Planning an event takes energy. You need to  invite the necessary people, find a time that is convenient for everyone, be there at a certain time, figure out what to wear, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, and worry about getting home.  Doesn’t sound like much fun. In fact, it sounds like a lot of work. Whatever happened to the concept of real downtime? Not having to think about waking up at a certain time or being anywhere and not having to answer to anyone and not even having to provide stimulating conversation. Although it is important to remain social, it is equally as important to allow for some time to concentrate on the simpler things in life. Let’s talk about some things you can do that qualify as real fun.
Play Music
The sound of music floating on the air from a window must be the essence of decadence. Whether it is the twangy sound of plucking guitar strings or the sound of an opera singer practicing scales, the playing music implies leisure. It is a sensual activity that requires us only to listen and think about what we are hearing, allowing our minds to drift.
Cook
it is strange how cooking can be one of the most stressful activities or one of the most stressful. Sure, cooking can be hard when you have people to keep happy and healthy every night, but let’s talk about the “Julie and Julia” or “Tortilla Soup” kind of cooking where you have endless time to experiment and perfect. Let’s talk about cooking as a kind of healing, and as a way of doing something productive with your time, while escaping from the daily grind.
Take A Nap
Nothing brings on the “cat that just caught the mouse” feeling quite like taking a nap. You have managed to steal time to let your mind and body successfully escape to that purgatorial space between on and off. You wake up energized and feeling like you have a leg up on all those less fortunate. The morning is somehow more manageable and there is less of it to survive. FYI: Research shows that naps can also reduce the risk of heart attack.
Pamper Yourself
Have a nice bubble bath. Throw in your favorite oil, light some candles, play some music and pour some (beverage of choice). Do a facial, or mani pedi, or hair treatment. Great for your mind and body.
Shop
“Now you’re talking,” you think. Not to be confused with emotional spending, shopping can be a very relaxing and therapeutic activity. If your retail therapy is moderate in nature, and your credit is good, shopping can decrease stress and anxiety and allow you to gain control over situations and ease anxiety. Besides this, shopping also gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity,  improve  decision making and provide an outlet for social interaction.
Remember, you’re own company can sometimes be as good or better than other people’s.   You’re the coolest person here. It’s not about doing, its about being!
