[Chelsae Anne | Photography] 

PAJAMAS: (c/o) Kate Spade/READING GLASSES: similar

Confession: I have a hard time balancing work-life. Anyone else feel the same?

Growing up, all my free time went to ballet. Many times, forgoing activities like parties and football games to train after school and on the weekends. After dancing professionally for two years and finishing college, I struggled balancing my work-life because of a new job. And after that, it was because I was building a business and blogging full-time.

Bottom line: prioritizing “me time” has never been important to me. I’ve always been an, “all or nothing” girl and very determined to reach my goals. I considered time off a luxury – never a necessity. Until…

December. When I was on the brink of burnout. I felt rundown and sick all the time. I lacked creativity and wasn’t happy with my schedule. I decided to take a month off to restore my energy and creativity levels back to normal. I spent time with family and my amazing boyfriend and enjoyed every minute of it. By the time February rolled around, I felt recharged! My creative juices were flowin’ again so I launched my personal styling business and took on more work… x10.

And fell right back into the same routine.

[insert burnout moment #2 here]

We all know “me” time is important, but why is it so hard to do sometimes? Why do we feel so guilty about taking a half-day off to watch a mini marathon of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Or read a good book? Or catch up with your best friend and laugh? Because there’s a never-ending list of things to do and accomplish before you’re 30. Right?

Nope. Wrong. Like super wrong.

In order to be successful (yes, successful) and reach your #GirlBoss goals, you have to rest and give yourself a break to binge on Netflix every now and then. Doing so, allows your mind to refocus and think clearly which in turn helps you be that much better at work the next day! And get rid of those dark circles.

Last week, I turned my phone to “airplane mode” for a mini digital detox (kind of), slipped into my new Kate Spade PJs, jumped in bed, made a bowl of steamy popcorn and a fresh cup of mint tea and watched like every episode of Real Housewives BH, NYC and Dallas. It. Was. Great.

SERVING BOWL: (c/o) Kate Spade

TEA KETTLE: (c/o) Kate Spade

SHEETS: (c/o) Kate Spade/EURO SHAMS: (c/o) Kate Spade

(Side note: how adorable are these cotton pajamas from Kate Spade?! I love the piping! And the witty one-liner “shhh!” on the pocket. They are TOO cute!)

Everyone has their own definition of work-life balance. For me, a night in once a week achieves just that…

How do you spend “me” time? Have any tips that have worked for you? Feel free to share them below! <3

Xo, Stephanie

P.S.: I can’t help but think of my selfless mother today who for many years drove me to dance everyday, listened to me cry, took me shopping behind my dad’s back and who would stay up late to clean up after us three crazy kids. Love you mama, Happy Mother’s Day! And to all the other selfless mothers out there who sacrifice their extra time to raise a family, I hope you took a day off today to watch some Real Housewives… <3

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