Every so often, I find it essential to take a “Fred Day”, a day to simply relax and enjoy life, a mini “stay-cation” if you will. I like to take a day every month or two, preferably during the week, so long as obligations allow, to take a time out to recharge
my batteries without having to go too far away or spend too much. My favorite ways to spend a “Fred Day” include being a tourist in my own town or somewhere nearby, an hour’s drive or less away from home.
For instance, I can get in the car and drive to Palm Beach, about 30 minutes away, and feel like I’ve been on vacation without having to board a plane. I can visit a museum, have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a friend, do a spa day and get replenished, or take a picnic to the beach. I try to leave my phone off, and only respond to emergencies. You can do this in your own town even, just go and be a tourist for the day. See exhibits or attractions that are right there under your nose that you haven’t. The activity doesn’t need to be organized or structured, I usually prefer to go with the flow and just be spontaneous.
A walk along the surf, oysters and a tropical salad with grilled fish and a crisp glass of white wine for lunch, a massage after and a nice dinner al fresco with a glass of champagne to celebrate life and how far I’ve come. It is important to take time out to smell the roses and to appreciate what we have, how far we’ve come, and to take a moment to recharge our batteries, even more so if we are under stress or strain from work, family, or other issues. This doesn’t mean take a day and go off and be gluttonous, eating and drinking to abandon, it means to take a pause and savor life, appreciate our surroundings, and find that relaxing, beautiful place and space no matter where we are, even if it is sitting in your backyard sipping iced tea or lemonade and listening to the birds sing or the trees rustle in the breeze, things we may take for granted in the typical hectic pace of life. I’ve learned that life is for living– enjoy and appreciate what we have been given, and realize that no matter where we are, we can find enjoyment and serenity.
Do not feel guilty, this defeats the purpose. Just go and forget your cares for a few hours and I promise you will come back feeling rejuvenated the next day and ready to face the world. Trust me, it is better to take a personal day rather than overindulge in excess food, drinking, or any other activity to “cope” with stress or aggravation- take a step away from it and clear your head and go back to life, ready to grab it by the horns and be the best you can be!
