On a good day off, why spend so much effort trying to make plans and find something to do when there is great joy to be found in not doing anything?
Decompress by doing nothing
For those of us in our early twenties getting into the swing of adulting, the real world has begun to weigh down on us. We balance things like school schedules, working maybe multiple jobs, relationships, and keeping our home lives in order just to name a few. Having some time to catch your breath can be extremely valuable. When I express my excitement about a day off from work on the horizon my co-workers often ask what I plan to do. They don surprised expressions when I just as excitedly say, "nothing!" What's wrong with that? I need days off to recoup from the rest of the busy week. Therefore, if I don't have any concrete plans already in the works I use the time to decompress. Everyone deserves to relax. Read a book. Watch some Netflix. Sit on the porch, balcony, patio, etc., and listen to music. Just because you aren't going out doesn't mean that it is not time well spent.
Take care of your mental health
Cassidy KelleyMental health remains incredibly important to our well-being. Every now and then our brains need to unwind from all the craziness we have to deal with on a regular basis. It's a part of everyday life, sure. When you have free time, however, allow yourself to rest. It may be just the thing you need to prevent mental exhaustion. If you drain yourself by running running running all the time it will start to take a toll and the resulting physical crash will not be pleasant. If it takes an afternoon of lounging around the house, so be it. Take an inventory, because if you're already physically tired then the odds are that your mind could also use a break.
It's okay to say no
If you come home from work or a whole day of classes and really don't want to be bothered, you are not alone in feeling the need to take it easy. So when someone asks you out to a party or dinner (although let's face it, in our twenties we will go to many lengths if food is involved) it is okay to say no. If you're anything like me, the fun of going out versus the complacency of staying at home is a decision that causes anxiety. On one hand the thought of taking a nap while the Hamilton soundtrack plays in the background is enticing. On the other hand, you could be missing out on something interesting if you don't get out of the house, right? Try not to feel pressured, but if you are already borderline exhausted Hamilton starts to sound even better than usual. Sometimes, especially for those of us who consistently overthink, it almost feels guilty. But it is perfectly fine to say no to being busy and yes to doing nothing.
It's not lazy, it's a differet kind of productivity
Now it may sound as though I've been advocating laziness because as anyone can plainly tell "nothing" implies a lack of activity. Millennials have a bad enough societal reputation as it is, constantly being viewed as slackers. I'm here to set things straight: there isn't anything lazy about taking care of yourself, and time to yourself can do exactly that. If your version of nothing is going for a bike ride or wandering around the grocery store then you should. My nothing usually includes sleeping in, watching HGTV or Netflix for hours, and/or the occasional trip to Old Navy. I have come to the conclusion, however, that everyone has a different definition of doing nothing. Whatever yours may be there is an interior sense of being productive that will have you feeling at ease.
