The art of relaxation

When I was younger I was a self-confessed stress head who would work myself up into a right mess. Maybe it's living in London which throws non-stop challenges your way (if you get passed the "unlucky stick" in this city you better run and hide), but in the past few years I have developed the ability to completely switch off from my everyday life.

I have a bad habit of literally not sitting still when I am home and can be found running around doing "stuff" (much to Mr Porter's bemusement), but when I travel I much prefer to visit quiet locations, preferably in the sunshine and just RELAX.

Here are my tips for relaxing:

• Burn your favourite candle - In summer I like beachy, floral fragrances like mimosa, while in winter I prefer the smell of fig or musky fragrances.
• Create scent memories when you are holiday by taking a travel size candle (Diptyque do these) and feel like you're on holiday when you burn the candle in your own home.
• Soak your worries away in a bath, preferably with as many bubbles as possible. Apply a moisturising facial mask (I like Nuxe's Masque Crème Fraîche) and scrub yourself from head to toe with something that smells good enough to eat.
• Afterwards, slather yourself in beautiful body oil (Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse or Neom Organic Body Oil are my current favourites).
• Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Once you own the right tools a manicure shouldn't set you back the £20 it costs professionally...pretty nails always make me feel better.  
• Take a yoga or meditation class. There is one particular pose in my yoga class that literally gives you a rush of endorphins (must ask what it is - for now, you'll just have to trust me).
• Bury yourself in a good book - I'm currently reading 'Paris to the Moon' as recommended by Hannah from Capture the Castle.
• Get away to the countryside. I'm currently planning a weekend trip to The Pig in the New Forest. The city can be suffocating at the best of times...
• Take a cat nap - I have a particularly bad habit of doing this on a Sunday afternoon and then I can never sleep on a Sunday night but at the time, it feels so good.
• Get a massage - sites like Wahanda mean that getting one doesn't need to cost the earth. This past weekend I had a great deep tissue massage at Ten Pilates.

All photos from my recent stay at Les Rosées in Mougins, France. NHG x