I don't know about you, but I don't know one person who spends enough time, on a regular basis, doing something nice just for themselves.
All of us tend to be very hard on our minds and bodies, both in terms of how hard we make them work, and the messages we feed them via that constant internal monologue ... how often have you told yourself you could be better? ... should be better ... thinner, stronger, harder working, prettier, fitter - a never ending series of personal insults - all things that if you directed them at other people you would probably find a few choice words fired in your direction as well!
The concept of 'me time' gives the impression of being indulgent and decadent, but really, I think we should be treating it as something entirely necessary, otherwise it's going to be one long slog rather than being able to enjoy all the wonderful experiences available to us.
On the Spabreaks.com blog, The Hot Tub, we have been privileged to welcome a number of incredible interviewees, writers, and contributors since it's launch 18 months ago, and recently they were joined by the wonderful Sky Sports presenter, Vicky Gomersall, who has started writing about finding a work/life balance as a working mum in her column, Sports and Spas. I was touched by her first piece because as a mum myself it resonated in a practical, and characteristically humorous way - particularly as she said she makes a point of having "a bit of R&R every now and then ... [because] quite frankly I'd go mad if I didn't" - I know I was the only person who thought 'thank goodness I'm not alone!' when I read this because I had several emails following the publication of the piece from other mums, shouting their agreement.
I think what this goes to show is that although we often feel guilty about being a little indulgent on occasion, deep down we all know that it is something that we actually need, it's just that sometimes it takes someone else telling us that it's ok to be a bit selfish to kick us into action.
Later this year, Spabreaks.com will be launching the first Women's Wellness Week where we will be encouraging women to discuss everything that affects how they feel from one day to the next. We are going to have some serious charity fundraising, and some exciting events, competitions and words of wisdom from guest writers. The most important element as far as I am aware however, is that we want all women, and men for that matter, to do something kind for themselves in that week, whether it's turning your phone off for half a day, making time for a hot bath, watching rubbish on TV, or even going to a spa.
The thing is I don't want to wait until then for you to start doing all these nice things. I want you to start now, and I want you to tell me about your ideas by tweeting #bekindtoyou to @spabreaks - partially so I know you are actually taking a little time for yourself, partially because you might just inspire someone else who is also in need of a break, partially just in case I want to copy you, but mostly because you deserve it!
So tell me, what are you going to do this week to be kind to you?