According to a 2013 Pew Research Study, men spend about five hours more in leisure than women do. Included in men’s leisure activities are watching television, playing games or sports, and other activities.
In America, we tend to think of leisure as a luxury. We put off having fun until the work is finished (thanks for that, Puritans). This delay in rest and relaxation is one factor causing U.S. women to feel more stressed than men. (And this even when men work, on average, at their paid jobs 10 hours more a week.)
Emotional well-being is intertwined with physical well-being. When you postpone rejuvenation, your proverbial well runs dry, leaving you operating on fumes and caffeine. Tempers may flare. You feel out-of-sorts.
We’ve become focused on doing life rather than living it.
Here’s the great news: you can choose to make a change. Right this minute. Decide to schedule time for you to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Make a list of activities you enjoy. Pick one to commit to doing this week. Next week, do the same. Make this commitment non-negotiable.
Having a hard time coming up with ways to relax? Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning:
- Take a walk or hike
- Read a book for pleasure
- Get a pedicure and/or manicure
- Go to a museum
- Visit an art gallery
- Dance (in your kitchen or at a club)
- Listen to live music
- Color
- Paint
- Meditate
- See a movie
- See a play
- Scrapbook
- Crafts, like knitting or crocheting
- Take a class, like improve or pottery
- Bake
- Get a massage
You may be saying to yourself, “I don’t have time for frivolity. My family needs me.” Feelings of selfishness may arise. Here’s the deal: feeling selfish because you’re nurturing yourself is caused by unearned guilt. We may believe that doing for others should always come first. It’s important to recognize this belief and challenge it. Tell yourself, “I feel guilt, but I can see that it’s unearned. So I’m going to do something for myself. Life is about me, too.”
Schedule a massage today!