My husband used to tell me that I didn't know how to relax. This is partly true. I feel like I always need to be doing something. It is probably no wonder than when I finally do slow down I crash. The couch, the bed, it doesn't matter where I am. Reading has become a bit of a problem, even. As soon as I open a book I'm asleep not too long after.
Since I started working, though, I find that I'm enjoying my time to sit down and not think much more. As a teacher I am constantly thinking from the time I walk in the building to the time I leave at night. Of course I also have grading papers and lesson planning to do at home, so I don't leave work at work too often. There are times, however, that I make plans to do just that.
The last couple of weeks I've gotten my lesson planning done on Saturday morning. Once that's complete and uploaded into the required area I turn school mode off. I'm done for the weekend. Monday morning I pick back up and go to work early to get copies made or to work on a bulletin board. Sunday is MINE, though, and I'm finally starting to see the benefits of relaxing time.
Up until now I have been a stay-at-home mom and student, or I have worked while Daniel stayed home with the girls (for one year). This is the first time we are both working at the same time. Suddenly there is no one to run those errands during the week that used to be done, leaving all weekend to hang around together. Now Saturday is filled with errand running and getting things done for the girls. Hair cuts and those pesky types of chores aren't something I can send Daniel out to do for me, anyway. Our Saturdays are usually filled from the time we get up in the morning until around 4 pm. This includes catching up on any of the household chores that got neglected throughout the week. When Sunday morning comes around I need a break from Saturday!
So, yes, I used to feel very unproductive on a lazy day, but all that has changed. I now feel like I have worked hard enough to deserve the break. I look forward to the times we have nothing planned and we can all kick back together to watch a movie or read in our separate corners of the house. It doesn't matter what we are doing, really, as long as I don't have an obligation to get anything done!
8 comments:
Yay for lazy days! Everyone needs them. I love days where I actually just lay in bed and read. Its so rare.
Lazy days rock, once upon a time I used to fill every available minute with activity. Now I get a little bit antsy if I don't have some regular 'me' time just to be lazy.
Enjoy!
I think my four months of "downtime" on the couch while I was healing from the shingles really helped me learn the benefit of taking time to do things I enjoy. I thought I was going to go nuts until I found some activities I enjoyed while just sitting around.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family ~ hugs and namaste, Carol ^_^
We could all use a little lazy time!
www.rebeccabany.com
Thanks Carol. I hope you had a great day, too!
Rebecca, you are right about that!
Love your post ~ reminds me though that the Eastern philosophies all emphasize 'time to be' ~ be still and listen ~ It is there that we can hear our Higher Self ~ It is not considered 'lazy' ~ So enjoy your 'being moments' ~ they like 'refilling the well' ~ Hope you had a wonderful Holiday and now will take time to 'be' ~ as in music ~ 'rests' are part of the musical composition ~ namaste, Carol ^_^
Carol, you make a fantastic point. I don't feel I am wasting time when I am purposefully doing yoga or meditation. Why should enjoying myself in my own way be any different? Have a great weekend!
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