Enjoy LIfe!

A day off work.... and how to spend it?  After being away from home for five days there are plenty of mundane chores to be done.  I wish I was a little more ambitious about hopping in the car and heading out somewhere.  A short drive might not be too bad, but what is my heart's desire is some beach time.  From here, that's like a six hour drive.  And after 12+ hours on Monday -- not gonna happen.  

So how to make the most of a day off work?  I Googled for a few ideas, and read that Americans take fewer days off than average in other countries.  Why do we do that?  We're so connected with cell phones, laptops, etc -- so do we really enjoy our day(s) off?  Why take a day off to do the mundane chores, to catch up with the things at home?  Or worse, to sit and worry about the work that's not being done, or if there will be a crisis at work while you're away.  What we tend to forget is that somehow, business  will go on without us if something happens.  I remember worrying how things would get done when I had to be off for a three week medical leave.  But once I got back I realized that things went on, business is business, and I'm not an irreplaceable cog in the machine. 

Fight the guilt:  When you're taking a day off, you shouldn't feel the least bit guilty about enjoying yourself and not even giving work a second thought. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and employees and employers alike need to keep that in mind. 

Manage your regular time off:  Those pesky mundane chores should be spread out during the week, don't save them up for your day off!  Get organized about doing the little things during your work week and save time for making memories on your days off!

Put it all away:  I like the idea of having a drawer, a box, a place to put your cell phone, your laptop, even your worries and "shoulds" on a list in the box.  Without all that, you may just enjoy your day off that much more.  Don't spend your time checking for email and text messages.  Give your mind, your body, your soul a chance to rest, a day away from those things!

Do something fun:  If all you want to do is spend a day lounging around in your pajamas and watching television, then you should do it. If you want to take an entire day and go on a massive shopping spree, then go for it. Whether you're taking an actual vacation or just need a day away, make sure that you are doing something that you can look forward to.

Enjoy Life!!