Enjoy a Lazy Day at Home in Your PJs

What to do on a day off when you're 'yeti' to stay in bed all day? How can you make a lazy day one that's enjoyable without worrying about everything?  

We know it can be hard to take a moment for yourself in today's world between mortgages and rent, bills and utilities, chores and tasks. It can feel like you're wasting precious time, but there are ways to enjoy a lazy day at home and have it feel strangely productive.

When it comes to comforting moments or days, we're all about it and want to help! Let's learn how to enjoy a lazy day at home that will hopefully make you feel rested and content.

How much pressure do we put on ourselves to be our best? Whether it's striving to be the best partner, best parent, or best at your job, we tend to have and to put so much pressure on ourselves.

The truth is, we're all human, and to be human is to be imperfect beings, constantly growing, learning, living, and surviving in often turbulent times. It is precisely in these times that you should learn to be easier on yourself. Sometimes we push ourselves too hard, ignoring the signs we need the chance to rest, pause and slow down. You need to permit yourself to be lazy!

Even if you're giving yourself one day a week to enjoy a lazy day at home, this provides your brain and body the chance to recover. After functioning in a state of breakdown from too much stress, rest allows our bodies the opportunity to switch over to a state of building back up. These are also known as catabolic and anabolic states.

Just as it will be good for your body, enjoying a lazy day at home benefits your mind. Switching from stressful working thoughts or deep-brain work for a job to enjoying easier, surface-level information such as social media, movies, or games gives your brain a break which can help boost your mood and productivity later.

Did you know that how you start your morning usually sets the tone for the rest of your day? If the first things you think of on your lazy day at home are: did I wash my hair? Should I take a shower? Oh no, I forgot about the laundry. What am I going to wear? Waking up on a supposed lazy day thinking of all the tasks you should or shouldn't do or feeling guilty about them isn't exactly the best tone for a relaxing, comfy day. A great night leads to a fantastic tomorrow! So make the most of it by getting ready for your lazy day at home with these four steps the day before.

1- Set out two of your most comfortable pajamas, one for nighttime and sleep, and one to change into in the morning for wearing on your lazy day. Whether it's your super comfy Sleep Hoodie or your cool pajama shorts.

2- Meal prep if needed. Instead of wondering what to eat or cook on your lazy day, try to plan and prep meals the night before. Create a snack tray with fresh fruits and veggies or a meat and cheese selection. Meal prep for a lazy day at home doesn't have to be complicated. Plan to grab your favorite frozen meal or something as comforting as chicken noodle soup to ensure you won't have to worry about complicated cooking or cleaning up after.

3- Do whatever chores seem the most pressing the day before. Don't try and tackle massive tasks, like repainting a whole room, for example. But if there are dishes in the sink, you need laundry done, you want to do a quick tidying up of the living space, or if you just know not doing these chores will bother you, get them done before your day of relaxation. Getting minor tasks done the night before means they won't be on your mind during your lazy day.

4- Set aside enough time to enjoy a bath or shower. Make sure you treat yourself a little bit too. Use some of your favorite lotion, expensive cologne, or fancy perfume. Try a face mask. A little pampering the night before will not only help you wind down for better sleep, it will also be one last task you don't have to worry about the next day.

You've done your best the night before to clear your schedule of any household and self-care tasks, and now you're up and changed into your relaxing lazy day PJs. What’s next? Here are some great suggestions on what to do and what to avoid so you can enjoy a lazy day at home.

• Let yourself sleep in.
• Make time to sit outside for a little while. Enjoy your morning tea or coffee on the porch watching the birds or have a light brunch after sleeping in.

• Read a new book or re-read your favorite book.
• Journal, outline, write and let a stream of consciousness flow.
• Binge-watching is highly encouraged. Use your phone, tablet, or laptop to watch your favorite shows or movies if you don't have a TV.
• Call someone and chit-chat.
• Pamper yourself. Try giving yourself a manicure, a deep tissue massage, a face mask, or a foot bath. Whatever helps you feel rested and relaxed.
• Get lost in an engaging podcast or audiobook.
• Grab your headphones or turn up the volume on a relaxing, mood-boosting playlist.
• Practice positive self-affirmations even if you don't believe them at first.

• Spend hours scrolling through the latest timeline updates. Being bombarded with stressful news during a day you're trying to give both your mind and body a break can take a very real toll on your mental health.
• Wear restrictive clothing of any kind. Unless it's a garment for medical reasons, don't put on anything outside of your most comfy PJs.
• Errands that require leaving the house. No grocery shopping, no quick trips to the store. Avoid getting in your car, if possible.
• Anything work-related. Don't check your email, slack messages, or plan anything—avoid anything related to your job or business.
• Physically and mentally taxing activities. This is the time to give your body and your brain a break.
• Feel guilty. Free yourself from responsibilities for a few hours. Use that energy to nurture yourself. You won't enjoy a lazy day off if you convince yourself you're doing something wrong.

A lazy day at home is crucial to give your body and mind the rest it needs. After time spent fulfilling easy, lazy desires, it's possible that the frustrations, angst, and tiredness from the days before will melt away. You might be surprised just how refreshed you will feel the next day!