Yeah, it’s that time of the year again. You’re simply not feeling it and can’t get motivated to do any work.
So many of us feel and believe that we have no control over our lives and time, and are exhausted to the point of non-functioning. Taking the day off work because you’re tired…outrageous, huh?!
If you’re not coughing up mucus, in bed with a fever, or so bogged down by cramps that you can’t uncurl from a ball, you’ll probably feel guilty about taking a personal day.
In Japan, they have a condition called “Karoshi”. Karoshi means “death due to overwork” and it is common enough that they actually have an organization for it, The National Defence Council for Victims of Karoshi. The group claims that 10 000 Japanese die from overwork each year!
So true – days off have become days to do all the things that you need to do, but can’t do whilst you’re at work! If you can’t remember the last time you spent a full 24 hours liberated from the daily grind of work, errands and chores, you’re not alone. A day off is a gift in today’s crazy hard-working world … something to be savoured. Even if it’s a single day; a break that represents a total getaway, not just from work, but from the daily grind of responsibility, can be enough to recharge your batteries and reinvigorate your passion for living.
Tips to make the most of your day off
• First of all – no “shoulds” or “have to’s” allowed.
• Schedule your day off. Put it in your calendar and make it important.
• Tell the world. Text your colleagues, tweet the news that you have scheduled a day off and won’t be available.
• Book a night at a hotel – good one! Take a “staycation” to the next level and spend the night in a hotel in your city. Take advantage of room service or go for a swim in the pool.
• Wake up, but don’t get up. Give yourself time to review your dreams.
• Have a slow day. Aim for the opposite of your typical busy lifestyle.
• Make your favourite breakfast food that you never have time to make before work.
• Plan ahead. Plan fun things to do, even if you don’t follow them perfectly.
• Pamper yourself. Do a spa day at home or book a day at a nearby spa.
• Check the local newspaper or check online for event listings. Look into jazz festivals or art exhibitions.
• Embrace the new. Break the routine. The most memorable and enjoyable experiences are marked by their novelty. Variety and change is important. According to research, after a while, the activities you’ve once enjoyed, no longer deliver the same boost.
• Do something you’ve never done before. Why not try that Zumba, CrossFit, or Gravity class you’ve always wanted to try.
• Go for a hike. Pack a healthy lunch and head out for an adventure.
• Keep your bookshelf full if you enjoy reading. If you don’t enjoy reading, that’s ok too – off days are about relaxing, not productivity.
• Do only what you feel like – no more, no less. See a movie, explore a book store or bake a batch of cookies.
• Take a nap in the middle of the day. Yaj!
• Make someone else’s day. This may seem counterintuitive but studies show that helping someone makes people happy.
• Take time to reflect. Write in your journal.
• Reconnect. Send messages to people you haven’t talked to in a while.
• Choose experiences over stuff. Research shows that experiences make us happier than possessions. So, if you’re going to spend money on your day off, stick to experiences like time with friends, fine food and wine, or maybe a cooking class.
• Don’t spend the day after making up for your day off.
Find rest, renewal and delight on your day off. You need it, you deserve it, and you will be better because of it.
Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com, www.shape.com, elitedaily.com, www.pocketmindfulness.com, bemorewithless.com, www.scotthyoung.com, experiencelife.com, www.wikihow.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
