Easter reset: Dillydallying the long weekend away
While most people try to cram as many activities as possible into the long weekend, your time could be better spent doing absolutely nothing. Your mental health will thank you later.
Have you ever left a holiday or long weekend feeling more drained than you did before it started?
Many people look forward to a mini break from the stresses of life's responsibilities.
Parents are happy to get a break from early morning school drop-off, coming up with daily lunch ideas and helping their children with hours of homework every week.
Those who work long hours or hate their jobs are relieved to take a few days off from adulting to finally experience the elusive work-life balance everyone talks about.
However, when the weekend comes along, they jam-pack it with 101 activities and try to cross off as many things on their to-do list as possible.
They become Mr and Ms Busy Bee, maybe out of guilt. The children can't spend hours at home during the holidays or long weekends.
Working parents can't sit around and do nothing when they can finally get around to fixing that kitchen cupboard that has been broken for months or catching up with friends and family they haven't seen or spoken to in months.
It's productive, but is it really necessary? You end up going back to work feeling more tired than ever.
Sometimes, you really need to do nothing to destress and regain your energy or zeal for life.
The long Easter weekend is the perfect time to rest. We're not saying you don't need to do anything fun, we're just saying you don't need a long list of things to do and see.
Here's how to dillydally the long weekend away
ALSO READ: How to achieve a healthy work-life balance
Catch some Zs
Forget about waking up at the crack of dawn to get ready for a long drive to a camping site, and spend the morning catching up on some much-needed sleep.
You don't need a study or science report to emphasise the importance of a good night's rest. Sleep is important for brain function, health and sanity.
You can physically feel the effects that not getting enough sleep has on your body.
If you are already drained from being a stay-at-home mom or working long hours, why would you spend the long weekend waking up at 5 am?
Sleep experts suggest going to bed and waking up at the same time every day for maximum benefits, however, that's not always possible.
Sometimes you need an extra hour or two of sleep to reset.
“We’re telling people you need to be more regular, but there is a substantial portion of the population who aren’t getting enough sleep, and it does seem helpful to compromise regularity by extending sleep on the weekend in that group,” Matthew Weaver, PhD, per a Peloton report.
Long term, it is more beneficial to develop a consistent sleep schedule.
ALSO READ: Sleeping for success? Try this position
Treat yourself
Pamper yourself with a home spa day this Easter long weekend.
Relax in a warm bath soak, paint your nails, put on a face mask, light a candle, and sip on some herbal tea.
Make the weekend all about self-care and relaxation.
Here are a few places to start:
Eat with intention
If you're going to do an Easter reset, you might as well do it correctly.
And you can't do it properly without being mindful of what you put into your body.
Sure, chocolate bunnies, marshmallow eggs and other Easter treats taste good, but too much sugar is not good.
Avoid processed foods and junk food and focus on healthy eating.
According to Medical News Today, studies have shown that there is "a close relationship between diet and mood".
Other reports say that eating junk food can increase stress levels, cause fatigue and decreased energy levels, and result in difficulty sleeping and concentration.
Use food to strengthen your mind, body and soul.
Relaxed family bonding activities
Doing nothing doesn't mean lounging on the sofa all day – unless you want to.
You can still enjoy some fun, relaxed activities at home with your family. You can:
Bake healthy treats together
Have a dance off
Play board games
Turn your living room into a movie cinema
It's cost effective and still lots of fun.
Drown out the noise
Avoid brain rot during your Easter weekend reset by drowning out the noise, especially social media notifications.
Try to stay off your phone as much as possible. Avoid doom-scrolling, turn off notifications, and spend your time reading or catching up on your favourite series.
You'd be surprised by how many people watch a series while constantly staring at their phones.
Try to be in the moment, even if you are watching a movie.
Why not take things one step further and commit to a weekend digital detox? You can find more tips here: Unplug! Five simple tips for a successful digital detox.
Happy, dillydallying!
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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