The Right to Relax

Do you ever feel like you have to “earn” the chance to relax? 

Do you wait until everything else is taken care of before you take a moment to breathe? 

Do you feel a twinge of guilt if you sit down with a book, or head out for a walk when items on your “to-do” list are still unchecked? 

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you’re not alone!

“Hustle Culture” and the idea that we need to constantly be “doing” is pervasive in our modern world. And while there’s nothing wrong with working hard, too often we prioritize it over relaxing and having fun. We feel working hard is required in order to allow ourselves to kick back and enjoy — guilt-free. 

Fact of life: Work and paying the bills are necessary. But having fun and enjoying this one precious life is what it’s all really about! 

Me-time, self-care, and taking time to do a whole lotta nada isn’t something you need to earn. There’s no need to reward yourself with it on a weekend only after running yourself ragged during the weekdays. You deserve to relax, enjoy and indulge in pleasure every day simply because you’re alive.

If you’re not taking time to relax on the regular, or if you feel guilty about it when you do, it’s time to reframe your thinking and start giving it as much priority as you do work and other responsibilities. 

Understand it’s imperative for a healthy body, mind and soul, and include it in your weekly to-do list if you have to. Don’t worry if the house is still messy or you didn’t quite finish all your other to-dos, just use the time to rest and replenish your energy. 

If you’re always busy and burnt out, you can’t be the best version of yourself for your family, friends or coworkers (or, for you!). Rest and relaxation are key to living life with more happiness, creativity, and patience. 

It may not always feel like it, but taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do. So get busy relaxing and enjoy yourself this weekend! 😉

With love,
Emily and the EveryDay Happy Team

 

Quote du jour

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” — Marthe Troly-Curtin

 

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