This low-key holiday is gaining recognition around the world as people are beginning to realize the importance of living in the moment. Established in 2016, National Escape Day is celebrated on the 30th of January each year. It is an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from the stresses of daily life.
National Escape Day
At some point, everyone gets stressed out. Whether it’s pressure at work or school, our own daily expectations, or the seemingly endless deadlines we all must meet, we all feel the pressure of daily life. National Escape Day was created to provide a day of vacation from life’s harsh realities. So, how should you celebrate National Escape Day? Here are a few activities to get you started.
Meditate
On National Escape Day, what better way to relax and rejuvenate than to start your day with a morning meditation practice? By easing our mind and body into the day, we reduce stress and focus the mind. When we start the day grounded, the day tends to go grounded. When we start the day ungrounded, the day tends to go ungrounded. Recognizing that we have control over how we choose to feel each day is powerful. Start your day off on the right foot with a morning mediation. Even five minutes can be extremely beneficial. Being mindful is one of the best things you can do for self-rejuvenation.
Hit the library
When was the last time you visited your local library? As you would expect, they have of books, magazines and newspapers, music, audio, and videos. However, they also have many free events hosted by the communities in which they reside. Various programs for children and adults, including story time, yoga classes, musical groups, speakers, and presenters and much, much more. Your local library is a great place to escape for the day!
See the city
On National Escape Day, you don’t have to go on an expensive vacation or travel far from home. Why not take some time to see the sights in your own city? Often there are sights and activities near our home that we don’t take the time to see or do. Is there a new restaurant in your neighborhood that you have been wanting to try? Maybe a museum that you have been meaning to visit? Or you could hop on your bike and ride to your closest park. Remember to take advantage of the activities that are nearest to your own front door.
Take a class
National Escape Day is a great day to get out and try a local class. Kickboxing, bootcamp and Zumba classes are all excellent ways to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. Many of these classes and gyms offer free passes to give them a try. If you are feeling more creative, why not check out a painting or pottery class? If you feel like spending the day in your PJ’s, you could find an on-line class through Coursera or Udacity with thousands of courses available.
Disconnect
Put your phone on silent, turn off your laptop and any other digital devices that vie for your attention. It can be hard to relax with the constant barrage of calls, texts and notifications. That constant connection can take a toll on your health and well-being. Unplugging for a day can make you feel calmer and more content, which is exactly what National Escape Day is all about.
Take a nap
When was the last time you took a nap? A quick 20 to 30-minute power nap will boost your memory, creativity, and energy levels. If you are overworked and overtired, you might be sleep deprived. Just a 20-minute nap will help to reset your system and make you more alert. It’s better than an extra-large cup of coffee!
Pamper yourself
Why not unwind and spend the day doing something you love? Get a massage, go to a museum, or see a movie. If you prefer the outdoors, take a hike, or hit the beach or meet up with some friends at your favorite winery. Often, we get so busy that we forget to spend a little time just enjoying ourselves. Life is too short not to treat yourself once in a while.
Celebrate
National Escape Day is just around the corner. How will you celebrate it? Go for a run, hit the gym, take a class or read a good book? No matter what you decide to do, remember that there are no rules for how to celebrate this day off. Just take some time to relax and rejuvenate. It may be the springboard you need to incorporate more relaxation into your everyday life!
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Rico_Loeb
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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