The (Lost) Art of Laziness
Do you find yourself lying awake at night thinking of everything you need to do the next day? Checking your emails before you’re even out of bed? Talking about how busy you are? Hard work and having a work ethic can be great things, but we all need a break. So give yourself at least one weekend day off and find places around the home to slow down and recharge.
Hang Out
Hitch up a hammock or a swing seat. There’s nothing quite like spending a lazy afternoon lying outside with the warm sun on your face, perhaps reading a book, thinking about life and sipping a drink. Just be careful not to fall out.
Write a Real Letter
When was the last time you wrote or received a real letter? On paper and written by hand with a pen? For me I think it was 1996. For people of a younger generation, it might be never. It’s a shame, because it can be lovely to write a letter and receive one.
Take a Bath
You don’t have to have a view like this one; you really just need a nice, clean tub. There’s something about bathing in the middle of a day off that feels slightly decadent. Make it really hot and add some lavender oil, and it will be ultrarelaxing.
Take a Siesta
Enjoy a hearty lunch followed by a nice nap. Many cultures do this to support a refreshed and productive afternoon.
Sleep In
Getting up early can make you feel great, but if you’re woken by an alarm every morning and jump straight out of bed to start work or get kids ready for school you deserve a break from routine every now and then. Hide the alarm clock. Get someone to make you breakfast in bed. If you’re alone, get up, make breakfast and take it back to bed with you. Luxuriate in a day off and a few hours’ extra rest.
Sit in a Garden
Take some time out to connect with nature and just do nothing. It might seem like you’re not achieving anything, but it’s good for your health to occasionally sit and let your heart rate go down, especially if you work in an office all week. If you don’t have a gorgeous garden, go to a park or bask in fresh air from your patio, porch or balcony.
Meditate
If you find just sitting and contemplating to be helpful, you could take it one step further and learn to meditate. If that sounds too slow for you, try gentle yoga or tai chi.
Watch a Movie in the Afternoon
When I was growing up, it was the norm to sit around on Saturday afternoons watching old movies. Now everyone seems to be running around taking kids to sporting events or catching up with work and house chores. This makes it all the more special to sit and watch one of your favorite movies in the middle of a weekend day.
Tend the Garden
This can be quite meditative. Try putting in some new plants particularly well suited to your climate and area and watching them grow. Gardening can be hard work, but it’s also relaxing and rewarding.
Have a Long Lunch
Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to catch up with friends but feeling like you never have the time? Pick up the phone and invite them for a lunch sometime soon. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet feast; whip up something simple that you know you do well, buy a good bottle of wine or beer and have a long, lazy lunch in good company.
Sit Around a Campfire
Why not have a campfire, even when you’re not camping? There’s something deeply relaxing about staring into a campfire after a good meal, feeling the warmth on your face, being mesmerized by the flames dancing around. It’s an ancient ritual and I’m sure it must be really good for the soul. You don’t need a large property; there are now many beautiful fire bowls and chimeneas available at hardware stores, but do check the regulations in your area. Or opt for a smoke-free alternative.