As the year comes to a close, the holiday rush often leaves us feeling drained. Between last minute shopping, travelling, family gatherings and New Year’s Eve preparations, it’s easy to forget the importance of rest. That’s why carving out a lazy day before the New Year can be the ultimate gift to yourself! Especially since there are health benefits! A day to recharge, reflect, and prepare mentally for what’s to come can set the perfect tone for the New Year. Here’s how to make the most of your lazy day, and a sneak peak of some lazy day activities of my own.
Lazy Day: Start the Day with No Alarm
Yes! You read that right. Let yourself wake up naturally. Forget the buzzing of alarms, and the pressure to start the day early. Lying in bed for a few extra minutes, reflecting on the calm, is an underrated pleasure. Just think about it, when the holiday season is over and your schedule is ‘back to normal’ some extra time in bed is usually craved. Why not use the opportunity now?
By allowing yourself this slow start, you are signaling to your mind and body that this day is well deserved. Besides, it is more more about relaxation than actually being lazy.
Sneak Peak: Since the start of the holiday, I set my alarm to 5:30 AM. What was I thinking? This is an hour later than my usual wake up time -for work. The thing is, I got a new exercise app, and convinced myself I’d wake up at 5:30 AM to begin my exercises. Turns out, I decided otherwise. I’ve been relishing these lazy days and I wake up naturally about 8:00AM with no guilt. By this, I’m super excited to spring out of bed anyways – since I look forward to my morning exercise.
Lazy Day: Create a Relaxing Morning Routine
Begin your day with an activity that brings you peace. You may enjoy sipping a warm cup of tea, coffee or even some hot chocolate while embracing a quiet morning.
However, if that’s not your preference, perhaps journaling about the moments that brought you joy this year -big or small may be encouraging. Sometimes, jotting down three things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset completely.
Another idea could be playing some calming music or listening to your favourite podcast that inspires and uplifts you!
Sneak Peak: Plants help me to feel relaxed and tending to them is even more relaxing. During this holiday season, I’ve been able to spend more time caring for my plants. So I start the morning watering them, those indoors as well as outdoors.
To add to that, I do gratitude journaling in an app that I downloaded about a year ago. It’s amazing! As much as journaling in a physical book is something I prefer to do, the truth is we tend to take our phones around more often. Plus, this app is super worth it. For starters, it is focused on gratitude and gets me to see the good in every day care how small. It has journal prompts, daily affirmations, quotes of the day etc. The best part – I can look back at all my entries in the most aesthetic layouts, with just a scroll!
The aim is to ease into the day at your own pace, leaving behind any urgency.
Lazy Day: Indulge in Comfort Food
No lazy day is complete without delicious food! Skip anything complicated and opt for comfort meals that make you happy. Try not to over indulge though – especially if you go for unhealthy options. Haha!
Whether it’s Jamaican classics like ackee and saltfish or a hearty bowl of soup, let the food bring you joy. If cooking feels like too much effort, treat yourself to a takeout from your favourite spot. Make this meal a moment. Turn on some music and savour each bite!
Sneak Peak: I realized just now, that I do not take many photos of meals. Typical! I’m a nature girl. I’ll see how best I can rectify this. While I do not have very current photos of meals/tasty bites I’ve whipped up one below from the gallery!
Lazy Day: Go Outside for a Moment
Even on a lazy day, a bit of fresh air can be – refreshing. Take a short stroll, sit in your garden or even under a tree, or simply open up your window and let the outdoors in! Connecting with nature, even barely, can clear your mind and re-energize your spirit.
Sneak peak: I absolutely like the outdoors. Especially if the space is clean, lowkey, picturesque etc. and I tend to stay longer if I’m the only one there! Haha! There’s a spot at home that I like doing my photography when the grass is low – that’s about 1 -2 weeks after it has been cut. When I’m there, care how briefly, I feel a sense of Zen.
Enjoy Your Lazy Day
Whether you choose to spend the day watching a feel good movie or binging a series you’ve been meaning to start, is totally up to you. Everyone’s lazy day will look different. Some people may chose to flip through old photos, cozy up with a good book or the good old sleep.
Related Post: Relaxing Ways to Spend an Evening After Work
Try though, as best as possible, to make your lazy day a memorable one. Explore a luxurious bath with candles, soothing scents or even soaking those tired feet in warm water with bath salts and essential oils.
You work hard. Always on the go. You have pepped steps or never ending invites. Take some time to relax, recoup and re-energize. Take an amazing lazy day – or two!
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