February 2020 – it’s a leap year. The point of a leap year is to keep us in sync with the seasons by sticking an extra day in every 4 years, meaning there are 366 days in a leap year instead of 365. Technically, that means we have an extra day to do whatever we want.
This got me thinking about what I would do with my extra day this year. I put a question to the Calmer Cactus Facebook page followers recently, I asked them “If you had an extra day in a week, what would you do with it”
I was hoping for comments such as 'take the time to learn a new skill' or 'have a movie day' or maybe even something exciting. What I actually got was the resounding theme of Sleep!
Initially I was surprised that people were willing to ‘waste’ an extra day, but then I realised, it’s actually a very sensible idea if you are exhausted. It occurred to me that maybe the reason a lot of people follow Calmer Cactus on social media is because the whole page IS ABOUT relaxing! Maybe the Calmer Cactus Clan love to relax or maybe even need to learn how to relax, so with that in mind, I’ve written some tips for relaxing this February 29th (or any other day for that matter)
Step One - Think about it
Have a good think about something that you really enjoy doing. This is the first step as it’s almost impossible to feel stressed out when you’re doing something you enjoy! You will probably feel much more relaxed just thinking about it.
Step Two - Timing
Make some time to do the thing you have decided on. Be realistic – do you need to block out the whole day, or will a couple of hours do it?
Step Three - Plan the detail
What do you need to do to make it happen? Will you involve your family or do you want complete solitude? Do you need to make bookings or buy snacks? Allow yourself plenty of time for this step, you don’t want to rush or get worked up – that will completely defeat the object.
Step Four - Most importantly
Enjoy! - that's it, no pressure, no expectations - just go with it and enjoy.
If you’ve had a really good think, but still can’t decide, maybe this list of ideas will get you inspired:
· Talk to someone you’ve been meaning to call for ages
· Have a duvet day
(Snacks are mandatory)
· Watch a movie
(maybe even try ‘Leap Year’ if you fancy a cheesy rom-com with stunning Irish scenery)
· Write a letter to your future self and open it next Leap Year
(I’m actually going to give this one a go)
· Read a new book
· Bake
· Go for a long walk
(weather permitting! - those of you in the North West will totally get what I'm saying here!)
· Play your favourite sport
· Do your favourite hobby
· Prep your garden for Spring
· Try Mediation, Yoga or Pilates
· Pick up some holiday brochures and plan a trip
· Hold a dinner or tea party
· Book a Reflexology session at Calmer Cactus
(Wait, What? How did this shameless plug get in here?)
· Spend time with your favourite people
Hopefully you have been inspired to relax and recharge on this Leap Day, I can’t wait to hear what you did.
Until next time
Charlotte
@ Calmer Cactus Reflexology & Wellbeing
Find Calmer Cactus on Facebook, Instagram or visit the website www.calmercactus.co.uk
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