What does it actually take to unwind?

Hi Reader,

What does it take to unwind?

To really, truly let yourself let go and relax?

For me, it's quite difficult to just take a few days off and feel at ease. There are always more things to do, more thoughts to think, more dreams to plan for. So when it comes time to vacation, it can often take days — sometimes weeks — to fully come down from business as usual into a space of true rest and recovery.

And very often, that rest and recovery arrives with a cold or stomach bug. My body's way of making sure I stay put.

So how do you actually let your proverbial hair down?

The real trick of rest is becoming fully present in this moment in time — wherever you are, whatever you're doing. And the quickest way I know to get there is to go somewhere that pulls you out of your own head.

It might be as simple as traveling to a place that's unfamiliar to you — a new climate, whether hot and sunny or cold and snowy — or to a culture so vastly different from your own that you can't help but be immersed instantly. It could be as quiet as finding a forest you've never walked before and letting the unfamiliar sounds and smells do their work. Or a beach you don't know, letting new waves wash over your feet and a distant wind blow through your hair.

There's something almost medicinal about newness. It interrupts the loop. It reminds you that the world is bigger than your to-do list.

And for me personally? That medicine often comes in the form of a retreat.

This week I'm in Lisbon, participating in another experience with Not Your Average Psychic. I attended two of their retreats last year — in Sweden and Bali — and each time I found myself delightfully, effortlessly present. A beautiful location, delicious food, wonderful company, and the deeper spiritual work of growing my psychic abilities.

At a retreat, I don't have to think about what to do or what comes next or what to eat. I show up with only my intentions, and I allow the thoughtfully organised agenda to guide the rest. I trust someone else to lead, and I let go of needing to be on top of it all.

That is the power of a good retreat, guided by someone you trust. You can officially turn off your thinking mind and simply be. And in my experience, that kind of deep rest — the kind that comes from being truly held in a safe and intentional space — is some of the most profound healing there is.

So again, I ask you: what does it take for you to unwind? How do you truly let yourself relax and recover your energy? Is there a forest, a beach, a retreat calling your name?

This week, it's my turn to find out. I'll report back.

Are you trying everything you can, but still can't switch off? What if you could build a life you don't need to unwind from?

I had four Oracle readings over the past two weeks, and each one moved me deeply. There is something about this work that never gets old — the way a session can crack something open you didn't even know was waiting.

That's what this work does. It shows you what success actually looks like for you.

If you just saw a piece of yourself in reading Rachel's experience, you can book an Oracle reading with me here.

And finally: I'm opening up a very limited number of 1:1 coaching spots for those who feel ready for deeper, sustained support. I work with max. ten clients a year, and these spaces only become available when a client contract concludes — so they are rare. I have two spots opening at the end of April and one more becoming available in May. If you'd like to explore whether this is right for you, I'm holding calls in mid-April. You can book your slot to talk here.

Rooting for you as always,
​Amanda

P.S. Don't worry, I haven't gone completely off-grid. The next episode of Don't Step on the Bluebells will land straight in your inbox next Thursday.