mum plus one

Being a mum is a full-time job with very little holiday! But just because time's precious, doesn't mean you can't find some time to relax, unwind and give yourself some much needed 'me time'.

If the days of long hot baths seem a distant memory, don't despair! As experts in lavender for over 200 years, we know better than anyone the importance of relaxing. Follow our handy tips on how to find some time for yourself and you'll be amazed what difference it makes:

- If they sleep; you sleep! While your baby sleeps, take a nap too or just lie down and put your feet up.

- Enlist the grandparents! Get them to take their new grandchild for a walk so they can enjoy some quality time together while you enjoy the house to yourself.

- Always say yes to a helping hand. If a friend you trust offers to be baby sitter in the middle of day, take up their offer. Use this time to have a nap or run that long hot bath that was a distant memory only a few minutes ago.

- Get a take away. Have a night off from cooking and spend that time enjoying a few minutes to yourself.

- Make it a date. Agree a night for your partner to be babysitter so you can do whatever you want to - soak in a bath, watch some tv, have a glass of wine or catch up with a friend you've not spoken to in ages.

Visit the mum plus one site here.

how to tell you need some time out:

- even the simplest job like posting a letter feels like a challenge and makes you want to cry.

- another friendly visitor pops round to coo over your new arrival but all you want to do is hide behind the sofa rather than invite them in to offer them a cup of tea and a cuddle with your baby.

- your husband makes a passing comment about how busy his day has been and you automatically snap back that he has no idea what busy is and he should try swapping places with you sometime.

- you can't remember the last time you talked about anything other than babies, nappies and feed time.

When it comes to instant relaxation and refreshing, our Lavender Spa range is just the perfect 'me time' treat. To find out how the power of lavender can help stay calm and feel refreshed, simply find out with our stress tester questionnaire and see what regime is best for you.