Playing Hooky
It’s good to spend time together doing nothing. Even in that shirt.
As adults we have responsibilities. Jobs, homes, chores, and sometimes kids to take care of. It is easy to forget what it was like to be a child. When life was about having fun.
Recently my step-mom and I took a page out of the kids’ playbook and played hooky.
We planned to take the same day off of work, because we both get personal or vacation days. Normally, when I have a day off it is all about what I can get done. I run errands, write more, and check things off my to-do list.
This time was not about productivity. There was no list at all.
We decided to start with coffee. Instead of rushing in and out like we normally do, we took our time. We sampled the newest coffee drink on display and chatted with the barista.
It really was a vacation from work.
Then we strolled over to our favorite neighborhood nail salon. Yes, it was time for a pedicure.
We sat in those big massaging chairs and let ourselves be pampered. There were even hot rocks and warm paraffin wax. Normally, we would just get the quick, cheap version. But this time, we went all out.
After I picked out my color and hopped into the giant chair, someone asked me if it was a special occasion. I guess eleven-thirty on a Thursday morning is not a common time for a pedicure.
I told her we were playing hooky.
The salon went almost silent for a second. People stopped and looked at us. Finally someone said, “What a great idea.” Like no one had ever thought about taking a day off for no reason.
The truth is, we usually don’t. We don’t think of spending a day doing nothing in particular as high on our priority list. There are goals to meet, doctors appointments to get to, and work to be done.
The other women in the salon weren’t on a vacation. Getting their nails done was one of the many things on their list, and probably part of their professional image. But, once we said the words, we could feel the place lighten up.
We took a day just for us, so that means other people can too.
Yes, we all have a lot going on and responsibilities to take care of. That is just a part of our busy culture. But, it is important to take time for ourselves, time to do nothing.
It was only one day, but it made a big difference in the way I feel. Now I can keep going on and pushing ahead. Because I’ve taken some time for me.
Go ahead, play hooky. You’ll see what I mean.
What do you do with your days off? Have you ever taken a day and not done anything on your to-do list? How do you feel about playing hooky?
I have no problem playing hooky–my fave is to go to the movies in the middle of the day. I usually feel re-charged and ready to work!
A movie in the middle of the day? That sounds awesome. I’m going to have to remember that.
I agree! Hookey is important. Everyone needs downtime to do anything of value in their uptime
What a great way to look at it. Downtime makes Uptime better! Thanks.
Emma, what a great picture of you and your step-mom. You day off together sounds like it was so much fun and so very relaxing. I played hooky on Wednesday, went for a massage and got spoiled. For a few hours, I was in heaven. .:)
It’s so nice when we take time and treat ourselves, isn’t it.
I love those “mental vacation” days. My mom let me have about two a year in high school, and they made such a difference– not to have to work yourself sick before it’s okay to rest and play! In fact, as an adult I take it a step better now. I plan a whole 3-day weekend once a year. One day to play with my friends and celebrate how awesome my community is (I call it the “celebrate me party”), one day to run errands and get done all those things that I really WANT to do, but don’t have to, so they get put off, and one day to be lazy and have NOTHING TO DO and NOWHERE TO GO so that I can actually be spontaneous and have fun all by myself doing whatever I want, even if it’s nothing.
Oh, those are great ideas! I love a leave the house fun day and a stay at home pajama day. Although, I take a pajama day pretty often on the weekends. There is just something wonderful about not having anything you have to do. That is true relaxation to me!
[...] Burcart extols the virtues of playing hooky. This idea is near and dear to my heart because I firmly believe in an occasional hooky day [...]
I’m with Coleen, I love catching a mid day matinee. It feels so decadent.