Have you ever treated yourself to a “Do Nothing Day”?
A day when you truly get the day off. No housework, no cooking, no laundry? It’s a day just for you to relax, binge-watch movies, read, or do whatever makes you feel pampered and relaxed.
Most of us probably have either never done this, or don't do it often enough.
I do remember a friend once who, when asked by her husband what she wanted for
Mother’s Day, told him she wanted him to take the kids and go off somewhere for the whole day. She just wanted one day to herself with nothing that had to be done.
I have thought of that often; I think my friend was a woman ahead of her time. Not many of us are comfortable saying something like
that. We are afraid we will hurt someone’s feelings. Afraid it is really selfish. Afraid we don’t deserve time to ourselves. But I think we do.
I don’t think it is necessarily easy, particularly if you have young children or are a single parent. Then it may have to be a semi-nothing day
because those kids still need you.
Still, there is a lot you can do to give yourself time to relax and restore. First, pick your day. If you work during the week, it is likely a weekend day. If you are a stay-at-home mom, taking your day off while your kids are at school might work
better.
What can you do to pamper yourself on this day? Bubble bath with candles? Binging on Hallmark movies? Maybe reading that novel without interruptions or working on a craft project you never seem to have enough time for.
On this day, allow yourself to NOT do laundry, wash dishes, or clean. NO cooking either; eat what is on hand or order something.
Can you do this? Would you like to try it?
It may not be easy. Most of us are used to always doing things, tidying, cooking, and making sure things run smoothly.
And sometimes, it just leaves us tired. As the weekend ends, have you
ever felt like everyone else had two days "off" except you?
Maybe it is time to take a day for yourself to unwind, relax, and re-balance. You may not need or want to announce to your family
that it is your do nothing day. Say you need a rest if they wonder why you are not doing all your usual chores. I expect they will get on board with it, understanding that you deserve a day off too.
So one day soon, have a do-nothing day, just for yourself. Put it on your calendar, giving it
the importance you would give any other priority appointment.
It is not selfish to take the time to relax and revitalize yourself. It can give you more patience with others, allowing you to
enjoy being with them and your own life in general.
Pick a day and get it on your calendar.
