It is that time of the year again, when I take a break from all things work and get to rest. The more I do this, the more I begin to think seriously that leave needs to be well-planned if you are going to benefit from it.
Have you sometimes seen people take a long leave only for them to come back looking even more exhausted? That is a result of unplanned leave if you ask me. If your leave is all about partying every day, or lounging in the couch, watching movie after movie and snacking away, you are not making the most of it.
I have found that planning for different areas of my life helps me enjoy my leave more. The routine at work usually means early mornings and late nights; hours spent on the desk behind the computer; dealing with energetic and fun people as well as the ones who drain your energy.
And when I am not able to regulate this, I find that I get bad eating habits, spend less time with friends and loved ones, do not do my Bible study as often as I should and spend too little time on hobbies or me-time. Leave is therefore a time for me to decongest, de-stress and get back on track.
So for the next few weeks, there will be fewer snacks. Meals shall also be had on time – no lunches at 4pm! They shall also be healthy. I am learning to eat more nutrient-laden foods such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes and beans even though I do not like the taste of them much. The nutritive things I like but eat too little of, such as fruits, yoghurt and fish, I shall have more of. There is also now no excuse to have less than eight glasses of water a day.
Early mornings shall be dedicated to spending more time in God’s word. I might sleep in, the first two or three days but after that, that time shall be dedicated to reading the Bible and praying. As for rest, I intend to have lots of afternoon naps and early nights.
I have already called a few friends and agreed on when to meet them. I have also planned for when to hang out with our daughters; simple things such as taking walks in the neighbourhood, going shopping with them or visiting friends is a great way to do so. I of course also need to have time with hubby, so dinner-for-two and some drives to places we have never been to before is on the cards.
Me-time is one of the things I look forward to the most, so that massage I have been planning for, for months, those novels, magazines and movies shall get some of my time.
Yes, this leave is well-planned for.
Last Friday was my birthday. I am getting closer to the 40s. It is true what they say. At this age, your body can no longer do some of those things you did so easily in your 20s. But, I am only too glad to be blessed to have come this far in my life. So let the 40s come.
cbeyanga@ug.nationmedia.com
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