AFFIRMATION: Smart Girls Know How To Take a Day Off

When life gets hectic…I mean, really intensely crazy with deadlines, finals, pressure…stress, sometimes the best thing to do is the exact opposite of what you might think. Take a day off. That’s right, that’s what I said. TAKE A DAY OFF.

Have you ever seen a car stuck in the snow? The driver tries to floor it, but no matter what they do, that back wheel just keeps spinning around at top speed, going nowhere fast. Now apply that metaphor to life.

Think about it…have you ever been so stressed out and over-tired that you before you know it, you’ve re-read the same two sentences of Catcher in the Rye about twenty times and you still don’t know why Holden Caulfield got expelled from school. Taking a day for yourself to recharge and get re-inspired might be just what the doctor ordered.

10 Ideas For Your Day Off

1. Go to the movies: There’s nothing like a little escapism to instantly transport you to another world where your stresses don’t exist. And who knows…maybe the movie you choose to see will impart some wisdom to you that will apply to your classwork?
2. Go to a museum: Getting inspired from the masters, past and present, might help you tap into your creative side and find different approaches to handling your stress.
3. Take a break from TV & the computer: A day with no screen time? Give your eyes and your over-stimulated mind a break. You’ll not only feel calmer…you’ll have more time to devote to other things (like relaxing).
4. Volunteer: There’s no better way to put your stressful life in perspective than by devoting a few hours or an afternoon to helping out with one of your favorite causes.
5. Pamper yourself: Finding time for a massage, facial, pedicure, haircut…even a long bath at home, gives your body and soul the message that taking care of your well-being is a priority.
6. Go for a hike: If you live in the city, get out into the country. If you live in the country, head into town. Wherever you end up, wear comfortable shoes and walk, walk, walk. With each step, you’ll pound out some stress and do something great for your body at the same time.
7. Go to the zoo: What could be more zen than watching animals do their thing? A short trip to the zoo can be a great reminder of the wonders of nature, life, the universe and everything.
8. Read a book: Curl up on the couch, pull up your grandma’s crocheted afghan, and dive into a book (NOT a textbook or school work).
9. Organize or clean your bedroom: It might sound odd, but there’s something very zen and satisfying about putting everything in its place. Plus, cleaning and organizing can reduce your stress in the long run.
10. Spend time with your friends or family: At the end of the day, spending quality time with the people we love is really what life is all about, isn’t it?

When was the last time you took a day off? What did you do?

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NOTE: Today I was feeling particularly stressed (that’s why I’m only writing this affirmation tonight instead of first thing this morning!), so I followed my own advice – I went to the beach, did laundry, and spent some quality time with the fam.