Discover the ‘Mini Holiday,’ Mix Up the Daily Grind By Ashley M. Ratcliff
If you’ve seen “Office Space” then you’re probably familiar with the term, “a case of the Mondays.” And we’ve all been there: it’s the morning of the first day of the workweek and you’re already counting down the days ‘til the weekend arrives.
Well, we all know that time machines are a thing of fantasy, so we have to make do. But getting through the work week — complete with several deadlines and a demanding boss who keeps handing you more responsibilities — doesn’t have to be so painful.
I like to plan simple, fun activities during the week that serve as a “mini holiday,” if you will, to take my mind off how slow the week is drudging along and, in turn, make the weekend come sooner.
We all need to eat. Why not invite some friends over for an informal dinner party or pot luck? I recently received a slow cooker as a birthday gift and already put it to use by inviting a couple friends over for “Slow Cooker Night.”
The beauty of the slow cooker is that you can prepare a meal the night before, place the ingredients in on your way out the door in the morning and have a delicious dinner waiting for you by the time you come home. I — with my admittedly limited cooking skills — whipped up a savory batch of broccoli-cheddar-potato soup, while my longtime gal pal, Amber, made chili and another good friend, Ronilo, provided the entertainment.
The three of us (four if you count my dog, Berkeley) sat down and broke bread together, and in so doing, we shared what we were up to for the current week and discussed our challenges and anxieties. It was a time to vent and provide each other with encouragement to get through the remainder of the week. They’re my little support group, and of course, we each take turns hosting “mini holidays.”
If you’re not savvy around the kitchen or simply just don’t have time to prepare a big meal for guests, I’d recommend going to a favorite restaurant — something local and low key. Perhaps you can try that new eatery that just opened up around the corner. Maybe you want to take a chance on that place your co-worker can’t stop raving about. For me, just being out and about and feeling other people’s energy takes my mind off of my hectic schedule.
Small gatherings like these help remedy workweek stress, no doubt. You could sit around and complain about how mundane work is, or you could liven up your week (There’s more to life than just working, right?) by throwing in a touch of joy here and there.
To all of those experiencing a case of the Mondays, the weekend will be here before you know it, but there’s work to be done. Here’s to smooth sailing during the daily grind.
Ashley M. Ratcliff currently is city editor at the Rancho Palos Verdes-based Palos Verdes Peninsula News. She may be reached via e-mail atashleymratcliff@yahoo.com.
