Some people find it easy to relax. They can just stop and do nothing. But for many of us, having a day without any plans rarely ends in relaxation. More likely the time will be filled with chores and the day will end with feelings of stress and resentment. Most of us can relax once we’ve been on holidays for a few days because we are in the mindset to do very little.
Ideally, there could be time each day to relax, even if it were just for ten or fifteen minutes. During this short period, you could plan to read the paper, take a short walk away from your desk, meditate, listen to music, or simply close your eyes. On non-work days, longer periods of relaxation can be set aside to play golf, watch cricket, read a book, sit by the water, go to the movies, or get a massage. But it’s far more likely that you will actually do these things if they are planned, not just dreamed about. If need be, mark the times for relaxation in your diary or phone. Discuss your plans with your partner, so that you can both enjoy the benefits of relaxation. If you don’t tell your partner, you might trigger resentment and arguments about who is doing what around the house and garden.
Finally, remember that children will benefit from seeing their parents relax. They will not look forward to growing up, if all they ever see is their parents working. Our job is to advertise the benefits of being an adult – of having the freedom to decide how to blend work and play.
