Over the past eight years or so, I’ve undertaken a ritual that has had an empowering effect. Each year I change over my wardrobe from fall to winter and then what follows is the switch to a spring/summer wardrobe. During that labor-intensive process, I'm also thinking seasonal strategies: which pair of pajamas to hold back for summer, and which short sleeve dress in fall I can jump into.
I like being prepared for those summer nights when the air conditioning is set at a very cool 68 degrees to manage the very hot 85-degree nights. You know the drill, you're sitting with a throw wrapped around your back and throat because it's so doggone cold, while trying to binge watch your favorite series. That's no fun at all. So, what does this girl, do? I yank out that pair of flannels that I set aside for a night such as this. Ahhh, in that moment, I’m feeling a bit smug. Prepared, and in control. And of course, on that weekend in late October when the weather soars above 80 degrees – yep you got baby, that black lightweight dress with a pair of sandals, and bam! This girl is out of the house and feeling empowered.
For some of us, it takes much more than a wardrobe achievement to equal conquering the world, but I deeply believe that these small triumphs are the keys to achieving success in other areas of our lives. For starters, let’s talk about how you plan time off. I’m not talking about your big vacay of the year to Cleveland (inside joke, sorry), but just a long weekend staycation or post-COVID adventure. Start planning your days off in advance so that you’re not the last person on your team that requests vacay time.You gotta stay on your toes, sis!!
Take a look at Labor Day. It comes around every year, right? This year, it’s observed on Monday, September 7th. If you have the vacation time and weekends off, plan now to take off Friday, September 4th, and if you’re really motivated, how about tacking on Tuesday, September 7th as well. I'm especially speaking to my readers who perhaps have been in the workforce a little under five years or so...remember this strategy and you'll also save on vacay time.
I’ve shared this advance time off plan with others and they’ve honestly spoken of feeling a slight bit of guilt, or afraid of the perceptive of others around them. To the contrary. Your team, manager, supervisor or whomever you may report, will likely appreciate that you’ve pre-planned your time off versus learning of your great escape two days before the holiday (yes, I will admit to being “that” person, but have implemented pre-planning more often these days).
If you’re like many people who consider weekends off a luxury, aim to plan your day(s) off during the week so that you can still delight indulge in the chats about “What are you doing for the holiday”. There are also tons of benefits to weekdays off. For instance:
- gliding down a grocery aisle with fewer people in sight - just like an expert shopper - ticking off each item in record time,
- resume morning workouts,
- paying bills,
- buy stamps (something I never seem to have time to do),
- mail birthday cards early (honestly, I wouldn’t mind receiving a birthday card months' early because it shows that someone was thinking of me, right?), or
- organize a room or a closet in your home.
You will find that the sky’s the limit in what you can accomplish when you begin planning downtime versus, longing for control or missed opportunities. Whatever you decide, the day off is yours. You’ve planned it in advance, and hopefully have avoided taking leave only when you've had "enough" of the office.
In “The 12 Best Ways to Spend a Mental Health Day (According to a Therapist)” ideas are shared by Jor-El Caraballo, a therapist, who presents several ways to spend a mental health day. Or if you’re feeling empowered about now, name your power day(s) ______ (insert your name)’s Day (e.g., Janine’s Day). I suggest you read Caraballo’s thoughtful article that uses a unique approach and discussion about how to use mental health days. Considerations for how you might want to spend a mental health day are listed below, but goes into more detail here.
1. Get a Good Night’s Rest
2. Set Goals for the Day
3. Eat Breakfast
4. Exercise
5. Mental Work (one of my favorites)
6. Eat Lunch
7. Do Your Emotional Work
8. Socialize
9. Take a Nap
10. Luxuriate and Eat a Light Dinner
11. Reflect on the Day
12. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
After reading the article, choose for yourself, the most “doable” action-oriented items, and then just start working on one or two of them. Journaling may also help express your feelings about what you experience while trying empowering activities.
Finally, whoever said that planning a day off always have to be coupled with a major event? Aren’t you major enough? Isn’t your peace of mind, mental health, and/or goal to reduce stress enough to begin making a change? In the midst of COVID-19, #self-care is uber important, and although I am not naïve to believe that a few days off are all that is needed to put one’s entire life in order, I know from experience that but it’s a good start. Who knows, you may find your warm flannel pajamas several weekdays or weekends per year are just what the doctor ordered.
Do enjoy life. There is only one of you.
If you or someone you know are in a life-threatening situation, please call the 24-hr National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. They are here to help you.
Reference
Caraballo, JE, Talkspace, copied from https://www.talkspace.com/blog/12-best-ways-spend-mental-health-day-according-therapist/
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