Title: Hooky? Yes Please! The Self Care Date You Didn't Know You Needed.
In today's world, we sometimes need to take a break from work, responsibilities, and stress.
A break from simple adulting.
Sometimes this break can be satisfied with a long bath or a good meal. For me when small treats just won't do, my fave way to honor my need for self-care is to play hooky!
Yes, you read that right! Hooky!
Remember those days in high school when you would skip school with your friends, go to the movies, laugh and joke in the car singing loudly? Weren't they great? Why have we given up those days of freedom because we graduated to adulthood? Take a page from tenth grade, fake sick, and do something that just brings you pure unadulterated joy.
The Case for Playing Hooky
Now hear me out, playing hooky from work may sound rebellious, but when done from a self-care angle, it can be a great way to discover new passions, break down inhibitions, and renew your energy.
Now that we remember what a hooky day is, let's talk about how beneficial it can be for your mental health and why it's so important to fit into your schedule.
Here’s why:
1. Reclaiming Your Time: In a world that glorifies hustle culture, taking a day off to prioritize self-care can feel like a radical act of rebellion. By playing hooky, we tell ourselves that taking time for pure fun is both a priority and a necessity to navigate through life. Rebuking the idea that every day has to be serious and goal-driven. Sometimes, lying in the sun is just as important as goal setting for the next quarter.
2. Fueling Itchy Feet: If y'all don't know anything else about me, you should know that I love to go to new places. Not saying that every hooky day has to include an out-of-town trip, but if you can even visit a new area of your hometown that can also be invigorating. Playing tourist at home or in a new city can open up your mind to new possibilities – whether it’s a nearby hiking trail, a charming small town, or a bustling cityscape.
3. Nurturing Creativity: Stepping away from the demands of work allows us to recharge our creative batteries and tap into our inner muse. Whether it’s journaling in a cozy cafe, sketching in a park, or simply daydreaming by the ocean, playing hooky can inspire moments of profound insight and inspiration.
The thrill that comes from being somewhere you aren’t supposed to be when everyone thinks you are somewhere else is half the fun. Why did we give up that spontaneous freedom? Well I have started taking back that joy and playing hooky from work. Sometimes my hooky day comprises of going to Korean spa and baking in the saunas, sometimes it's a day trip out of town. Whatever I do, I make sure the break is a departure from my daily routine, and that I do something I was looking forward to experiencing.
How to Play Hooky Like a Pro
Ready to embark on your hooky adventure? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your day off:
1. Plan Ahead: Now planning can seem unnecessary if the point is to do something unexpected, right? But hear me out! While we are embracing spontaneity and fun, we also don't want to leave ourselves to return to a stressful environment negating all the work we put in to relax and refresh. While I don't typically tell my coworkers when I am playing hooky, I do tend to check my schedule and set it up on a day where I don't have a ton of meetings or deadlines due. Checking before I call out, helps me to truly embrace the day and not stress over what could happen at work.
2. Embrace Spontaneity: Allow yourself to be guided by curiosity and spontaneity. Whether you’re exploring a new city or wandering in nature, embrace the sense of adventure and let the day unfold organically.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Use your hooky day as an opportunity to prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s a yoga class, a spa day, or simply curling up with a good book, indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Hooky day ideas:
Here is a list of great hooky day activities that can be done solo or made even more special if you can convince a friend or spouse to do them with you!
Picnic in the Park
DIY Spa Day
Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
Coffee Shop Crawl
Arts and Crafts
Yoga in the Park
Food Truck Frenzy
Themed Movie Marathon
Bookstore Adventure
Botanical Garden Visit
Cooking Class
Farmers' Market Excursion
Hiking Adventure
DIY Candle Making
Weekend Getaway
Road Trip
Camping Trip
Beach Bonfire
Winery Tour
Ski/Snowboard Weekend
Festival Adventure
National Park Exploration
Historical Tour
Spontaneous Roadside Stops
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Playing hooky from work may not be the most conventional form of self-care, but for anyone seeking balance and adventure, it can be a game-changer. So, the next time you feel the urge to escape the daily grind and nurture your wanderlust, don’t hesitate to play hooky and embrace the journey. After all, life is too short to let work stop you from doing the things you enjoy.
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