Hi-dee-ho, friends. In the period you haven’t heard from me, I’ve been working like a crazy person – news never sleeps, as they say.
But this past weekend, I decided to actually enjoy my weekend. I mean, part of it was spent on an assignment for a story that I need to submit, but it was at Island Hill Farm Inc., a learning farm in Prince Edward Island with various animals and lots of goats. Long story short – best assignment ever (except for jumping out of a plane? You decide!)
And while it only added to my workload, on Saturday, I hopped in my car and headed west to Tignish for an evening with some of my favourite people and seeing the sights along the coast.
Now most of the drive down, my anxious mind was chattering on – trying to convince me that I should turn around and get to work instead of enjoying my 23-year-old life and seeing friends.
But man, I just kept going (if you can’t tell, I’m a little proud of myself).
As it turns out, taking time for yourself is important. You can take a break, heck, take a day – your deadline is still going to be waiting for you, albeit a little sooner than it was yesterday.
You may be asking, “Millee, what is your point?” If you’d hold on a hot minute, I’ll tell you.
As it turns out, taking time for yourself is important. You can take a break, heck, take a day – your deadline is still going to be waiting for you, albeit a little sooner than it was yesterday.
So peeps, here’s my advice – give it whatever value you feel it deserves:
• Embrace the nice weather: Just one thing before you embrace the nice weather (and don’t even think about complaining over the warm temperatures) put on sunscreen – safety is important!
• Grab a good book, and settle down: Right now, I’m dipping my toes into the Stephen King waters through his crime book, The Colorado Kid. As of yet, I’m enjoying it. I’m not one for horror, but a murder mystery is right up my alley.
• Go for a drive down a country road: If you’re someone with a vehicle and enjoys getting behind the wheel, a trip down a dirt road or a trek into the countryside is a great way to clear your head. The wind in your hair and all that jazz, not to mention a great playlist, all makes for a good time.
• Take advantage of trail systems: Here on Prince Edward Island, there’s the Confederation Trail, but there’s also systems that exist along the coast line and in parks like that in Bonshaw. Lace up your sneakers, grab a ball cap and get a-walkin’, runnin’, hikin’ or bikin’.
• Interact with animals: In this case, I’m not talking about wild animals – I’m thinking more like the furry friends at Island Hill Farm Inc. or the little fluttering creatures at the Butterfly House in New Glasgow, P.E.I. Nothing makes me happier than butterflies. What could make it better? Go with a friend or family member and share in the joy and fun!
There you have it, the recipe to clear your mind on a clear weather day. One of these weekends I’m going to spend the afternoon reading while lounging in a chair, or in my garden that I’ve started cleaning up (I’ve still got quite a way to go), but if you lay the ground work to feel recharged at the beginning of the week, come the end of the whatever-length-work-week you won’t be completely burnt out.
See you ‘round like a donut.
Millicent McKay is a Summerside-based journalist for the Journal Pioneer. She likes yoga, playing with her cat, copious cups of tea, soap operas and blogging. For more content by Millicent head to www.theonewithpaigeandmillee.squarespace.com.
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