Happy Friday! We have experienced a bunch of nice days in Stockholm with sun, bike rides, museum visits and a beer in town. In between, we have felt both stressed and tired, and we do our best to unwind.
Table of contents
Nice weekend in Stockholm
Last weekend in Stockholm was really nice. One day we took our bikes to go shopping, but decided to take a detour and enjoy a beer at the Orangery on Kungsholmen. It's not often that we indulge in such things, so it felt really luxurious.
Another day we cycled to northern Djurgården and checked out two museums: Maritime History Museum and Ethnographic Museum. We were a little taken aback by the fact that it was a sports holiday (who keeps track of that?) and that the museums were filled with extra loud children's activities (like carnival!). Nevertheless, it was really nice!
Finding calm in stress
I (Helena) am starting to realise that I am probably feeling quite stressed. I often wake up at night with my mind spinning, and find it hard to get back to sleep. Somewhere I read that you should not get angry because you can't sleep - but that you should be happy that you have realised that you need to de-stress. Happy Friday then!
We both have colds and are tired, but we are actually trying to take it easy. Peter has driven me to work when I've been most tired and we try to prioritise anything we don't need to do. We have also started watching some TV series to relax.
One series we really liked is the British series Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame), set in Japan and London. Great characters, great filming and a surprising plot. A pleasure to watch! Anyone else seen it?
Best this week
The best thing this week is that I realised that I need to de-stress. It's not easy, but I trying to. What has been the best part of your week?
The week ahead
Our next trip is a press trip to Tunisiaand it's fast approaching. We've got a programme and already this weekend we can give some advance information on what to look for down there. Don't miss it!
Did you miss the last Happy Friday? Read the Weekend visits, storms and travel planning
Ruth in Virginia says:
Don't you remember that quite a long time ago I told you that
because we, your readers, want you not to "hit the wall",
or whatever it is called?
You don't NEED to write every day. One day off a week
is something you really need, as you can sleep late, eat a
breakfast in your pyjamas and cosy up with each other.
That's Aunt Ruth's advice (and she's turning 92 next month) ðŸ™'
06 March 2020 - 6:29
Helena says:
Yes, I remember! Thank you 🙂 You are so wise and probably right. I have a little difficulty with this, I must admit, but I'm working on it 😉.
06 March 2020 - 20:04
Lisa says:
I love reading your blog and think you do a fantastic job. Understand that it can take the strength to invent and write inspiring every day. I, as a reader, really treat you to a little holiday with relaxation from blogging. Think about your health and treat yourself to just be. Health is the most precious thing you have and cannot be replaced by anything else.
06 March 2020 - 7:43
Helena says:
Thanks for the nice words Lisa! You are so right!
06 March 2020 - 20:05
Emma, sun like sun? says:
In fact, Helena, I'm not surprised! It doesn't work to do everything, it's really hard to realise and accept.
I've written it before, you have to take time off! From the whole fadderulla! You can plan it by posting shorter posts in advance if you now promptly have to do one every day. Why not do as others do, pick up pieces of candy from the archive. Something that was less well received at the time but that you still think is worth showing again? The audience may have changed. As long as you show that this is five years old, so some things may have changed, then they'll go along with it.
Wow, it sounds like I'm scolding you! But now that I think about it, I probably do. At least a little bit. I know you love what you do, are passionate about it, etc. But that's the thing about something that burns, it has to be protected so that it doesn't go out or spread wildly.
Have a great weekend where I hope you won't do a single thing, possibly a hike through a beautiful sunny Stockholm and some good food on it.
06 March 2020 - 11:31
Helena says:
Thank you for your nice and thoughtful comment Emma! Yes, sometimes you may need a little scolding 😉 We have started by removing some other things around blogging (it is also a lot of work behind the scenes) and lowered the level of ambition for some things. I'm taking it one step at a time, working on it. Thanks again!
06 March 2020 - 20:07
Travel Friday says:
Take care and enjoy the spring weather that has finally arrived. Hugs!
06 March 2020 - 11:51
Helena says:
Thank you very much! Yes, really nice spring weather now! 🙂
06 March 2020 - 20:07
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We can only agree with all the previous comments. However, it is good that you have realised that you need to take it easy. For example, take blog leave on weekends for a couple of weeks and just enjoy it, it's actually possible. Then, of course, an infection makes everything more difficult.
Have a great weekend, take it easy and get better! Hugs from Aguilas and the sun???
06 March 2020 - 16:26
Helena says:
Yes, when you are already a little stressed and busy, it doesn't really get easier when you get sick ... Thank you for your concern! Hope you are fine! 🙂
06 March 2020 - 20:08
Ama de casa says:
Sounds very good that you have come to a realisation, Helena! Keep trying to slow down.
The best thing this week was that Anders got such good news from the doctor on Tuesday. Just what we hoped for 🙂
06 March 2020 - 17:28
Helena says:
Yes, it was a step in the right direction anyway! 🙂 And how nice with the message you were hoping for! Wishing you a nice weekend!
06 March 2020 - 20:08
BP says:
Totally agree with Ruth and Emma! Not even your lovely blog is worth going to the wall for. You only have one health, and you should be extremely careful with it.
Considering how long and well-written your posts are, you don't "whip" them together in half an hour either. Blogging should be fun and should not be "a must".
Besides the blog, you have a job to do as well... So I would say "take it easy before you go crazy".
06 March 2020 - 20:39
Maria / MagnoliaMagis says:
Thanks for the series tips!!! I will check it out. As the others write, health is not worth the price of being a blogger every day. Run a repeat day a week! What is it called..Throwback Thursday? Maybe a whole week? Stress is nothing to play with but it can be stopped once you see it! Nature is important. Without a camera or a blog... Take care of yourself!
06 March 2020 - 21:29
Lena - good for the soul says:
Having previously smashed into the famous wall, I have been a little concerned about your pace. Sooner or later it makes itself felt. It's good that you are at least thinking and trying to slow down. A step in the right direction. But it's still so difficult. I'll be the first to admit that!
Take care of yourselves!
Hug Lena
08 March 2020 - 8:30
Christine - 29°. says:
How nice the weather looks at home. 🙂
I hope you find peace of mind and that your sleep improves.
09 March 2020 - 11:17