WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

I think especially when you work full time or you simply have a lot of unavoidable commitments and things to do, it can be really difficult to fully enjoy the here and now. With so many odd jobs and 'things to do' constantly circling around in our brains, it can be all too easy to get stuck in a rut. For many of us, working 9-5 every day leads us to accept that life is about routine, but in actual fact, it isn't. And sometimes, the best thing you can ever do is break that routine.

As someone who does work everyday - 8-4 rather than 9-5 for me - I can completely appreciate how easy it is for anyone to fall into their very specific routine and ultimately, rarely step out of that comfort zone. Getting up at 6am and going to sleep at 10pm is the norm for so many of us, but every once in a while, it's essential that we break this routine and give ourselves something to look forward to. Whether that be a random Friday off to enjoy a 3-day weekend or a couple of days off to enjoy a much-needed spa break, we're all only human, and eventually, we can all begin to feel exhausted and 'burnt out' if we don't give ourselves some downtime.

I used to be one of those people that hated the idea of taking a day off unless I was specifically doing something or had something exciting planned, which is why I can completely understand this mentality. Sometimes, it can be really difficult to accept that we have used one of our 25 holiday days on a day where we are doing quite literally nothing besides sitting on the sofa in our pyjamas. But now I'm a little older (still only 26, but still!) I really do appreciate the importance of taking time out to chill.

One of my favourite things to do when I have a day off is to go for a nice coffee with my Mum!

Naturally, of course, I would love to spend all my days off with a glass of champagne in hand, enjoying luxury spa treatments and facilities, but you know what? Enjoying a day in my pyjamas, with no makeup on, genuinely brings me so much joy! In fact, I'm enjoying one of those rare chill-out pyjama days today, and I'm having the most wonderful time!

For me, days like today are all about catching up on little jobs that I need to do - blogging being one of those bigger jobs! - and giving myself some downtime. I expect that most of you will have had three days off this weekend due to the bank holiday? - I did too, but I just couldn't resist the temptation of taking just one more day off! 4 lie-ins in a row? Sign me up.

Yep, I've so loved having some 'me time' this long weekend and it's been great to have those lie-ins that I usually don't get to have (Check out my 'The Importance Of Me Time' blog post for more inspiration!). I feel as though I've had chance to really recuperate and recharge a little, which is great. However, next time I take time off, I'll probably be a little busier and I might even treat myself to a few new bits and bobs...

Like I say, whether you're lounging in the house or you're off out doing something crazy and fun, it's crucial that you make time for yourself and give yourself something to look forward to - even if it is just one extra lie-in! Trust me, it really does make all the difference! But, if you do find it difficult to part with those all-important holiday days, there's no harm in treating yourself to a day off that's a little more special! Spa weekends (make sure you check out my 'Why A Spa Weekend Is Just What You Need' post!), indulgent retail therapy days, afternoon teas and fine dining lunches are just a few of my favourite things to do when I take time off - and having those things to look forward to is just so refreshing.

The thing is, if we don't allow time to focus on ourselves and actually enjoy life, then we can soon begin to feel down in the dumps. I mean, how many times have you sat there and thought about how much time you spend in work compared to how much time you're at home with the family, the dog or the kids? Even if you love your job, which, I have to admit, I really do :), it can be tricky to get your head around this. So, to give yourself that fuller sense of purpose and in order to give yourself that time you deserve, my advice would be to take one or two days off every now and again, and do something that you love doing.

Having a routine isn't a bad thing, but make time to chill out and re-energise.

As a Mancunian girl (and a very proud one at that!), I'm lucky to be surrounded by amazing things to see and do both in and out of the city. My family and I live in a lovely place called Saddleworth, but we're still only a 20-minute train journey from our beloved Manchester City Centre. So, we have the best of both worlds - the beautiful, relaxing countryside, and the wild hustle and bustle of city life. It's perfect, really - but I completely understand that not everybody has this.

If you live in a quieter area or you simply feel there aren't 'many things to do' where you live, my advice would be to get yourself online and start searching. Look at spas that aren't too far away, nice hotels that you and your partner/friend could go and stay at for a night, fun activities like segways, nice dog-walking routes, picnic spots, shopping centre - everything! I'm sure you'll be amazed by how close you actually are to all these things.

And, if you are from Manchester/The North West, I have to finish this post by saying you must go and visit The Mere Golf Resort and Spa. For me, this place is the ultimate sanctuary of relaxation and when Marc, my family and I are in need of a little 'us time', we immediately jump online and get another spa weekend booked. We always leave feeling 100 times better and the stunning location makes for a great location to chill out and watch the world go by.

The Mere is such a gorgeous place!

I really hope you enjoyed this post & I can't wait to share more with you soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of my life and lifestyle posts for more inspiration!

Lots of love,
Grace x