If you’re anything like me, the concept of “taking things easy” is totally foreign. We’ve always got so much to do! Between work and—insert your gazillion other responsibilities here: kids, spouses/partners, parents, church, advanced education—it seems like we’re constantly on the go. Even after we make it through the work week, the sheer miscellaneous flotsam and jetsam of a responsible adult life (think home maintenance, repairs and—if we’re lucky—improvements; trips to the grocery, library, dry cleaners; gym time—again, if we’re lucky) almost always keeps us in constant motion all weekend.
Maybe the goal shouldn’t be taking things “easy” so much as using and enjoying our time wisely. For example, I’m always excited when I can find some free time to do something productive that I also really happen to enjoy. Volunteering with a local animal rescue group gives me the opportunity to work with dogs while making a beneficial impact on their lives, as well as the lucky folks who eventually adopt them. Hobbies can be very productive, in that they provide a wonderful way for us to actually relax—something we all need but don’t generally make time to focus on.