Relaxing Sundays - A Day to Slow Down?

There is something to be said about the belief that one day should be sacred, set aside for family and play or relaxation rather than work. In a simpler world, it was possible for many but not for everyone. As a nurse, I worked many Sundays or holidays - days that were supposed to be days of rest. And now, in today's always-on society, there are no days set aside when society just slows down, forcing people to sit back.

Stores are open seven days a week, sometimes 24-hours a day. People work around the clock in their various jobs. Even people like me - those who work from home - can fall into the trap of working when maybe we shouldn't be.

Of course, taking a day to do what you want to do rather than have to do doesn't mean it has to be a Sunday or even a whole day, but it is important do this. It's a way to refuel yourself, to remember that life isn't all about working and moving ahead. It's also about enjoying what and who is around you.

When was the last time you took a walk just to take a walk? Not to get exercise, not to get from point A to point B, but to look at the neighbourhood, to people watch, and just be part of the experience. What about reading a book for the pleasure of reading it - not for work and not because someone told you that you should? If you like to create, when was the last time you made something just for the pleasure of doing so?

If you find yourself getting stressed or feeling like you have too much to do, maybe that should be the time to sit back and make time for yourself. Stopping the hamster wheel before it starts to spin out of control is a lot easier than trying to get off it when it's spinning too fast.