This has been an incredible, invigorating, and fun week of coaching, writing, connecting, and playing to my edge. I’m feeling some great momentum around the work I’m doing. Plus, like many other people, I’m in the back-to-school gear up mode.  With all of the aforementioned activity, I’m going to reward myself with a lazy day.

That’s right!

I’ve worked hard and I get to rest hard.

In supporting my one-to-one clients and empowerment groups, we’ve been discussing the internal tussle many of us – as productive and well intentioned adults – get into with the “getting things done” ideology.

All the external messages and inner dialogue constantly suggests we have to:

• Have long to do lists

• Create a new to do list daily

• Get things done and checked-off the list without taking breaks

• Be able to tell and show others that we are really getting things done

• Be in a constant state of doing – otherwise we are slackers

The questions I immediately pose are:

• What catastrophic event would occur if you took a lazy day?

• If you did nothing for 15 minutes – what crisis would arise?

• If you went on a mental vacation for one hour – who would suffer?

• If you created your own “snow day” and hunkered down – would the earth be able to continue spinning?

Sometimes my clients will chuckle. Other times I get the “Is she for real?” look. Most times I get an instant realization of, “Damn! I deserve some time off and why haven’t I taken it?!”

With all this being said, is it time for you to take a lazy day?  If so, here are some ways to get your full lazy on:

Schedule your lazy day. That’s right! Put it on the calendar right up there with trash day, your mom’s birthday, and your teeth cleaning.

Announce your lazy day. Tell loved ones, co-workers, and whoever else who needs to know – that you are not available for them – or anyone else – on your lazy day.

Unplug. Don’t worry, it’ll be OK. Give your mind and body a break from all the constant contact. Don’t worry about catching up – you may not need to.

Ease into it. If you are used to moving at a  frantic pace constantly – starting and sticking with your lazy day may be a challenge. Try to take it in doses. Use a timer – go old school with something like an egg timer – and schedule segments of time to do nothing and just be lazy.

Get comfy. If you want to have your lazy day in the comfort of your home and in your favorite PJs – great! If your lazy day includes going to a spa – fantastic. The point is – pick something that will keep you focused on doing nothing, taking it easy, and being lazy.

Go slowly. Whatever lazy activities you’ll be doing on your lazy day – do them slowly. Take your time and enjoy the slow pace and process. Savor this time you have given to yourself and do not rush through it.

Breathe. Throughout your lazy day, focus on your breathing. This will help you stay mindful and enjoy doing nothing.

How often do you take a lazy day? When is your next one?

 image:  SPARKPEOPLE