Does your week ever feel like a rat wheel that doesn’t stop spinning? It all started with the grumbling and grinding of one’s teeth Monday and you speed for the rest of the week on a fuzzy bullet train. Suddenly Saturday comes and goes and all that’s left to reset is Sunday (of course, that is if there is any time between prepare meals and ready to do it all again). The good news is the Swedish concept of lillordagor ‘Little Saturday’ can help you uncover the proverb, relax and find peace in the present.
Though he considers himself eternal, half-full glass of the optimist, I could see the words on the wall: The coming school year will be a cataclysm. With the promise of early morning spent packing children’s lunch When they quarreled over breakfast and the agreed responsibility of sharing a carpool for dance class, I braced myself for chaos.
Between gain in scheduling and full much less downtime, my Type A personality is looking for answers on how to be better equipped to handle failure back to school. Includes the usual self-care doubts: sleep more, exercise, keep up with my supplement regimen (hello magnesium and vitamin D!). But after reviewing my stress-reduction list, I can’t help but think that something is missing in my mind. Enter: lillördag.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
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What is Lillordag?
On a particularly restless night, I was lying in bed and scrolling on the phone (sometimes, you have to give in). As I was scrolling, I came across the concept of lillördag. And what I first thought was that an IKEA side table is quickly becoming much more useful (but if the lillördag could be packaged, it would certainly make an incredible housewarming gift).
With a little digging, I learned that lillordag is the Norse tradition of taking a small break in the middle of the week. Instead of waiting all week for the weekend, Swedes take a midweek pause to celebrate life and remind themselves that the weekend is only two days away.
How is Lillördag organized?
Instead of waiting until Friday, many Swedes head to local bars and restaurants for drinks with friends. For others, it cook a meal at home and invite friends and extended family to join. Some consider it like a small celebration, meet friends for ice cream or coffee. Although everyone celebrates a little differently, and some are more lavish than others, lillördag can be incorporated into our lives, whether we’re in Scandinavia or not.
Wondering how you can apply this self-care concept to yourself? Below you’ll find ideas for well-deserved midweek pauses. Let this compassion challenge inspire you to add a little passion to your week. And we want to know: How do you treat yourself when you need a retreat? Share in the comments section below!
Something delicious
- Assemble the delicious grazing board. Anything (from breakfast arrive snacks arrive desserts) Go. Half the fun is mixing and matching a highly aesthetic and photogenic masterpiece. The other half? Gobble it up.
- Homemade Whip Up ricotta. When your cheese is ready to serve, consider using it for the best taste bruschetta you have tasted. (Obviously I’m letting my recent excursion to Puglia inspire my own…).
- Meet friends for dessert and champagne. Change things up and serve your sweets happy hour-style (because we all get to have that occasional pre-dinner dessert). As my husband’s grandmother used to say, “Life is short. Eat dessert first! “
- Refrigerate and Grilled. Gather friends and family and go to town. I am part of this baked peach recipe and this grilled zucchiniEven Camille’s courtesy — yum.
- Enjoy a cozy cup of bottle. Sure, no one brews a cuppa like your local barista, but a little change in routine can create a calm, happy moment at home. Try this sweet and spicy recipe.
Something Al Fresco
- Hop on a bike. When was the last time you were spinning at your old tenth speed? Put on a helmet and cycle around your neighborhood, your city, or even go out to dinner with friends.
- Stop and smell the roses (literally). Find the botanical garden closest to you and plan a lunch break or after-work date with yourself.
- Enjoy a drink of your choice on change face porch. Instead of retreating into or out of your backyard to Appetizer, consider sitting out front and in sight. Extra points for waving, smiling and greeting your neighbors and passersby.
- Give your dog an outdoor bath. Because your family pet also needs some gentle love. Break the garden hose and collect fame to get more hands. Get it from me — your kids will love helping.
- Long walk. Pick a local hiking spot and go there. Whether you go in the morning before work, on a mid-day lunch break or at sunset, being in nature and a fun exercise experience are 100% lillördag approved. Don’t forget water and SPF!
Something luxurious
- Sleep in. Give your body and mind the rest they deserve. Sure, it’s the middle of the week and you may have a lot to do and get to, but giving yourself an extra fifteen minutes can also do wonders for your mood. Extra bonus: It doesn’t cost any money.
- Listen bathtub. Get the scoop This healthcare practice is gaining traction for good reason.
- Get a lymphatic massage. Whether you choose one at a local spa or at homeLymphatic massage helps relieve stress, detoxifies and helps you to relieve stress effectively.
- Dinner by candlelight. Turn off the lights at the end of your busy day and enjoy dinner in the warm light of the flickering candles.
- Immerse yourself in a new outfit. Treat yourself to a new one mistressa pair of slippers, or new luxurious cozy robe just because.
Something is working
- Say om. Are from Gentle yoga movements arrive stretch for flexibility arrive Invigorating poses and meditation (even breath!), our favorite yogi Kate Waitzkin can help you find calm.
- Dance as if no one is watching. In the comfort of your own home, make your best moves with a straining heart dance cardio workout (Megan Round Approved!).
- Water aerobics exercise. Invest in some nose plugs and swim caps, research your nearest water aerobics location, and get started. This low-impact workout is sure to get you some awesome mid-week results.
- Get your ten thousand (or even twelve thousand!) step. We’ve said that beforeand we’ll say it again: put your steps in only can makes you feel like a million dollars — physically, emotionally, and mentally.
