The Unproductive Day

This post is a little reminder that every single day doesn’t need to be productive, and that you don’t need to complete work (from the normal categories: school, employment, exercise, future goals) in order to feel satisfied and at peace with yourself. Days off can be productive because your brain and body needs time to rest. In the long run, taking days off will be refreshing and bring new motivation. I’ve found that for me, it’s not necessarily that I don’t relax, but rather that I don’t view my off-days as beneficial.  Even for enjoyable pastimes, I often make a to-do list: write, choreograph, read this, watch this. I try to fit my ‘fun time’ in with my regular schedule. Now that almost all work is being done at home, I’ve found that I expect myself to be productive everyday, including weekends. However, the pull of laziness, to lay down and do nothing, is also stronger.   So, I’ve been trying to change my mindset and truly enjoy the days where I don’t feel like doing anything. My usual schedule entails: waking up, getting dressed, eating, looking at my agenda, realizing I have to write another essay and then recognizing that I don’t feel like doing that. I’ve discovered that it’s okay to embrace days like this (as long as you’re not using it as an excuse to never do work). Yesterday was one of those days.  Instead of following my normal schedule I decided that I would have an unproductive day. Acknowledging this can honestly be quite comforting.  First, I made a cup of tea and sat on the couch to read. I never changed out of my pyjamas.  I turned on a movie. Here’s a list of films I love: Interstellar, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Howl’s Moving Castle, Lion, Ice Age (all 6 of them). 

I made a hot chocolate and sat outside, even though it was extremely warm out.  I revisited old books and leafed through the pages to see where I’d highlighted my favourite quotes. I also read through my old commonplace book (for keeping quotes).  I turned on some music and danced around. Check out blogger Rachel’s song recommendations if you’re in need of new music! I found out that I had acrylic paint stored away, so I made a shoddy reproduction of Leonardo’s John the Baptist.  These were all things that I don’t normally make time for, but I’m glad I did. I’m grateful that I allowed myself to indulge in some unscheduled fun.  And in the end, it was a worthwhile day.  “I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most.” -Margaret Atwood