When I turn my alarm off in the mornings, I’m already thinking about how great it will feel to get back in the bed after work. Once reality sets in, I start planning my day. Do I have to go to any meetings? Am I scheduled to work late? What do I need to be mindful of and try to accomplish today? So many things cross my mind as I get up to make each day better than the last. The most important thing on my mind, though? What do I have planned when I leave work?
The way my schedule is set up, it could be anything. Working an extra shift. Going to a meeting. Out with friends. A date. Volunteering. Running errands. An event. The possibilities are endless. But if I had to pick my idea of a day of relaxation after work, it would go a little something like this…
First, I would grab something to eat. It doesn’t matter, just whatever I have a taste for. My go-to spots are Showmars, Zaxby’s, Sabor, Chick-Fil-A, Viva Chicken, or Cookout. Judge me if you wish. I’d get it to go unless I have someone to go out to eat with. Then I’d go home and change into an oversized t-shirt and leggings or sweatpants. What feels better than taking your bra off after work? Once I’m comfortable, relax in front of the TV to enjoy my meal. By this time, I’ve got the itis, so I take a nap. Who cares if it messes up my sleep pattern later on that night? This is about me and what I like to do.
I try to limit myself to about a 30-45 minute nap though, just to be on the safe side. Then I wake up and catch up on whatever show I’m watching. Right now I’m watching Married at First Sight and Queen Sugar. I’m also patiently waiting for the new season of This Is Us. Then I’d spend the rest of the night doing something for ME.
It could be reading, writing, painting, doing my nails, or watching a movie. Any activity that simply makes me happy.
When you think about it, we’re usually on other people’s time. It’s important to make time for ourselves. I feel like I rarely get the opportunity to do what I want to do. So when I do, I make the most of it.
If you have vacation time, use it. If life has you down and you need a personal day, take one. Self-care isn’t just a hashtag or something to joke about. It’s serious and much needed for all of us. We’re all human. And every now and then, we all need to take a break.