When I do get time off, I often make time to do work. Sure, it’s work for me: Writing books, blog posts, newsletters, research or whatever, but then I get frustrated that my time off is over and I have to go back into my normal day-to-day.

If you’re busy with work, family life or just stressed out, here are a few simple things you can do:

• If the weather’s warm, start a water balloon fight.

• Have children? Allow them to try and tickle you and try not to laugh.

• Play charades.

• Grab a deck of cards and play thirty-one.

• Learn to paint.

• Sing songs while dancing around the house.

• Play a board game. (My family and I still play the board game Parcheesi and have a great time with the kids.)

• Teach your kids how to plant a vegetable garden.

• Start a book club with a few friends.

If you’re not up for hanging out with people and just want some alone time, then there are a lot of great things you can do to have fun:

• Write a book.

• Start a journal.

• Read a book.

• Sketch or draw.

• Take a walk or run.

• Listen to music.

• Meditate.

• Go for a nap.

• Take a bubble bath.

• Get a massage.

• Go to a quiet place, find a secluded spot and just sit. (Let your mind wander and be free.)

• If you’re on the east coast in the United States, go visit Longwood Gardens (and be sure to walk all through the meadow where there aren’t many people).

Now I’m going to follow my own advice. I need to go have some fun. The holidays have been a bit stressful and I’m looking to unwind and just relax.

Hope these tips help you.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.

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