My Wales Staycation: Take a Wellbeing Break in Mumbles
Welcome to Be Your Own Date - a space dedicated to all things self-care and wellbeing. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to take a look at my other posts; I hope you’ll like them and find them useful too! I am building a collection of thoughtful articles, tips and resources to uplift you and get you thinking. In this post, I am reflecting on the importance of taking a wellbeing break and sharing the highlights of my Wales Staycation and things to do in Mumbles.
Top up your energy levels
It is important to take a break for our self-care, wellbeing and mental health. Don’t you think? Rather than waiting until our energy levels have depleted - and counting down the days to the next break - I am trying to be more proactive by planning ahead to top up my energy levels throughout the year. The aim is to simply focus on enjoying taking a break and how we spend our free time. This shift in thinking and approach has been really helpful in enabling me to attend to my wellbeing needs, not only to talk about taking better care of myself, but to actually put this into practice.
Take a wellbeing break
Feeling a little overwhelmed?
Need to put some time aside to switch off from work?
Keen to reconnect with your family and friends?
Don't worry, we’ve all been there!
We all need to take some time out. I like the idea of taking a wellbeing and mental health break because this highlights the importance of resilience and relaxation, and also normalises putting time aside to look after ourselves. Not only taking trips, but also prioritising life admin, like finally sorting out the stack of paperwork that we've been avoiding! Now, this doesn’t mean waiting until we are totally exhausted to take a wellbeing break, instead let's try to be more prepared, self-aware and adopt a more preventative approach. For example, saving up for a luxury spa break in the distant future is wonderful; however, going for a swim, sauna or steam at your local leisure centre tomorrow can be just as effective, and is certainly kinder to your wallet - enjoy both! Give yourself permission to recharge your batteries and do the things that bring you joy. Do whatever works for you, it’s YOUR wellbeing break after all.
We all deserve to be well.
My Wales staycation
Ever felt the need to have a holiday to recover from your holiday? Well, not this time! In my post about staying connected whilst working from home, I mentioned that I was organising a trip, here's the update. My wellbeing break was super relaxing...a chance to really unwind...just what I needed. I was sooooo ready for a change of scenery - I’m sure that you can relate! I eventually chose Wales for my staycation thanks to recommendations from friends. Take a look...
Is this France, Spain, Italy? Nope! It’s Mumbles in Wales.
Wow! Mumbles (Mwmbwls) is such a wonderful place to visit. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but I could have truly mistaken the coastline for parts of continental Europe. I also had a lot of luck with the weather and was treated to sunny days throughout my break, and even swam in the sea - for the first time ever in the UK! So you just know it had to be good. Staying in Mumbles was also an opportunity to take a few moments to be still and feel grounded in awe of the natural beauty that surrounded me.
Like me, perhaps you’d never heard of Mumbles until recently or maybe you’re already well acquainted with the area?! Mumbles is a beautiful village on the edge of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. What a beautiful and welcoming place to stay where people take the time to say "hello" and "goodbye" and even stop for a chat. Visiting Mumbles is pretty straightforward - take a bus or taxi from Swansea city centre or enjoy the scenic walk along the promenade, which takes around 2 hours. Don’t forget to stop for delicious vegan ice cream (two generous scoops) and relax in one of the pretty outdoor cafes en route. There are also great spots to go fishing, with families connecting and casting their lines during the day and well into the night.
As you know, I am a wellbeing, self-care and mental health advocate. I believe that it is important to raise awareness and talk about how we can take better care of ourselves - emotionally and physically. Not only for Mental Health Awareness Week, but all year round. With this in mind, I suggest finding your happy place. It may come as no surprise that my happy place is to be close to water, especially with its calming and rebalancing effects. I previously shared my thoughts on looking after your mental health and whilst that post was written with mental health professionals in mind, there are gems for everyone to consider and benefit from.
Tip: Think carefully about WHOM you choose to spend your staycation with. Just sayin’. I really enjoyed spending quality time with my partner away from city life. Alternatively, if you’re thinking about travelling alone, check out my Guide to Solo Travel.
Mumbles mini guide
We spent four glorious days in Mumbles, here is a mini guide on what to do…don't forget to book places early!
Stay
Langland (just outside Mumbles) - enjoy the breathtaking views from the hilltops, though be prepared to stretch your legs - perfect for walking off all that delicious food that you will sample! And it's only a quick walk into Mumbles high street and to the different beaches in the area
Eat
(with a view of the waterfront…dreamy!)
Breakfast @ Bistro Pierre - delicious veggie and meaty options are available
Lunch @ Gower Seafood Hut - a delicious combination of fresh seafood and homemade Thai sweet chilli sauce. Try the prawns and calamari. Thank me later!
Dinner @ Croeso Lounge - tasty salads, burgers and indulgent desserts, complete with friendly service
Drink
Soak up the relaxed vibes at Cakes and Ale on the high street
Grab some snacks and a bottle of your favourite tipple and enjoy a picnic on the beach
Do
Enjoy the coastal walks, there are plenty to choose from
Walk along the promenade at night, you’ll be spoilt by the stunning view of the water that seamlessly meets the clear blue sky
Go for a swim, it’s a little cold at first but you soon get used to it and can enjoy jumping the waves, bringing out the inner child in you! We loved Rotherslade Bay Beach
Rotherslade Bay Beach | Photo by Amy-Jo Lynch
Tip: Don’t forget to put on your ‘out of office’ and to refrain from checking your emails and social media. This staycation is dedicated to “me time”, so switch off to maintain some work-life balance.
Tell me…
WHEN are you going to take a wellbeing break next?
WHERE are you going?
WHAT will you do?
…Let me know in the Comments section below and connect with me on your socials.
1:1 Wellbeing Coaching ☀️
I am delighted to share that I can support you with your life and work transitions through 1:1 Wellbeing Coaching.
Curious to know more? Read about my unique approach, personalised coaching programme and what to expect while we work together.
When you are ready to get in touch, submit your interest in personal coaching sessions or pass on this information if you think it might benefit a loved one.
💌 Share and subscribe
I hope that you have found this information useful. Please share my blog if you know someone who might be interested. Together, we can reach as many people as possible.
You can also subscribe to my newsletter, that way you’ll never miss a post! You lucky thing!
It’s time to start focusing on you. Be kind to yourself. Be Your Own Date.
~ Amy-Jo ☀️
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is provided for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. For that, you will need to speak to your GP and/or local health provider.
