at this point)! I guess that's reality but leaning into the small joys during my days also make them go by quicker and give me things to look forward to like making a quick coffee run or doing work from home with a friend. 

Having a wind down routine is essential. There are so many things happening in our lives that I think we forget to take time to just let go and reset. Whether it does mean being lazy or getting your nails done or reading a book or watching a show or taking a much needed nap. Life is meant to be enjoyed and I don't ever what to feel soul sucked or over worked. I think it all just comes with balance of filling up your life with things you love. Winding down doesn't mean shutting off, it just means we're preparing ourselves to bounce back up again.