When I sat down with Chloe Hartman, a freelance graphic designer and mother of two, for a chat about how she manages to truly recharge on her days off, I expected to hear about spa days or weekend getaways. Instead, Chloe gave me a refreshing perspective on the importance of recognising personal preferences and resisting the societal pressure to relax in a way that might not actually be relaxing for everyone.
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“People often assume that the only way to recharge is to completely disconnect from everything,” Chloe began, settling into her chair with a vibrant energy that belied the typical trope of a weary working mum. “But for me, it’s about finding balance and understanding what genuinely makes me feel refreshed.”
Chloe’s approach to her days off is anything but conventional. She starts by organising her errands into a manageable schedule. “I used to spend my entire day off trying to fit in errands whenever I had a spare moment,” she explained. “Now, I allocate specific hours to get those done. It’s like ripping off a band-aid—quick and painless.”
Her strategy is to batch tasks early in the morning, leaving her afternoons open for more enjoyable activities. Chloe swears by a couple of hours between nine and eleven, “Get everything sorted in one go, and then it’s done. The rest of the day is mine.”
Physical activity plays a significant role in Chloe’s recharging process. “I’m not one for intensive gym sessions,” she chuckled, “but a good walk with my kids or a yoga session at home does wonders for my mood and energy levels.”
Crucially, Chloe is adamant about respecting her own preferences for solitude. As someone who cherishes alone time, she often finds group activities more draining than relaxing. “It’s important to know what works for you and to stick to that,” she asserted. “Whether it’s a quiet afternoon with a book or a solo stroll in the park, honouring your personal way of unwinding is critical.”
On the topic of food, Chloe mentioned how she likes to experiment with cooking on her days off. “It’s therapeutic for me. I love trying out new recipes, but I always ensure they’re balanced,” she said, highlighting her habit of preparing meals that are both indulgent and nutritious. “The trick is to enjoy what you eat but also to listen to how your body feels afterwards.”
Another tip Chloe shared was preparing for the next workday in advance. “It may sound counterintuitive, but setting aside a little time to prep for the morning makes the transition back to work much smoother,” she advised. “It’s like giving a gift to your future self.”
Chloe also advocates for the power of a short nap. “A 20-minute nap can feel like a reset button,” she said, laughing. “It splits your day into two parts, and you wake up feeling like you’ve had two days off instead of one.”
While caffeine and alcohol have their place, Chloe cautions against overreliance on them for managing energy levels. “I’ve found that staying hydrated and getting enough rest are far more effective than that third cup of coffee,” she noted thoughtfully.
One of Chloe’s favourite parts of her day off is indulging in a small treat. “It doesn’t have to be extravagant,” she smiled. “Sometimes, it’s a hot bath, or I’ll spend an hour on my photography. These little joys can make the day feel special.”
Finally, Chloe shares her secret weapon against the modern malady of FOMO—unplugging from social media. “It’s hard not to compare your life to the curated highlights you see online,” she admitted. “But I’ve made it a habit to keep my phone in a different room when I’m relaxing. It helps me stay focused on my own life and what truly matters to me.”
Chloe’s insights are a reminder to us all that recharging doesn’t have to conform to societal expectations. It can be as simple as recognising what truly brings you peace and allowing yourself to indulge in those activities without guilt. Her experience underscores the importance of personalising relaxation, encouraging us to find our own path to rejuvenation.
By Salena Ripley
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