Chapter 1: The Need for Recess

I have a confession to make: as a child, I didn’t particularly enjoy recess. My passion for learning often overshadowed the break time that most kids cherished. Instead of playing on the monkey bars, I have fond memories of gathering with friends on the school stairs, where we taught ourselves sign language. While I can still recall the alphabet, that’s about it!

Fast forward to my adult life, and I find myself yearning for that recess once again. Recently, the signs of burnout have become increasingly evident. I took a moment to sit down with my journal, a go-to practice whenever I feel off balance.

What was I lacking? The answer was clear: I needed recess. My to-do list is dominated by tasks for others, leaving little room for the simple joys that once filled my days. It became apparent that I desperately required a break for myself!

Chapter 2: You Should Enjoy Your Life!

“I just don’t have the time!” How often have you heard that phrase? I admit I’m guilty of saying it too. With our myriad responsibilities, it can be challenging to carve out even a small pocket of time just for ourselves. Nevertheless, I’ve come to realize that prioritizing personal happiness is essential.

What’s the point of completing endless chores if I’m not enjoying life? That realization hit hard! We should experience joy, share hearty laughs, and weave play into our everyday routines. It’s easy to let our responsibilities cloud our happiness, but we must resist that temptation. After all, I aspire to be an elderly lady recounting tales filled with laughter and adventure!

Chapter 3: Reconnecting with Joy

What you choose to do in your leisure time is entirely up to you, as long as it brings you joy rather than merely checking off a task on your list. This is your recess! It should be filled with activities that might appear trivial to others. Children teach us this beautifully; they create and play without the pressure of impressing anyone.

If you’re unsure how to spend your free time, consider tapping into your inner child. What activities brought you happiness as a kid? What hobbies did you set aside during your teenage years that you’ve been longing to revisit?

For instance, I’ve always been captivated by languages. Although I no longer practice sign language with friends on the schoolyard, I make it a priority to study new languages daily. This passion is not a chore imposed by anyone; it’s a personal endeavor that enriches my life.

If you’re intrigued to learn more about my language journey, check out my article on why I love learning foreign languages in my free time.

Chapter 4: Embrace Your Creativity

If it’s been a while since you engaged your creative side, don’t be discouraged! Even if what you create isn’t perfect, celebrate the effort. The mere act of taking time out of your busy schedule to create and reconnect with yourself is an accomplishment in itself.

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In this enlightening video, Phan Thang Huynh discusses valuable lessons about happiness that we can impart to our children, emphasizing the importance of joy in our lives.

Jacqueline Way’s TEDx talk illustrates how small acts of happiness can create a ripple effect, ultimately contributing to a happier world for everyone.