As a busy Londoner, I pride myself on being quick and productive, organising my life in little blocks on Google Calendar, getting stuff done at every living moment - be it on my commute, during meal times, and even in the queue for coffee. If there’s a lull in my day, I may as well get things done, right? 

However, too often I evaluate my self-worth on how productive I am - in life, work and training. I like feeling like a useful human being, ticking off tasks from my to-do list and hitting targets… until it starts to impact my sleep and recovery. Feeling demotivated, lethargic and generally feeling like my tank is running on empty. I’m not the only one, in fact, there are far too many of us who keep pushing until we break. 

It’s proven that sleep and recovery are just as, if not more important, to build, than exertion in training, so why don’t we do the same for life and work? 

Earlier this month, I went back to our summerhouse in Crete to welcome new and old friends to enjoy the island with me: training outdoors while topping up our vitamin D stores (preparing for the winter in the UK 😭), taking a nap on the beach to the sound of the waves, eating delicious food at my favourite restaurants, but most importantly, having free time to play. 

Although I was still working and hosting, the gentle pace of village life, taking time to have proper meals and more generally, having the time to take slower strolls slowed things down for me. 

Our time in Crete consisted of free time in open gym, a boat trip with lunch in the middle of the sea, a hike down Richtis Gorge for a dip in the waterfall and secluded beach (before treating ourselves to some baklava ice cream, a gift from the gods) and a trip to Kolokithia Beach, a secluded beach nearby, to swim in crystal clear waters and walk on silky white sands. The perfect mix of training, exploration and recovery. 

Our guests and friends may have been separate groups of friends from London, to Devon, to Wigan, to even Portugal, who, initially strangers to each other, became a tight-knit group that is looking to reunite soon. 

I may be turning 30 soon, but this trip reminded me of being 16 again; having the time, space and good company to play whatever, whenever we wanted (better yet, no parental supervision!). We had time to be spontaneous: play ball on the beach, try new tricks at the gym, pull silly pranks on each other, or just hang and chat about life’s most important questions like: does pineapple belong on pizza? 

I enjoyed not living by the blocks in my calendar, constant notifications from my phone, or quick coffees to catch up on life with friends. Instead, living in the moment and having long days to actually share experiences with friends.

Now I’m back, tanked topped up, ready to keep chasing my dreams again.

Let’s make time to play, or better yet, join one of our holidays ✌️

About our summerhouse:

Our summerhouse is a little piece of paradise in the quaint fishing village of Plaka, in the east of the largest island in Greece, Crete. Boasting a private, Eleiko-fitted gym, you can simply roll out of bed and straight onto the gym floor to enjoy any activity of your choice under the sun: yoga, functional training, gymnastics, weightlifting… you name it. 

Join us in Crete next summer - register your interest here.