What does your weekend look like. Are you doing things you love, practicing self-care and resting?

Or do you rush around getting every single thing done that you had on your list, catching up on housework, cleaning, food shopping, running the kids to sporting events?

No matter what you have on, you need to create time for you. To nurture yourself. To fill your cup.

If you go full tilt all week without leisure that replenishes you – you're going to have a personal deficit.

Everyday involves mental problem solving, physical work and personal interactions. To have the energy, and the pleasure, to do all these things – you need to replenish your reserves intentionally and regularly.

Through self-care and attending to our own needs we make ourselves more available to those around us. If you feel guilty about taking time for yourself…Read 12 Reasons Self-Care Is Not Selfish.

Why it matters..

Giving your body time to recharge and restore, will turn off the stress flight-or-flight response and switch on your self-healing system.

Releasing beautiful healing hormones that rebalance your hormones for energy, reset your metabolism for weight loss and brain chemistry for inner peace and happiness.

Taking time to rest will also help you become more grounded.

Reconnect to your intuition and wisdom and find your passion. Wisdom is the source of our guidance and direction in life. Taking time to stop and rest will give you instant access to your own inner advisor.

5 Part Restore Plan: Vitality, Balance & Joy

Rest
Stop any physical activity, sleep is the best form of rest. Even kicking back on the couch with a cup of tea and good book or magazine. Work on a jigsaw puzzle. Soak in a lavender oil bath. Watch your favourite movie. Get a facial or massage, or both.

Serenity
Serenity is inner rest – mental and emotional quiet. It doesn't mean that your circumstances need to be peaceful in order to allow that mental state – serenity is something we practice. It's a discipline where we deliberately shut out the outside world and demands of life. Through meditation, prayer, visualisation, aromatherapy or getaways to the ocean or mountains.

Solitude
Do you enjoy your own company? Wayne Dyer once said you're never alone when you like the person you're alone with. I absolutely agree with this.
Find quiet time to reflect and to re-centre. Solitude is a pre-requisite for creativity. I get so much inspiration when I spend time on my own, in quiet.

Creativity
This allows us to express our inner life in the outside world. It fulfills our desire to contribute something of value, make a difference, to express our passion, share the beautiful things we create to others in the world. This could be art, sculpture, cooking, writing, caring for animals or volunteering in the community.

Fun
This should be the easy one, but most of us schedule fun out of our lives. Fun is an antidote to stress. Laughter can heal and can be very good for you heart. Fun motivates us to be physically active, spend time with other people and enjoy activities like tennis, sports, catching up with friends, participating in a book club, taking music lessons – these activities replenish us.

Add one of these to your weekend and notice how different you feel in energy and inner balance!  Let me know what you're going to add first, leave your comment below.