Add some Happy! 5 fun things to do when your week is wearing you down.
Wow. What a week this has been. Lately, work for me has been a whirlwind of meetings, planning for meetings, practice for presenting at meetings, and a few meetings just to keep things interesting. I bet you’ve had weeks like that as well. So what do you do about it?
Last night while I was collapsed in my lounge chair struggling with finding the energy to think of what to write for today, the irony finally hit me. There I was, wiped out from a crazy week (it was Tuesday) trying to think of something else to do to take my mind off of the pileup of projects currently taking up residence on my desk. It’s somewhat of a vicious circle really, all that THINKING.
Having said that, I believe it is really important to find things that interest us outside of work and all the usual day-to-day stuff we slog through on our way to the weekend. Something that refuels our creative spirit, refreshes our outlook and gives us the energy to keep going. Self Care is the catchphrase being used of late for this concept, and yes, it is important so why not have a little fun while we are at it?
1. Take a walk
My first choice whenever I need an attitude adjustment is a short 20 or 30 minute walk. Preferably outside. It’s really amazing what a little fresh air can do for clearing cobwebs, headaches and worries. Even if you spend the whole time pondering something on your task list, just getting outside can make pondering more enjoyable. Even better, clear your head of all the “must dos” and spend the time surveying your surroundings. This time of year in Minnesota is generally crisp and windy, but it’s nothing a warm hat and gloves can’t fix, and there’s a fair amount of wildlife working at getting ready for winter. There may even be some fall color left to enjoy depending on where you live. The point is to tie on your walking shoes, stroll for a while and breathe. Just breathe.
2. Make something
Crafts, as you know, are a big part of my life. It’s not surprising then that this would be my number 2 suggestion for fun self-care. This time of year is the ideal time to dust off your creative side (and yes we are ALL creative in some way) and see what you can do. It doesn’t need to be a huge project or even an expensive one. Heck, you could sit down with the kiddos and make paper snowflakes if you wanted to! I mean really, paper, scissors…how much easier does it get? You could also try your hand at making Christmas ornaments. There’s only about a kajillion ideas out there you can use to get started. Need some suggestions? Check out my Crafty! board on Pinterest for a few (2,278 or so…) ideas. Or…maybe you’re already a crafter and you have something you’ve been working on but haven’t finished. Gee…does that actually happen to anyone other than me? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Dig out that project that has been on your “I’m going to finish it someday” list or tucked away in the back of the closet and finish it, or at least make a little more progress on it. Christmas is coming. Maybe it will make a nice gift for someone?
3. Read a book. (An actual BOOK)
When I say an actual book, I mean the hardcover or paperback variety. Put the Kindle/iPad away and reacquaint yourself with turning pages. (Hint: tapping the right side of the page will not work for page turning. I know this, because I’ve tried.) *wink* You get extra gold stars if you choose a book you haven’t read in a while.
The benefits of this suggestion are two-fold. For starters, you can give your eyes a much needed reprieve from the computer screen and second, you can enjoy a story you’ve not seen in a while. I also highly recommend you stay in your PJs, curl up with a fuzzy blanket, and brew yourself a hot cup of something to truly make the most of this suggestion. This has weekend R&R written all over it. The cleaning, the organizing, the planning…all of that can wait. You’ve got another world to explore!
4. Put a Jigsaw puzzle together.
As a kid, putting together jigsaw puzzles was a family affair and from a relaxation standpoint there was no better therapy than that. Especially during the holidays when many of my siblings, cousins etc were home and visiting. The stack of puzzles in our attic was impressive, let me tell you. My mother never met a puzzle she didn’t like, and we had some doozies but even 1000 or more pieces is no match for a crew of 6 or more. I remember one year my sister Brenda brought home a two sided puzzle. It was a novelty for us and was more than a little challenging. One side was the Italian flag – Green, White and Red and the other was a fine line-art drawing of the streets of some Italian city. Picture it if you will, all white background, fine black lines and once in a while a little splash of red or green. Oh, and the pieces were cut into odd shapes. Can we say challenge? We also had a round puzzle that was beautiful when finished but, also tricky to assemble. It was a photo of a castle, lit up at night that was also reflected in the water of the lake in front of it. So, sky and water were all the same color (a nice dark, almost-black navy blue) and the castle was a near-perfect reflection. Did I mention this puzzle was also round? These days, my own puzzle collection is smaller, but no less challenging because during the holidays, when I am off work, I love to set them up on the dining room table and while away a day or two putting them together. No TV, no computers, no worries. Just, “have you seen a piece that looks like a…”
5. Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
I saved this one for last because really, there’s nothing more fun than reconnecting with a friend to help disconnect from the stuff life throws at you. I’m so very blessed to have a best friend who is ALWAYS there for me if I need her, and I likewise try to return the favor. I think one of the best parts of meeting up with a friend is that once you get together, unless you really are digging your heels into a pity party or have a burning desire to vent all over them, who wants to talk about work? Connecting with another person gives you so many other things to talk about and really, that’s the best sort of medicine. My bestie and I try to find different things to do around town or near where we live just to get out of the house and out of our heads. Community theater, High School theater (I have a soft spot there), shopping, craft events and classes, whatever. Grab a friend, go for coffee or lunch or the day and enjoy each other.
Whew! I hope this post inspires you to take some time for yourself and recharge. As the holidays approach we’re all going to be busy, stressed out and maybe in need of some self-love. Let me know in the comments what you do to unwind from a stressful week or disconnect from the junk life tosses your way. I’d love to hear from you!
