What I Learned On My Day Off From Work

Last Friday, I did something I’ve never done before: I took a day off from work. I know. I’m quite shocked myself.

If you know me, you know that I really don’t take time off for myself. It’s always work, work, work. Go, go, go.

Honestly, I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember.

About a week and a half ago, I saw the light at the other end of the tunnel after a huge week at work. The conference I had prepped for was finally over after weeks of nine to ten hour days. I was mentally exhausted. And quite frankly, my body was feeling it too.

So, I did the unthinkable and decided to take a day off from my 9 to 5.

I didn’t know what to do yet. However, I figured two appointments were in order: a haircut and a manicure. It’s funny because when I told one of my girlfriends (hey, Emily!) my plans, she was shocked.

I had never had my nails done.

My response? “Girl, I’m Asian. I do my own nails, but this time, I’m too tired so I’m paying someone to do it for me!”

It’s true though. I’m a champagne on a beer budget kind of girl when it comes to my nails.

This may sound crazy, but I learned so much on my day off. Who would’ve thought having time to yourself would have its teachable moments too?

So what did I learn from my day off from work?

A DAY OF SELF-CARE IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT. 

I will say that I’ve never dropped so much money on services like this before for several reasons. First, I can do my own nails. Two, I don’t have time to be consistent with the upkeep and three, money. However, I will say being able to relax was worth the investment.

DECOMPRESSING BRINGS YOU INTO A STATE OF PEACE AND RELAXATION. 

I loved being able to not have to be anywhere or do anything. It was nice to not have to think much or have a “deadline” of some kind either. Since I hate wasting time, which is why I have a go, go, go mentality, decompressing helped me to have more patience in the process of taking care of myself. When relaxing, there is no rush.

SELF-CARE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK AND SHOULD BE DONE OFTEN. 

How can you give your all if you’re empty? Until I took a day off, I didn’t realize I had burned my candle on both ends. All that was left in me was embers and they were barely flickering. I learned that can’t do what I love nor help others if I’m not at 100% myself. That said, I’m going to take more self-care days in the future.

Truthfully, I’m absolutely terrible at taking time to care for myself.

My bestie, Sarah, agreed when I talked to her about it. So, I have decided to ask her (she doesn’t know it yet. She may know now, haha!) to hold me accountable on taking time to have a self-care day or a self-care weekend. Sarah’s very good at having “me time” herself so I think she’s the perfect person to help me get better at this area of my life.

Do you tend to take some time off for yourself? Or are you like me and find that hard to do?

If so and you’ve taken some time for yourself…

What have you learned from your day off from work?

I hope you enjoyed today’s article. It was something that was on my mind so I thought I’d share part of my journey!