10 reasons to take a random day off work

YOU work hard to accrue annual leave for overseas holidays, but why don’t you take a random day off more often? It can do wonders for your energy and optimism.

We tend to think holidays should only be saved for overseas trips. How about a one-day, midweek holiday, just for you?

FOR many years I have taken sporadic days off work — perhaps one every two to three months or so - and it really baffles me why people don’t do it more.

Sure we want to save vacation days for trips, travel, weddings and the like but the power of a good day off cannot be underestimated.

HERE ARE 10 REASONS TO TAKE A RANDOM DAY OFF:

1. It feels special. And it is. For me, I like to wake up early, enjoy my coffee in my kitchen and ponder my awesome day ahead.

2. It breaks up the week. A four-day week feels completely different to a five-day week. It also gives you something to look forward to in the two-to-three weeks leading up to it.

3. No one else is off. Unlike a busy holiday weekend where the streets, restaurants, cafes and roads are buzzing, a midweek day off is quiet. It feels as if the world is yours.

4. You can get a table anywhere for lunch or brunch. This for me is reason enough!

5. Spas, exercise studios, supermarkets, are all way emptier than usual. You won’t even need an appointment or have to line up (or really wait for much at all).

News_Image_File: When was the last time you had a Nanna nap in the middle of the day?

6. You have time to think. With my husband and friends at work, I occupy my time however I want. A day off during the week is like a personal meditative retreat.

7. It makes you a better mum, colleague, partner … even just one day off refuels our batteries and we feel more like ourselves.

8. You can do anything you want … unlike busy weekends when we have personal obligations, you can decide that day what you fancy doing and just go for it.

9. You don’t have to run anything by anyone. Want to shop for a spring dress? Great! See a chick flick no one else is enthused by? Fantastic! Bake your favourite cookies for the first time in years? Brilliant! Enjoy every minute of it.

10. You are worth it. Take the time out to enjoy an indulgent, fun, private stay-cation with someone special, you!

News_Image_File: You could even squeeze in some time for a tan. It’s your day, so it’s all up to you.

I write this on my day off (3.30pm on a Friday in February) enjoying a latte at a little cafe in the city.

I went to my favourite barre class at 9am, shopped while the stores were empty (bliss!) and walked my delighted dog in the sunshine.

I only checked my iPhone once around lunchtime just to see if I had any calls (I didn’t). By day off, I mean, off.

There was no catastrophe, no disaster and believe it or not, everyone in my life is still alive and well. The world is OK if we take a few hours to ourselves to relax and revive a little. I start the weekend relaxed, organised and in a splendid mood.

Do we need any more reasons?

Follow Susie Moore on Twitter @SusieMoore