Slowing down the pace

As my life has changed over the last few months, I’ve had to accept that for the time being I need to adjust to a new slower, pace of life. My body needs all the rest it can get, so right now my partying days are numbered. Yet even with that urge to rest, I still can’t just sit around watching endless Netflix series. I have to keep myself busy in some way. With my ever-busy mind, I’ve recently been on the lookout for a few new relaxing hobbies, to replace my somewhat dwindling social life. Activities that still keep my mind ticking over, most importantly – I still get to see my friends (and not turn into a real hermit!) and get a bit of rest too.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean your life has to stop – I’ve realised you just have to make changes and listen to your body. So, this is what I’ve been up to over the last few months. These activities are not actually pregnancy specific at all, so if you find yourself with some time on your hands, maybe you’ll find inspiration from my list too 🙂

• Pamper nights – As I’ve been feeling pretty rough on the inside, looking after the outside has really made me feel better. I’ve loved the extra time to myself to try new products and look after myself while I still have the time. I’ve been working my way through my The Body Shop At-home facial kit, some goodies from Bliss and doing DIY pedicures, it’s been blissful!
• Discovering new magazines – With all this extra time on my hands I’ve been popping the kettle on, snuggling under a blanket and immersing myself in wonderful independent magazines, I’ve recently been loving Lionheart and Blogosphere with next on my list to devour being OhComely. I feel so disconnected with ‘mainstream’ magazines, so these beauties have been a real find. 
• Crochet – I’ve most definitely rekindled my love of crochet. Not only is the gentle rhythm of crochet so relaxing but I’ve been excited to be making something for the baby too. As we don’t know the gender yet I’ve been making a sweet colourful blanket which is nearly finished. I’ve already picked out my next project (or ten!) and can’t wait to get going on them all!
• Decluttering and sorting the house – They say you start nesting a little further on in pregnancy but it seems to have hit me already. I’ve been clearing out bagfuls of things I don’t need, giving away make-up and skincare products to my friends and family and making lots of space and room for our new arrival! Suddenly my life has gone into perspective and I don’t feel the need to keep 10 different moisturisers anymore. It’s also amazing how rewarding decluttering can be, I feel a true sense of relaxation when I’ve cleared and tidied a space. We have a long way to go but the house is looking different already.
• Movie Nights – As I wasn’t feeling too much like going out, I decided it would be fun to hold a movie night for a group of my friends. We got together the snacks, popcorn, drinks and a classic movie, I even opened up the sofa bed in the living room to really make it an old school ‘sleepover’ style, it was just like old times! 
• Learning to cook new recipes – I don’t have the best repertoire in the kitchen so I thought now is the time to give my culinary skills a brush up. I’ve been trying to teach myself 2 simple recipes per week (mainly all sourced on Pinterest) and learn some new skills in the kitchen. I’ve been teaching myself to make Buddha Bowls, Creamy Garlic Spaghetti and various different blends of overnight Oats, just to name a few of my creations so far! Of course, eating them is the best bit too!
• Turning off social media – The most important step of adapting to my slower pace of life has been accepting I can’t keep up with my blog and social media all the time. At first, the thought of missing something or being behind on my blog sent shivers down my spine  but now I’m quite used to it. I’ve actually found it works better for me to have time away, then when I do eventually return, I have so many lovely things to read and catch up on. That continual ‘trying to keep up’ feeling is such a pressure, it had to go! As for my blog, I write when I feel like it, I can’t force it at the moment so I try to just go with the flow and not worry too much. I’ll get there eventually!

So thats what I’ve been up to. I feel like I’ve almost painted a picture of being housebound, but it’s not the case at all, I have been busy with blog events, restaurant reviews (hello mocktails!) and a few nights out too, but it has been a big life change already and I find if I go out for one evening, I need the next two at home to recover (even without alcohol – shocker!) so it’s all about adapting and finding a balance.

What do you like to do to relax at home? I’d love to hear your ‘active-but-relaxing’ hobbies!

*Includes collaborative link