How to Have A Day for Yourself

By Amanda Abella On February 11, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I have a huge problem lately. I have no idea how to decipher when work stops and life begins. Granted, I have a lot of work to do because I practically juggle two jobs. I also really enjoy what I do so most of the time it feels like I’m not actually working. However, I know that I need to start making more time for myself or I’m going to go nuts.

I do make it a point in at least doing yoga or some other workout as often as possible. I’ve even started to meditate again for a few minutes a day, however even my physical health gets put on the backburner when my workload is ridiculous.

The worst part is that I have pretty flexible work hours, I just insist on working. I BRING THIS UPON MYSELF!!! This brings to mind a quote from Nigel Marsh which I actually read on GoodLife Zen:

“There are thousands and thousands of people out there living lives of quiet, screaming desperation who work long, hard hours, at jobs they hate, to enable them to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.”

Fortunately, I do have the day off from teaching tomorrow, and although I have to play catch up and write some articles I plan on carving out some time for pure self satisfaction. This will include yoga, maybe an aerobic workout later in the day, some reading, and possibly even a movie. Anything but work.

Actually, you know what. No articles. Just self satisfaction. If I’m going to dedicate time for myself I’m going all out for a day.

I urge you all to join me as I step back from work and take a little time for myself. Below you will find some ideas for your own day of rest and relaxation.

Learn to Meditate Podcast – This free course was put together by The Meditation Society of Australia and has over 40 podcasts that will help ease you into the practice of meditation. Even just taking a few minutes a day to sit in silence makes a tremendous difference.

Go for a long walk outside – Nothing says alone time like enjoying the beauty of nature. Go for an extra-long walk and pay attention to your senses. It really does make you feel refreshed and alive.

Cook something – I never have time to cook during the week, which is a shame because it’s actually relaxing. Take some time and make a wonderful meal for yourself, or kick it up a notch and make a meal for others.

Work Out – There’s never a wrong time to start focusing on your health. Why not start on a day dedicated to you?

Sleep – Normally I wouldn’t condone activity that keeps you from experiencing life, but more often than not we sacrifice sleep for work. This can lead to problems that are both physical and emotional. So the next time you have a day off, make sure you catch up on your sleep.

Quick Freelance Business Update

I was awarded a Top 500 badge from Yahoo! Apparently I have produced content that is within the Top 500 of the network for the month of January. This is a huge accomplishment considering the Yahoo Contributor Network is full of extremely talented writers.

You can check out all of my Yahoo articles here.

Blog Updates

Keep a lookout for some very cool collaborations and media freebies (Podcasts? Blog Talk Radio? Webinars? The sky’s the limit!). The wheels in my head are turning and I want to reach out to you guys as much as possible.

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Amanda Abella

Amanda Abella is a freelance writer and language instructor based out of Miami, Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2009 and holds a degree in English Literature from Ave Maria University. Amanda Abella is available for freelance work, why not hire her?

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