If you had an unexpected free day, what would you like to do?

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it?  There’s the pile of laundry that really should get done.  What about grocery shopping; the family has to eat.  Perhaps you can work on the tournament schedule for the team you will be coaching in the summer. Come to think of it, there’s the report for work that is due in a week.

Hmmm, so many things to choose from, which one do you pick?

Let’s take another look at the question, “If you had a free day, what would you do?”

The first thing to consider is how you define the word, free?” 

 To help you get started, I looked up some synonyms, words that have a similar meaning.  I found:  clear, exempt, forgive, liberate, release, and one of my favourites, set free.  As I unpacked that phrase even further, I found these words: go easy on, let off the hook, let up on, and relieve.

 Can you do that?  Release yourself from duty; clear your plate; liberate your mind and let yourself off the hook.  Can you let go and set yourself free?

Perhaps your inner-critic, often called the ‘gremlin’, is telling you to get the necessities done.  Work before play, you were taught.  That inner voice may be making you feel guilty about taking a day off.  You might be afraid of judgment or criticism from others.  What is stopping you?  Figure it out and face it.  Give yourself permission to disagree with your gremlin and empower yourself to do something for you.

 Why?

The answers, supported by science and research, are abundant.  Stress release, boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation, increasing creativity, improving productivity, greater happiness, and preventing burnout.

Taking a break can actually enhance your life.

How do you empower yourself to do it?

Identify your gremlin, listen, really listen to what it is saying and respond.  Let the gremlin know that you value all that you do for others, and more importantly, you value yourself.  And for that reason, you are taking this day to revitalize and rejuvenate.

If you had an unexpected free day, what would you like to do?

I am excited to hear your answers!

~ Lisa